Communications

Request Specific Types of Communication

Use the Host Communications dialog box to request specific types of communications.

Body shops can request to retrieve non-OEM parts and supplier matrices (MAPP), retrieve estimate dispatches, and upload estimates. Insurance companies can also request to retrieve estimates and preloads.

When you select a request type and add it to the list of requested host communications, you can modify it before you send it.

An asterisk (*) next to request type indicates there are outstanding requests which will be uploaded the next time you initiate communications. An empty request type indicates that the service for the request type is not active (for example, MAPP or MDS) or that there are no files are available for upload.

For more information, see Mitchell's Alternate Parts Program (MAPP) and the Mitchell Dispatching System (MDS).

How to

  • On the Utilities menu, point to Host Communications, and click Initiate Host Transactions. The Host Communications dialog box appears.

  • On the Host Communications dialog box, select the Request Type. All outstanding requests of that type appear in the panel to the right.
  1. On the Host Communications dialog box, select the Request Type you want to add, and click New.
  2. Enter additional information as necessary, and click OK. The request is added to the list and will be transmitted the next time you initiate communications.
  1. On the Host Communications dialog box, select the Request Type you want to change, and click Edit.
  2. Change the information as necessary, and click OK.
  • On the Host Communications dialog box, select the Request Type you want to delete, and click Delete.

Reference

New

Allows you to add new request types.

Delete

Removes the selected request from the list.

Cancel

Closes a host communication session. (Cancel will not close the session if the Request Type is set to “*”.)

Edit

Displays the selected Request for editing.

Call Host

Dials the phone numbers entered in Configure Communications.

View Log

Displays the Communications Log.

Maintain Records

Displays a list of records available for editing.

Retrieve Matrices

Retrieve Mitchell Alternate Parts Program (MAPP) matrices downloaded from the host to search for alternate parts.

Retrieve Dispatches

Retrieves dispatches (messages) for the Mitchell Dispatching System (MDS).

Retrieve Preloads*

Retrieves preloads (administrative data) for MDS.

Retrieve Estimates*

Retrieves estimates from the host computer. A retrieved estimate can be used to create a supplement or be reprinted as is.

* These options are not available for body shop installations.

 

See also:

Value-added options