Epicor Software, a developer of industry-specific enterprise software for the midmarket, has enhanced Epicor for Distribution, its solution for wholesale distributors.
"The enhancements, designed specifically for distributors providing third-party logistics (3PL) services, will help them streamline operational efficiencies while improving the level of service they provide to their customers," says Scott McKenzie, MD of New Era Solutions, the local Epicor distributor.
A recent study by supply chain management consulting firm Armstrong & Associates shows that the 3PL sector showed a revenue increase of 7% during 2002, making this the eighth consecutive year that US growth in third-party, contract logistics has exceeded the growth of the US economy.
Keeping pace with this trend, the new features in Epicor for Distribution are designed to enable 3PL providers to streamline processes, reduce overhead costs, and achieve more profitable operations.
Epicor`s 3PL module gives warehouse managers flexibility in setting up customer accounts. The 3PL system tracks time and costs and creates invoices for most pricing configurations, including monthly space charges, and fees for value-added services performed (such as labelling, kitting and reporting). Users can also amortise certain overhead expenses across other invoiced items, in addition to other capabilities.
"Users create customer templates by entering the parameters of the account, such as space costs, services and reports required and other contract terms, in the Epicor for Distribution suite`s warehouse module. The actual space used and services performed are tracked by handheld computers and/or barcode devices, and the data is updated electronically, in real-time, in the warehouse module," says McKenzie.
"Epicor developed the 3PL solution based on the insight that no two warehousing agreements are alike, and warehouse owners need a faster, less time-intensive way of setting up and tracking customer accounts to remain profitable and operate smoothly. In today`s market, businesses know that to stay competitive they need to find faster, more efficient ways of delivering their products and serving customers," he adds.
In addition to recent 3PL enhancements, Epicor has also added a graphical view of the warehouse that enables distributors to manage their operations through improved visibility.
This new feature provides an interactive, graphical interface that generates a floor plan of the warehouse, in which users can quickly check inventory levels by moving up and down aisles vertically and horizontally and simply by pointing and clicking on the bin or rack shown on their screen. The data displayed on the screen is pulled from information previously entered into the inventory management module, eliminating the need for redundant data entry and decreasing the potential for human error.
Share
Editorial contacts