Manufacturer Reports

HVACR Distributor Upgrades to Industry-Specific ERP Software

Wittichen Supply Co. replaces its homegrown solution

AUSTIN, Texas — Epicor Software Corp., a provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, announced that Wittichen Supply Co. has chosen the Epicor® Eclipse® distribution system to replace its own homegrown solution and help digitalize the HVACR business.

Founded in 1914, Wittichen Supply Co. is a regional distributor of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment with nearly 250 staff members in more than 25 locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida panhandle. Wittichen is a member of the Key Wholesaler Group, a national HVACR purchasing cooperative.

Prior to partnering with Epicor, Wittichen relied on a homegrown system that was first developed in 1996 and maintained by a small IT staff at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. As time passed, the company began to outgrow its proprietary software and senior staff realized there was a need for a more sophisticated solution.

“We were at a crossroads,” said Charles Herring, general manager, Wittichen Supply Co. “We needed to upgrade our system to keep up with recent growth, and that was going to either involve investing in additional IT staff and resources or seeking out a modern, out-of-the-box solution. We worked with a consultant who helped us determine it was time to upgrade and, after looking at several options, we decided Eclipse would be the best choice for our organization.”

Wittichen plans to take advantage of several industry-specific features within Eclipse, including improved inventory management and reporting, greater insight into costs associated with purchasing decisions, and advanced forecasting, which will help address the seasonal nature of the business. Herring said these features will ensure Wittichen branches “have what our customers need when they need it” and “help us remain competitive among regional and national HVACR suppliers.” With Eclipse, each branch manager will have the autonomy to tailor inventory for their specific market while collaborating with remote colleagues and reporting back to the organization’s corporate headquarters.

“We are thrilled to welcome Wittichen Supply to Epicor and to play a part in their continued growth,” said Kami Kurth, senior director of product management, Epicor. “Eclipse is built to take on the unique operational requirements specific to wholesale distributors with little to no customization. Because Epicor solutions are tailored to the industries they serve, our customers can be confident they have chosen a technology partner that understands and anticipates their needs.”

For more information about the Epicor Eclipse software solution, visit www.epicor.com/products/eclipse-software.aspx.

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