Solera Qapter has made recent updates
(November 2023) to its Database Reference Manual(DBRM), specifically on page 140, section 4-4 Refinish Guidelines,
regarding “Blending”. Access an updated version of the DBRM on the DEG website,
available
here. Users can view the update below:
“Audatex refinish labor is based on the use of new
and undamaged panels. Audatex Estimating does not provide a standard labor
allowance for blended panels as this requires the estimate preparer’s judgment,
expertise, and consideration of the unique requirements for each repair.
Determination and assessment of labor and materials necessary in the blending
process is best provided by the estimate preparer during the estimate
preparation process. To assist the user, profile settings allow for
customization to enter a specified blend percentage, as necessary.
• Audatex will now allow you to specify the Blend
Refinish percentage to be used when calculating Blend Refinish labor at the
profile level allowing insurers and shops to agree on a default blend refinish
time. You may enter a value between 50% and 150%. This value is used to
determine the blend refinish labor by multiplying it against the full panel
refinish time.
• When generating an estimate, the blend refinish will
be calculated using the value specified at the profile level. If no value is
specified, a default value of 50% blend refinish percentage will be used.
• As before, an estimator can manually override the
Blend Refinish percentage specified at the profile level and it will be denoted
with an asterisk (*) on the estimate.
• Additionally, a new note is now added to the bottom of
all estimates showing the Blend Refinish percentage used. “
