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PAINT supplier R-M has launched a WAP mobile phone application aimed at bodyshops.
TEXT: Announced at this month’s Automechanika in Frankfurt, the system allows paintshop workers to access information on 100,000 colours from 40 vehicle manufacturers as well as technical information, and is available in three languages, English, French and German.
Information can be accessed on the move so some time can be saved on having to return to carry out a PC-based search. Infor-mation bodyshops want to print can be directed to a fax machine. The service will also allow R-M to supply customers with regular information regarding new products and services, and the site will be updated every day.
The company, set up in Detroit in 1919 before expanding in 1963 to a European base in France, will be looking to extend the system. “Ultimately, all the information available on our web site will be accessible via the WAP medium,” said vice-president Ian Hobday. “The WAP standard is the key step in our approach, which is designed to provide our bodyshop partners with the means to improve their access to colour formulations enormously.”
WAP technology is a growing medium and is very similar to using a desktop PC to access the internet in the usual way, although, underneath, the technology involved is very different. Standing for wireless application protocol, an increasing number of sites are enabling access by this method, and companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola and Panasonic are investing heavily in its development.
In the industry, Lex Vehicle Leasing and Autolocate are two companies that have recently developed WAP access for their sites, and many others are set to follow as the technology becomes more widespread.