AU2016210656A1

AU2016210656A1 - Vehicle repair system, apparatus and software

Info

Publication number: AU2016210656A1
Application number: AU2016210656A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Vais
Original assignee: Capital Smart Repairs Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Capital Smart Repairs Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-13
Filing date: 2016-08-03
Publication date: 2016-08-18
Also published as: AU2010201567A1; WO2011127535A8; AU2011241475A1; WO2011127535A1; AU2019204386A1

Abstract

A vehicle collision repair process which is carried out in a body shop, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, the process comprising: at least one of: moving a vehicle into a work bay; and moving a movable booth to a work bay in which there is a vehicle; recording the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle in the work bay; recording the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle in the work bay; and at least one of: moving the vehicle out of the work bay; and moving the movable booth away from the work bay. MU1 .~ .~ [. . At= 10 10 4i -.1 ."Awl o ~ of UP :1:H917: -- : W.- i M

Description

VEHICLE REPAIR SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND SOFTWARE

This application is a divisional of Australian patent no 2011241475, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates t o the repair of motor vehicles and the like.

Background of the invention

Collisions between motor vehicles, and collisions between motor vehicles and other objects, usually cause damage to vehicle body panels and often cause more substantial damage. In general, once a damaged motor vehicle has been delivered to a body shop for repair, the vehicle undergoes a repair, process which is essentially unstructured. For . example, if replacement parts which are necessary to do the repairs are not available in the body shop, then it will be. necessary for the parts to be ordered in and the vehicle may stand in a location for temporary parking or storage until the parts are available. It may also be that, on delivery of a vehicle to a body shop, the necessary workers or specialized tools or plant are engaged in work on other tasks and are not available for work on the recently-delivered vehicle. Such delays contribute to the costs of carrying out repairs and to delays in returning the vehicle to the owner for use.

Summary of the invention

In contrast, in one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle collision · repair process which is carried out in a body shop, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, the process comprising: at least one of:. moving a vehicle into a work bay; and moving a movable booth to a work bay in which there is a vehicle; recording the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle in the work bay; recording the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle in the work bay; and at least one of: moving the vehicle out of the work bay; and . moving the movable booth away from the work bay.

It is preferred that the process further comprises: performing a task oil a vehicle component which is in a work bay; and recording the time at which that task commences and the time at which that task finishes.

It is preferred that a work bay is defined at least in part by a modular unit, the modular unit comprising apparatus which is adapted for use in the the performance of a task which is to take place in that work bay. ,

It is preferred that a listing of tasks which the worker i s to perform on the. vehicle is visible to a worker within the work bay.

It is preferred that the recording of the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which- is allocated to the vehicle;

It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle.

It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the worker who has performed the repair task.

It is preferred that the recording of the time at which that.repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar. code .which is allocated to the task which is to be performed.

It is preferred that at least two portions of at least two work lanes are substantially parallel to each other.

It is preferred that the body shop further comprises a trolley system for moving vehicles between work lanes.

It is preferred that a quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared before the repairs are performed.

It is preferred that the quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared with the aid a computer software implemented estimating system.

It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for the preparation of the quotation for the costs of repairs. . It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for repairs.

It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator photographs illustrating at least one of: the registration plate of the vehicle; the damage to the vehicle; and ' . the odometer reading of the vehicle.

It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator at least one of: a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “remove and replace”:· a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “repair and align”; a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “refinish”; and ’ a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “miscellaneous”

It is preferred that the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator a parts lists, which can be used for identifying parts which will be needed to perform repaifs. '

It is preferred that the computer software generates the quotation for the costs of repairs.

It is preferred that the computer software generates a “work in progress” report which shows jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status.

It. is preferred that the computer software generates a “jobs completed” report which identifies the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed.

It is preferred that the computer software generates a “lane and bay usage report” which tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently scheduled.

It is preferred that the computer software generates a “cycle duration report” which -tabulates data concerning the cycle time duration for each job, including the cycle start date and time, the cycle end date and time arid the cycle duration.

