DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM

Overview of AdjustRite

AdjustRite is a one-of-a-kind estimating system specifically built and designed for the commercial truck market. The system's automated features dramatically reduce the time it takes to write a professional, error-free estimate. Not only does the AdjustRite system virtually eliminate the chance of errors, it also works to improve overall shop cycle time and productivity. One of the system's most unique features is the use of the actual specific truck model information in the estimate. AdjustRite's advanced technology is capable of producing accurate, detailed repairs based on a sophisticated database, compiled from truck parts and repair data. AdjustRite is the first and only program that takes into consideration the process as well as the associated parts and labor needed for that repair.

 

Who would need AdjustRite?

AdjustRite is for fleet dealers, independent repair locations or any facility involved in fleet repairs for the heavy-duty truck market.

 

Why AdjustRite is so different

In addition to being specifically designed for the commercial truck market, AdjustRite has incorporated sophisticated estimating logic! It is that simple. Well not really. It took a great deal of hard work to put together the pieces of the puzzle that make this system like no other. PPG developed the logic behind the system. AdjustRite focuses on the parts being repaired or replaced and then associates the specific functions that should be part of the process. AdjustRite helps estimators select the right parts and includes the repair items or additional labor that may be overlooked. It also considers things such as overhaul, overlap and included operations, making needed additions and deductions as necessary. The system takes into account every step in the repair process that should be included or added to the estimate to make sure that it is as accurate and fair as possible.

 

Benefits to a fleet repair shop

Estimating systems are a standard in the automotive market, but virtually nonexistent in the fleet market. Many shops use manual or "homegrown" systems to create and organize estimate information. AdjustRite is a professionally developed and maintained estimating system that utilizes proprietary logic and the latest in Internet technology. The benefits are numerous and will have a direct, positive impact in any fleet repair facility. These benefits include:

  • Standardizing and improving the overall estimating process
  • Gaining a professional advantage in the market
  • Increasing productivity and efficiency
  • Eliminating non-value-added shop activities
  • Providing an estimating training tool
  • Creating professional documentation for customers and insurance purposes
  • Providing a filing system to retrieve and organize information
  • Reducing time needed to create estimates
  • Improving profitability with dollars captured on each estimate

 

FUNCTION QUESTIONS

How does AdjustRite work?

AdjustRite is an Internet-based system. All data and information to produce an accurate estimate is housed on a secure server. By simply accessing the Internet, you are on your way to using the system. There are no discs to fumble with or hardware to install! You have easy access from your operating system.

 

What does "logic" mean?

The logic developed as the core of AdjustRite is what truly makes this like no other system. When you pick a specific part or item, AdjustRite will consider its relationship to other items and work functions. For example: If you select just the fender on an FLD, the system will automatically add the fender adhesive, add time to aim the lamps, calculate blend time, add for hazardous waste disposal, include a truck cover, calculate your shop supplies and finally add the paint and materials. It takes the guesswork out of the tasks that must be performed to get that unit repaired and provides a well-documented accurate estimate.

 

What other functions does AdjustRite perform?

AdjustRite makes available more than you would expect to help you get the total job done. Here is an idea of what AdjustRite can do:

  • Handles multiple supplements including parts price increases
  • Generates parts lists with part number ordering forms
  • Automates the final billing
  • Generates internal shop worksheets
  • Includes automated towing and storage billing with automatic lookup
  • Provides estimators the ability to incorporate digital truck damage pictures into the actual estimate
  • Allows estimators to save and e-mail the estimate and photos

 

Is AdjustRite difficult to use?

AdjustRite is very user friendly. We understand that our users do not want to spend their time looking at a computer. PPG created AdjustRite to help users be where they need to be -- in the repair shop fixing a unit and not spending hours preparing an estimate. AdjustRite employs friendly screens that help guide the user through each step of the estimate process. Point and click functionality also helps the user navigate to specific functions. If you do find yourself in a jam or with a question, a HELP button is just a click away. For those needing more assistance, there is also a toll free help line. Just call (888) 774-0017.

 

SYSTEM SETUP QUESTIONS

What type of computer do I need?

