Estimating Services
INTRODUCTION
My name is James Clifford and, as you can see, I work closely with the Bodyshop Fellowship, providing a range of specialised estimating services.
Without doubt estimating is the key when it comes to "getting it right", and isn't it great when we hear of bodyshops being able to add quite considerably to their average estimate value?
In fact, no matter which way you look at it, the estimator really is the sales manager for you Bodyshop.
Therefore, and based upon many years of "front line hands on"bodyshop experience, my services are structured to meet the requirements that many bodyshop owners have already brought to my attention.
1.My Process Review is designed to help owners who worry that their estimator/s may not be maximising every estimate. (Remember, an extra half hour per week, on just ten jobs, could be worth an extra £6,000 of sold labour)
2.Dedicated on site training provides owners with the expertise needed to overcome any estimating shortfalls (identified in the Process Review) and to develop the estimator/s up to the point of being able to consistently delivering peak performances.
3.To provide owners with an on site estimator to cover periods of ellness or holidays.
THE PROCESS REVIEW
As with any process, it is necessary to pinpoint an exact starting position. Therefore everything we do begins with a one day, on site, exercise that involves "shadowing" the estimator to accurately benchmark what is being achieved, and what may be and what is being missed.
This, as one can imagine, will involve collecting a certain amout of relevant documentation needed to confirm,in depth, the findings and highlight any areas of potential shortfall. It will also involve data-capture, and an examination of information presentation, to see exactly how it's utilisation is affecting the performance, or possibly the under performance of the estimator and, of course, ultimately the bodyshop itself.
With this information, and data collected from the assessment, an in depth written report is produced to highlight areas of strengths & weaknesses, to which would be added to a list of possible recommendations for training and development.
An essential feature of the report, is a matrix for Continual Review & Focus.' This is designed to ensure the continuity of development, and estimator performance, following the assessment and, possibly, the delivery of any agreed training.
TRAINING
Having identified, and agreed, the level of any required training this would be delivered, on a personal basis and directly with the estimator, or estimators concerned.
However, depending upon demands, it is possible that part of this procedure may have to be delivered by external sources, for example a computer software company, Training is always delivered on site to ensure effective delivery under real, and everyday working conditions.
Other Estimating services available cover the following:-
Written estimating procedures.(This will assist in the PAS 125 Kitemark accreditation).
Methodical Appraisal Procedures, Information Gathering and Estimate Loading.
Escribe Training (On site so it will be real time process) again this is required by the PAS
HOLIDAY COVER
Sadly, and despite being vital to the bodyshop, the estimator(your sales manager) can be away from the business for some considerable time, and due tyo a number of reasons.
For example:-
Annual holidays
Long term illness or periods of immobility
Staff changes - sudden resignations etc
Family / domestic issues
Recognising that bodyshops can find themselves very much exposed, at such times, the Estimating Service is here to provide you with highly skilled, but temporary cover, when you need it most.
Prior To Holidays. One day would be spent with the estimator to go through the company's internal processes to ensure that the temporary cover operates to the same protocol.
During the period of cover a daily report would be produced relating to the number of estimates completed, the average hours and negotiations with engineers etc. This manager/owner to receive this first thing, every day.
Post Holidays. A further day would be spent handing back the work load to the estimator, advising on all work in progress and future bookings.
The services also includes being available, by telephone, email etc for correspondence relating to any outstanding issues after the cover period had finished.
The same level of skilled estimating cover will naturally apply in other instances of estimator absence.
MAKING CONTACT
James Clifford of the Estimating Service can be contacted at the details on the right or alternatively via the Bodyshop Fellowship.
