Epicor has big plans for BisTrack, LumberTrack

Merchantz What is going to happen to PSI's dealerfocused BisTrack line?

Graham Rigby, product manager, BisTrack: BisTrack is our primary go-forward lumber and building material system. BisTrack was built from the ground up, which makes it very different from other platforms in the market. Other platforms could not take true advantage of the latest technologies available. The BisTrack platform is not constrained by a legacy technology, and that allows us to go where technology is moving-in any direction. Mobile. web. cloud are all possible because of the platform's strong and flexible technology infrastructure. f nsr venn, when one of the lumber and building materiI-lal industry's most unique software providers, Progressive Solutions, was acquired by a global conglomerate, fears were that new owner Epicor Software Corp., Dublin, Ca., would either radically change PSI's popular BisTrack and LumberTrack products or discard them completely.

Now that the dust has settled, The Merchanl takes a closer look at the acquisition-what it means to Epicor and PSI customers and potential customers, and what the industry should expect from Epicor moving forward.

Merchant: What does the deal mean for PSI customers?

Steve Bieszczat, senior v.p., marketing: PSI customers should know that Epicor is fully committed to the growth and success of BisTrack and LumberTrack. The company plans to continue to sell, develop and support these two successful products. This means that BisTrack and LumberTrack customers will enjoy the benefits of being with a large, market-leading company. These benefits include long-term stability, growth and access to Epicor companion products, such as EDI, hardware and payment services.

Merchuntz What is going to happen to LumberTrack?

Rigby: LumberTrack is our primary go-forward business software solution for lumber and wood products manufacturers and wholesale distributors. We recently announced an update to this product (Version l0) and plan to continue developing, marketing, selling and supporting this popular product. This recent update gives customers advanced customization tools to create role-based user experiences, simplify screens, streamline data entry, extend data accessibility, and support multiple languages.

Adding LumberTrack to our catalog of products extends our LBM market coverage. From hardware stores to pro yards to wholesalers to lumber mills, Epicor now covers the entire supply chain. We understand the nuances of each section in the LBM supply chain, and have products that are specific to the needs ofeach.

Merchqnt: What about for Epicor customers?

Bieszczat: Epicor customers who are looking to change their technology platform have a new compelling choice with their current technology partner. However, customers who are happy with their Epicor solution should know that Epicor will continue to provide them the service and support they rely on.

Merchant: So they needn't worry that their old, legacy platform is going to become obsolete?

Bieszczat: Correct. We appreciate all of our LBM customers and we realize that not everyone needs to have the latest technology. We've been serving the LBM market for over 30 years. Some of our products have been in place for decades and continue to serve their users well. We are going to continue to provide service and support for those customers to the best of our ability.

While BisTrack is our lead LBM product for new customers, our Catalyst/Falcon and ECS Pro customers are a vibrant, important customer base. These products will continue to be sold as extensions of current installations. Epicor will continue to support and keep development resources behind these products and our older legacy systems. We are not actively marketing and selling these products to new customers, but will continue to support those who rely on these products to run their businesses.

Merchant: How committed is Epicor to the LBM market, considering the hardship the industry has endured of late?

Bieszczat: Our acquisition of PSI underscores our commitment. The last few years have been rough on the LBM industry. Because Epicor serves a diverse group of industries, we have been able to weather the storm. Like many dealers and builders, we have had to tighten our belts, streamline our operations, and focus resources on growing business segments. However, we never wavered in our commitment to the market and our customers. We are glad we stayed, because we see that the LBM market is improving and dealers are starting to spend more money on new technologies.

Our lumber operations have been revitalized by the PSI acquisition. There has been a great influx of new talent and energy. We feel we have a compelling solution with the best LBM business management technology, backed by the best and largest corporation in the industry.

Merchant: What else is Epicor doing in LBM?

Rigby: Epicor spent the last year bringing PSI employees into the fold. We are pleased that all developers and support personnel have remained with the company. Our investment has not stopped there. We recently added headcount on our services and support team, and we will soon add to the development team.

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