Member Spotlight Article: Propel 

New CIECA member Propel is committed to boosting small businesses in the collision industry through the company’s review management platform. Established in January 2023, the company is led by CEO Gaurav (Rav) Mendiratta and an eight-member dedicated team. Propel helps businesses gather Google Reviews from satisfied customers and showcases them on their company websites to help enhance online presence and customer interactions. In addition, it provides insights into how many website visitors engage with the reviews before contacting the business.

We recently talked to Rav Mendiratta about the company’s use of CIECA Standards.

Q: Why did Propel begin using CIECA Standards?

A: At Propel, we recognize the significance of seamless and standardized communication within the collision industry. That's why, about five months ago, we chose to adopt CIECA Standards. It is only because of CIECA Standards that our software is able to interact with the software used by our clients in the collision industry. Our membership ensures that our solutions not only align with the industry's best practices but also work compatibly across various stakeholders. We chose to implement BMS Standards given their extensive capabilities, which support the full spectrum of collision industry workflows.

Q: What are some of the benefits of using CIECA Standards and how have you found them helpful when communicating with other industry segments?

A: Embracing CIECA Standards has been a game changer for Propel, especially in our interactions with clients within the collision industry. We’ve found tremendous benefits in three primary areas: enhanced interoperability, cost efficiency and strengthened partnerships.

1. Enhanced Interoperability: It's evident that the standards promote interoperability, ensuring our systems and tools work seamlessly with those of other stakeholders. This prevents potential challenges tied to disparate software or platforms.

2. Cost Efficiency: Thanks to the standardized communication protocols of CIECA, we've managed to bypass the complexities of custom integrations. This efficiency translates to notable savings in both time and money.

3. Strengthened Partnerships: With a universally accepted standard like the ones created by CIECA, trust is a given. Our partners can connect with our systems, knowing exactly what to expect, paving the way for stronger collaborations.

Our commitment to CIECA Standards has indeed streamlined our communications within the industry, ensuring smoother exchanges, minimizing hiccups, and fostering a collective approach to the industry's challenges.

Q: Are any team members currently part of CIECA’s board and committees and would they like to become involved? What is the importance of getting involved to help improve the CIECA Standards?

A: I'm personally involved with CIECA as an active participant in the Artificial Intelligence and Marketing committees. This reflects Propel's dedication to staying attuned with industry best practices. Through these committees, we get invaluable opportunities to build relationships within the industry, share our learnings, gain insights on emerging trends, and deepen our understanding of CIECA standards. Our participation also offers CIECA a unique viewpoint stemming from our expertise as a software solutions provider, which is crucial for discussions about how these standards come to life in real-world situations.