In November 2019, Snap-on® launched the SUN brand in North America with a focus on OEM collision repair information. Snap-on’s Total Shop Solutions family of brands also includes sister companies Mitchell 1, John Bean®, Car-O-Liner® and Hofmann®.
Chris Bonneau, SUN Collision’s Business Manager, shared information about how the company uses CIECA Standards.
Q: When did SUN Collision begin using CIECA Standards and how is the company currently using them?
A: SUN has been using CIECA Standards since the company launched its Repair Package feature in November 2023. This feature within SUN Collision Repair Information was created to simplify the blueprinting process and provide comprehensive documentation in support of estimates and insurance claims.
The Repair Package leverages the EMS file from the shop’s estimating system and delivers OEM repair information based on the part number on the shop’s estimate. Repair Package finds the OEM-related procedures and supporting information available, helping reduce the shop’s research time. Users can produce a Repair Package that includes a hyperlinked table of contents that can be saved as a PDF to be printed or emailed. The Repair Package can include essential repair procedures, ADAS calibrations, illustrations, wiring diagrams and OEM part numbers associated with the estimate.
Q: How are you working with OEMs to exchange data?
A: We license all non-proprietary data directly from OEMs, making it available to our users through subscriptions. We also offer data services to a multitude of industry users. At SUN Collision, we edit all data sources into a single, standardized naming convention, making it easier for users to work with.
Q: How is the company ensuring that the standards are used responsibly, and the data exchange is filtered to protect personally identifiable information (PII)?
A: The SUN Collision platform prioritizes personally identifiable information (PII) security at the forefront. We've incorporated CIECA standards and created a taxonomy library that aligns terminology with CIECA and OEM requirements. Additionally, we only retain targeted, vehicle-specific data from estimate exports and do not access or retain any files that contain PII.
Q: What are some benefits of using standards and how have you found them helpful when communicating with other industry segments?
A: Our main goal at SUN Collision is to standardize data. From the end-user perspective, we know that the consumption of information can be a time sink. Therefore, we’re working to make our repair information as quick and easy to access as possible. Any time saved in the repair process is a win for the user.
Q: What is the importance of getting involved in CIECA committees?
A: I’ve been involved with various CIECA committees alongside Ross Whiteley, SUN Collision’s Product Manager. Ross is currently active on the OEM Repair Procedure Committee. Being part of these conversations is crucial as it allows us to positively shape the industry moving forward.
SUN is committed to continually improving its processes, and we look forward to expanding our use of CIECA Standards as new opportunities become available.