PPG and auto claims solutions partner on repair systems.

The automotive refinish business of PPG Industries and Auto Claims Solutions, a vehicle repair information company, have formed a partnership to provide advanced integrated repair management systems to collision centers. The system is comprised of PPG's PaintManager[TM] program and Auto Claim Solutions' Repair Tracker Interactive[TM] body shop management system. According to the companies, collision centers that integrate the two programs can increase their repair productivity and operate more efficiently.

The PaintManager program is PPG's network solution which combines computerized color mixing with reporting and tracking features. By incorporating the company's paint shop interface tool, ROCO, the sharing of information between the front office and the paint operation is designed to streamline the workflow. Auto Claim Solutions' Repair Tracker Interactive management system is an internet-based application providing direct data access and real-time communication between customers, repair facilities, and insurance companies.

When paired together, the companies' programs provide a flow of data for monitoring and managing body shop repair and paint procedures.

The Repair Tracker Interactive system is currently in use at 140 locations in 12 states. It is being combined with the PaintManager program in 55 of those locations throughout the U.S.