R&R Bell & Howell EPC for Lexus / Toyota

[Lexus PM]

We recently received new Bell & Howell EPC's at our Lexus dealership from Reynolds & Reynolds. While I do like the overall system, there are a couple of limitations which have me considering switching to the EDS system. The main thing I like about EDS is that it is totally Windows based. While two of the "client-workstations" I have from Bell & Howell are Windows based, the Server is not. I had intended on using the PC's for other programs such as Exel, which are not included. But even if I add the program, I will not be able to use the printer provided with the Bell & Howell because it is attached to the server which is not Windows based. I also have a PC on my desk which R&R has not yet been able to connect to system. Internet access and adding a standard fax to the same line are some other issues. If anyone has any comments about either of these systems, I would appreciate hearing from you.

[This message has been edited by Lexus PM (edited 09-08-99).]

[David S]

Lexus PM:

I have been meaning to obtain additional information on each of these systems. As you should know the AS400 TDN will be phased out within the next couple of years and you should consider that while making a decision. You may be able to get additional information through www.bhauto.com (Bell&Howell) or www.edspartsimager.com (EDS). Toyota has lined up with EDS to take over the EPCs they have marketed in the past. The one nice feature of that system is that you can apparently purchase the software only and load it into your windows based system, if you had one. Though there were plans to have the Toyota EPC communicate with the AS400, it never happened. I know of no system that currently will communicate with the AS400 and dont think anyone with invest the time and effort considering that in time the system will be non-existent.

If I can help further, please feel free to drop a note.

David S

[Richard]

We were a Beta Test Dealer for PI 2 for GM, and we put the software-only package on a locally built server/client network. The program to connect to an AS400 is called Rumba. It is the ONLY program you can use that will interface PI 2 and an AS400. We are using EDS, and an AS400. if you have any questions, Email me direct, and I will try to help you.
Parts@lebanon.total-web.net

[keith]

A word to the wise,look long and hard at the E.D.S. system before making any switch. I have used both R&R and currently use E.D.S. and personally I would obtain a separate terminal for T.D.N. use. Just my opinion. Any questions as to why e-mail me.

[Phil PI2]

Lexus PM, I can't speak for the B&H or the R&R product but I can tell you about the EDS Parts Imager2 Product. The EDS Parts Imager2 Parts Catalog is a True 32 bit Windows software application and will integrate to multiple inhouse systems to include TDN and many others. One reference you might want to call is Toyota of Wobourn located in the greater Boston, MA area. Joe is one of many fans of the Parts Imager2 catalog. I am a Supervisor for the EDS Parts Imager Account and would be happy to answer any of your technical questions about the catalog or its features and functionality.
I also seen a previous message posted about our ablity to sell software only. This is true you are not locked into buying proprietary hardware from us. We "EDS Parts Imager" will sell you just the software if that is all you need. On the other hand if you want to purchase hardware we sell a complete Micron PC network as well. We also offer complete installation and training as well. Please check out our web site at www.edspartsimager.com you can downlaod some desktop demonstration files. It will get you a feel for the product.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Best Regards.

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Philip Raubinger
EDS Parts Imager
810-236-8417

[This message has been edited by Phil PI2 (edited 09-02-99).]

[JHaynes]

Lexus PM...
We (Fresno Lexus), recently purchased the Bell and Howell EPC. I don't quite understand what you mean by supplied by R&R, as we purchased our system direct from B/H. The system works great for us, the PCs emulate the AS400 nicely, and some day when TDN goes away, we are ready to hook up to our Dodge stores R/R system.
E-Mail me if you have any questions I may help you with.
Jim Haynes
Fresno Dodge/Lexus
W6PXM@pacbell.net

[Chuck Hartle]

Just to clarify the difference between the Bell + Howell EPC and Reynolds and Reynolds EPC = There is none!

Bell + Howell has a agreement to some degree with Reynolds & Reynolds to allow R & R to sell the B+H EPC with their own ERA clients. ERA calls it "PartsVison", but to put it simply the B+H EPC and the R&R EPC are the exact same thing.

Chuck Hartle'

[Gerry Laughlin]

We are a GM dealer which has been using EDS for the last year and a half and I couldn't be happier. We used to be on ADP's Parts Cataloging system, but switched to EDS for cost savings. We purchased all hardware locally, and purchased just the software from EDS. We use Rumba to connect to our ADP system, (by the way you can purchase Rumba on the open market for quite a bit less than from EDS for even more cost savings.) The major advantage for us is the ability to connect to other shop management software. Each of my guys can access ADP, ESI, Shopkey, One Touch, the internet, or our Fax server from any one of our five stations. By using a program called Winbatch we have even gotten the system to roll our vins over from ADP to Parts Imager with just one key press, which has really helped in getting parts right the first time. Support from EDS has only been needed only once so far, and was excellent. Right now I would say the only strike the PI2 has against it is that it is by EDS, and in my opinion, support from EDS for the GMAccess system has been quite a bit lacking.

[Rex]

I like the idea of getting the VINs to the EPC with one key, but does that mean your parts people have access to the service logon to get the VINs?

[angusmacdonald]

TO THOSE PEOPLE CONSIDERING EDS:

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
THE CURRENT AS400 PROGRAM IS NOT UP TO
ANY SORT OF USER FRIENDLY STATUS.
THE SYSTEM USES TOO MANY MENU SCREENS, AND
SUBJECTS USERS TO AN ENDLESS SERIES OF
ADDITIONAL SCREENS AND SUB-ENTRIES.
IN THE CURRENT FORM IT DOESN'T ENABLE
USERS, IT INHIBITS THEM

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angus g.