Online Estimating Training Proven Successful

Training bodyshop managers and insurance claims adjusters has proven to be a successful approach, according to software provider Mitchell International.
Mitchell University, as the company’s online resource is referred to, offers training in a variety of areas including management, estimating, parts procurement, etc.
Herb Carver, manager of technical services of the New Orleans-based Worley Companies, said he has used Mitchell University successfully to train more than 50 adjustors on UltraMate and a few more on TruckEst. The Worley Companies provide claims and risk management, loss adjustment, and investigative services to insurance companies, self-insured corporations and governmental entities. Although based in Texas and Louisiana, the Worley Companies work with insurance companies around the country to help in catastrophic situations.
Mitchell University allows for each adjuster to move at his or her individual speed. It also provides a management report so Carver can see exactly where an adjuster shows weaknesses in using the product. He said most of the adjusters complete the training modules using their laptops while in the field.
“Since we have people in different regions of the country, it isn’t always possible to coordinate instruction at our New Orleans headquarters without disrupting our day-to-day field operations,” he said. “Mitchell University ensures that our staff’s skills remain sharp without compromising the service our clients depend on.”
Carver said he also appreciates Mitchell University’s anytime, anywhere access, noting it is more convenient for the company. “Since we have people in different regions of the country, it isn’t always possible to bring them all to our New Orleans headquarters for training, then send them back out into the field,” he said. “This would seriously disrupt our day-to-day operations.”
Lee Gamboa, who owns and operates three Gamboa Body and Frame shops in the Sacramento, Calif. area, said Mitchell University saves time — and money.
“We can save about $300 per person using Mitchell University,” he said. “This is because we don’t have to give our estimators a full day off to attend a training session. And that doesn’t include any travel or other expenses.”
Gamboa, who said he has used Mitchell products for years, said he was recently told by one of his insurance partners that his estimators had to be certified in the use of a computer estimating system. He has since trained six of his estimators on UltraMate using Mitchell University.
“My estimators found the training modules to be easy to understand and use,” Gamboa said. “The modules were also effective in helping them to learn more about the product. And upon completion of the training, Mitchell University prints out a very nice certificate that meets the insurance company requirements.”
Moving forward, he said he will have all his new estimators complete the Mitchell University training to comply with his insurance partner’s requirements.
Modules for training include:
 ABS, the collision repair industry Windows-based business management system, which benefits shop owners by automating or streamlining many business functions.
 AIM Online, an Internet-based solution to elevate an insurance company’s strategic ability and competitive advantage. AIM provides management reports that enable executives to manage claims costs, the performance and productivity of staff and partners and to ensure compliance with corporate claims standards.
 First Images, which allows collision repair shops to send digital images and estimates to insurance companies over the Internet. This enables reduced cycle times, improves CSI and retention, as well as provides digital imaging cost advantages.
 MAPP (Mitchell Alternate Parts Program), which supports hundreds of MAPP suppliers and parts categories, ensuring that bodyshop users get only the types of parts from the specific vendors that they select.
 TruckEst, which allows for the creation of estimates for medium and heavy trucks.
 UltraMate Windows-based collision estimating system.
 Medical Analyst, a bill review software application for accident-related medical claims.