The issues of data encryption and restrictive licensing of parts-related information are rearing their ugly heads. For shop owners, insurers, OEs, dot-coms, and aftermarket parts sources the impact is felt in many different ways.
Today s estimating systems create a file that holds all the information relating to the estimate.
This is called the EMS file. If the data providers, namely ADP, CCC and Mitchell, encrypt the data going into the EMS file only those with the decryption code will be able to read and use that file. While the dot-com companies have not talked about it, confidential data, such as vehicle owner name, address, phone, etc., etc., could be sold to insurers, car dealers, finance companies, etc. as prospect lists. Parts information could be provided to parts distributors who are subscribers to the dot-com company, but not the sources intended by the repair facility, covering parts specified OE or salvage, allowing the parts distributor to contact the shop to solicit an order. Potentially copyrighted materials, such as OE part numbers, part descriptions, labor times and descriptions, could be resold to just about anybody, given the laxity of today s agreements.