Mitchell International Delivers New Applications On Internet Hub for the Automotive Collision Repair and Claims Industry
8 December 2000
Mitchell International Delivers New Applications On Internet Hub for the Automotive Collision Repair and Claims Industry
SAN DIEGO--Dec. 8, 2000--Mitchell International today announced the continued execution of its e-business strategy by beta testing two new business applications. AIM Online and FirstImages.com will soon reside at The Mitchell Hub, an open and interactive Internet workspace and marketplace for all parties in the automotive collision repair and claims industry. Mitchell is first in the industry to offer an Internet hub with readily available content. Entry to The Mitchell Hub can be gained via the portal site at www.emitchell.com.
"As we said when we recently announced our e-business strategy, Mitchell has created an Internet hub with real applications and value-adding content and we continue to deliver on our promises," said Jim Lindner, Mitchell's President and Chief Executive Officer.
AIM Online and FirstImages.com join iNTOTAL.com, the industry's first on-line total loss settlement solution, and FirstEstimate.com, the industry's first on-line estimating system, on The Mitchell Hub. More than 30 more strategically targeted business functions, including vehicle status tracking, productivity tools and online review processes are planned.
AIM is a proven claims management product that enables property and casualty insurance executives to access and analyze claims management reports summarized from estimates received from their adjusters and estimating partners. Accessed via the Internet, AIM Online allows for all claims data to be customized and available from one site. Using AIM Online, Insurance company executives can manage claims costs, the performance and productivity of staff and partners, ensure compliance with corporate claims standards, and develop effective claims management strategies. And AIM Online is an open system that can incorporate data from all three major estimating systems on the market today. In addition to being located on The Mitchell Hub, AIM Online can be accessed at www.mitchellaim.com.
"By having real-time access to their data over the Internet, claims managers will have the information they need to lower overall claims costs and reduce loss adjustment expense, while improving customer satisfaction," said Lindner.
With FirstImages, insurance companies will be able to fully implement a cost-effective direct repair program with digital image storage and communications. The need for large information systems and other infrastructure expenses is eliminated. Because FirstImages resides on the Internet, it can communicate with any body shop or insurance adjuster that has a Web browser. With only a few simple clicks, files containing digital images and vehicle damage estimates are communicated and stored. And FirstImages accepts any CIECA standard electronic estimate. FirstImages is available at The Mitchell Hub and at www.firstimages.com.
"FirstImages is an excellent example of how The Mitchell Hub will work to lower costs throughout the collision repair supply chain," Lindner said. "With no expensive information system or other required infrastructure, insurers can save on DRP start-up and maintenance costs, ultimately allowing more shops to participate at lowered costs."
The Mitchell Hub features a central server for storing and forwarding data among all parties involved in collision repair, including collision repair shops, insurance companies, car rental agencies, tow companies, parts, paint and equipment vendors. The Hub's open architecture will allow any authorized user to access information with only a Web browser -- no special hardware or software is required. This open communication is consistent with Mitchell's philosophy to conform to the industry's CIECA standards and the XML Internet standard.
"Hub participants will realize new and growing partnering opportunities, shared efficiencies, and enormous cost savings while delivering a more pleasant experience to their customers," said Lindner.
About Mitchell International
Mitchell International, founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is The Source for information software and e-business solutions for the insurance and automotive repair industries. Providing services that enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction, Mitchell facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database, a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers, is trusted for its accuracy and respected as the industry standard. For more information on Mitchell International, AIM Online or FirstImages, call Chris Andrews, Director of Marketing, at 858/578-6550 ext. 8321. Visit our Web sites at www.emitchell.com, www.mitchell.com, www.intotal.com www.firstestimate.com, www.mitchellaim.com and www.firstimages.com.