National Press Release

New offering provides a convenient and cost-effective way for gaining a competitive edge through targeted application of Lean principles

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Audatex North America, Inc. today announced the release of the industry's first online Lean Six Sigma training course, a convenient and cost-effective way for learning how to apply proven Lean principles specifically to auto collision repair.

The 10-module, self-paced online course provides targeted methodologies for cycle time reduction, waste elimination and process improvement that can help quickly improve shop productivity, customer satisfaction and business-growth potential. The program also provides optional continuing education units and Audatex certification.

"It opened my eyes," Vartan Ghazarian, Assistant Manager of Supreme Collision Centre, said of the Audatex Lean Six Sigma course. "We anticipate a 35 percent increase in efficiency and throughput in all areas, including average length of jobs, parts and supplies procurement and cycle times."

Supreme Collision, which operates four facilities in Ontario, Canada and participates in several direct repair programs, is applying Lean principles throughout its organization. Twelve Supreme Collision employees will take the Audatex training, while managers will also attend classroom-based Six Sigma training on best practices provided by a leading U.S. paint company.

Lean Six Sigma is at the heart of some of the world's most successful companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation. Since 2006, Audatex has implemented Lean Six Sigma practices in its daily operations. The company, part of Solera Holdings, Inc., employs Lean Six Sigma experts and trainers known as "Black Belts," the highest level of Lean Six Sigma certification that can be attained.

"This course provides comprehensive coverage of Six Sigma and Lean principles and concepts including 5S, Waste, Pull, Flow, Value Stream Mapping, Mistake-proofing and Kaizen," said David Trissel, Certified Black Belt and Associate Vice President of Process Excellence at Audatex.

"Today's economic conditions make it more important than ever to be efficient, to make intelligent decisions, and to focus on continuous improvement," said John Kotsopoulos, Managing Director for Audatex North America. "You could have all the right equipment in your shop, but if you don't have a strong foundation of effective business processes in place, then you don't truly have all the tools you need to succeed."

Highlights of Audatex Lean Six Sigma for Collision Repair include:

    --  Streaming video and audio accessed online anytime
    --  10 modules organized for maximum value to collision repairers
    --  Self-paced learning and CEU units (optional)
    --  Year-long, full access for each individual user

For more information on Audatex Lean Six Sigma for Collision Repair, please download the free white paper at www.audatex.us/thinktank.aspx

To inquire about purchasing the course, please contact Audatex toll-free at 1-800-237-4968 or through the online contact form at http://www.audatex.us/contact.aspx.

About Audatex

Audatex is the leading global claims solutions provider serving the automotive industry. Active today across six continents, Audatex provides world-class claims solutions that help customers automate their processes, managing millions of claims each year efficiently and effectively, and resolving billions in claims settlements. Beyond a leading presence in automotive claims, our growing footprint also extends into the property, automotive related financial services and medical claims solutions markets. As part of the Solera group of companies, Audatex, Sidexa, Informex, ABZ, Hollander and IMS draw on unique global experience to develop and deliver the latest technologies, market intelligence and best practices on a local level. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.audatex.us.

SOURCE Audatex North America, Inc.