Version 7.0 of AudaExplore's estimating software offers enhanced 3D imaging, a powerful estimating database and frequent updates to keep shops informed with the latest estimating reports.
San Diego, California -- May 17 , 2013 --AudaExplore announced the release of Audatex Estimating version 7.0 on May 14. The new system hopes to deliver a range of data enhancements and offers compatibility with the latest operating systems and browsers, including Internet Explorer 10. The latest release of AudaExplore's flagship estimating software has been optimized for use with Windows 8 tablet computers, allowing appraisers and collision repair shop personnel to easily manipulate 3D vehicle graphics to quickly create accurate repair estimates from anywhere.
"Utilizing the advanced technology of Microsoft Windows 8, combined with Audatex Estimating's tablet-optimized 3D vehicle and parts graphics, the software allows users to swipe-to-rotate, pinch-to-zoom and tap-to-select parts – capabilities available only to Audatex Estimating users," said Wolfgang Ahrens, Managing Director of AudaExplore.
Now available in Canada, Audatex Estimating 7.0 brings powerful estimating features to Windows 8 tablets, including colour-coded parts and substrate materials, AudaVIN vehicle identification technology, integrated access to AudaExplore's vehicle-specific, option-driven database, in addition to a wide range of time-saving workflows.
"With support for Windows 8 tablets, along with other mobile, self-service and advanced technologies we've introduced to the market, AudaExplore is keeping the professionals we serve ahead of the technology curve so that they can deliver the fastest claims outcomes and best possible experience to their vehicle owner customers," says Ahrens.
AudaExplore touts Audatex Estimating as an advanced collision repair estimating platform that improves productivity and drives faster, more accurate repairs. It empowers insurers, collision repair professionals and independent appraisers to all collaborate using a single estimating application. The result is reduced cycle times, increased accuracy and streamlined communication. Key features and benefits include:
Powerful estimating database – the most comprehensive and intelligent database in the collision repair market.
Intelligent 3D graphics – unparalleled, intuitive visual insight into parts and repairs enables improved estimating accuracy and faster repair cycles.
Ongoing data updates – keeps users current with weekly equipment part price updates, overlap calculations, paint decode functions and more.
Easy navigation – an intuitive, straightforward design allows quick processing.
Streamlined communication – exchange information and share estimates quickly and efficiently.
Operational organization – keeps users on track with a wide range of estimating reports including labour, parts lists, work orders and more.
Existing Audatex Estimating customers will be automatically upgraded to Audatex Estimating 7.0.
For more information about Audatex Estimating, please visit www.audatex.us.
St. Louis, Missouri -- May 13, 2013 -- Victor Technologies has launched two contests as part of its celebration of the 100th anniversary of its Victor brand of cutting and gas control equipment.
The “Show Us Your Innovations” 2014 calendar contest will award 12 Victor Medalist 250 Cutting Outfits and — a Victor Thermal Dynamics CUTMASTER 42 plasma cutter as the Grand Prize — for the best photos and associated captions of the entrant using any Victor or Victor Thermal Dynamics cutting equipment.
Victor Technologies celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Victor brand by launching a photo/caption contest for its 2014 calendar and a separate contest for students and schools. In this photo, a student and instructor train with the oxy-fuel cutting process using a Victor Journeyman cutting system.
The “A Cut Above” contest is open to students in cutting, welding and related programs at secondary and post-secondary schools and will award more than $30,000 in equipment and cash prizes. Beginner students will write a 500-word essay supporting the contest theme, while advanced students will submit a team metal fabrication project that incorporates an oxy-fuel, air-fuel or plasma cutting process.
“These contests celebrate the spirit of our end users who have used Victor equipment for over the past 100 years. Winners will demonstrate innovation, craftsmanship and an appreciation for quality tools that enable them to shape their world,” says Martin Quinn, CEO, Victor Technologies.
Both contests are now open and run through September 2013, with winners announced at the Victor Technologies booth at FABTECH 2013 Expo in Chicago. Contests are open to individuals with a passion for cutting and welding who are residents of the United States or Canada (excluding Quebec). Please visit victortechnologies.com/victor100 for contest details, entry forms and other 100th anniversary news.
Oldmar, Florida -- May 6, 2013 -- Web-Est has announced the addition of new paintless dent repair (PDR) rate matrices to service Canada and Europe. Each new matrix allows users to create multiple custom rate profiles for performing PDR estimating in Canada, Europe and the U.S. The user account can switch back and forth on a single estimate with just a click, selecting the appropriate rate profile by customer or type of service (retail, insurance, wholesale, etc.) quickly and conveniently.
