Improved online repair methods to meet the needs of the crash repair sector

Independent automotive research centre, Thatcham Research, has streamlined its range of repair methods by launching two products, escribe and escribe plus, to better serve the needs of the bodyshop repair sector.Both solutions now offer mechanical data and multi-user licences as optional add-ons, along with instant access to a broader set of repair methods and parts information.These next generation method packs are now easier to follow, simplifying the journey to repair.

Thatcham’s online repair portal delivers a range of user benefits in a user-friendly one-stop shop, which can now be accessed whenever and wherever they’re needed via multiple devices. A number of great enhancements have been made to the escribe plus package, and those include:

• Instant access to Vehicle Manufacturer methods / OEM data
• Online request service for additional Vehicle Manufacturer methods
• Access to a wider range of new vehicle data
• ‘Ask our expert’ service providing technical advice

Thatcham Research has been improving workflow in bodyshops for nearly 50 years, and it’s the precise, intuitive workflow selection that makes those repair methods as popular today.By providing updated, improved data, escribe is continually evolving to meet the constantly changing demands of vehicle repair in the UK.

“The latest escribe update is the result of working closely with our customers to devise a carefully honed solution to the daily problems they face. By integrating the helpline and offering the choice of OEM repair methods, we’re making more repair methods instantly available at the click of a button,” says Matthew Wright, Head of Commercial Services for Thatcham Research.“Methods are created in our Repair Technology Centre by a team of experts, which carefully select models and technologies where ambiguity exists for the crash repair sector – such as ADAS and fitment of AEB variants. We also investigate vehicle manufacturer methods and, where appropriate, suggest enhancements that further ease the repair process using common terminology and newly simplified symbols.”

The improved escribe online portal hosts Thatcham’s most efficient repair methods yet, and the next generation method packs offer portrait-style method packs, making it easier to access from a range of devices.Symbols now replace words, which makes it easier to quickly identify critical information.Step-by-step navigation and the use of photographs, rather than sketches, makes the user experience much more straightforward, providing enhanced usability, clarity and speed.

Colin Light, an escribe user at NCRC Nottingham, said: “The updated system is fantastic, saves time and makes our work so much easier.”Jason Nussey, also at NCRC, added that “It’s a great update, no clicking through, simple to use and we found it very easy and quick to access the new updates in the VM method Tab.”

The latest escribe update provides improved usability and clarity of key information with the aim of streamlining the vehicle repair process and minimising the risk of unnecessary delays. Escribe content is updated on a monthly basis and now includes details of over 1.3 million repair methods, including vehicle manufacturer and Thatcham Research-devised methods, which cover over 81% of the UK estimating parc.

More information can be found at www.thatcham.org/escribe, including details of its simplified product range, which now consists only of escribe and escribe plus.