PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 17, 2014—The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) parts and materials committee recapped the results of the committee's electronic parts procurement system matrix, a grid-style document that allows repairers to compare and contrast the different features in parts procurement systems.
The results were announced at Friday's morning session of CIC at the Hilton Palm Springs.
During their presentation, the committee—which included Karen Fierst of KerenOr Consultants, Aaron Lofrano of Lofrano & Sons Collision Centers, and Mike Kunkel of Team PRP—explained the matrix and highlighted some of the results.
To create the matrix, the committee developed a 30-question survey that was given to system manufacturers. The survey touched on certain aspects of each procurement model, including part availability, part conditions, part prices, real-time supplier confirmation, integration, and payment.
Fierst said that of the 10 manufacturers surveyed, all but two responded to the survey.
Fierst said a copy of the matrix was sent to all manufacturers last week.
The matrix will now reside on the CIC website as a reference tool. Fierst said the committee hopes the matrix will act as a fluid document that can be updated.