DATA SECURITY

Big Data Idea That Could Change the Marketplace One proposal could be a viable solution to data security.

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hen considering the amount of data that is gen- erated by all the participants in the automotive aftermarket repair industry, it can be quite overwhelm- ing. From OEM information, to new, aftermarket and recycled parts, to collision and repair estimates, to in- surance claims, all this data tells a story in the life-span of a vehicle. Green Car Reports, in 2014, estimated there are 1.2 billion vehicles on world’s roads, and it is expected to grow to 2 billion by 2035 and 2.5 billion by 2050. That is a large number of vehicles, and an voluminous amount of collective data. Each new vehicle is more com- plex, with more detailed data. That data, says Pete Tagliapietra, Business Development Leader, NuGen IT, is extremely valuable. “I don’t believe collision repairers, many whom are our clients, realize the value of their data. It is a huge eco-system. The current system of data sharing could be drastically improved to benefit more parties. Last year at SEMA, I proposed that the industry consider a global collision repair database, a far-reaching idea that could change the industry. It seems to be an idea that people find intriguing.”

NuGen IT develops and markets information man- agement software tools to the property and casualty insurance industry stakeholders. The company cur- rently provides integrated auto and homeowners’ claims processing, workflow and business process compliance solutions in Canada, Europe and the U.S. The concept he presented is establishing a not-for-

Tagliapietra’s proposed data solution would include many industry stakeholders, including recy- cled auto parts suppliers.

It is a huge eco-system. The current system of data sharing could be drastically improved to benefit more parties.

profit entity, to be determined, who is the repository and gatekeeper of an industry database. “It is not beyond the possibility,” says Tagliapietra. “It would be a database for the entire collision repairer eco-system, that would include the recycled auto parts industry, and other stakeholders. It would be a valu- able resource for so many industry entities to obtain important data, more than they have access now, that could really help them make business decisions and make changes for the future.” Everyone agrees that in today’s world data is valuable, import- ant, and requires security pro- tections. “In working with colli- sion repairers, we know that they provide data access to many plat- forms, who use it for their own

purposes,” says Tagliapietra. “I believe that instead of a few receiving benefits from the information, that all stakeholders could receive benefits. And, with access to more comprehensive data, there is greater value for all, so it is a win-win.”

“For instance, what could an OEM learn from colli- sion repairer data if they had access to all the data on all makes and models from a local, regional, state and national perspective. Such as, what repair processes are collision and repair shops using most frequently, how much labor is required, what parts are they most replacing, turnaround times on repairs, and what is- sues are common among certain regions. This is of enormous value to insurance companies, OEMS, and others in the automotive supply chain. This informa-

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January-February 2019 • AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING