Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/120369
Product News Lizzy Version 3.0 released by nizeX On March 1, the nizeX development team announced the release of its latest business management system, Lizzy Version 3.0, which will enable OPE dealers to manage their businesses better than ever before. "It's all part of our commitment to improve our service for dealers every day," said Glenn Hancock, president of nizeX, Inc. "We aren't content to sit back and say, 'We've got a good system, so let's take a break.' Lizzy is going to keep adapting to the OPE business as dealer needs change." Some of Lizzy 3.0's many features include: • Integrated accounting module that significantly reduces time spent managing the general ledger and reducing user errors • Complete F&I package • Warranty module • Innovative inventory system that tracks exact quantities in each specific bin location • Full-service module tied to payroll module for easier mechanic scheduling • Built-in CRM system for tracking customer data and sales opportunities nizeX does not charge for upgrades to the system, and Lizzy users receive access to the full system (no charges for adding features) for one flat price. "Our goal is not to sell you software, but to join your team," Hancock added. "We can help you manage every single bit of data moving through your business and streamline your processes, saving you time and money. Get back to running your business instead of letting it run over you." nizeX, Inc. Charter Software offers EZ-Link interface for ASPEN Charter Software Inc., a provider of business management system software for outdoor power, agricultural and construction equipment dealers, announced March 14 the availability of the ASPEN EZ-Link interface for Toro, Exmark and Lawn-Boy dealers. The EZ-Link integration with the ASPEN business management system allows dealers to register customer purchases directly at the point of sale, saving them time and reducing duplication of effort. Dealers also may quickly register customer purchases directly from the ASPEN Unit or Customer record at a later point if needed. "Many dealers, either through mistake or oversight, are not taking advantage of promotional rebates due to them," said Dave Francis, senior manager, research/strategy at The Toro Company. "The ability to immediately and electronically register products through EZ-Link's integration with ASPEN will help to ensure that dealers meet promotion claim deadlines for rebates on specified models." EZ-Link integration is the newest of many features built into ASPEN that help equipment dealers save time and effort in their daily routines. Dealers who use an industry-specific business system not only have the ability to manage their dealership across all departments and locations, but also recognize the benefit of manufacturer-specific integration. "ASPEN's tight integration with leading suppliers' back-end systems not only helps dealers to reduce errors and save keystrokes, but also helps them maintain close communication with the manufacturers they work with on a daily basis — without needing to leave their business system," said Charter Software President Anne Salemo. "We continually work with these suppliers to implement tools in our business system that will aid in streamlining dealer transactions." Charter Software, Inc. c-Systems announces Ariens and Gravely labor flat rate time integration c-Systems Software, Inc., Arlington, Texas, announced March 7 the addition of Ariens and Gravely labor flat rate time integration for the latest release of the Infinity 5.1 business management system, joining other prominent OEM vendors such as Exmark, Kubota, Stihl and Toro. Flat Rate Time — FRT — provides the ability to link equipment on the repair order/shop ticket to the associated vendor's labor flat rates. As a result, the dealer only needs to point and click to add the appropriate labor rate within a repair order, thus removing the hassle of manually looking up labor codes, descriptions and times. Each of the OEM vendors spends considerable time and effort developing lists of suggested labor flat rate times to do warranty repairs on their products. c-Systems realized that it only makes sense that these same codes, descriptions and times, which are the basis of warranty repair reimbursement, could be easily used for normal billable repairs too. With the addition of vendor labor flat rates, more applicable repair times are easier to include and much less likely for a mistake to occur. Using the vendor's defined rates will help to standardize equipment repair descriptions, provide for a more professional-looking repair ticket, and increase billing amounts and profits on each repair order. Ultimately, it is c-Systems' desire that the inclusion of vendor labor flat rates will be the initial step toward offering automatic completion and electronic transmission of warranty claims from dealers to their vendors. c-Systems understands that warranty claims transmission is a priority for all dealers, and with the integration of vendor flat rates, the company is close to making that happen. c-Systems Software, Inc. Grasshopper announces new compact zero-turn mower for 2013 The Grasshopper Company recently unveiled a new compact zero-turn mower: Model 126V-52. Model 126V-52 maintains the same professional-quality craftsmanship as all other Grasshopper mowers, with features that include a fully hydraulic, integrated pump-and-wheel-motor transmission; a 26-hp. Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf engine (with an extended 3-year engine warranty); a 52-inch-wide, 5.5-inch-deep cutting deck with foot-pedal and drop-pin height adjustment; large, turf-style, drive tires; and a fully cushioned, Cordura-covered seat with padded armrests. Model 126V-52 provides the agility of a zero-turn mower with a compact size able to maneuver in tight spaces without the fatigue of a walk-behind mower. The compact unit is well suited for landscape contractors who maintain small-acreage and confined areas, as well as ranchers, farmers and rural lifestylers who want to maintain lawn areas around their homesteads. Its small footprint also allows for easy storage in garages or small outbuildings. Combined with a best-in-class 300hour transmission fluid change interval — with no break-in period — selftensioning belts and no more than 5 grease points, Model 126V-52 is designed for less maintenance, low cost of operation, extended service life and long-term value. The Grasshopper Co. Continued on page 34 28 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com