Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, has released a new version of its popular Web-based Epicor Integrated Service Estimator (ISE) software that offers enhanced speed and a variety of new features that allow automotive service shops to further increase sales, margins and operational efficiency. Shops are already generating nearly 140,000 estimates each month through this powerful, easy-to-use solution.
The Epicor ISE solution enables shops to significantly reduce the time required to complete accurate, professional estimates and helps increase sales of services, said the company. The software quickly provides users with all of the parts and labor information needed to complete virtually any automotive repair, and allows shops to check on part availability and pricing from their local sources. Shops using the Epicor ISE solution have reported significant increases in sales and gross margin as a result of their ability to offer a wider range of services, recommend related sales and ensure correct part and labor pricing for each job.
“The Epicor ISE solution has been a resounding success in helping our stores increase their share of the mechanical repair category while providing exceptional customer service,” said Mark Street, senior vice president of information technology for Driven Brands, owner of the Meineke Car Care Centers franchise network. “Epicor ISE provides our store employees with all of the parts information, sources, pricing and other key elements that go into virtually any type of repair. This enables us to service our customers better and faster and to enhance the bottom-line performance of our business locations.”
The newest Epicor ISE software release, now available through shop management systems from 13 leading providers, includes a number of enhancements that accelerate several parts lookup and estimating functions. Additionally, the system now provides access for licensed users to the powerful Epicor “All Lines” feature, which enables shops to search the full Epicor PartExpert database of more than 7,500 manufacturer product lines.
“All Lines is a key tool for shops that are looking to expand into new service areas and want to avoid turning away business because they don’t have access to the required parts information,” said Paul Salsgiver, executive vice president and general manager of retail software for Epicor. “Our new Epicor ISE software is, above all, an engine that helps drive sales and accelerate the repair process.”
Another key enhancement to the software is a more “free-form” search capability that enables the user to launch a part or labor lookup with only a partial description such as “wa pu” for “water pump.” The system now also automatically displays parts and related labor information with a single lookup, enabling the user to cut additional minutes from the estimating process.
Also new is expanded access to the Epicor ISE system’s integrated VIN decoding tool. All available VIN information for the selected vehicle is now just one click away, providing the service advisor a quick reference to vehicle-specific options. ISE users also have access to the comprehensive Epicor aftermarket flat-rate labor guide, repair jobs database and parts interchange. All parts, labor and supplier pricing information can then be imported to the user’s estimates, work orders and invoices with a single click of the mouse.
“There is truly no other estimating solution that provides this level of speed and efficiency at the service counter,” Salsgiver said. “Leading shop management software providers and several national and regional service chains are now using this tool to achieve very aggressive growth goals, and their results have been outstanding.”
For additional information regarding the Epicor ISE solution, contact your shop management software provider or call Epicor toll-free at (855) 210-7228 or [email protected].