THATCHAM: Providing Science at Shop Floor Level
 

Computerised Estimating Systems have in the past decade moved from initially being  
a "novelty",  that selected Panelbeaters experimented  with, to becoming an 
integral part of the Repair Industry's management and control functions. 

The emphasis has also shifted from doing the basics such as quotes and invoices and 
bookkeeping, to the next level, which is twofold: One, to having facilties available that allow 
complete control in every area of the business, and two: being able to integrate and 
communicate with the outside world. Moving with the times, panelbeating software must be 
internet linked - allowing the user to communicate with customers (sending them quotations via 
internet), liaising with the assessor regarding authorisations, electronic Invoicing, and probably 
one of the most heplful tools: accessing manufacturers prices, part numbers and relevant
vehicle information that can speed up the estimating process and reduce the margin of
error.

The introduction of Thatcham in Southern Africa, has brought with it a host of benefits
for the Repair Industry. At long last, there is a database available that offers an
extensive scientific basis for vehicle damage and repair. 20 Years of vehicle research
for vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan and many others have 
placed Thatcham at the forefront regarding the requirements for vehicle assessment and
repair.

Thatcham, a non profit organisation based in the UK, are internationally renowned for their 
research in the following areas:
Safety Requirements on New Vehicles (testing of seat belts, head rests, whiplash etc) 
Damageablitiy and Repairability of new models off the production line
Security issues (alarm systems, immobilisers, etc)
In this process they do a large amount of crash testing on vehicles to establish the strengths
and weaknesses of the above, and then go a step further. Their state of the art inhouse
panelshop will completely strip,repair and reassemble the damaged vehicle, in order to set up 
parameters for reliable, and realistic labour times. All stages of the panelbeating process are
done including the paintwork, MET and a complete assessment of the removing and refitting
of bodyparts and related units, including eg. airbags are available afterwards in either the
TTS (Thatcham Time System) and/or method manuals. Training of Assessors, panelbeaters,
and spraypainters are done at their training centre for the industry on the latest techniques
and trends as well as bodyshop equipment, which incidently are also tested at their centre.

The time study information that has been compiled in the TTS database is one of the most
up to date and comprehensive available in the market, and will allow the panelbeater to,
by doing a very simple selection, get a full analysis of the repair to be undertaken, including
Mechanical, Electrical & Trim work and Paint times. These are actual times, achieved by a
 real person in a real workshop environment.

Add to this the facitility of clicking on a diagram of the required body parts to be ordered,
with the manufacturer's part number and latest retail price, a reliable and comprehensive
quotation can be delivered almost instantly.

Thatcham in South Africa is licenced through Compmark and is interlinked with the
Vantage CS Damage Assessment and Repair Program. A broad range of labour
times for local models are available on the system, as well as 19 major manufacturer's prices, 
such as Toyota, Delta, Volkswagen and Nissan. PG Glass's pricelist also forms part of the info 
database.

For the Repairer who wants to access supplier's data instantly, get authorisation speedily
and provide an improved service to his customer, the use of a computerised estimating
system that can provide all of the above, will undoubtedly professionalise and streamline
his operation, improving efficiency and lowering costs. The margin for errors on the
supply of body parts are greatly reduced since the correct part numbers are supplied
and the accuracy of the labour times improved. Thatcham quotations have at last found 
acceptance by the Insurance industry in various geographical areas as well.