New Epicor Vision Feature Enables Auto Parts Distributors To Easily Research, Place, and Track Special Orders

Integration of GCommerce Virtual Inventory Cloud into Vision software helps distributors increase sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction

Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, today announced a new feature that enables users of Epicor^® Vision^® automotive aftermarket distribution software to quickly and easily research, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through their suppliers. This new capability—available through integration of the Vision solution with the GCommerce Virtual Inventory Cloud (VIC)—eliminates the need to call a manufacturer for pricing and availability and automates processing of special orders.

The VIC integration enables Vision software users to look up, price, place, and track special orders and drop-ship orders through the Vision solution’s electronic sourcing form. Electronic purchase orders are automatically generated and transmitted to the manufacturer through Epicor Parts Network connectivity, while purchase order numbers, advance shipping notices, and invoices flow back to the user’s Vision software, eliminating time-intensive paperwork.

By dramatically reducing the time and labor commonly associated with special orders, the new Vision software feature can help distributors increase revenue, save time, and provide a better customer experience, according to Jim Scrivner, president of Al’s Automotive Supply, a 14-location distributor serving the St. Louis metropolitan area.

• "Using the VIC integration on Vision software saves our counterpeople valuable time and helps us make more sales. With this integration, special orders happen seamlessly and get tracked inside Vision software all in one step. We look forward to transitioning to this feature for all major vendors."
• - Jim Scrivner, President, Al’s Automotive Supply

Epicor Vision software is a powerful next-generation solution for parts distributors targeting increased operational efficiency, stronger sales and margin growth, and exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty. The software, which can be deployed either on premises or in the cloud, features world-class customer relationship management (CRM) tools, a centralized database, highly advanced price management and inventory capabilities, accounting, and comprehensive "central services" functionality for businesses that serve both company-owned and independent stores.

“Our strong investment in product development and strategic integrations is helping the rapidly growing community of Vision software users to grow beyond the traditional operational and competitive barriers facing many vehicle parts distributors,” said Scott Thompson, senior vice president, automotive and business services, Epicor. “This easy-to-use new feature, combined with literally hundreds of others available through the Vision platform, helps our users keep their businesses fit for stronger growth in a highly dynamic marketplace.”

To learn more about the Epicor Vision solution, contact your Epicor representative, click here, call Epicor toll-free at 800.999.1809, or email automotive.marketing@epicor.com.