SecureAI can work alongside your shop management system (SMS) to streamline parts lookup, estimate building, and repair order workflows. This guide covers how to connect SecureAI results to Mitchell 1, CCC ONE, Audatex, and similar platforms used in the automotive aftermarket.
How SecureAI Fits Into Your Shop Workflow
SecureAI does not replace your SMS. It augments it. The typical workflow looks like this:
- A repair order or estimate comes in through your SMS.
- You query SecureAI for parts information, cross-references, or diagnostic guidance.
- You take the results from SecureAI and apply them in your SMS -- adding parts to an estimate, updating a repair order, or verifying fitment.
Today this is a copy-and-paste workflow. SecureAI provides structured output designed to make that transfer fast and accurate.
Preparing SecureAI Results for Your SMS
Structured Parts Output
When you need parts information that will go into an estimate or repair order, tell SecureAI the format you need.
Prompt:
I need brake pads and rotors for a 2023 Toyota Camry SE 2.5L.
Format the results as a table with columns: Part Name, OEM Part Number,
Aftermarket Part Number, Brand, List Price.
I am entering these into Mitchell 1.
SecureAI will return a structured table you can reference directly when entering line items in your SMS.
Estimate Line Item Format
For faster data entry, ask SecureAI to match your SMS line item format.
Prompt:
VIN: 2T1BURHE9NC123456
I need a full front brake job parts list. Format each part as:
- Part name
- Part number (OEM)
- Quantity
- Labor operation (if applicable)
This is for a CCC ONE estimate.
Batch Parts Lookup From a Repair Order
If you have a repair order with multiple line items, you can paste the parts list into SecureAI for cross-referencing.
Prompt:
Here are parts from my Mitchell 1 repair order. Cross-reference each
with aftermarket alternatives and flag any that have superseded part numbers:
1. 04465-06200 (Front brake pads)
2. 43512-06190 (Front brake rotor)
3. 04466-06210 (Rear brake pads)
4. 42431-06180 (Rear brake rotor)
SecureAI will return each part with current cross-references, supersession notes, and alternative brands.
Working With Specific Shop Management Systems
Mitchell 1
Mitchell 1 users can get the most from SecureAI by:
- Verifying labor times: Ask SecureAI to confirm labor operations for a procedure, then compare with Mitchell 1 labor guide estimates.
- Parts cross-referencing: Use SecureAI to find aftermarket alternatives for OEM parts listed in Mitchell 1 repair orders.
- TSB and recall lookups: Ask SecureAI about known issues for a VIN, then check Mitchell 1 for related Technical Service Bulletins.
Prompt example:
VIN: 1HGCV1F34LA012345
Mitchell 1 shows labor time of 1.8 hours for front brake pad and
rotor replacement on this vehicle. Does that seem accurate? Are there
any known complications for this specific model year?
CCC ONE
CCC ONE is widely used for collision and insurance estimates. SecureAI can help with:
- Parts pricing verification: Cross-reference CCC ONE parts prices with current market availability.
- Alternative parts sourcing: When CCC ONE suggests a specific part, ask SecureAI for equivalent alternatives by quality tier (OEM, OE-equivalent, economy).
- Supplement identification: Ask SecureAI what additional parts or procedures are commonly missed on a specific repair type.
Prompt example:
I am writing a CCC ONE estimate for a 2024 Honda Civic front bumper
replacement after a collision. What supplemental parts are commonly
needed beyond the bumper cover itself? Include clips, brackets,
absorbers, and any sensors that may need recalibration.
Audatex
Audatex users in collision repair can use SecureAI to:
- Verify part classifications: Confirm whether a part is structural, cosmetic, or mechanical for proper Audatex categorization.
- Paint code lookup: Ask SecureAI for the paint code from a VIN to ensure the Audatex estimate has the correct color match information.
- Procedure research: Research repair vs. replace decisions with SecureAI before entering the operation in Audatex.
Prompt example:
VIN: WBAPH5C55BA123456
What is the paint code for this vehicle? I need to enter it in my
Audatex estimate.
Data Flow Best Practices
Keep a Consistent Thread
Use one SecureAI conversation per repair order or estimate. This lets you build context as you work through the job.
Thread start: "I am working on RO #4521 for a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT 3.5L EcoBoost."
Follow-up: "Now I need the rear differential fluid spec for this truck."
Follow-up: "What is the torque spec for the drain plug?"
SecureAI retains the vehicle context within the conversation, so you do not need to repeat the VIN or vehicle details.
Export and Documentation
For record-keeping, you can ask SecureAI to summarize all parts and procedures discussed in a conversation.
Prompt:
Summarize everything we discussed for RO #4521 as a parts and
procedures list I can attach to the repair order in my SMS.
This gives you a clean document to paste into your SMS notes or attach to the work order file.
Handling Discrepancies
When SecureAI results differ from what your SMS shows:
- Part number mismatches: Part numbers are frequently superseded. Ask SecureAI: "Is [old number] superseded by [new number]?" Your SMS catalog may not be updated yet.
- Pricing differences: SecureAI does not have real-time pricing. Use your SMS or distributor system as the pricing authority.
- Fitment conflicts: If SecureAI and your SMS disagree on fitment, check the VIN decode in both systems. Differences usually come from how each system handles submodel variations.
Current Limitations
- No direct API integration: SecureAI does not currently connect directly to Mitchell 1, CCC ONE, Audatex, or other SMS platforms via API. Data transfer is manual (copy/paste or re-entry).
- No real-time pricing: SecureAI provides list prices and general market pricing, not live distributor pricing. Always verify pricing in your SMS or ordering platform.
- No write-back: SecureAI cannot update your repair orders or estimates directly. You apply the information manually.
These limitations may change as integration capabilities are developed. Check SecureAI release notes for updates.
Tips for Fastest Workflow
- Open SecureAI alongside your SMS in a split-screen or second monitor. Query as you build the estimate.
- Use structured prompts that match your SMS input format. This minimizes reformatting when transferring data.
- Start each session with the VIN so SecureAI has the vehicle context from the beginning.
- Ask for "estimate-ready" format when you need output that maps directly to SMS line items.
- Save useful prompts as templates in SecureAI for repeat procedures (e.g., "full brake job parts list for [VIN]").
Related Topics
- VIN-based parts lookup
- OEM part number cross-reference prompting
- Interpreting parts compatibility results
- Uploading documents for analysis