The Database Enhancement Gateway

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The DEG was established in January of 2008, and was developed by a group of shop owners involved in the estimating process through SCRS, ASA and AASP.

For anyone who writes estimates, it is no surprise to find errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or areas lacking clarity in the estimating database programs. The reality is that there are thousands of vehicles, options, and repair scenarios, and the likelihood of coverage these variations with 100% accuracy is slim. The DEG was designed so that estimating system end-users could have a single place to turn to, to submit inquiries about these challenges, and know that they had an advocate on the other end working on their behalf to try and find a resolution with the Information Provider. Much of the DEG concept stemmed from the volunteer work of March Taylor, a collision shop owner in Hawaii, who spent much of his time helping other shops around the world in a very similar fashion. The DEG really intended to formalize the process, and give dedicated assistance to the industry. In addition to the advocacy role, the DEG and it’s founding associations also believed that transparency was key, and that by making the process and timeline visible and transparent to the industry, it would promote more expedient responses to the concerns, while also generating a very useful database of corrections. At the time, all systems were updated via an update CD, and even though a “change” to the database was made today, it may have been 30 to 45 days before the market received the updated CD with the changes in it. The DEG database serves as a tool for reference so that as soon as the change, or explanation, is determined the end-user can reference the response for justification rather than having to wait for the published update.

11/04/2026

Industry friends! CCC & MOTOR has released a full overhaul of the new GTE (P - Pages ) available in CCC.

I'd encourage you to start reading thru the 11-26 revision available live in CCC!

10/27/2026

https://degweb.org/estimate-tip-mitchell-taxable-settings/

Mitchell Cloud Estimating (MCE) users can configure automatic tax applicability for various components and operations added through the Additional Operations tab. Estimators and repair planners should always verify these tax settings to ensure compliance with state and local municipal tax requiremen...

10/12/2026

https://degweb.org/estimate-tip-cccone-refinish-blend-operation-wet-bed/

Certain refinish and blend procedures require the application of a “wet bed” (color blender/bedding agent) to achieve proper metallic and pearl orientation. Per recent Guide to Estimating (GTE) revisions, wet bed application is not included in standard refinish or blend labor times. All labor an...

10/05/2026

https://degweb.org/estimate-tip-dr-dual-battery-vehicles/

Never assume a vehicle has only one 12V battery. Modern vehicles often feature auxiliary or dual-battery configurations. Researching OEM procedures is essential to identify battery count, wait times, reconnect sequences, DTC scanning, and necessary re-initializations. Disconnect/reconnect operations...

09/21/2026

https://degweb.org/cccone-frame-mounted-hardware-for-bed-ri-rr/

Recent DEG Inquiry 41986, replacing or transferring frame-mounted cage nuts and bed-mounting hardware is not included in Pick Up Box R&I / R&R labor operations. Because these fasteners mount to the frame rather than the bed assembly, any replacement, transfer, or cleanup must be added as a separate,...

09/14/2026

http://degweb.org/estimate-tip-mitchell-adding-a-child-line/

Mitchell users may need to use the “add additional labor” function to add a “child line” to certain repair situations where R&I and Repair of a component cannot be added together. The appropriate workflow for these situations is outlined below: Add the R&R of the component to the estimate Ch...

09/11/2026

https://degweb.org/collaboration-in-action-how-a-deg-inquiry-sparked-an-i-car-rts-linking-pin-article/

Check out how DEG Inquiry sparked a I-CAR RTS Linking Pin!

Collaboration in Action: How a DEG Inquiry Sparked an I-CAR RTS “Linking Pin” Article Identifying and resolving incomplete repair procedures starts at the shop level. When questions arose regarding modified restraint sensor mounting locations on replacement doors, the initial issue was formally ...

09/03/2026

Congratulations to Mike Mead with Dacus Auto Body & Collision Repair on FenderBender Repair Planner of the year!

Mike Mead’s approach to repair planning emphasizes complete disassembly, OEM repair procedures, extensive documentation, and cross-department collaboration to produce comprehensive repair plans. His exceptional work at Dacus Auto Body & Collision Repair earned him the honor of FenderBender and ABRN's 2026 Best Repair Planner/Estimator.
Click the link in the comments to read the article.

08/31/2026

https://degweb.org/estimate-tip-mitchell-modifying-replacement-parts/

DEG Inquiry 41796 elaborates on modifications for replacement parts. “Please reference the following information from the labor general information section of the procedure pages under Additions to labor time: Rework Parts To fit a particular year or model (example: cutting holes for lamps, modify...

08/18/2026

https://degweb.org/estimate-tip-solera-qapter-audatex-multiple-rate-labor-breakout-feature/

Solera Qapter users can apply Multiple Rates (MR) to a single line item. For example, when replacing a quarter panel, Qapter may include a head curtain airbag under the main component classification. You can open the Labor Breakout feature and assign a specific classification for accurate rate appli...

Address

P. O. BOX 3037
Mechanicsville, VA
23116

Telephone

+13024230207

Website

http://www.degweb.org/

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