The New Age of Technology Technology and computers are increasingly important factors in the collision repair industry. Because time is in many cases a concern for clients, the work we do has become easier to manage and faster to produce thanks to technology. Over the past decade, equipment technology has increased our productivity. Today, a computerized management system helps quickly process repair orders, job costs and management reports. Some examples of this new technology are Shark, Pro Spot PR-10, Magna Rack III and HVLP. The first example, Shark, is a computerized measurement system designed to be operated electronically. Shark is not a modified mechanical or laser system. This is a totally new measurement system designed to be operated by computers using ultrasonic technology. Unlike mechanical or laser systems, the beam does not need to be level or parallel when placed under the vehicle. The system's intelligence automatically calibrates its position with respect to the points to be measured. The system recalibrates itself on the vehicle every time it is measured. If you reposition the beam after the first measurement, or if the car moves, the beam will automatically recalibrate from its new position, still producing the same measurement results. Before repairs, Shark offers you the opportunity to demonstrate existing damage. This information is helpful to the vehicle owner and the insurance company because it not only explains the cost of the repair, but eliminates unnecessary work and surprises. During the straightening procedure, Shark will monitor selected reference points of the underbody and upper body. Shark then calculates deviations from the manufacturer's specifications. You can view the entire extraction process, as it happens, live on your color monitor. Once the job is complete, you can instruct Shark to store or print a report in a variety of selectable formats, recording the condition of the vehicle as it leaves the workshop. Another example is the revolutionary Pro Spot PR-10 drag spot welding system which can add greater profitability and flexibility to any collision repair shop. By pressing the activation button, the PR-10 electronically provides precise control of compression time, current sensing preheat, weld deviation, hold time, cool down and duty cycle. Within seconds, this cycle is completed and another weld can begin. There is no chance of an operator rushing welding due to pre-timed programming. The operator must wait for the green light to come on before carrying out the next weld. The PR-10 ensures consistent, properly timed welds, whether it's your first weld or your 150th weld. With the PR-10 there is no shielding gas or wire to replace and darken