The repV service management software can be used on a PC, laptop or tablet. © Peak-Networks

With repV for Sage 100, Pumpen-Service Bentz receives all the benefits of professional service management software directly from the Sage 100 Office Line, allowing the company to operate in its familiar working environment. This is not an interface, but a partner solution certified by Sage that can be fully integrated into the existing system. "For this reason, the migration to our infrastructure was not a challenge," says Bentz. "We only had to transfer the objects from xRM - for example, the repair machines that we have in our inventory - to repV. This was very straightforward thanks to Excel and our expertise in databases (SQL) as well as the support of PEAK-Networks."

Both companies checked which information from individual tables in the object databases could be used in repV and where. "One special feature should be emphasized at this point: Because remote working works so well, we didn't have to have a Peak Networks employee visit us on site even once," explains Bentz. "This was a great advantage for both sides - it saved us additional expenses such as travel time, etc. - and ultimately meant that we were able to put the software into operation on May 1, 2019."

Visible success within a short time

After switching to the new service software, Pumpen-Service Bentz was able to record positive results very quickly. "I am particularly impressed by the fact that I can check the performance of my employees in real time," says Bentz. "You can see at a glance immediately and every day which orders have been returned from the previous day - and what the reported hours look like." Thanks to repV, employees no longer have to hand in a completed timesheet in person to the back office, but can instead transfer their hours easily and automatically via the tablet app. "This gives me the opportunity to intervene in a repair order if necessary, should the hours ever get out of hand," says Bentz happily. Simple repair jobs can also be completed more quickly thanks to repV, allowing spare parts to be reordered in good time so that they can be used promptly for maintenance or repair jobs. "We also particularly like repV's maintenance history," adds Bentz. "It's an advantage when employees can view the history of each device, for example to track the maintenance or repair process."

"We've been working with Peak Networks for some time now," says Bentz. "And the collaboration works really well. If something doesn't work, we've always received help quickly and easily. We also appreciate the fact that we can give Peak-Networks feedback on repV, which in our experience is readily accepted." repV is now used by over 20 employees at two locations - one employee is permanently employed at a power plant in Hamburg. The maintenance contract module in repV, which provides Pumpen-Service Bentz with an overview of maintenance dates and automatically generated service orders, has received particularly positive feedback. Preset maintenance intervals can also be easily incorporated into the scheduling of the field service, which is also an advantage for the employees, who can plan their day better - without having to coordinate with the back office every time.

Further customizations are pending

"We are definitely planning to continue using repV as a service solution and would also like to have Peak-Networks make individual adjustments," summarizes Bentz. "These include, for example, the creation of service reports. We would also like to store links in data sheets that fitters can then fill in directly on site. One of the next steps we are aiming to take is to expand our maintenance area with the help of repV."

Jessica Henke, freelance author from Darmstadt for Peak-Networks