Minimum

Computer/Processor

Computer with a Pentium II processor or higher

Operating System

Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000 or Microsoft Windows XP

Memory

64 MB of RAM

Display

1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors

Peripherals

Broadband connection; Mouse

Software

Internet Explorer 6.0 or above with Javascript & Cookies enabled and Adobe Reader

Recommended

Computer/Processor

Computer with a Pentium III processor or higher

Operating System

Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000 or Microsoft Windows XP

Memory

256 MB of RAM

Display

1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors

Peripherals

Broadband connection; Mouse

Software

Internet Explorer 6.0 or above with Javascript & Cookies enabled, Adobe Reader and Flash Player

 

What type of Internet access do I need?

High speed ISDN, DSL or Cable/Broadband Internet access is preferable. Dial-up access can be used but is much slower.

 

Does it take a long time to download information from the Internet?

AdjustRite is similar in speed to any other Internet-based program. The better the connection, the better your accessibility speed.

 

Can I access it from my laptop?

The program can be accessed from your main desktop computer or a laptop. You can access AdjustRite from any computer location as long as you have your AdjustRite login password and key account name.

 

ESTIMATE SECURITY QUESTIONS

Once an estimate is created where are the documents stored?

All documents are kept on a secure server. The documents that a shop creates are stored with your specific account information. When the system is accessed, your documents and work history are available for viewing, downloading, and printing.

 

When and where can I access my documents?

You can access documents from any location as long as access to the Internet is available. Users can access their account information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Are my documents secured?

Documents are stored on a state-of-the-art multi-tier secure server. The system is backed up periodically during the day insuring the protection of your data.

 

Can anyone else see them?

No other shop or individual has access to your account and your estimates.

 

Will I lose my estimates if I do not save them? What if my power goes out?

As soon as you leave one screen to enter the next, the data is saved. You can also save data as you are entering it by clicking on the Save key. In the event of an interruption of power or Internet connection, the only data lost is the current screen that you were working on.

 

DOCUMENT QUESTIONS

What documents can be printed from the system?

  • Clear and legible repair estimates with pictures
  • Supplement information
  • Shop internal worksheet
  • Parts lists with part/ordering numbers
  • Tow bill document
  • Monthly sales by customer

 

Can I save an estimate to my computer?

All documents will be provided in a PDF format that can be saved to your computer as needed. But remember that they are also housed on the server under your account. No document can be downloaded to your computer unless it is saved in AdjustRite.

 

Can I email a document or an estimate to someone?

Once the PDF is saved on your computer, it can be printed or emailed to your customer as an attachment.

 

What is a PDF?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format, which can be equated to an electronic photocopy. Developed by Adobe Software, it allows images and text to be combined together for high-resolution multiple platform viewing and is the standard for electronic document distribution. Files saved in PDF format can be viewed using the Adobe plug-in, Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you can download it FREE at www.adobe.com.

 

Can the PDF contain our shop logo, address and contact information?

AdjustRite allows the user to customize your shop template with your logo and contact information. Once the estimate and other work documents are printed, they will have the look and feel of your shop.

 

Can I add pictures?

Pictures can easily be added! This is encouraged. In fact, pictures are vital to getting estimates approved.

 

Can I make changes to my estimate?

While working in the document, changes can be made. Items can be added or changed as needed. Once the estimate is completed and stored, it cannot be changed. This is a protection feature for reporting purposes that allows for fair reporting of the estimate. As changes are made to the lines of the estimate they are recorded for upkeep purposes. Items will be automatically re-sequenced to comply with business rules, simplifying the estimate process while creating an acceptable estimate.

 

Is there a limited amount of lines per estimate?

We do not limit the number of supplements allowed. The supplements are considered part of the estimate. Any number of supplements to a locked estimate can be created with full tracking of additions, edits, and deletions. Once these supplements are added, the program will recalculate the total repair.

 

DATA QUESTIONS

Where does the data come from?

Data comes from studying and documenting detailed parts information from different makes and models of trucks as well as through a history of past vehicle repairs. PPG has developed its own technology that captures this information in order to produce the estimate.

 

What type of data is part of AdjustRite?

Looking at the truck market, we focused on the most popular makes and models based on research done in the heavy-duty truck collision industry. We have vehicles from Class 8 manufacturers to box trucks.

