something on the front end, then we can keep our process flowing and not lose valuable days on the back end.” He said it has also helped DCR Systems by having someone verifying all stores are performing OEM procedures. Another highlight was learning about the DCR Claims Portal, developed by Warren and Harley Wegman, repair plan specialist. Dave Martin, operations director, said the DCR Claims Portal is a revolutionary interface that allows for a complete claims settlement package and has myriad benefits for all facets of the repair industry. This includes a shop looking to make sure they have assembled all the documentation needed for a repair and adhering to OE certification programs, an insurance company looking to settle a claim for a policyholder or a subrogation claim, and a customer searching for a better understanding of what will be done to their vehicle. “The application dynamically aligns the work to be done with the corresponding evidence in a single
view,” said Martin. “It is the most simple and intuitive way to present the information for a repair and eliminates the countless hours spent trying to decipher buckets of documents and photos to specific repair operations by aligning all of that for the user.” He said the assembly of the portal is a great self-check on the completeness of the repair plan. “It helps ensure that your team has pulled together all of the necessary information to restore the vehicle per OE specifications once up-front rather than multiple times when requested by insurers throughout the repair process,” he said. “This results in an impressive time savings overall.” The development of the portal was born from the idea of continuous improvement. DCR Systems had a virtual portal prior to this version, but Martin said it did not meet the company’s needs to streamline its process. “The portal is a prime example of the persistence and ingenuity of our team to come up with better ways of doing things, even when
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something doesn’t appear ‘broken’ in the first place,” he said. “It demonstrates what team members can accomplish when leadership encourages them to run with some of their ideas.” Most of DCR Systems’ processes have been created by team members. Arynne said working in a team-based environment empowers everyone to make continuous improvements. “We have a team of people who are game changers in our industry and we have a passion in what we do in collision repair,” said Wynn. “It’s a passion that’s contagious, especially when you have leaders such as Michael Giarrizzo and Cheryl Boswell.” Wynn said it’s not just about fixing a vehicle to collect a check at the end of the job. “We want to put safe vehicles back in customers’ hands, vehicles that we would trust to put our family and friends in and know about that we have repairedContact themus the price matching way the manufacturerthrough of that vethe Mazda hicle would have wantedCollision it done,” Parts Advantage she said. Program!
Continued from Page 37
Consultant Says Association’s Foothill chapter. Tell us about the importance of the organization and its role in the industry in California.
A:
The shops that join CAA are always the top shops who see the value in the organization and what they do. The CAA provides its members with a lot of valuable information through people like Jack Molodanof, their lobbyist in Sacramento, and speakers we’ve had such as Michael Anderson, BAR representatives and industry leaders. I think the MSOs would benefit from joining CAA too. We plan on meeting again soon as opposed to Zoom calls, and we have some big plans for 2022, so now is the perfect time to join.
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Apple Car Production Gets Potential 2024 Target Contact us about Amid Talks with Toyota:mechanical Reportprice by Maria Merano, Teslarati
matching through the of its Parts preparations Mazda Repair Advantage program ment and eventual
Apple is reportedly looking to Asia as it lays some groundwork for the Apple Car. The tech giant reportedly plans to visit Toyota to discuss the Apple Car’s mass production, expected to start by 2024. Toyota isn’t the first legacy automaker Apple has approached since talk of the Apple Car reemerged in recent months. Earlier this year, reports emerged that Apple was taking preliminary steps in its EV project by talking with South Korean carmaker Hyundai. Apple seems open to partnering with traditional OEMs on its EV project. However, the company also appears to be exploring other manufacturing options for the Apple Car. For instance, Apple reportedly considered partnering with Magna International, a Canada-based company that offers EV manufacturing services. According to DigiTimes, Apple’s current efforts to visit Asian carmakers and suppliers are part
for the developproduction of its all-electric vehicle. One of the main focuses of the visits is rumored to be the battery supply chain for the Apple Car. In August, Apple was rumored to be talking to multiple EV component manufacturers in Korea. The California-based company reportedly talked with Korean battery manufacturers LG Chem and SK Innovation. While in Korea, Apple also talked with Hanwha, a company that offers its expertise in petrochemical technology and advanced materials. Hanwha also promises to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers, hinting at Apple’s direction with its EV’s supply chain. Apple seems hyper-aware of the type of electric vehicle people want, down to its tiniest components. The fact Hanwha was considered an option for the Apple Car’s supply chain means the tech company knows the significance of sustainability to customers today.
autobodynews.com / OCTOBER 2021 AUTOBODY NEWS 43
