An end-to-end integrated manufacturing solution, tailored specifically for small and midsize manufacturers, now offers new functionality to streamline the shipping process.
Epicor Software, a leading provider of integrated enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies, announced today its Vista end-to-end integrated manufacturing solution, tailored specifically for small and midsize manufacturers, now offers new functionality to streamline the shipping process. Vista 6.1 offers two new advanced shipping packages - Advanced Shipping Management and ExpressShip - that integrate with FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service to efficiently manage the logistics of the shipping process for more streamlined inventories and warehouse management.

Companies can link order processing and customer service logistics, to reduce data entry keystrokes and errors while offering customers more accurate and timely information about their shipments.

These new capabilities offer greater control over customers' and carriers' labeling and packaging requirements, and greater cost control by supporting the ability to dynamically calculate shipping charges online.

The system prints shipping documentation, including international shipments, and calculates final shipment costs, integrating with Vista Accounts Receivable to bill shipping charges directly to customers or third parties.

'In these tightened economic times, companies are focused on finding ways to reduce essential business expenses such as shipping, which can be a significant expense for small and midsized manufacturers,' said Paul Farrell, senior director of product marketing for Epicor's Manufacturing Solutions Group.

'Vista's new advanced shipping packages offer companies an integrated solution that can reduce time and resources spent on shipping and logistics.' Hygrade Precision Technologies, based in Plainville, Conn., USA, is among the first customers to test drive Vista 6.1's new shipping capabilities.

The company specializes in precision contract machining, grinding, and lapping services.

'Although we are not a warehouse distributor, we found ExpressShip to be an additional value-added tool we can use to further simplify our throughput process,' said John A.

Salce, president of Hygrade Precision Technologies, Inc.

'We anticipate it will reduce paperwork along with wasted time and effort.' The Vista manufacturing solution is fast becoming the software of choice for a growing number of small and midsize manufacturers.

Last January, Epicor introduced Vista 6.0, which offered customers new capabilities including enhanced supply chain visibility, contact management, inventory management and quality assurance capabilities, and flexible deployment options including support for both Microsoft SQL Server and Progress platforms.

Epicor's Vista solution was recently selected by Absolute Manufacturing, Astoria Wire and Metal Products, Farmington Cabinet Company, and Hardwire LLC.

'The response from customers has been overwhelming, and proves Vista functionality is meeting the needs of our small to midsize manufacturing customers,' said Farrell.

'Just because you're a small or midsized manufacturing shop doesn't mean you have to accept manufacturing software that delivers pint-sized benefits.

Smaller manufacturers often have more intricate manufacturing requirements and more critical needs to wring out costs and inefficiencies.

Vista can help drive these efficiencies and help these companies attain a competitive edge.' About Vista - over 3,000 customers have standardized on Vista, Epicor's Windows-based desktop integrated manufacturing solution for small- to medium-sized custom manufacturers and make-to-order departments of large enterprises.

Vista offers powerful, integrated manufacturing capabilities to drive efficiencies in scheduling, estimating, job costing, and financials to deliver maximum productivity and profitability, yet is easy-to-use and totally customizable to meet the specific customer needs.

About Epicor Software Corporation - Epicor is a leading provider of integrated enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies around the world.

Founded in 1984, Epicor has over 15,000 customers and delivers end-to-end, industry-specific solutions that enable companies to immediately improve business operations and build competitive advantage in today's Internet economy.

Epicor's comprehensive suite of integrated software solutions for Customer Relationship Management, Financials, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Professional Services Automation and Collaborative Commerce provide the scalability and flexibility to support long-term growth.

Epicor's solutions are complemented by a full range of services, providing single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership, now and in the future.

Epicor is headquartered in Irvine, California and has offices and affiliates around the world.