Here are some of the examples of what we are finding when we look at these fields:

If the standard position for that information is implemented, here is how it would look:

despitemorethan 20 years of attempts to automate the process, most collision shops continue to use multiple systems, supplemented by manual processes such as faxes and phone calls. With the avail- able automated systems, one system may work well for OEM parts, but not after- market or recycled parts. Another system may be required by one insurer but dis- rupts the repair workflow. And another maysource aftermarketparts,but doesn’t work for OEM parts or recycled parts. For repair facilities, this slows down the parts procurement process and creates significant operational inefficiency. Since parts represent nearly half of repair costs, the ability to secure the right part at the right price in a timely fashion is critical to shop efficiency and profitability. Most of all, the customer’s satisfaction may be impacted with the success or failure of getting the right part for the vehicle. We envision the Procurement Parts Software Providers and the recyclers

working together to resolve the issues. In the meantime, these providers do pro- duce an Inconsistency/Exception report to see the parts that were rejected and not presented to your buyers.

ARA and CIECA have been working on

aneffort to develop a solution for this crit- ical problem affecting the Collision and Recycled Parts Industries. We strongly believe the Procurement Parts Software Providers can help alleviate this issue by creating individual data fields based on additional parts documentation CIECA has identified as being included in the free form text field. Our role will be to increase the sales opportunities of recy- cledparts andto support entities involved in this effort.

Ginny Whelan, an ARA Past President, is Man- aging Director of the ARA Educational Founda- tion and founder of the ARA University, the leading Web-based training resource in auto re- cycling education. Visit www.arauniversity.org.

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November-December 2016 | Automotive Recycling 21