 

What vehicle information is included in the data?

Model specific data consisting of flat rate times for labor, paint, add on operations, underside and edging are provided. The system does not provide parts pricing. Most parts pricing is negotiated with each repair location. The system will keep a history of parts price information entered. It will allow the user to maintain customized price lists as well as call up previous price information entered into the system.

 

Can I modify the information?

While items such as labor and part time are automatically calculated for the user, the system does allow for such items to be overridden.

 

Can I include my own shop cost information per customer estimate?

Predefined profile rates and taxes can be stored for use on an estimate. Much of this information is part of the shop setup information. If there are specific changes to the rates for that estimate, the predefined values can be changed. Other items such as hazardous waste, shop supplies, paint and materials can also be preset and calculated for each estimate.

 

How is the data updated?

As we acquire and build additional databases, we add them into our operating system. It is a seamless update that does not affect any of your estimates. We are in a constant update mode to ensure that you get as much information as possible.

 

I do not see the vehicle for which I need to do an estimate. Can I still use the system?

You still can use the system. We have created generic models to assist with these situations. The models represent the general makeup of the vehicle.

 

PRICING QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

The system provides the user several options based on your estimate writing needs. Pricing is based on the number of estimates purchased by the customer. Various packages allow you to buy as few or as many estimates that you need for your operations.

 

How can I pay for it?

To make payment simple and easy, the use of credit cards is employed. The credit card information is required during the registration process. Credit card information is entered on a secure site.

 

What are estimate packages?

We set up different packages of estimates based on the needs of our customers. For those not writing as many estimates, you can buy a smaller grouping. Those that need more estimates can buy a larger package to fit their needs.

 

Does the cost per estimate get less expensive as I buy more?

Yes. Each package has its benefits. With a smaller package you can get onto the system with minimal cost investment. With the larger packages, a savings is realized due to the larger number of estimates purchased up front.

How do I renew my subscription?

The system will let you know when the number of estimates you have purchased are running out. At that time you can purchase more.

 

Are there other fees?

There is a one-time start up fee as well as a yearly fee. The start up fee covers registration and account verification. The yearly fee covers system changes and maintenance to the system.

 

Am I charged for supplements?

No, supplements are part of your estimates. If you write an estimate and need a supplement to that estimate, you are not charged for it.

 

What do I do if I my company has multiple locations?

AdjustRite's architecture is set up to handle multiple sites. Each location is set up using its own address but it is tied to the home office location. Each location also has its own set up for end users as well.

 

TRIAL OF THE SYSTEM

How can I get a trial of the systems?

Visit the www.AdjustRite.com website to sign up for five free estimates. You will get a full view and use of the system, including estimate-printing capability, without being charged or making a commitment to buy.

 

TRAINING

Who can train me on how to use the program?

To assist you with learning the program, an online demo and tutorial is available when you sign up for the system. The user screens will also help guide you through the estimate writing process with numbered screens that simulate the estimate writing process workflow.

 

Is there a Help screen?

The system does employ a Help function to assist with issues and questions that you may have when operating the system. Also, click on the blue question mark located on each screen to get specific information.

 

What if I have a question when using the system?

AdjustRite features HELP screens to answer your questions and to instruct you on how to use the program. For additional support with pressing issues and problems, contact the CEI AdjustRite Help Desk at (888) 774-0017, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m (EST).

 

USER QUESTIONS

How much time can I save?

In addition to streamlining estimate writing, AdjustRite also helps capture and organize your estimate process. Using the system significantly decreases the total processing time of documentation, backup and filing. Over the past several months, select PPG customers have tested AdjustRite in real-life estimating situations. In these cases, we have observed that the actual time needed to develop and process estimates has been substantially reduced.

Can I use this as a training tool at my facility?

It can be used as a training tool to assist employees in your business with learning more about the estimating process.

 

PPG QUESTIONS

Why must I be a PPG customer to use AdjustRite?

This program is part of PPG's value-added programs. Along with product, Warranty, Certified Facilities and specialized training programs, PPG offers AdjustRite as another way to bring value to our dedicated customers. We are constantly looking for tools to help our customers get the job done better.