Repair Planner: a Game Changer for Elk Grove Certified Collision Center
Tony Holguin, General Manager, Elk Grove Certified Collision Center, shares how ALLDATA Repair Planner has saved his shop time and money, reduced comebacks, and helped his shop get repairs done right the first time.
Q: How long have you been in the collision industry?
TH: I’ve been in this industry my entire life. It’s pretty much the only industry I know. I started off sweeping floors and worked in detailing. I then moved over to the body shop side and became a journeyman painter & body tech and did that for 25 years. From there, I worked as an estimator and a manager. The estimating side was my first exposure to ALLDATA.
Q: How long have you been using ALLDATA Repair Planner and what can you tell us about the new Repair Planner workflow?
TH: With ALLDATA Repair Planner, it’s night and day. It’s incredible what it does for you. Essentially, you roll your estimate over into the program, and as soon as it’s in ALLDATA, you open it up and on each estimate line item is all the information you need. We’ve been using it for probably two years now. It’s fantastic. Absolutely a game changer.
It seemed to be a game changer when we moved to another product, but it was actually just a show horse. ALLDATA is the workhorse. When we left you guys, we thought it was what we needed. I was attracted by a lot of flash. Other products work good, but they’re not comparable. When I came back to ALLDATA, it was for one reason, and it was for the Repair Planner.
Q: I understand you were using another collision product but after seeing Repair Planner, you came back to ALLDATA. Can you explain what brought you back?
TH: I was looking for newer, better ways. It seemed to be a game changer when we moved to another product, but it was actually just a show horse. ALLDATA is the workhorse. When we left you guys, we thought it was what we needed. I was attracted by a lot of flash. Other products work good, but they’re not comparable. When I came back to ALLDATA, it was for one reason, and it was for the Repair Planner. Until I actually saw the line items in an estimate and was able to import it, click on it, and review it, it was a miracle. For us, it was amazing to see that it was that simple, and with the least amount of clicks, and with less searching, it was all there. It does everything for you.
Q: How much time would you say you save using ALLDATA Repair Planner on an average Repair Order?
TH: Before we would spend 20 minutes to an hour searching for procedures, depending on the job and the make and model. Now I can spend 2 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on what we need. But realistically, everything is there. I’m not one to gloat over something, but I can’t express how much ALLDATA has saved us time.
ALLDATA has definitely helped reduce our comebacks. We know the techs have all the information they need to get the job done right the first time. With a product like Repair Planner, you’re given step-by-step directions on each line item for the technician, and there’s no doubt what needs to be done at that time.
Q: Is it safe to say ALLDATA Repair Planner can help a shop minimize comebacks?
TH: ALLDATA has definitely helped us avoid comebacks. We know the techs have all the information they need to get the job done right the first time. With a product like Repair Planner, you are given step-by-step directions on each line item for the technician, and there’s no doubt what needs to be done at that time.
Q: Would you say ALLDATA Repair Planner has helped your shop find additional revenue on certain repair orders?
TH: Definitely, we’ve always been able to do a great job writing a full, complete estimate, but ALLDATA has provided us with additional procedures that we were missing before to complete our estimates, which has resulted in additional labor hours.
We can get procedures on an estimate that we probably overlooked before, just because the amount of time that one would spend looking for those procedures. With Repair Planner, the information is there — on the line, and I can easily find it. We’re done. It’s quick. It’s precise. It’s correct. It’s everything we’re looking for in a product.
Q: What are some additional features in ALLDATA Repair Planner that you most appreciate?
If I had the opportunity to speak to a shop that questioned the use of ALLDATA Repair Planner, there is nothing I can say to them. I would need to show them, because once they can see what ALLDATA can do for them, it speaks volumes. Once you see it in action, there’s no doubt. There are no words.
TH: First and foremost, being able to import the estimate and getting all your information on the line. Second, being able to create PDFs and be able to upload them to your insurers and document what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.
Q: You mentioned that you love the integration between CCC and ALLDATA.
TH: Definitely, the integration between the two is seamless. This industry has been looked past as far as technology, but we’re in a new era. Collision centers are now at the forefront. The actual repair plans have to be there. We’re putting people first and foremost in our repairs, so the repair plans have to be right. They have to be accurate. They have to be safe.
Q: What would you say to those not using Repair Planner currently?
TH: If I had the opportunity to speak to a shop that questioned the use of ALLDATA Repair Planner, there is nothing I can say to them. I would need to show them, because once they can see what ALLDATA can do for them, it speaks volumes. Once you see it in action, there’s no doubt. There are no words.
Want to see how ALLDATA can improve shop efficiency? Check out our suite of products, each designed to contribute to both shop efficiency and productivity.
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