Audatex Unveils 'Intelligent' Estimating Solutions for Collision Repairers at NACE 2008

Three-dimensional intelligent vehicle graphics, hardware-based or web-based estimating access, online vehicle data updates, and usability enhancements offer repairers flexible new choices for success.

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Audatex North America, Inc. today announced several new enhancements to its estimatics core offering for collision repairers in 2008 and 2009.

Among the highlights:

• Three-dimensional intelligent vehicle graphics, a North American market first
• AudaStation(TM), the new 'plug-and-play' estimating option
• A web-based estimating option
• Customer-driven usability enhancements to the Audatex(R) Estimating(TM) interface
• Online vehicle parts and labor updates twice monthly through new offering, AudaUpdate(TM)

New three-dimensional vehicle graphics will show complete views of parts in relation to their assemblies. Users can easily rotate and position damaged parts to gain a more accurate understanding of what needs to be included in an estimate. The breakthrough development was created by the Audatex global database team in North America and abroad.

"Today's repairers face increasing pressures due to issues such as talent recruitment and retention, vehicle complexity, growing competition, and even customer satisfaction," said John Kotsopoulos, Managing Director of Audatex for North America. "The enhancements we are making to the Audatex platform enable our users to be more effective, deliver a quality product, and keep their customers happy."

Other upcoming Audatex Estimating enhancements include customer-driven interface changes such as an improved parts list, single-click R&I, repair and replace selections, and easier photo-upload capabilities.

Audatex also now provides new ways to access their estimating solution, including the traditional CD/DVD-based method, web-based access, and a new combination hardware-software solution, AudaStation. Customers in Georgia, Minnesota and California are already enjoying the benefits.

"The new AudaStation from Audatex is an essential part of our estimating services," said Justin Clark, shop manager for Nichols Body & Paint Inc., in Rosewell, Georgia. "Once up and running, it performed great and increased the productivity of my estimating services. The new AudaStation is by far the simplest and most user-friendly estimating system that I have ever used."

Adam Beaudry of Beaudry's Auto Body in Oceanside, California said, "The ease of installation and performance has exceeded our already high expectations. The addition of the AudaStation has already increased our productivity and efficiency. Kudos to Audatex for taking estimation systems to the next level of usability and premium high-speed performance."

Updating the Audatex Estimating system with the latest part prices, vehicle graphics and OEM information will also be easier with AudaUpdate, a forthcoming monthly electronic-data-delivery solution that will let users eliminate their reliance on CDs and DVDs.

Full three-dimensional graphics and AudaUpdate are slated for release in 2009.

Audatex will be previewing these new solutions for collision repairers at NACE booth N3553. Press kits are available at the NACE press center. Additionally, electronic images of the new solutions are available by request.

About Audatex

Audatex is the leading global claims solutions provider serving the automotive industry. Active today across six continents, Audatex provides world-class claims solutions that help customers automate their processes; managing millions of claims each year efficiently and effectively, and resolving billions in claims settlements. Beyond a leading presence in automotive claims, our growing footprint also extends into the property, automotive related financial services and medical claims solutions markets. As part of the Solera group of companies, Audatex, Sidexa, Informex, ABZ, Hollander and IMS draw on unique global experience to develop and deliver the latest technologies, market intelligence and best practices on a local level. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.audatex.us.