April 24, 2014—The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has released an article detailing ways in which repairers can manage how “data pumps” from estimating and parts procurement systems access their shops’ file information.
The article is a result of a study the SCRS conducted looking into a shop’s ability to control the flow of its estimate data and business information after it is entered into these electronic systems.
In a release, the SCRS said that it has, for years, “alerted its members about the potential risk and liability associated with inadequate control over estimate data and business information.”
“Many repairers are unaware of the breadth of data being extracted from their servers, where it is being extracted from, what settings they could employ to better control the flow of information, or even how that information may be used beyond its intended purpose,” the SCRS said.
SCRS researched the issue with estimating service providers and came to the following conclusions:
- Technology has increased the ability to communicate information amongst businesses; however, the increase of applications that indiscriminately extract data in the background for unknown or unintended purposes is a concern for repairers who have obligations to protect data generated by their business.
- There are advancements being made, or already in place, from some estimating system providers which allow collision repair facilities to maintain better control over the data files being exported from the estimating systems to other data collection sources.
- The solutions and options for each estimating system vary, so it is important to compare capabilities of the software programs relative to features that allow greater control over unwanted data transfer, and to make any necessary profile changes in line with individual business practices.
The full article can be viewed online.