It is preferred that the computer software generates a “completed jobs not.invoiced” report which shows jobs which have been completed but not invoiced.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a body shop for the performance of a vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, and at least one of the work bays being defined at least in part by a modular unit.

It is preferred that the modular unit comprises apparatus which is adapted for use in the performance of a task which is to take place in that work bay.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, embodiments of it are shown, by way of non-limiting example only, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:. figures 1 to 12 and 14 to 20 illustrate aspects of computer software according to preferred embodiments of the invention: figures 13 and 21 are plan views of layouts of the operational area of a body shop which is adapted to implement alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention; and figures 22 and 23 are perspective views of an example of apparatus which is adapted to implement alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Overall supervision of the estimating, repair and invoicing processes is facilitated by use of a customized software package as is described below.

Costs estimation and ordering of parts

Preparatory to the process of repairing a vehicle, it is necessary for the customer to bring it to a body shop .for the preparation of a quotation (by an estimator) of a price for the repair job. Customers contact the body shop where an operator uses an interactive data input screen 1 which is illustrated in figure 1. The software package generates input screen 1 which includes details for a number of time slots 2. A checkbox 3 in each time slot is used to indicate whether that timeslot is available for booking in a customer or whether a customer is already booked in for that time slot. The screen 4 of figure 2 is a listing of pending requests for quotations'

Requests for quotations are subsequently assigned to an estimator by using the software-generated interactive screen 6 of figure 3. An identifier for the estimator is entered in the text box 7 and that identifier is recorded by clicking on the “Assign” button 8.

Customers who need repairs to their vehicle present at the body shop at the assigned time, with the vehicle which needs repairs. To initiate the estimation process, the assigned estimator clicks on the “Create New Estimate” button 9 of screen 6. The estimate is then prepared with the assistance of the interactive screens which are illustrated in figures 4 to 10. The screen 11 of figure 4 is a compilation of information which is used to generate a header sheet to the quotation.

Figures 5 to 10 illustrate interactive, screens which the software package generates and which are used by the estimator in performing the estimation. In those figures: figure 5 shows screen .12 which relates to tasks which are classified as “remove and replace”; figure 6 shows screen 13 which relates to tasks which are classified as “repair and align”; figure 7 shows screen 14 which relates to tasks which are classified as “refinish”; figure 8 shows a screen 16 which relates to items which are classified as “miscellaneous”; figure 9 shows a screen 17 which relates to a parts lists, which is used for identifying parts which will be needed to perform the repairs; and figure 10 shows a screen 18 which relates to adding parts to the estimate.

As is illustrated in figure 5, the screen 12 includes a table 19 which lists “repair and replace” tasks. A region 21 hear the bottom edge of the screen 12 displays images of the Vehicle which is the subject of the costs estimate. Images which may bedisplayed in this area may show the vehicle number plate, the damage which has been done to the vehicle, a notation on the windshield or window of the date and time by which the repairs are to be completed for pick-up by the customer, and the odometer of the vehicle showing the current reading.

The screens 13,14,16,17 and 18 of figures 6, 7, 8. 9, and 10 respectively are similar to the screen. 12 of figure 5 in that they include the region 21 for display of images.

However: figure 6 includes table 22 of “repair and align” tasks; figure 7 includes a table 23 of “refinish” tasks; figure 8 includes a table 24 of “miscellaneous” items; figure 9 includes a listing 26 of spare parts; and figure 10 includes a listing 27 of parts which have been added to the estimate.

The estimator works through the screens of figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, identifying the tasks which need to be performed and entering those tasks and their estimated times or costs into the relevant table. The estimator can use the listing of spare parts of figure 9 to add the details of parts to the quotation, The interactive screen 17 of figure 9 includes a “make and model” drop-down box 28 and a.scroll list 29 which lists vehicle components. The estimator chooses the relevant make and model of vehicle from the drop-down box 28 and the vehicle’component from the scroll list 29 and is then presented with a scroll list of the sub-components of the chosen component for the chosen make and model of vehicle. Figure 1.0 illustrates at 27 that a “rear bumper cover" has been added to the estimate.

