Need a large custom application built for managing an autobody shop.

I need to get a quotation on the creation of an application to manage an Autobody Repair Shop. This will handle the process of importing quotations from other applications, handling parts ordering and parts tracking, and managing the tracking of the vehicle as it moves through the autobody shop from the time the keys are dropped off for the vehicle through the various stages to inspection and return of the keys to the owner. Financial data will need to export to Simply Accounting. This software will need to be able to be used over multiple store locations, and segregate that data appropriately. Time tracking and reporting will also be an element. If your company is shortlisted for consideration, I can allow remote access to their current system so you can evaluate more thoroughly everything that is involved. Choice of technology to use will require a recommendation from the qualified bidder, but both scalability and price should be a consideration when recommending a technology. *****Only larger companies with a good team will be considered for this project. Please do not bid if you do not have some structure and size behind your organization. ***** ## Deliverables Some additional info: They are using a program now that provides this service, but the application is bulky and often confusing. I can get you remote access to a terminal running the software so you can get an idea of how it currently operates. We are trying to create a simpler, more easy to use version of the software they are currently licensing. This software will need to have user logins, and be able to manage several locations running at the same time. Each location should not be able to access other locations' data. I need to be able to create new locations as needed should the business expand. I require a recommendation on what technology should be used to do all this. Overview: My client requires a piece of software that will allow him to manage and track the flow of vehicles as they progress through a body shop. These are the stages (this occurs AFTER parts have been ordered and have arrived - the parts section is crucial and explained in more detail later.): a. Check-in (customer brings in keys) b. Body Department - changing of panels - fixing of dents c. Prepping for painting - putting on primer - sanding - masking d. Painting e. Assembly f. Sub-lets (contracted work) - wheel alignments, mechanical inspections, computer coding g. Detailing / Final inspection 2. Here is a more detailed look at these stages. R.O. (requisition order number is generated) Customer name and information is input. Parts ordered. Parts received. Parts board notifies scheduling board that client needs to be called or emailed to bring car in. Once parts have arrived, customer is called to set a date to be booked in. Car arrives. Mapping - Mirroring the repairs to the estimate (note: Estimate may be done by an outside source, so therefore needs to be independently verified by the body shop to ensure that the correct parts were ordered. That's what this stage is. Sometimes the estimator indicated a wrong part on the estimate, or missed a part.). Bodywork Prep Paint Sublets (When a vehicle needs to be sent somewhere else to have certain work done, such as reprogramming the computer in a car or getting it cleaned) Detailing (cleaning) Delivery Date out Other considerations: Track time the car is in each zone. Aggregate this information to generate statistics. Track time to do Keys to Keys (time body shop receives the keys to the time the car keys are returned to the customer) - date in to date out. How many units a day can then be calculated (to figure out efficiency of a given shop). As the estimate may be done elsewhere, it may arrive electronically. There are two programs that can generate these estimates. We need to import estimate from estimating systems - Autodex and Mitchell. I can get sample data files of those imports. Ideally the application would monitor a folder location on the server so that when a new estimate arrives, it is deposited in this folder and automatically imported into the system. After import, it will appear as an new R.O. Data contains Customer name, VIN (vehicle identification number - it is printed on the dash of every vehicle), insurance company, deductible, days to repair, part numbers. Parts order goes to the parts ordering guy, who then puts it in, orders parts by printing (for faxing) or emailing (link to email application needed) out a partial or full list of parts to suppliers, and waits for parts to arrive. Need to be able to record that certain parts have arrived. Parts need to be coded R for received, B for Backordered, or just Ordered. Need to be able to print label that includes customer name, RO, part number, vehicle year colour and model. Date ordered, date received. I will be able to obtain a screen shot of their current software which is fairly well designed that does some of this stuff already, or we can obtain you remote access. This will help provide clarity. There will be a whiteboard (a big 60 inch screen) that will display on a large screen in the shop area. This whiteboard will show the current location of each vehicle in the shop. They will be sorted by "date out" - the expected date of completion. As an employee finishes a stage, they will need to move the vehicle to a different stage on a console in the shop. Screen layout - tabs Customer info - RO Parts received Scheduler is for work waiting to get into the location. Stuff moves to WIP when customer drops off vehicle. Work in progress - Items will only go to the whiteboard when the date out is specified.