A REPAIR industry IT standard for video imaging has moved a step forward with an agreement between motor insurer ITT London & Edinburgh, BodyMaster and Audatex. This could signal the end of repairers having to buy more than one imaging system.

ITT L&E has been successfully using BodyMaster image for two years, and through a tripartite agreement will now accept images and estimates originating from either BodyMaster or Audatex. A gateway in Audatex's network allows ITT L&E to receive Audatex assessments and images and to return e-mail. Together Audatex and BodyMaster have an imaging network of 402 sites, the largest in the UK.

Simon Bish, director of BodyMaster, said: 'It makes sense for computer system networks to co-operate in this way and it must be the way forward. It's particularly beneficial for the repairers - they will no longer have to invest in a new imaging system in order to be part of the ITT L&E network.'