Bodyshop Dynamics has launched on-line, a communications platform that enables fleet operators and insurers to deal directly with over 100 bodyshops online.

Stuart Birch, founder of Bodyshop Dynamics, says: “The recent emergence of so many accident management companies does enable an organisation to step aside from the actual process, but it also indicates that this is a lucrative business for which someone has to pay. Quite often the initial cost is borne by the bodyshop repairing the vehicle, in the form of a referral fee or invoice discount. Often, through necessity, these unsustainable costs are factored into the repairer's invoice or manifest themselves in reduced service levels and quality standards.

” on-line requires no capital outlay, other than a PC connected to the Internet. We have been able to secure the commitment of over 100 of the country's top bodyshops, because our trading terms are realistic and we both share the same objective, that of providing our customers with an excellent level of service.”

on-line operates independent of any other computerised estimating system. Customer details, work instructions, digital images, authorisation and information are passed instantly between all parties involved in the repair process, including engineers and solicitors if appropriate. Anyone can check on the progress of repairs to a particular vehicle by using the vehicle registration number look-up facility on the Bodyshop Dynamics web site, www.bodyshopdynamics.com

Bodyshop Dynamics says a facility requiring the bodyshop to provide a graphical representation of the location and degree of damage on the vehicle will enable the most inexperienced of operators to make an educated decision regarding repair costs. on-line will compare key cost ratios within the estimate against the norm and highlight any anomalies. If the opinion of an experienced engineer is required, this help is only a click away.

All events are automatically date and time stamped, so comprehensive management reports will confirm just how efficient on-line is at speeding up communication, reducing vehicle off road times and controlling repair costs. There is no set-up or implementation charge; the user pays a fee each time a new case is created on on-line.

Bodyshop Dynamics was founded by Stuart Birch, a former Network Manager for RAC Accident Services, in 2002.