One of the challenges my fellow board members and I face is getting information to you about the many things ASA is doing on your behalf. In this month's column, I'd like to discuss some recent initiatives of our Collision Division. In a future column, we'll look at the Mechanical Division.

The “typical” collision repair involves the vehicle owner, the shop, one or two insurance companies, independent adjusters, information providers, paint companies and parts suppliers.

With so many different hands in the repair process, it's easy to tie the most important pair of hands—those belonging to the person whose job is repairing the customer's car.

ASA is aggressively working with all the entities and bringing them together in one room so real changes and improvements can be made that will make it easier for collision repair professionals to do their jobs.

During the last week of May, ASA hosted a series of meetings over three days. On day one, the leading information providers and paint companies met with collision shop owners to resolve issues concerning repair procedures. By day's end, suggestions had been reached regarding terminology to be added to the procedure pages by ADP, Mitchell International and CCC/Motor.

On day two, ASA shop owners met with I-CAR representatives, recyclers, insurers and paint companies. The meeting centered on developing solutions to problems that prevent the widespread use of used/salvage parts.

Among the problems encountered by repairers is that automated estimating systems do not readily identify proper repair procedures for salvage parts. Information databases often indicate that it takes less time to repair a car when salvage parts are used. In reality, it often takes more time because such parts require additional preparation, such as cleaning and removing dings and scratches. The participants agreed to meet again this year with the information providers and pursue these issues as they relate to recyclable parts.

The focus on day three was aftermarket crash parts. Participants included a CAPA representative, aftermarket parts vendors, insurers and ASA shop owners. CAPA reported it has taken strides to improve its quality control measures when considering parts for certification. Additional discussion centered on the responsibility of aftermarket parts vendors to deliver quality parts to shops.

It's significant that ASA is the only organization bringing together these entities that, while serving the same industry, have different objectives. By working together, through ASA, differences that have plagued the industry for decades are being resolved.

This benefits not only ASA members, but also the entire industry and, most importantly, consumers whose cars will be repaired in less time and with less hassle than they would have been had ASA not existed.

ASA members who took time away from their businesses to participate in the May meetings were Jim Busch, Kevin Caldwell, Chris Dameron and Nick Gojmeric. Thank you for your work and dedication.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | ASA, EPA Developing Program | Workplace Harassment | AutoInc.'s 10th Annual Shop management Software Guide | A Key to "Dot.com" Companies | Guest Editorial | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message