AkzoNobel Introduces Carbeat Technology

AkzoNobel's Vehicle Refinishes department has launched an industrial digital solution that enables automotive body repair shop customers to save time and money. Carbeat, which offers simplified workflows and easier access to information, delivers significant benefits by providing a real-time overview of the repair process. This information is then made accessible to managers, team leaders, technicians and third parties, creating improved transparency and communication.

AkzoNobel introduced Carbeat during a presentation at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Carbeat is a digital solution for automated body repair shops that provides a real-time overview of the repair process.

This information is accessible to managers, team leaders, technicians and third parties; transparency and communication have been improved. The application is deployed on a large touchscreen monitor designed to make production fast and intuitive, while providing comprehensive visibility into all production elements. This increases the quality and detail of captured cycle time data; it enables deeper examination of ways to improve efficiency and eliminate waste. Peter Tomlinson, General Manager of Automotive and Specialty Coatings at AkzoNobel, commenting on the launch of Carbeat, stated: "Today, repairers face two situations - the complexity of the vehicle repair process and increasing demands for transparency and efficiency in these processes. Carbeat will really help our vehicle repair customers and multi-location operators address these challenges by allowing real-time control and visibility of their operations." Wes Steffen from Elmer's Body Shop in Indiana added: "This is a major step forward for the vehicle repair sector. Carbeat is an excellent example of using data and advanced digital technology to solve problems we face and have been dealing with for a long time. The benefits I see in damage repair shops are increased output, reduced waste at many stages of the repair process, and higher morale and engagement from employees." Designed for simplicity and adaptability, Carbeat is easy to integrate into existing workflows. It also operates from the cloud and therefore does not require installation or high-level technological expertise to implement and maintain. This product also represents the latest example of AkzoNobel's digital innovation and big data utilization, backed by deep knowledge and expertise in digital color design and color matching, surface design and protection. Carbeat will be available for sale across the United States starting 1 November, with European sales expected to begin in early 2018.