Epicor Software Corp. has developed an enhanced Service and Maintenance module for its Prophet 21 enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The new module lets users enter and process service quotes and orders at all phases of a service transaction. Warranty information and preventive maintenance schedules can be set up at the item level. Service contracts can be attached to particular items, so that each time a related serial number is entered on an order, the system automatically suggests the appropriate service contract. The Prophet 21 service module tracks labor, technician, warranty and service information, setting up everything from labor rates to technicians' schedules. Once a service order is entered, the dispatcher can schedule the service by viewing a graphical display of technicians' availabilities, and dragging and dropping specific labor tasks into an open time slot. The system automatically creates start and end times for the technicians to complete the associated labor. In addition, any parts needed for the service are immediately allocated in inventory for the job. Epicor, a provider of software for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, was recently combined with Activant Solutions Inc.
