By Mike Davey
Toronto, Ontario — November 24, 2013 — Reducing the amount of time needed for estimates–or to declare the vehicle a total loss–would be a win for all parties. According to Rick Leos, new methods of estimating that leverage advances in software can significantly reduce the time spent.
Leos is the developer of Predictive Collision Estimating, an estimating platform that uses OE standards as the default. He spoke on the new system during a special presentation at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. The evening event was presented by Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) and sponsored by Toyota Canada and Centennial College.
“The difference in time is incredible,” says John Norris of CIIA. “We’re talking about a correct, OEM-type damage appraisal with all the parts, hardware and labour, and instead of an hour or 45 minutes, it only takes 90 seconds. Just as exciting, Rick says the same thing will be happening with measuring, that vehicles can be structure-measured in thirty seconds while sitting in the lot, with no need to put it on the frame rack to analyse collision damage.”
Leos began developing the program for Toyota after asking himself, “What is the correst estimate?”
Estimators write based on knowledge and experience, but that varies from one person to another, and may not take into account all manufacturer specific information, not to mention updates and technical bulletins. Instead, Leos went to the Toyota manuals, and based everything on engineering solutions. The system was developed for Toyota, but significant buy-in from other major OE manufacturers means it can be used for many different vehicles.
In essence, Predictive Collision Estimating uses software to provide repair estimates in a fraction of the time it currently takes. The estimator selects the make, model and year of the vehicle, plugs in the necessary information regarding the collision, such as direction, location
and force, and the system provides an estimate and a list of OEM recommended procedures.
In traditional estimating, you essentially walk up to the car with a blank sheet in your hand. With Predictive Estimating, you instead walk up with a full sheet, and take things off. This helps
to ensure that nothing is missed, including small items such as fasteners, and means the OE procedures are used.
The event also featured an update on the CASIS Vehicle Security Professional program, and information on the new $6,800 hiring grant. Attendees were also given a chance to tour Centennial College’s new and improved autobody training labs.
