Auto Estimating Software: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Shop’s Success

Auto estimating software is the backbone of any effective collision repair shop today. That said,  the proliferation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and other advanced technological integrations has made choosing the right platforms essential. After all, the best-fit auto estimating software can ensure your shop’s workflow is equipped to increase revenue, maintain compliance, and boost customer satisfaction. 

If you’re thinking of opening your own shop or switching providers, this article will break down how to compare estimating platforms and showcase the top solutions on the market.

What you need to know about auto estimating software

Instead of pulling dents and servicing suspension systems, repair shops must also concern themselves with highly advanced systems. This requires digital tools, namely auto shop estimating software, to improve accuracy, documentation, and safety. 

Estimating platforms should offer real-time parts pricing, labor time calculations based on OEM guidelines, and support for your shop to seamlessly complete service on any vehicle that rolls into your shop.

The best estimating shops connect seamlessly with Shop Management Systems, diagnostic and calibration tools, insurance Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), and ADAS calibration platforms like Revv. For a deeper look at the inner workings of setting up a digitally integrated and empowered shop, check out this article from Revv.

The top three auto estimating platforms

Below, we will break down some of the biggest auto repair estimate software available on the market today.

CCC ONE

CCC One is considered the gold standard of estimating platforms due to its wide range of features and ability to integrate. It offers user-friendly tools such as:

• AI-powered search tools and estimates
• Insurance DRP integration
• Access to a vast parts pricing network
• Tools for quick and secure document sharing

Mitchell Cloud Estimating

Mitchell is also a very popular choice when it comes to high-tech repair. It combines flexibility and OEM procedure access that helps shops work efficiently. They offer features such as:

• Streamlined input via VIN scanning or photo integration
• Up-to-date manufacturer and OEM repair procedure data
• Cloud access that allows you to work from anywhere

Audatex (Solera)

Audatex has strong pricing and insurance compliance that gives you peace of mind when estimating your service. They offer these unique tools:

• Price-matching and dynamic pricing to boost competitiveness
• Stronger focus on insurance DRP needs
• Desktop and mobile compatibility

Alternative estimating solutions

If your shop is on a budget, not aligned with a DRP, or is looking to weigh its options for other reasons. There is a plethora of other auto estimating software available on the market. While these are not as well-regarded as the Big Three, each of the following still delivers quality service to its client base:

• Web-Est - A bargain on cost, tailored for independent body shops
• Torque360 - Offering general repair functions and custom workflows
• Shopmonkey - A cloud-based solution that is easy to use and is mobile accessible

How to choose your auto estimating software

So, how should you choose the right software for you?

Let’s look at how to analyze your needs and what is offered by these companies

Integration capabilities

Your auto repair estimate software should integrate seamlessly with the rest of your shop systems. A large complaint that shop owners discuss is having to input data twice into separate systems and ensure both match. Why would you settle for two separate, isolated systems when it’s possible to integrate the two? Any repetitive work in this industry costs you money and puts you behind. 

Efficient integration is crucial as it reduces headaches from switching between platforms and ensures everything is uniform. This includes:

• Real-time syncing with your shop management systems
• Third-party tool integration
• Open APIs for future integrations

Estimating software is only one piece of the puzzle. There are other repair software solutions you should have for your collision business.

Workflow efficiency

In the collision repair industry, time is money. Once a vehicle rolls into your shop, it’s a scramble to scan, diagnose, plan, service, document, and get the vehicle back to the customer. This tedious process is already time-consuming, without taking into account potential errors or setbacks.

For this reason, your auto shop estimating software should be time- and process-efficient. If your workflow is already leaving you not much room for error, you want an estimating software that fits snugly into your existing process. Any software that takes too much time to train technicians how to use it, or detracts from current practices, is not worth the hassle.

When comparing software, you want a platform that streamlines your process, not one that slows you down. For that reason alone, it is easy to eliminate potential software that would not easily integrate into your existing workflow. This is an important factor in your decision, when time truly is money in this industry, choose a platform that allows for the best time management.

Look for platforms that can:

• Offer intuitive user interfaces
• Can quickly create estimates
• Reduce manual data entry by offering photo and VIN upload integration
• Allows for mobile access for work on the go 

Implementation and training considerations

While some offer powerful and multiple tools, it is sometimes more worth your while to choose usable platforms instead of overly complicated ones. 

As mentioned in the previous section, time is money, and workflow integration is vital. If your choice of estimating software leads to training- or usability-related headaches, this could be a large waste of time. You want software that is intuitive, easy to implement, and easy to use.

When comparing software based on adoption and training considerations, focus on solutions that:

• Offer in-depth training resources
• Are within the range of your team’s ability to learn
• Provide support resources such as customer support, tutorials, and navigable “Help” pages

ROI and business impact

When choosing an auto estimating software, it’s important to weigh your options and make the right decision. This decision can be the difference maker in whether you increase revenue and efficiency, or create more headaches. 

The correct software will drive your business towards optimization, relieving stress. Not only should it offer the features mentioned in the sections above, but it should also make sense from a business standpoint. This is a paid software, so the ends must justify the means, i.e., more generated revenue due to the software than it costs you to use it.

Operational efficiency

The strongest and most powerful platforms empower your shop and increase performance. This means that your auto shop estimating software should increase turnaround. Quicker estimates and quicker jobs. Saving time is saving money in this field. 

An efficient platform will also reduce manual data entry. Don’t waste time with inputting data by hand; eliminate repetitiveness with integrated photo or VIN entry to streamline your processes. 

Insurance approvals should also increase with your choice of platform. Integrated DRP tools shorten the cycle of claim denials and dealing with insurance agencies.

Revenue optimization

With the correct software, you will see increased revenue. When estimates are accurate, you will have the ability to properly plan and get vehicles in and out efficiently and accurately. 

Increased revenue will come from accurate labor calculations that avoid underbilling, the automation of parts markup for real-time pricing, and will capture previously missed repairs due to the identification of supplemental service, which means more revenue for your shop.

Estimating software integration with Revv ADAS

While auto estimating software builds a solid foundation for your shop, Revv enhances it by instantly identifying and documenting ADAS requirements. Revv integrates directly into your workflow with the most-used estimating platforms. Revv will identify calibration requirements that can be missed by traditional estimators, generate clear and professional documentation for insurers and customers, and ensure compliance and accuracy with each repair.

Selecting the right estimating software ensures long-term success for your shop. Platforms like CCC, Mitchell, and Audatex, when paired with Revv, build a workflow that is future-proof.

Want to learn how Revv ADAS integrates with your existing shop workflow? Book a demo with us today.