Brake & Equipment Warehouse Upgrades From Epicor Ultimate To Epicor Vision Aftermarket Distribution Solution

Epicor Software Corp. this week has reported that Brake & Equipment Warehouse, a leading automotive parts distributor based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is upgrading from Epicor Ultimate business management software to the Epicor Vision distribution management system. The company is the latest of several Epicor Ultimate users to upgrade to the Vision solution, the company says.

Epicor Vision software is a next-generation solution for motor vehicle parts distributors targeting increased operational efficiency, stronger sales and margin growth. In addition, Epicor says it offers exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty. The software can be deployed either on-premise or in the cloud.

According to Epicor, Vision 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.

“Time is precious and very important in our business,” said Kelly Warkenthien, office manager for Brake & Equipment Warehouse. “The upgrade to Vision software will give us more time to look deeper into how we’re spending our money, where we’re spending it, where we can cut costs, and where our capital can be better utilized.”

Rick Huelsman, president of Brake & Equipment Warehouse, said a driving force in the company’s decision to choose the Vision solution over other software was the dependability of its existing Epicor platform. “We’ve loved the Epicor Ultimate software,” he said. “It’s really easy to navigate and to use, but it’s an older system. As we continue to grow, we hope the Vision solution will give us added flexibility and allow us to work even faster.”

Huelsman cited the Vision solution’s user-friendly, Windows-based architecture as a feature that will allow all users, including the company’s sales professionals, to easily “multi-task” throughout the day, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and control and improved customer service. The new solution’s enhanced reporting capabilities also will enable the company to identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase sales across existing and new customers, he added.

“Epicor Vision software offers real-time inventory access, enhanced channel visibility, and a host of other capabilities that make it an ideal solution for today’s leading parts distributors,” said Stephen Gannon, senior director, automotive, product management and product development, Epicor. “We are excited that Brake & Equipment Warehouse has decided to continue its relationship with us and take its business to the next growth level by upgrading to this powerful platform.”

For more than half a century, Brake & Equipment Warehouse has been supplying customers across Minnesota and the surrounding upper Midwest states with high-quality replacement parts. The company offers a variety of in-house services—including plasma cutting, production of custom brake hoses and lines, cylinder sleeving and other machine shop services that help provide clear competitive differentiation within its market.

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”