March 2025

Our studies aim to verify the AZT Paint Calculation System, which has become the leading manufacturer-independent international standard for calculating paintwork since its introduction in 1977, by means of detailed time and material studies, and to align it with the current state of paintwork technology and the current requirements in workshops. 

To this end, our project team, consisting of experienced paint and REFA experts, examines repair times and material consumption according to established industry and trade standards in the context of accident repairs. 

(1) Implementation of the studies 

The time and material studies were carried out between 2019 and 2023 both at AZT and in external workshops. All the necessary work steps, including material consumption on metal and plastic components, were recorded and evaluated under real conditions. This creates a reliable and representative database. In doing so, we were able to gain valuable data from practical experience. 

(2) Findings and first insights into the product update 

The studies conducted and data sets collected so far have shown that certain work steps and repair processes vary greatly and depend to a large extent on the specific component. Depending on the type of vehicle painting, its surface finish, the type and severity of the damage, and the condition in which it is delivered, as well as a number of other criteria relating to the component that has been damaged and is to be painted, different technical and professional repair measures are required. These findings have led to the AZT Paint Calculation System being adapted or expanded in some areas in the future. 

Among other things, further refinishing paint stages have been derived and new AZT additional items have been created that can be added to the calculation at both the component and order level. 

Several technical discussions with the owners and painting experts from the painting companies and the paint industry confirm the necessity of the extensions. 

(3) Challenges 

The scope of the necessary changes in the claims calculation systems to adequately reflect the revised structure and logic has proven to be more complex than originally assumed. We have found that the IT systems on the side of the system providers have to cover significantly more functionalities, which makes the update process considerably more complex. To overcome these challenges, we are in close contact with our partners and are continuously working on the necessary solutions. 

(4) Next steps 

We are currently working on a further analysis of the data collected so far and on converting the results into specific recommendations. In order to better understand the differences between the previous and the future calculation logic, test calculations have been carried out for comparison purposes and we are currently evaluating these tests. 

At the same time, we are working intensively on the new system description and additional product information and training materials to provide users with the best possible documentation when the product update is launched. 

As soon as the calculation providers offer the update in the respective IT systems, link it to the damage assessment and thus make it available in the system, a pilot phase will take place in a German-speaking country. During the pilot phase, we will evaluate the first results from the field in detail and use them to determine whether and which further adjustments may be necessary. 

A comprehensive update of the AZT Paint Calculation System depends both on the progress made in addressing the above-mentioned challenges and on the results of the pilot phase. As things stand, we expect that a cross-border international rollout can be successfully completed in 2027. 

A well-thought-out and coherent integration into the claims calculation systems, which best reflects practical requirements, is our top priority and should also be in the interest of all users. 

Our goal is to continue to offer our customers and the entire automotive collision repair industry a best-in-class, OEM-independent, and area-based calculation methodology for a well-founded estimation of the required labor time and paint material costs using state-of-the-art technology. 

We therefore ask for your understanding regarding the time required for the introduction of the product update and thank all our partners for their intensive support. We look forward to continuing our successful cooperation. 

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.