Cycle Time Services has launched The Common Automotive Platform Standard (CAPS) for the motor claims and accident repair industry.
The system is designed to present and compare data from a variety of different bodyshop management systems, moving towards a single IT standard for repairers.
Cycle Time Services chief Phil Starmer said: “The problem for insurers and other work providers is enabling data exchange across a network of repairers all using different management systems.
“Mandating such a major piece of IT is not viable for most, so the CAPS initiative provides the solution; and it can also interface with the insurer's own web site”
Cycle Time Services has also appointed Norton Consulting to develop a range of products and services aimed at insurers and repairers, all of which are based on promoting open standards.
Norton managing director, Eddie Longworth, said: “Insurers should be aware that this initiative will negate the need to insist on a standard management system throughout their approved repairer network. In the future, a network manager will be able to receive live data from all his bodyshops in the same format, regardless of the IT in use locally”.
Companies supporting the initiative so far include Autoflow, BMS and Advance. Systems houses committed to develop the IT links required to become CAPS compliant include EMACS and Concorde Informatics. Bodyshop Direct and Bodyshop.net have also publicly announced their support for the common platform.

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