About packages

Packages are a method of rolling labor, parts, and charges together for the purposes of billing. A common example of a package would be an oil change. The customer will see a single charge on their invoice for "oil change", even though it includes labor, parts, and other charges.

A package is defined as labor (a VMRS code), parts, and charges. A work order will allow the charges and parts to be modified (added, deleted), but the VMRS on the labor line cannot be changed and additional codes cannot be added.

Best practice is to create new VMRS codes that apply only to packages. The description of the VMRS should be the description of the package. This is especially important if you print your shop invoice sorted by VMRS code. It will also be helpful in any reporting that may be done later. As well, many panels that show VMRS description would benefit from the description reflecting the package name. If you choose to use pre-existing VMRS codes, you must be aware that packages will not automatically stand out on any existing Enrich reports or panels.

A package must always have one, and only one, VMRS code defined. This is essential, since charges and parts must be connected to a VMRS code for the purpose of generating the work order line.

Packages can only be added to customer work orders, and they should be billable. It is possible to mark a package line as non-billable, but since the greatest value in having packages on a work order is for the purpose of invoicing, a non-billable package doesn't offer much benefit. However, it is allowed, and a possible use would be to mark the package as "non-billable, show on invoice" to indicate to a customer that a package was included at no charge.

A package can be defined for a PM with the restriction that the PM must only contain a single activity (VMRS code).

In general, packages will contain placeholders for the required parts. The onus will be on the individual shops to replace those placeholders with the appropriate part for the equipment involved.

For those using Consolidated Billing in conjunction with packages, you must ensure that your CB definitions do not separate labor and material. As well, the CB sort selection should never be by charge type. As a precaution, the sorting should be re-visited in order to ensure that packages ending up on a CB invoice appear correctly. The package price will be attached to the labor line.

Packages cannot be added to an estimate.

You can sell a package with zero cost on the line.

Copying a work order that contains a package will not copy the package lines. You will be presented with a pop-up in this scenario asking if you want to continue with the copy.

Transferring parts from/to work order package lines is allowed. You have control and responsibility for ensuring the desired end result is achieved.

Note: Packages offer a lot of flexibility in terms of controlling the prices charged to customers. Care should be taken to ensure the pricing setup is as simple as possible in order to reduce the need for continuous review and maintenance of the tables.

On to Packages or back to Package Tables