AkzoNobel Launches Digital Tool for Vehicle Refinish Customers

AkzoNobel Launches Digital Tool for Vehicle Refinish Customers

Unveiled at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, AkzoNobel said the new Carbeat digital tool can help body shops save time and money.

AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business has introduced what it calls “an industry-first digital solution” for collision repair shops.

Unveiled at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, AkzoNobel said the new Carbeat digital tool can help body shops save time and money.

Offering simpler workflows and easier access to information, Carbeat provides significant benefits by giving a real-time overview of the repair process, according to the company. This information is then made available to managers, team leaders, technicians and third parties, which in turn creates improved transparency and communication.

The application is deployed on a large touch-screen monitor designed to make using the system quick and intuitive, while providing a comprehensive overview of all the work in production. This enhances the quality and granularity of captured cycle time data, which enables deeper insight into ways to improve efficiency and eliminate waste, according to AkzoNobel.

“There are two important trends facing repairers today – increasing vehicle repair process complexity and the demand for transparency and efficiency into those processes,” said Peter Tomlinson, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive & Specialty Coatings business. “We believe Carbeat will really help our body shop customers and multi-site operators master these challenges by giving them control and visibility into the heartbeat of their business.”

Designed for simplicity and customizability, Carbeat is easy to adopt and incorporate into any existing workflow. It also runs from the cloud, and therefore requires zero installation or high-end technological expertise to implement and maintain. It’s the latest example of AkzoNobel’s digital innovation and use of big data, the company said. AkzoNobel noted that it also has in-depth knowledge and expertise in digital color design and color matching, surface design and protection.

“This is a huge step-change in the field of auto body repair,” said Wes Steffen of Elmer’s Body Shop in Elkhart, Ind. “Carbeat is a great example of using data and advanced digital technology to solve the long-standing problems that we face at collision repair shops. The benefits I have seen include increased throughput, reduced waste in most phases of the repair process and higher morale and engagement from my employees.”

Carbeat is being launched across the United States on Nov. 1 and is expected to launch across Europe in early 2018.

You May Also Like

Automotive Parts Associates to Host Annual General Meeting

APA will be hosting its 2024 Annual General Meeting March 26-28, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced it will be hosting its 2024 Annual General Meeting March 26-28, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

Every year, shareholders of APA, members of TruStar and supplier partners gather to mix, mingle and network with one another. The event kicks off with a group welcome reception and "date night," where a supplier takes a shareholder or member to dinner. From group breakfasts, lunches and dinners to shareholder and member one-on-one sessions with suppliers, there will be ample time to make connections and discuss business. On the final night, there will be a special awards dinner at the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum.

Navigating the Intricate Landscape of Coatings and ADAS

With refinish and ADAS, the theme time and time again comes back to: check the OEM repair recommendations.

The Digital Transformation of Collision Repair

The strategic integration of digital tools and technologies in body shops is becoming the new refinish industry benchmark.

What Constitutes Custom Color in Automotive Refinish?

It could be argued that any aftermarket coatings that are not represented by an OEM offering is custom … but that’s a moving target.

Technology Advancements in the Paint Shop

We’ve come a long way as far as paint technology goes, from not mixing at all to digital color management.

Other Posts

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video Campaign

In the new campaign, shop owners from across the U.S. share their stories on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles.

AkzoNobel Using 100% Renewable Electricity in Latin America

The milestone — reached late last year — follows similar achievements in North America and Europe.

AASP/NJ Mourns Loss of Board Member Sam Mikhail

Mikhail was an AASP/NJ Hall of Famer and served on the AASP/NJ board for decades.

Auggie Calibrations Meet EURO NCAP Standards

AirPro Diagnostics announced that the Auggie mobile static calibration device has now met the EURO NCAP safety standard.