The computer software then generates the costs estimate, including performing all necessary calculations. Figure 11 illustrates an interactive screen 32 which the estimator uses for the computer software to send the costs estimate to an insurer.

Repair of vehicles

Screen 33 of figure 12 shows tasks allocated to locations in a body shop and times which are allocated to the tasks. The body shop is physically organized as lanes which are numbered “1” to “10” and each lane is organized into a set of bays which are numbered “A” to “C”. The bays in the body shop are listed in numerical order from “1 A” to “IOC" in column 34 of screen. 33. A time axis extends horizontally, so that, for example, region 36 of the screen 33 relates to the time utilization of bay 1A. The bar 37 in the region 36 indicates a task which has been allocated to bay 1 A, and the horizontal length of bar 37 indicates the time during which that task will be performed. In general, some bays are used for specialized tasks (such as drying of paint by using paint-drying machinery which is installed in that bay.) It is preferred that the nature of the task which is allocated to a particular location is colour coded, to indicate tasks such as (for example) “strip and repair”, “prep and paint" and “refit".

Figure 13 illustrates a layout of a portion of a body shop which is adapted for use according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. The specific dimensions and descriptive text which appear in the drawing do not limit the generality of what is otherwise disclosed in figure 13. In figure 13, the arrow 54 indicates a lane which comprises bays 57 and 58. The arrow 56 indicates a lane which comprised bay's 59 and 61.

Figure 21 illustrates a layout of a portion of a body shop which is adapted for use according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The layout of figure 21 comprised a number of bays 62 which are spaced from the walls 64 of. the body shop and a number of bays 63 which are adjacent the walls 64 of the body shop. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment of modules 66 which are placed between a wall of a building and an end of each work bay 64. The modules 66 comprise a waste bin 67, a tool cabinet 68, an air supply 69, a tool peg board 71 and a.power supply 72. Other embodiments of • modules 66 comprise facilities such as computers, video display panels, desks and customer service counters. Accordingly, such modules 66 can be adapted to uses other than uses which are directly involved in the processes of repairing vehicles. Examples of such a-module are: is a car-hire module at which customers can arrange for the hire of a vehicle for the period when their own vehicle is undergoing repair; and a car-wash module.

According to embodiments of the invention which are not illustrated in the drawings, the modules 66 are free-standing units which are. placed away from the walls of the building so as to define work bays such as the work bays 62 in figure 21. The use of pre-fabricated modules 66 allows for the rapid fit-out of a generic industrial building as a body shop, and the rapid conversion of the body shop back to a generic industrial building.

Although the lanes and bays which, are illustrated in figures 13 and 21 are in a substantially rectilinear configuration, it wall be appreciated that this rectilinear configuration is not essential. It is also preferred that at least some bays be re-configurable, so that, for example, their width can be changed, or so that adjacent bays i may be combined to form a larger bay.

It is also preferred that at least one bay. is equipped with rapid paint drying technology, such as the “Drytrori" technology of Symach srl (Bologna, Italy) which is capable of drying a coat of paint in about 5 minutes. The use ofDrytrori drying technology allows both: rapid paint/dry work cycles; and the painting and drying of a vehicle to take place in the same bay. without the necessity of moving the vehicle to, a drying-booth or bay after piainting.

Mechanisms which are not illustrated in figure 13 also allow the movement of vehicles sideways from lane to lane, such as from the lane 54 to the lane 56. Suitable mechanisms for achieving such sideways movement of vehicles from lane to lane include wheeled trolleys, trolleys mounted on rails, or the like which are placed under the vehicle and which support the vehicle off the floor as it is being moved.

