A new version of the Glassmatix estimating system for accident repairs is being launched in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Creator EurotaxGlass’s promised it will be easier to use and improve efficiency of estimating procedures.

Meanwhile rival Audatex has been testing its latest system, AudaEnterprise Gold, at nine Norwich Union repairers. The system, being rolled out from this month, aligns Audatex’s desktop and mobile estimating software.

EurotaxGlass’s has appointed a small number of bodyshops for its Glassmatix pilot, which will put the software to the test during trials this summer.

Brian Ruddock, group business development director, said this follows consultation to ensure the system met current and future needs of bodyshops and work providers.

He added: “Glassmatix led the way with the use of Thatcham Times data and features such as tab-driven menus, mandatory fields and exploded parts graphics. We were also first to offer integrated access to Thatcham’s repair methods data, within the system and via a link to Escribe.”

One new function is vehicle registration mark look-up capability. Once an estimator has entered the registration, Glassmatix automatically identifies the vehicle, fills in data fields and selects the correct parts data sets and Thatcham labour times.