CertifiedFirst network shops use 100% PPG products which have received the Good House Keeping seal of approval
Technically Speaking
Technically Speaking
With the advancements that have been made in the world of automotive design over the last several years, the technology mandates the way the collision repair industry repairs vehicles, mechanically and cosmetically.
With the changes in metals, environmental regulations, and the advanced quality of the vehicles that are available today, The Auto Shoppe is commitmented to being at the forefront of the latest tools and techniques to achieve the highest standards in the way we repair. The Going Green wave has hit the industry, and The Auto Shoppe is out front, maintaining their leadership in western Canada.
Go Green and LEAN
With our qualified staff and forward thinking management, The Auto Shoppe is always looking for more ways to reduce our VOC levels and go green wherever possible. The Auto Shoppe has made the commitment and investment in our business's future and feels that with our dedication to LEAN practices will result in the highest industry standards. Insurance companies understand the requirement for industry advancements and The Auto Shoppe leads the way in collision repair facilities in Western Canada.
Lean Six Sigma fundamentals support the ability of The Auto Shoppe to thrive in the rapidly changing environment. The use of Lean Six Sigma fundamentals reduces cycle times through clean practices that increase productivity and reduce waste. The 5 s' and workplace organization increase workflow and result in eliminating waste, improving cycle time while reducing operating costs. Making the process sustainable for everyone is our goal with every vehicle repair.
Industry Improvements: Straight and to the point- Velocity Measuring System
Over the last five years, a shift has taken place in the way collision repairers diagnose and repair the vehicles that come into the shop. With the integration of computers, the Internet, and various wireless technologies, computerized measuring systems are becoming more advanced than ever before.
The structural damage that can happen during a collision has a huge force in the way the vehicle will fit back together and perform on the road.
The Chief frame straightening equipment that we have in house to make these repairs also includes a Velocity laser measuring system. This machine is capable of continuously showing tolerances down to 1 mm. Even the factory doesn't get measurements closer, but a proper repair requires the precision that only a unit like this can provide. The Chief, Goliath frame rack is capable to repair light duty one tonne trucks currently on the market.
Structural vehicle damage is identified with this equipment before any repairs are made, allowing proper anchoring of the vehicle to the frame rack so that no more damage is created when making the repair.
The Velocity laser system is similar to a UPC scanner like those found in grocery stores at the checkout. The vast database includes detailed specifications on nearly 10,000 vehicle models. This system is approved by the vehicle manufacturers and mandated by most major insurance companies. The ability to show before and after damage analysis gives both insurers and customers the confidence that the repairs have been completed to the highest level.
While the investment in this state of the art electronic measuring system was considerable, the opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness places The Auto Shoppe in the upper crust of collision repair facilities in western Canada.
In the spring of 2009, The Auto Shoppe made the sizeable investment of a Pro Spot inverter spot welding system. This unit allows us to exactly replicate the factory procedure, restoring all the strength and longevity the vehicle had when new. This is a warranty approved method of repair, and some automakers insist that this is the only way their vehicles are brought back to pre-accident condition.
Industry Improvements: Water works- Water borne paint
On June 19th, 2010, everything changes. This is the date that paint manufacturers will no longer be able to provide suppliers with non VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) compliant solvent products. VOC's are known to be one of the biggest contributors to the deterioration of the earth's atmosphere - the sun's ultraviolet rays react to these compounds in the atmosphere and the smog is created. Therefore, vehicles must be painted with water borne paint. Waterborne paints have an almost negligible VOC rating, and the technology is proven. It has been in use in the factories for 25 years. It has been in European repair facilities for 10 years. And now, it has been here in Camrose for 2 years.
How does this benefit The Auto Shoppe customers? When The Auto Shoppe moved into their current location in January 2007 the transformation began from solvent base to water borne. The switch over was completed over 2 years ago and the shop has made the transformation proficiently.