Hawaii Body Shops Sharpen Estimating Skills, Network at DEG Update
HONOLULU, HI - Collision repair professionals in Hawaii gained valuable insights into maximizing estimating accuracy and accessing critical OEM repair data at a recent event focused on the DEG (Data Exchange Group). The gathering, held [Date of event not specified in text – add if known], provided a platform for local shops to connect with colleagues and learn how to leverage the DEG’s resources to improve thier businesses.
the event featured a presentation by [Presenter’s Name not specified in text – add if known] who emphasized the importance of consulting Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) owner’s manuals for crucial repair details. “Those owner’s manuals may contain specific information relating to safety inspections,” he said, citing examples like tire replacement requirements – some vehicles needing pairs, others requiring a full set of four.”Having that information through an owner’s manual document is going to absolutely help you justify that work.”
Attendees included Scot Takemoto and Eric Takemoto from Island Concepts; Alex Cho,A.C. Marketing; Brandon Okahara, Oka’s Auto body, and tim Ronak, akzonobel.
The presenter also highlighted the DEG’s role in resolving discrepancies between OEM repair procedures and estimating systems, stressing that the DEG is available to address these issues.He noted the DEG offers free information on vehicle function, ADAS operations, and safety systems.
Beyond the DEG itself, attendees were directed to valuable resources like OEM parts catalogs and the website Partlink24 (blank” rel=”noopener”>https://www.partslink24.com/partslink24/user/login.do), particularly useful for locating information on European vehicles.
The presentation also showcased the tangible impact of DEG inquiries on the industry. One example cited involved challenges to labor times for refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and recharge. ”The industry has been speaking up and saying there’s no way that 1.4 hours was enough time to perform this operation,” the presenter explained.Through compiled inquiries and a presentation to information providers, the labor time was successfully updated this year from 1.4 to 1.7 hours for specific systems, demonstrating the power of end-user feedback.
The DEG’s origins trace back to 2001, when March Taylor, former owner of Auto Body Hawaii, spearheaded an initiative with the support of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) to address inaccuracies in collision repair estimates. Formalized in 2007, the DEG was initially administered by Aaron Schulenburg, current executive director of the SCRS (Society of Collision repair Specialists).Today, the DEG is managed and funded by SCRS, with ongoing support from the AASP (Automotive Service Association) and industry partners committed to accurate repair information. the DEG also provides educational resources through webinars, seminars, and other events.
Shops interested in learning more about the DEG and submitting inquiries can visit blank” rel=”noopener”>www.degweb.org.
