Two AI tools, Repair Cost Predictor and Mobile Jumpstart, were designed to save estimators time by streamlining labor-intensive tasks.
Article reprinted from: Autobody News
NEW AI SOLUTIONS
CCC launched two AI solutions, Repair Cost Predictor and Mobile Jumpstart. Both integrate into CCC ONE®, the company’s cloud-based platform. Fincher said the products were created in response to shop labor shortages and were designed to save estimators time by streamlining labor-intensive tasks.
“We’re bringing Repair Cost Predictor and Mobile Jumpstart forward at a time when repairers are being challenged by labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and growing vehicle complexity,” said Fincher. “These tools will help repairers to meet the evolving demands of the industry, all while delivering exceptional service to consumers.”
Repair Cost Predictor, a feature of CCC® Engage, applies AI to the digital photos of vehicle damage submitted by consumers and generates a predicted range of the repair cost. Fincher said this helps consumers determine if they want to file a claim, request a detailed estimate and/or schedule an appointment for repair.
“Repair Cost Predictor streamlines the consumer experience, creates opportunities for new business and allows shops to differentiate themselves, all while allowing repair shop staff to focus on core tasks,” he said.
With Mobile Jumpstart, a feature of CCC ONE® Estimating IQ, estimators can take photos of the vehicle onsite and use AI to pre-populate an initial estimate from a user’s mobile phone. It also provides recommendations to repair, replace or remove and install parts.
“This enables technicians to initiate estimates on the spot, leveraging AI for more precise estimates and enhancing overall efficiency, benefiting both consumers and repairers,” said Fincher. “We’ve seen some amazing results.”
Michael Whittemore, owner of Flagstaff Collision Center in Flagstaff, AZ, said CCC’s new AI solutions have made a difference at his facility.
“Our customers that have used Repair Cost Predictor love how quickly they can get an idea of how much repairs may cost, empowering them to make informed decisions about what to do next,” he said. “Our estimators now have breathing room to focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional service to our customers.”
He said Mobile Jumpstart has allowed his estimators to start writing estimates from their phones while at the car.
“AI gets the estimate started and then we can document additional damage right at the car with the customer using CCC ONE® Mobile,” he added.
Since developing its first AI solution for vehicle damage assessment in 2013, CCC has introduced more than 300 AI models.
GOOGLE COLLABORATION
CCC teamed up with Google to streamline the online appointment booking process for repair shops that use CCC® Engage. The collaboration includes a “Book Online” button on a repair shop’s Google Business Profile, helping to drive digital traffic. Customers can schedule appointments through CCC’s online platform, Carwise.
“Through our collaboration, we’re helping to raise the profile of our CCC Engage shops among consumers searching for collision repair services,” said Fincher. “Our focus is on providing a practical solution that allows repair facilities to enhance their consumer experience, making appointment scheduling easier for both the consumer and the repair facility.”
CCC® DIAGNOSTICS WORKFLOW
CCC also released CCC Diagnostics Workflow, which provides shops the ability to manage the scanning and calibrations during the repair process. This additional product is available to all CCC ONE Customers.
“With shops scanning more vehicles than ever before, it can be difficult to manage which vehicles have been completed,” said Risley. “CCC Diagnostics Workflow helps shops identify and be proactive about managing pre- and post-repair scans as well as calibrations.”
Risley shared information about CCC’s expansion integration partners, including AirPro Diagnostics, asTech and Opus IVS. In October 2023, the company announced Elitek Vehicle Services, an LKQ company, joined the CCC Diagnostics Network to include the reporting automation of remote diagnostic services. As a result, shops will be able to view scan reports and invoices in CCC ONE, saving time and effort while standardizing the documentation of work being performed.
“If you’re working with one of our integration partners, they’re going to be able to pass along scan reports as well as invoices into CCC repair workflow management system,” explained Risley.
“This simplifies the process to make sure that the information is being communicated back into CCC ONE and is all in one place. Having documentation that the work was done correctly is so important to demonstrate the proper procedures were followed.”