According to alternative preferred embodiments of the invention which are not illustrated in the drawings, equipment is moved to a bay so that work can be carried out on the . vehicle. A moveable spray, booth is an example of equipment which is moved to a bay.

The spray booth is fitted with curtain side-walls which raise to allow the booth to move over a vehicle, and which lower around the vehicle. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a damaged vehicle is moved to a work bay where the vehicle is prepared for painting, a movable spray-painting and paint drying booth is then moved to that work bay for painting and drying of the-vehicle, and the spray booth is moved away from the vehicle. '

Although the Work bays such as 57, 58, 59, 61, 62 and 63 are used primarily for work on a vehicle, such bays are also used for work on separate components or collections of components which belong to an individual vehicle. A video display unit and a bar-code scanner are located near each bay and are controlled by the computer software. The display 38 which is illustrated in figure 14 illustrates details for a task which has been allocated to bay 1A and which is currently to be performed. As is illustrated in figure 14, the display shows: / at 39, the bay number; details 41 of the current task for the bay; . an identifier 42 of the worker who is to perform the task; instructions 43 to the worker; a listing 44 of parts which are to be used on the job; and an identifier 46 of what task (if any) is scheduled to be performed in the current bay when the current task is finished. .

Bar-coded identifiers (which are not illustrated in the drawings) are allocated to: vehicles which are under repair; each worker; and to each category of task.

The bar-coded identifier for each vehicle is detachably attached to that vehicle and travels with it through the body shop. As a vehicle is moved from bay to bay in the body shop, the bar-coded identifier for it is scanned, identifying precisely where that vehicle is in the body shop. When a worker is about to start work on a task 41 which is allocated to a bay, the worker scans the bar code for the vehicle, their own. bar code, and the bar code for the task. The worker similarly scans bar codes on the completion of each task. The scanned data is used by the computer software to maintain a up-to-date record of the state of all jobs. The scanning at the start and completion of each task gives a record of the time taken on that task, and gives a record of the physical location of each vehicle.

One of the reports which is available from the centrally-recorded data is the “work in progress” report which is illustrated by screen 47 of figure 15. This report shows jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status. A related report is the “jobs completed” report which is illustrated by screen 48 of figure 16. This report identifies the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed.

The screen 49 of figure 17 illustrates a “lane and bay usage report”. This report tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently scheduled. This report assists in scheduling jobs to lanes and bays'.

The screen 51 of figure 18 is a “cycle duration report”. This report tabulates data concerning the cycle time duration for each report, including the cycle start date and time, the cycle end date and time and the cycle duration.

The screen 52 of figure 19' is a “completed jobs not invoiced” screen. The information shown on this screen is used in the course of invoicing out jobs which have been completed. It preferably includes data concerning the profitability of each job which can be used, among other things, for monitoring the accuracy of cost estimating.

The screen 53 of figure 20 is a “jobs which have been invoiced” screen. The information shown on this screen is a historical record of jobs which have been invoiced out.

Reports which are not illustrated in the drawings facilitate tracking of the performance of spare-parts suppliers, in particular, the timeliness of supply of spare parts which have been ordered and the awarding of price incentives to suppliers for timely supply of ordered ' parts.

Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, · including computer program logic for use with a processor (eg., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device (eg., a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry (eg., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), or any other means including any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, predominantly all of the communication between users and the server is implemented as a set of computer program instructions that is converted into a computer executable form, stored as such in a computer readable medium, and executed by a microprocessor under.tbe control of an operating system.

Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionality' where described herein may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form, a computer executable form, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locater). Source code may include a series of computer program instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high-level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, Ruby, or HTML) for use with various operating systems or operating environments. The source code may define and use various data structures and communication messages. The source code may be in a computer executable form (e.g., via an interpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via a translator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form.

The computer program may be fixed In any form (e.g, source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM of DVD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., PCMCIA card), or other memory' device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and inter-networking technologies. The computer program may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e,g, on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the internet or world wide web).

Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as computer aided design (CAD),.a hardware description language (e.g,, VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language (e.g, PALASM, ABET, or CUPL).

Programmable logic may be fixed either permanently or transitorily in.a tangible storage medium, such as a.semiconductor memory device (e.g, a RAM, ROM, PROM. EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g, a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g, a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), or other memory device. The programmable logic may be fixed in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g, Bluetooth), networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The programmable logic may be distributed as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g, shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g, on sj'stem ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g.. the internet or world wide web).

While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended . claims. '

Throughout this specification, the words “comprise", “comprising" and “comprises” are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presenceor addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

In the claims, each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed. t

Claims

Claims:

1. A vehicle collision repair process which is carried out in a body shop, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, the process comprising: at least one of: moving a vehicle into a work bay; and moving a movable booth to a work bay in which there is a vehicle; recording the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle in the work bay; recording the time at which that repair task finishes On the vehicle in the work bay; and at least one of: moving the vehicle out of the work bay; and moving the movable booth away from the work bay.
2. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: performing a task on a vehicle component which is in a work bay; and . recording the time at which that task commences and the time at which that task finishes.
3. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a work bay is defined at least in part by a modular unit, the modular unit comprising apparatus which is adapted for use in the performance of a task which is to take place in that work bay.
4. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the display, where it is visible to a worker within the work bay, of a listing of tasks which the worker is to perform on the vehicle.
5. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which a repair task commences on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the vehicle.
6. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which that .repair task finishes on the vehicle comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to tire vehicle.
7. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the worker who has performed the repair task. .
8. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the recording of the time at which that repair task finishes on the vehicle • further comprises scanning a bar code which is allocated to the task which is to be . performed.
9. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in, which at least two portions of at least two work lanes are substantially parallel to eachother. 10. ' A vehicle collision repair, process as claimed in claim 9, in which the body-shop further comprises a trolley system for moving vehicles between work lanes.
11. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared before the repairs are performed.
12. ,A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 11, in which the quotation for the costs of repairs is prepared with the aid a computer software implemented estimating system.
13. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 12, in which the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for the preparation of the quotation for the costs of repairs.
14. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 12. in which the computer software implemented estimating system specifies a date and time at which the vehicle is to be delivered to the body shop for. repairs..
15. A vehicle collision-repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator photographs illustrating at least one of: the registration plate of the vehicle; . ' the damage to the vehicle; and the odometer reading of the vehicle.
16. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator at least one of: a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “remove and replace”; ,.. a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are . classified as “repair and align”; - a data input screen in which the estimator can specify tasks which are classified as “refinish”; and a data input screen in which the estimator can specify' tasks which are classified as “miscellaneous”
17 . A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in claim 16, in which the computer software implemented estimating system presents to an estimator a parts lists, which can be used for identifying parts which will be needed to perform repairs.
18. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, in which the computer software generates the quotation for the costs of repairs.
19. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, in which the computer software generates a “work in progress” report which shows jobs arranged by their scheduled date of completion, together with their current status.
20. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, in which the computer software generates a “jobs completed" report which identifies the vehicles currently in the body shop for which jobs have been completed.
21. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, in which the computer software generates a “lane and bay usage report” which tabulates the percentage utilization of lanes and bays from jobs which are currently scheduled.
22. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 21, in which the computer software generates a “cycle duration report” which tabulates data concerning the cycle time duration for each job, including the cycle start date. and time, the cycle end date and time and the cycle duration.
23. A vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22, in which the computer software generates a “completed jobs not invoiced” report which shows jobs which have been completed but not invoiced.
24. A machine-readable substrate carrying computer executable code for the implementation of a vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23. .
25. A body shop for the performance of a vehicle collision repair process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, the body shop comprising at least one work lane, each work lane being divided into a plurality of work bays, and at least one of the work bays being defined at least in part by a modular unit.
26. A body shop as claimed in claim 25, the modular unit comprising apparatus which is adapted for use in the performance of a task which is to take place in that work bay.