New Age of TechnologyTechnology and computers are growing factors in the collision repair industry. With time often being a concern for clients, the work we do has become easier to manage and faster to produce thanks to technology. Over the past decade, equipment technology has increased our productivity. Today, a computerized management system helps you quickly process repair orders, work costing and management reports. Some examples of this new technology are the Shark, Pro Spot PR-10, Magna Rack III and HVLP. The first example, the Shark, is a computer-controlled measurement system designed to operate electronically. Shark is not a modified mechanical or laser system. This is a completely new measurement system designed to be computer controlled using ultrasound technology. Unlike mechanical or laser systems, the beam does not need to be level or parallel when placed under the vehicle. The system's intelligence automatically calibrates its position relative to the measured points. The system recalibrates itself on the vehicle each time you measure. If you reposition the beam after the first measurement, or if the car moves, the beam will automatically recalibrate from its new position, always producing the same measurement results. Before repairs, Shark offers you the opportunity to prove existing damage. This information is useful to the vehicle owner and the insurance company because it not only explains the cost of the repair, but also eliminates unnecessary work and surprises. During the straightening procedure, Shark will monitor the selected reference points for the underside and top of the body. Shark then calculates the deviations from the manufacturer's specifications. You can view the entire printing process, live, on the color screen. Once the job is complete, you can have Shark store or print a report in a variety of formats you can select, recording the condition of the vehicle as it leaves your workshop. Another example is the revolutionary Pro Spot PR-10 resistance point. welding system that can add increased profitability and flexibility to any collision repair shop. With the press of the trigger button, the PR-10 electronically provides precise control of compression time, current sensing preheat, weld gap, hold time, cool down and duty cycle. In just a few seconds this cycle is complete and you can start another weld. There is no opportunity for an operator to rush a weld due to pre-programmed programming. The operator must wait for the green light to turn on before proceeding with the next weld. The PR-10 gives you consistent, correctly timed welds, whether it's the first weld or the hundred and fiftieth weld. With the PR-10, there is no shielding gas or wire to replace and it is dark.