Intellus Automotive Systems

Intellus Automotive Systems came to us with more than an idea. They had a vision for a better way to run a hail repair business, one built specifically for paintless dent repair (PDR) estimating rather than adapted from generic automotive repair software.

Most automotive repair software on the market is built to cover every repair specialty at once, which makes it complicated to navigate to the one workflow a hail repair business actually needs. On top of that, a real mobile experience was often missing entirely, leaving hail estimators stuck working from a desktop instead of the field where the job actually happens.

Intellus wanted something different: a tool built from the ground up entirely around hail repair, with a mobile app that estimators could genuinely use on site, backed by a system that could manage the business side without becoming its own source of complexity.

We worked with Intellus to design a two-part system: a custom iPhone app for estimators in the field, and a Back Office application to run the business behind it. Because the tool was purpose-built for hail repair from day one, every screen and workflow could stay focused on what a PDR estimator actually needs, instead of trying to serve every repair specialty at once.

Beyond the initial build, we also took on the system architecture work needed to keep both sides of the platform, mobile and back office, communicating reliably as the business scaled.

Intellus PDR Estimator (iPhone app)

The iPhone app gives hail estimators tools built specifically for the job: it decodes VIN barcodes, operates offline when a signal isn't available, and lets estimators take and attach photos on site. Estimates created in the field upload directly to the Back Office application, so nothing has to be re-entered by hand once the estimator is back at a desk.

Back Office application

The Back Office serves as the central hub connecting to the iPhone App. From here, Intellus can create hail jobs, run reports, generate invoices, and check job statuses, along with additional capabilities across call center operations, repair order management, and reporting. It's the system that turns individual field estimates into a running, manageable business.

System architecture and integrations

To support Intellus's reporting and communication needs, we integrated the platform with Tableau for data visualization, Snowflake for data infrastructure, and Twilio for communication. We also manage the ongoing Apple developer certification process required to keep the iOS app deployed, including the yearly certificate renewals and additional iOS files needed for successful deployment.

Supporting Intellus through growth

As Intellus grew, they made the decision to bring software development in-house. We helped facilitate the transfer of the files and assets their internal team needed to take over the platform. Even after that transition, we've continued supporting Intellus with ongoing Apple certification renewals and license installations, years after development moved internally, so their iOS app keeps running without disruption.

Intellus went from navigating generic, overcomplicated repair software to running a centralized, industry-focused platform built entirely around their business. The combination of the field-ready iPhone app and the connected Back Office system gave their team a streamlined process that reduced paperwork and cut down the time spent on each job, freeing estimators to focus on the work itself instead of fighting software that wasn't built for them.

The relationship has also outlasted the original build. Even after Intellus's growth led them to bring development in-house, we've remained a trusted partner for the parts of the platform that require ongoing, specialized attention, including Apple certification management that keeps their app deployable year after year.

Intellus Automotive Systems shows what's possible when mobile and back office software are built around one specific business, not adapted from a generic tool. If your business needs a mobile app that actually works the way your team works in the field, or a back office system to run the business behind it, explore: