F150 repair, predictive analytics among the highlights at CCIF Montreal

CCIF Montreal began the previous evening with a networking reception. September 25 with a networking reception, starting at 7:30 p.m. The following day featured a full agenda of presenters from across the auto claims economy. Simultaneous translation of all presenters was provided in English and French.

 

Larry Jefferies of CARSTAR and current chairman of CCIF opened the meeting and introduced the first speaker of the day, Larry Coan of Ford Motor Company. Coan spoke on the 2015 F150 Collision Repair Program, including design for repairability, enhanced service information, available training courses and recommended tools and equipment.

 

Leanne Jefferies, Director of Collision Programs for AIA Canada followed, with an update on CCIF’s involvement with the Haiti ARISE Technical Institute, a project designed to provide technical training and career opportunities to the people of Haiti. 

 

Jefferies briefly switched hats immediately after the update, staying at the podium while stepping into her role as Director of CCIF Skills Program. Jefferies provided a final report on the 2014 Skills Competitions and a look ahead to 2015. 

 

The meeting then moved from skills competitions to skills development, with Andrew Shepherd, Executive Director of I-CAR Canada, taking the podium for a presentation on I-CAR’s new courses and the importance of staying current.

 

Chris Castagna, Certified Collision Repair Program Specialist at BMW Group Canada, followed with a presentation on advanced materials, examining both the materials that repairers are facing today and what the next five years might hold. 

 

After a short break for lunch, stakeholders again packed the meeting room for “Telematics: Are you in touch with our industry’s next game changer?” presented by Paul‐André Savoie, President & CEO of Baseline Telematics. Savoie shared his company’s story and spoke about how their technology could impact the collision repair industry in the future.

 

Anthony Giagnacovo, Managing Director of Audatex Canada, followed Savoie, discussing the power of predictive analytics in the collision repair space. 

 

Chairman Larry Jefferies once again took to the podium to update attendees on the status of 2014 CCIF initiatives including the Business Conditions Survey and Insurance Claims Project, and provide a look ahead to what is planned for CCIF in 2015. 

 

For more information on CCIF, please visit ccif.ca.