How to build a future-proof network

In the past, body shops had no problems handling all types of repairs, as vehicles were less complex. However, nowadays, with new brands, advanced technologies, and innovative materials entering the market, repairs have become much more complex, forcing body shops to specialise and invest in speciality equipment in order to handle today’s repairs. 

In order to build a network ready to handle today’s and tomorrow’s repairs, you must help your suppliers specialise further. Otherwise, you will face multiple challenges including safety issues, increasing key-to-key times, higher repair costs due to rework and part replacements versus repairing, among others. 

In this blog, we highlight the best tips to help build a future-proof network, one able to handle current and future repair demands.  

Tips for building a future-proof network

This gives you a clear understanding of what your network is currently capable of and what is missing.

Match repairs with suppliers based on their capabilities. This ensures that your suppliers are able to specialise further and invest in equipment. As a result, your suppliers become more efficient and are able to get their return on investment from the training and investment in equipment. At the same time, you build a network of suppliers that is highly specialised and efficient. A win-win!

Discuss with suppliers what is needed to succeed, how you can help them to effectively specialise, and what upcoming trends and developments are happening in the repair landscape. 

Implement different pricing structures or levels based on the complexity of the repair. This fairly compensates suppliers based on investments, training and other overhead costs.

In conclusion, to create a future-proof network able to handle all types of repairs, it is essential to work together with your suppliers by helping them specialise. This creates a win-win situation where your suppliers are well-trained and equipped, while you are able to build a highly specialised and efficient network capable of handling all types of repairs. 

At Openclaims, we help you build such a network with Repair Manager. With Repair Manager, you can manage supplier information, including contact details, capabilities, specialisations, certifications, and much more. Our solution also allows you to automatically generate performance scorecards for each supplier, helping you monitor performance and promote a high-performing culture.  

Schedule a demo to find out more!