DealersEdge Professional Forums

We are currently using the Ford CPD parts catalog. As our contract is approaching the end I am trying to gain some insight on whether or not the R&R version of the Electronic Parts Catalog would be a worthwhile investment. We are also using the R&R ERA 2 system. Does anyone have any comments on this subject?

Thanks,
Lee Ridgeway
Parts Manager-Steve Williams Ford

Bell and Howell (B&H) is the major player in the EPC game now. R&R is reselling the B&H system and as a R&R cutomer you can only buy it from R&R, at a premium. ADP has also announced they are out of the EPC business and will resell B&H olso.

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Lee,

Bell + Howell is by far the best alternative in EPC applications. The extra price you may pay for B&H is worth it in time, productivity, speed, and information integrity.

Chuck Hartle

We have used the R&R EPC for several years now at our Chrysler store and our Ford store uses the Ford system. I personally prefer the R&R (Bell & Howell) to the other but our parts manager at the Ford store loves the other sytem. I think that it all revolves around the system you are used to using and comfortable with as to which is best for your store and people. Get a consensus among the counterpeople or they will set out to prove you wrong no matter which way you go.


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Mike

If you have not already signed a contract with Reynolds and Reynolds, it might be smart to make an agreement with B&H for their catalog system now. This will preclude those extra charges from R&R. It will also give you much better tech support as well as leaving open your options.

Ron Graves

Ron:

If you are already on the R&R ERA system Bell & Howell won't even talk to you. Their contract/agreement with R&R precludes this. So if you want the Bell & Howell system and are on R&R you pay their price!

Isn't it neat!