Gizmos_Feature,JanuaryFebruary2013

Volume 15, Issue 1 - January/February 2013

Feature
Gizmos and Gadgets
A Closer Look at Auto Glass Software
by Kaitlan Mitchell

Over the years, the heightened utilization of software in the AGRR industry has sparked new opportunities to interact with customers, develop quicker reports for accounting and assist in more accurate windshield placement. The increasing speed of technology development is trickling into every facet of our lives and those who leverage the new industry software are evolving to keep up to pace with an ever-changing world.

APPS
Synching Cellulars and Sunroofs
Webasto Product North America
Webasto Product North America of Fenton, Mich., has released its mobile Sunroof Compatibility Guide. The company has developed the app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, available as a free download through the iTunes App Store. Search within the store for “Webasto Sunroof Compatibility Guide” to download.

The mobile app will allow users to select the year, make and model of a vehicle and determine which Webasto sunroofs are compatible for that vehicle.
www.webastosunroofs.com

Innovative Product Finder
Sika Corp.
The new product finder from Sika Corp. of Madison Heights, Mich., is now available in the Apple Store. The app has been designed for both iPhones and iPads. To download, access the iTunes/App store on a mobile device and search for the “Sika Product Finder.” The application is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad.Requires iOS 4.0 or later. Further information, like Product or Material Safety Data Sheets, can be accessed as well.
www.sikausa.com

DISTORTION-EVALUATION TECHNOLOGY
Seeing Clearly
Glasstech® Glasstech of Perrysburg, Ohio, has presented the AutoGlassInspector software system designed to quantify transmitted optical distortion in automotive glass. Glasstech’s AutoGlassInspector system consists of a Windows-based, computer controlled, digital image acquisition system utilizing advanced computer programming to optically analyze automotive transmitted optics.

The AutoGlassInspector system measures transmitted distortion in a single digital image. All components remain stationary in order to eliminate any outside interference of the image. Once the glass is placed in the stand, which is set at installation angle, the image is recorded and the computer begins to analyze the data. The glass can be removed from the stand once the image is recorded and before the analysis is completed.
www.glasstech.com

FINANCIAL TOOLS
Accountability When It Counts
eDirectGlass
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., eDirectGlass is a technology tool for billing and claims data that also offers an email schedule appointment reminder service that automatically sends schedule appointment reminders to the customers’ email addresses.

Another service the company provides is the eDG-Staff feature which allows glass shops the ability to send their work orders to eDirectGlass for invoicing. Another add-on glass shops can opt for is the Technician Only Mobile Edition (TOME), a mobile version of eDirectGlass that allows technicians to access their daily work orders with the ability to take payment, receive customer approval/signature and mark them completed. Other features of TOME include a time card system, driving directions, data collection and customer satisfaction surveys.
www.edirectglass.com

Perfect Pairing
GTS
GTS of Portland, Ore., has partnered with financial programs such as Oracle, Simply Accounting, Adagio and MAS to create GlasPacLX, an industry-specific accounting service. A feature of the software includes GTS DataMAX, a feature that is a non-technical export tool within GlasPacLX used for general accounting interfaces. In addition the GTS DataBridge provides customers with developer level access to GlasPacLX to create a more integrated connection with their financial or other third party applications.
www.gtsservices.com

ETCHING DEVICES
Achieving a Good Mark
Insta Etch – VIN Etching Systems
Gilbert, Ariz.-based Insta Etch systems are mobile, wireless, and handheld digital devices that allow users to type and print the required glass etch stencils. The Insta Etch systems use thermal print technology and a patented process to permanently etch the glass. Both Insta Etch printers have an integrated keyboard for easy manual entry of a vehicle identification number (VIN). The etch1650prokit is a basic, economical VIN etch system option. The 2000 series can print and handle the same VIN or logo/image printing as the 1650 kit and adds the large quantities of stencils, and other items.
www.instaetch.com

Kaitlan Mitchell is the editor of AGRR™ magazine.