The Canadian rate matrix is based on dents sizes for the Dime, Quarter and Toonie standards. The matrix also includes R&I standards common used in Canada.
The European rate matrix is based off the PDR industry's Rate Tables currently used throughout European countries. Estimates are calculated based on hourly labor rates verses flat rates as is commonly used in the United States. Additionally, PDR-Software can also be switched to calculate in Euros for its currency format.
PDR-Software is now available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and English. Currencies available are the U.S. Dollar $, Canadian $(CAD), Euro, Peso and the Russian Ruble. The language and currency can be switched at the user level. This allows one account to easily accommodate multiple users working in different parts of the world.
The additional features were recently completed and deployed by the product's developer, Community Data Group (CDG).
"We are pleased to have these additional options available to our users," said Eric Seidel, President and CEO of Web-Est. "Since first bringing PDR-Software to the market, we have seen a growing number of requests to have rate matrices that could be useful to Europe and Canada. This means our subscribers, especially those who chase hail, can expand their options with our software at no additional cost."
PDR-Software is a web-based estimating platform designed for both the hail management industry and PDR professionals who provide retail and wholesale services. The product is designed to work with mobile tablets for speed in the field. Additionally, Web-Est says PDR-Software has a unique database structure that enables the program to capture community data and display back to its users what the average fees are for similar services. The database, provided by CDG, allows the user to send immediate input concerning labour times back to them for review.
For more information, please visit PDR-Software.com or call 888-932-3780.
Stow, Ohio -- May 1, 2013 -- Matco Tools’ product lineup now includes the MT2219 Gear Driven Air Saw, offering technicians what the company says is the most powerful air saw on the market. The new MT2219 functions like a standard air saw, but Matco Tools says it has one key difference—a geared mechanism that produces additional torque, providing 87 per cent more power while improving speed and efficiency.
The MT2219 features a patent-pending, gear-transmitted design that the company says provides more than double the cutting capacity over standard air saws. The saw can cut through up to 5mm of sheet metal and even steel tubes more efficiently, providing users with more power to save time. A 360-degree swivel exhaust ring directs air flow away from the technician, and a variable speed trigger provides complete control in every job at hand.
“It is always our goal to produce tools that make our customers’ job as easy as possible,” said Jody Baker, product manager at Matco Tools. “The MT2219 does just that by combining speed, power and durability into one easy-to-use air saw. Matco prides itself on creating tools that will deliver performance when it’s needed most, and this air saw is no exception.”
Matco Tools says the MT2219 is not only the most powerful air saw on the market, but also one of the most long-lasting and comfortable. The greasable fitting allows the tool to be easily maintained, extending its life. Plus, the nylon composite housing with an ergonomically designed handle creates a lightweight, balanced tool for less user fatigue and more comfortable operation for the long haul.
The MT2219 is available now exclusively from Matco Tools. For more information, please call 1-866-289-8665 or visit matcotools.com. You can see the MT2219 in action in the video below.
Mississauga, Ontario -- April 30, 2013 -- PPG Automotive Refinish has introduced Paint It for the Nexa Autocolor brand. PPG says Paint It is a fast, reliable tool that collision centres can use to identify the right colour for vehicle repair. The Paint It application has been enhanced to provide more model years, additional language capability and greater device functionality.
Paint It for Nexa Autocolor is a web-based application that makes vehicle color identification and selection simpler and more accurate. Itis designed to be intuitive for refinish industry professionals who use a variety of colour identification tools. No special software is required to run the application.
With the introduction of this version, Paint It has incorporated several new features. Paint It can now be accessed remotely on a variety of web-enabled tablet devices using the most popular operating platforms, making it suitable for field work and on-the-spot reference from any location. In addition, Paint It is multilingual with French and Spanish language options available.
Paint It for the Nexa Autocolor brand, and now Paint It for PPG, covers a wide range of model years (2008-2012 domestic and import, 2013 domestic and 2013 import coming soon.). The two versions will be continuously updated for additional domestic and import model years and as new OEM colours are introduced.
“The introduction of Paint It for the Nexa Autocolor brand and our continuous refinement of the application represents our commitment to making colour search and the entire refinish process easier and faster for our customers,” said Mary Kimbro, PPG global color director, “By using Paint It, automotive industry professionals have a very simple way to look for a vehicle’s colour formulation. Colour search has never been so effortless.”
Paint It is accessible through ppgpaintit.com or nexaautocolorpaintit.com. Users can search for a vehicle’s colour by year, model, colour family, finish effect or usage. Images and data are linked together for quick and easy search results. Once the correct colour is identified, formula retrieval is a click away via the Online Color Formulation tool.
For more about Paint It and PPG, please call 888-310-4762 or visit ppgrefinish.com.
