PPG Collision Repair Training

NACE 2004

PPG Introduces Cycle Time Management Course

PPG Automotive Refinish has introduced the Cycle Time Management course which teaches shop personnel a host of techniques for speeding up the "cycle time" of the repair process, from the time the order is placed to final delivery.

"A technician can achieve high productivity, but cycle time and production are two different things. If the process surrounding production if not efficient, then the turnover time is greatly affected," said Dave Mitchum, PPG development manager who created the process and tested it in the field. "The principles of the class, if applied, can reduce cycle time significantly. The faster you can move vehicles through the shop increases cash flow, reduces inventory and allows a shop to have more capacity and get more business."

The class is designed for shop owners, managers and key personnel, with the overall aim of improving throughput, leading to increased profitability and customer satisfaction. Special focus is devoted to how to best implement a "quick repair" process by modifying existing administrative and production processes.

A number of favorable outcomes occur when the time to repair a vehicle decreases. Costs decline, quality improves, and sales opportunities increase - all as a result of improvements in cycle time management," said Bill Troyer, PPG director of operations. "The advantage we have with this process is the concept will work in almost any shop configuration."

The one-day course covers streamlining administrative time, scheduling to maximize repair capacity, segmenting jobs by type and size of repair, and organization of vehicle disassembly. The course also covers how to blueprint jobs for error free repairs and how to develop work teams to speed repair time.

The class is available at PPG's 18 training centers across North America and is taught by industry experts in the MVP program from PPG. On-site training is available upon request. Any PPG customer is eligible to attend this course and other courses in the PPG Collision Center Management series. For training registration information, call 1-800-970-2283.

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PPG Features Shop Management Training Series this Fall, Winter

PPG Automotive Refinish has released the fall and winter schedule for its Collision Center Management Series, held at PPG Business Development Centers across North America.

The series of seminars provides solutions for managers and key personnel who deal with the day-to-day frustrations of running a collision repair operation. Using a step-by-step approach, the series outlines proven strategies and procedures that can systematically improve a shop's organization, productivity and profits.

"In today's competitive market the most critical areas of success are related to the management of people and the entire operational process of a shop." said Russ Boston, manager of training, North America. "Our Collision Center Management courses provide a wealth of information on every phase of a shop's operation to meet these critical needs."

Classes in the series include: Administration Management - Front Office Procedures; Increasing Sales - Turning Estimates into Repair Orders; Production Management - Maximizing Shop Flow; Estimate Plus - Building a Better Estimate; Breaking the Speed Limit - Cycle Time Management; Compensation and Pay Plans - Finding and Keeping Employees; and Financial Analysis - Management by the Numbers.

Using a "hands-on" approach, each course is taught by industry experts with extensive experience in shop management, consulting services and involvement with industry organizations. All classes are available to any PPG customer, and are one-day seminars that include training manuals, a certificate of completion, lunch and refreshments.

Successful completion of each course and submission to the Automotive Management Institute of ASA will provide the participant with credit hours towards the accredited Automotive Managers (AAM) degree.

For more information regarding course descriptions, class schedules and registration, call (800) 970-2283 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com, click on "Training", then click on "Collision Center Courses", then click on "MVP Classes".

NACE 2004