Epicor release new Time and Expense tracking apps for Windows Phone

Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, introduced two new Windows Phone® 8 mobile apps, at the company’s annual user conference. The apps — Expenses and Time Entry — are designed to streamline recording and improve the accuracy and efficiency of time and expense tracking for employees in the field.

The apps are specifically designed to leverage the design elements and user experience of the Windows Phone® 8, and to give IT organizations the flexibility to support an increasingly mobile workforce.

Available via download from the Windows App Store, the new touch-optimized Expenses and Timekeeping Windows Phone 8 integrate with both Epicor ERP and Epicor iScala software. The apps allow employees to focus on actively producing revenue instead of furiously scribbling down notes and having to later recollect and reconstruct details — which may lack accuracy. Use of the apps to track and report time and expenses also streamlines billing of transactions, improving cash flow and providing clear time stamped entries and supporting documentation to support dispute resolution when needed, key to customer satisfaction.

The Expenses and Timekeeping apps  feature Dashboards, Timesheets and Expense Tracking Forms, Reminders, Memos, Rounding, Notifications, Personalization, and Sharing. A software wizard interface ensures time and expenses are logged in a manner that ensures accurate reporting with minimal time and effort. The apps make it easy to edit entries and/or attach images, and provide quick access to summary or reference views with just a tap. Users can view attachments — such as receipt images captured through the camera — in full screen view model with pinch and zoom support, and also pin dashboards to the home screen for easy reference.

Epicor Windows Phone 8 apps work with existing Microsoft® infrastructure, easing back end administration and enabling organizations to maximize the value of their existing Microsoft investments. As well, Epicor Windows Phone 8 apps leverage Microsoft’s layered security approach, so organizations can deploy with confidence knowing the apps are rigorously protected.

BYOD strategies that are becoming more commonplace. Researchers say that some 30% of the global workforce relies on phones and tablets to get work done on the road and more than 80% of workers have at least some portion of their work tasks that regularly takes place away from an office.

“Mobile is a key technology element redefining the enterprise; while some organizations are adopting mobile wholeheartedly, many more are making a gradual transition toward mobility,” said Erik Johnson, vice president, Technology Strategy at Epicor Software. “The new Expenses and Time Entry Windows Phone 8 apps enable organizations to achieve a sound, solid return on investment as a first point of entry for enterprise mobility strategies. As well, the new apps underscore the practicality of employees’ mobile devices as a valuable aid for logging billable hours, employee hours, and client-related expenses — and to address corporate head office initiatives to reduce revenue leakage and streamline customer billing.”

“Epicor and Microsoft have strong history of working together to incorporate the newest Microsoft and Windows technologies for ERP innovation to support business everywhere, in real-time, and always online,” said Craig Dewar, Director of Windows Commercial Marketing, Microsoft. “The new Epicor Windows® Phone 8 apps offer Epicor customers the ability to leverage their existing Microsoft infrastructure solutions for maximum IT management efficiency. Additionally, the layered security benefits of Windows Phone 8 apps will appeal to organizations that are concerned about the insecurity implications of mobile apps associated with other mobile operating systems.”

The apps will be available in the Windows Phone Store shortly.