Mitchell International Wireless Allows Adjusters and Estimators to Remotely Transmit Claim Files and Estimates

Business Wire, Dec 8, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech & Auto Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2000

New Service Can Increase Productivity of Claims Adjusters and

Estimators; Reduces Cycle Time, Improves Customer Satisfaction

Mitchell International today announced Mitchell Wireless, a new service that allows automotive insurance company claims adjusters and shop estimators to dramatically increase productivity by instantly filing reports and estimates. With this new service, adjusters remain in the field and use small handheld devices -- without need for telephone connection -- to transmit claims data to claims management staff at a home office. Shop estimators can have a repair estimate printed for a customer while moving on to his next repair job.

"Mitchell continues to lead the industry with new products and services which drive cost savings and help to improve the efficiency of our customers," said Jim Lindner, Mitchell's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Mitchell Wireless is a more effective way to communicate claims data, enhance mobile workforce and overall claims management productivity, and quickly return vehicles to more satisfied consumers."

Mitchell Wireless allows claims adjustors to transmit UltraMate estimates, ImageMate digital images and ValueMate total loss data to Mitchell's e-Claim Manager software solution. e-Claim Manager logically groups together into one electronic file all information gathered during the automotive repair claim process, and allows immediate access to authorized claims management staff for faster workflow from first notice of loss to auditing and payment.

Transferring data to an e-Claim file takes only seconds, allowing the adjustor to quickly move on to other tasks. The entire data transfer takes place in the "background" so adjusters can instantly respond to the next assignment and be on the road again. And assignments automatically light up on the remote adjuster's Mitchell Wireless platform. This means adjusters never have to take time to call in for assignments.

For collision repair shops, Mitchell Wireless can free their estimators from returning to the office after each job to prepare a final estimate. Using Mitchell Wireless, a shop estimator can view UltraMate data and parts diagrams as he prepares the estimate at the car -- improving its accuracy and saving time. The estimate is then transmitted to the shop's waiting area for presentation to the customer and the estimator immediately moves on to his next job.

Mitchell Wireless is an open system allowing CIECA-compliant files via both cellular or Internet transmissions. The safety and privacy of all data is ensured through the use of the latest secured encryption technology. And Mitchell Wireless is priced to be an affordable solution for any size company -- a subscription fee allows users to transmit unlimited data.

"Mitchell Wireless is a part of Mitchell's larger e-business strategy to drive a fundamental process and business redesign throughout the entire industry," said Lindner. "Our mission is to create efficiencies and enormous cost savings while delivering a more pleasant experience to collision repair and insurance customers."

The company recently launched The Mitchell Hub, an interactive Internet workspace and marketplace hub for all parties in the automotive collision repair supply chain. Soon to be wirelessly enabled, The Mitchell Hub will serve as a single access point to a suite of existing and future on-line applications, services and e-business partner content and commerce.

About Mitchell International

Mitchell International, founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, is The Source for information software and e-business solutions for the insurance and automotive repair industries. Providing services that enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction, Mitchell facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database, a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers, is trusted for its accuracy and respected as the industry standard. For more information on Mitchell International or Mitchell Wireless, call Chris Andrews, director of marketing, at 858/578-6550 ext. 8321. And visit our Web sites at www.emitchell.com and www.mitchell.com.