With PartsTrader set to roll out in Utah in early September, the Utah Auto Body Association has released a statement regarding the electronic parts procurement program mandated for State Farm Select Service Shops. Here is the statement:
It is the official position of the Utah Auto Body Association that repair decisions, vendor selections and business processes used in the course of repairing a damaged vehicle are best left to the collision repair professionals who work on these vehicles, with the authorization of the vehicle owners who entrust them to the make the safest repair decisions available.
After considerable review of information presented by PartsTrader and shop owners using the parts procurement program, the Utah Auto Body Association believes that the mandate to use a specific technology vendor may create an unhealthy parts sourcing environment that would create unnecessary and invasive interference in the collision repair process.
The Utah Auto Body Association recognizes the current parts supply chain as the best and most efficient system available. The current system allows for an open and free market that utilizes local businesses. This process allows shops to source parts that can be delivered quickly from trusted suppliers, improving cycle time and reducing administrative delays and expense. These Utah business-to-business relationships are a vital and successful part of our local economies. This proven process can continue to provide the Utah consumer with a timely, safe and guaranteed repair.
The Utah Auto Body Association does not recommend or endorse any decisions made by, or actions taken by, businesses or individuals affected by PartsTrader, and asks only that each party research and make educated decisions based upon their own best business practices.
More information:
