eDirectGlass Disappointed by Third Party Administrator Audit Programs

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- eDirectGlass, the worldwide leading provider of Internet-based AGRR enterprise resource management, point-of-sale and mobile related technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMJ Logistics, Inc., today announced that it is fully backing the needs for the AGRR industry to adopt technology standards to curtail the unnecessary encroachment by third party administrators (TPA) and their insurance partners in providing pre-authorization inspections of automotive glass repair and replacement claims.

"This is the point where the industry must say enough is enough. It is insane that a TPA, who is also a competitor in the glass repair and replacement business, should be allowed to conduct inspections of claims reported by independents," said Gary Hart, chief executive officer at eDirectGlass. "For years, eDirectGlass has deployed and advocated technology that allows for electronic field inspection by anyone with a mobile handset or data device. Anyone using eDirectGlass can capture and deliver high-quality photographs, video and written data; however, the TPA's and insurance companies have largely ignored the pleas to allow this data to reach their agents for consideration," Hart continued.

"As a provider of data services that bridge the gap between independent glass retailers and the TPA's, we are extremely concerned by the most recent tactics by Safelite Solutions on behalf of USAA and other insurance carriers they represent. By analyzing the data in our repositories, we have determined the 5 unannounced "inspection states" are targeting one or more independent glass retailers. We have fielded dozens of calls from subscribers in these affected areas all claiming to have received some form of audit notification when reporting a claim. While eDirectGlass can appreciate the need to verify the legitimacy of a claim, the way it is being handled is inappropriate. Considering dozens of other industries perform inspections for insurance claims electronically, so should the AGRR industry," concluded Hart.

Based on this turn of events, eDirectGlass and the Independent Glass Association (IGA) are now working in conjunction with each other to establish committees which will assist in defining sound technical areas for standards in the industry including those that are intended for working with TPA's.  These standards will meet the essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process. With new standards being established, fair and open competitive practices will be realized that will allow the industry to thrive while meeting the demands for safety and continuity. Both entities are encouraging all glass shops, independent or otherwise, and their technology providers to get involved in establishing these standards.

eDirectGlass is the first and only true Internet-based point-of-sale and business management system for small to large retailers in the AGRR industry. eDirectGlass is feature-packed with market-leading capabilities such as call center integration, free electronic data interchange for network invoices, document and image management, real-time supplier connectivity, integrated web pricing & scheduling and more; all with the ability to work from anywhere at any time with little to no associated IT maintenance or costs. eDirectGlass also offers enterprise claim management solutions for insurance carriers and third party administrators called ClaimsVerse.

About eDirectGlass

eDirectGlass, owned by AMJ Logistics(TM), Inc. and founded in 1995, is a privately held corporation based in Scottsdale, Arizona. AMJ builds applications and solutions where all aspects of the manufacturing, supply chain vendors, insurance and end-user industries converge. These applications and solutions enhance productivity, profitability and increase customer satisfaction critical to the growth and success of the marketplace. For more information on AMJ Logistics or eDirectGlass, contact Laura Coleman ([email protected]) at 480.993.0915 or visit our website at www.edirectglass.com.

eDirectGlass is a registered trademark of AMJ Logistics, Inc. ©2011. No claim is made to the exclusive right to use "eDirectGlass" apart from the mark as shown. USA and Canada Patent Pending.

Safelite Solutions (www.glassclaim.com) is a registered trademark of Safelite Group. USAA is a registered trademark of the United Services Automobile Association. IGA (www.iga.org) is a registered trademark of the Independent Glass Association.

SOURCE eDirectGlass