Integrated with the Motor Information Systems labor guide, the estimating module provides the dealer/installer with the ability to quickly and easily create estimates for both parts and labor. These can be saved for later recall whereby they can be turned into a work order, provided the user is running our integrated shop management system or one of several other leading products.

Pricing, Ordering, Pictures and More…
The demand for integrated supply chain Services such as Cataloguing, Interchange, Buyers Guide, Pricing and Electronic Ordering has now been Turbo Charged by the introduction of the iESTIMATE module that adds a Labor Guide, Pictures and Procedures capability to iCONNECT, the remote ordering system.

The new member of the iweb based software family allows the dealer to further leverage the power of autoecat, our AAIA compliant Electronic Catalogue, to fully integrate a powerful estimating module that links parts sourcing from supplier to the shop management system. The applications are fast and easy to use whilst providing a number of rich features designed to automate the parts procurement process and provide a centralized information database to dramatically improve work- flow and efficiency.

Protecting Your Bottom Line
The estimating module not only makes finding and sourcing the correct parts a breeze, it also ensures you quote the right amount of time for the job by its integration with the labor guide. In addition the system automatically adds shop and other standard charges based upon a variety of flexible criteria, making sure every job delivers the profit margins needed to remain competitive. Estimates can be saved and recalled at any time, with the system automatically re-pricing both parts and labor if older than a parameterized range.
In cases where additional information is required there is also two optional databases available, the OEM cross-reference and the “How to” guide from Mitchell.

In addition, there is also a full-featured Shop Management System that integrates Electronic Cataloguing, Electronic Ordering, Estimating and VIP customer tracking and automatic Service Reminders for those looking for a complete solution.            

How does it work?
The system is either Web based or can be purchased to run on a stand-alone PC. The advantage of the Web based solution is that the data is updated in the Electronic Catalogue daily and is the method by which Electronic Ordering can be done with preferred suppliers. To further assist with the ordering process the software automatically tracks all purchases made through the system as well as ranking those components in order of frequency. This allows easy identification of what items the dealer should consider stocking so as to reduce lead time when needed. In addition, checking your suppliers stock position as well as current pricing is accomplished at the click of a mouse.

For those using other Shop Management products the estimates can be exported to any one of a number of Windows compatible formats allowing import into your work order system.
The picture below shows an exhaust system, any item of which could be ordered by simply clicking on the component required.