Transforming Tomorrow Together

The Auto Body Industry Unites at IBIS USA to Untangle Industry Challenges

At the recent IBIS 2024 event, which took place from March 19 to 21 in Anaheim, USA, the discussions really dove deep into pressing industry topics. First off on the agenda, setting the expectation of discussion outcomes, was a reality check on customer perception of the sector despite continuous improvement in repair planning, system evaluation and safe repair technology, parts ordering, talent attraction initiatives, and training. Among problem-solving, the IBIS USA event stressed the importance of quality collaboration among all stakeholders.

Day one featured in-depth conversations on talent acquisition, the significance of employer brands, and an update on the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), followed by a social networking session to close the day.

Focus points:

• With several brilliant talent acquisition programs in the industry, why does the sector still lack skilled technicians? 
• What is employer branding, how does it add value, and why is cultivating it essential?

Day two featured a cross-collaborative exploration among the triad—insurers, OEMs, and collision repairers—discussing the importance of data-sharing with the customer’s needs at the center. Collaboration will create a more efficient repair end-to-end process that benefits the consumer.

Focus points:

• If we are all pulling in the same direction, why isn’t the vehicle owner more satisfied? 
• What tangible actions must be taken to change the consumer’s perception?

This undoubtedly informative session’s overall takeaway for the auto body sector is twofold but hinged on one premise—people. Creating an environment and employer image that encourages people to join the industry is essential. Most importantly, we need to work together towards achieving a dynamic, positive shift in the perception of our industry by those needing our services.