From: Automotive Service Assocation
ASA Examines State Farm’s Online Parts Ordering Trial and Its Potential Effect on ASA-Member Shops
ASA Collision Division speaks with George Avery
COLLEYVILLE, TEXAS, May 17, 2012 - There's a lot of commentary currently in the industry regarding State Farm's plan to implement use of the PartsTrader LLC parts ordering tool in collision repair facilities participating in the State Farm Select Service direct repair program.
Following the association's best practices in developments such as this, ASA is approaching the situation with an emphasis on gathering information, and is currently conducting a multi-segmented, fact-finding mission to ensure the information collected and provided to the ASA membership and the broader industry is as accurate and thorough as possible.
An ASA Collision Division team consisting of operations committee members and staff recently interviewed George Avery, State Farm's claims consultant, regarding the pilot program. ASA has since posed some follow-up questions and will issue further statements as conversations continue. Several additional interviews are being set up with other industry parties involved in the program. As each exchange is fact-checked for clarity, updates will be shared with ASA members and the industry at large.
"State Farm's pilot program has a potential to have a tremendous impact on the collision repair industry and the motoring public. It is vital for ASA to approach this situation methodically with an emphasis on facts to ensure that the results of the pilot are in the best interest of the collision repairer. ASA has an obligation to provide our membership, and the industry, as much factual information as possible - just as State Farm has an obligation to answer the community's concerns," said Denise Caspersen, ASA Collision Division manager. "ASA also has a responsibility to address issues directly with the parties involved to provide recommendations and solutions benefitting repairers, consumers and the industry."
Earlier this week, several of ASA's volunteer leaders representing the collision repair membership also spoke with Rob Cooper, CEO of PartsTrader LLC. ASA's questions focused on implementation plans, supplier qualifications, data extraction and quality checks on recommended parts. ASA is also following up with Cooper with additional questions and comments.
As ASA continues these important industry discussions, it is also seeking additional comments from ASA members. Member feedback is a powerful tool in delivering the repairer perspective to all parties, including the ASA leadership working on their behalf. ASA invites members to continue to share their concerns, comments and experiences by contacting Denise Caspersen at denisec@asashop.org, or by phone at (800) ASA-SHOP, ext. 106, or (817) 514-2906 (direct).
"This pilot program, which reaches beyond the insurer/repairer relationship, is at a pivotal point to potentially allow adjustments to the program as a result of industry input and analysis. If this tool is to go forward and benefit the entire industry, it requires transparency, mutual understanding and collaboration. ASA is committed to a collaborative process that produces the best possible outcome for the collision repairer," said Caspersen.
As ASA continues to lead the dialogue on this issue, the key questions are the financial impact of this tool on collision repair facilities and how this tool would be a part of providing the best possible repair to the motoring public.
To learn more about ASA's dedication to service and repair professionals, the value of ASA membership and how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 361. (New or former members, ask about ASA's anniversary special when you join by May 31. Mention the "Social Media Special" to get 15 months of membership for the price of 12, plus a $50 enrollment fee waived.)
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.c