Editorial Calendar
for AutoGraphic’s Automotive Reports

The Editor reserves the right to change this calendar.

January 2008 / The Year In Quotes
Our annual year-in-review wrap-up, a collection of some of the most memorable, important, interesting or enlightening quotes heard around the industry during 2007.

February 2008 / Industry Trends
A look at some of the trends within the insurance and collision repair industry and what they mean for shops for the future.

March 2008 / Is there still a return on investment on CSI?
In years past, customer satisfaction indexing (CSI) was seen as a key tool by shops and insurers. But is it still something worthwhile for shops to be tracking?

April 2008 / Marketing To Consumers
A look at some of the innovative way shops are attracting business.

May 2008 / Fleet Work
As insurance-paid collision repair work becomes less profitable, some shops are taking a new look at fleet work. Here’s why – and what shops need to know about going after fleet repair business.

June 2008 / Better Estimating
Here’s how to avoid some of the most common estimating mistakes and get the training you and your staff need to write better estimates.

July 2008 / Accident Avoidance Technology
Will this technology impact future shop profitability?

August 2008 / Re-engineering Your Shop
An increasing number of shops are adopting “lean processes” that result in the work in their shops being handled in a very different way. Here’s a look at this re-engineered process and what impact it’s having on cycle time and the number supplements these shops produce.

September 2008 / The Evolution of DRPs
Anyone who has been in the industry less than 20 years probably doesn’t remember a time when there weren’t direct repair programs. But even the last decade has seen a dramatic increase and other changes in the programs. Here’s a look at that evolution and what it may mean for the future.

October 2008 / Women in the Industry
Here’s the business case for attracting more women into careers as technicians in the industry – and how shops and the industry can make this happen. Also we'll include a look at some of the industry’s most successful women shop owners and what other shop owners – men and women – can learn from them.

November 2008 / Shop Check-Up
Whether building a new shop or just wanting to get the most out of your current one, here’s advice for layout and design to maximize productivity; tips for making sure your computers/IT systems are up-to-date and maintained; advice on what equipment you should be considering purchasing or leasing, etc.

December 2008 / Succeeding With Today’s Young Workers
Trainers and consultants say the GenY generation of workers is very different from those that preceded them – and that while many employers are finding it challenging to attract, retain and motivate them, others who have unlocked the secret say no one will work harder or be such a team player as a GenY. Here’s how to communicate with the under-30 employee.

January 2009 / The Year in Quotes
Our annual year-in-review wrap-up, a collection of some of the most memorable, important, interesting or enlightening quotes heard around the industry during 2008.

February 2009 / Smoothing Out Personnel Changes
It’s generally very costly for a business to replace an employee. Here are some tips on reducing this problem — and handling it better when it occurs. This article includes advice on using exit interviews and better recruiting processes — and even how to challenge being charged for an ex-employee’s unemployment claim.