Client & Service Unit Management Overview

The Client and Service Unit system is one of the core operational components of MLS 2026. Nearly every major activity within the program connects to these records, including:

•workorders

•estimates

•invoices

•service history

•preventative maintenance

•CRM follow-up

•inventory usage

•marketing

•reporting

•accounting

Because of this integration, accurate Client and Service Unit data is essential for smooth operation of the entire system.

MLS 2026 maintains Clients and Service Units together within a single tabbed interface. This design allows rapid movement between:

•customer information

•service unit information

•service history

•preventative maintenance schedules

•follow-up communication tools

without repeatedly opening separate windows.

For automotive facilities, the Service Unit is typically a vehicle. However, MLS 2026 is designed for many types of service and repair operations. A Service Unit may also represent:

•HVAC equipment

•generators

•industrial machinery

•marine equipment

•construction equipment

•lawn equipment

•appliances

•electronic systems

•any serviced asset requiring tracking

The relationship between:

👉 Client ↔ Service Unit ↔ Workorder

forms the operational foundation of MLS 2026.

Navigation

The Client and Service Unit screens are connected dynamically.

Select the desired tab to move between:

•Client records

•Service Unit records

To quickly locate information:

1.Select the desired search column

2.Begin typing the search value

3.MLS 2026 automatically repositions the highlight bar

Searches may be performed by:

•client name

•account number

•Service Unit ID

•license

•VIN

•serial number

•phone number

•alternate identifiers

The system monitors keyboard input directly, so it is not necessary to first click into a specific field.

Working Between Clients And Service Units

The two screens interact automatically.

From Client To Service Unit

When viewing a Client:

•double-click the highlighted record

MLS 2026 automatically:

•switches to the Service Unit screen

•filters the display to only units owned by that client

To return to viewing all Service Units:

👉 select the Show All option.

From Service Unit To Client

When viewing a Service Unit:

•double-click the highlighted record

MLS 2026 automatically:

•switches to the Client screen

•highlights the associated client account

This design allows rapid movement between related information during:

•estimate writing

•service review

•customer discussions

•history lookups

Adding A New Client

To create a new Client:

1.Open the Client tab

2.Select:

👉 Add

3.Enter the client information

4.Select:

👉 Save

The system automatically assigns:

•the account number

•database relationships

•history links

Adding A Service Unit To An Existing Client

To add a Service Unit:

1.Locate the Client record

2.Double-click the client

3.The Service Unit screen appears

4.Select:

👉 Add

5.Enter the Service Unit information

6.Link the account properly

7.Select:

👉 Save

For automotive operations:

•entering the license and state may automatically retrieve VIN information when supported interfaces are active.

Adding A New Client And Service Unit Together

First:

1.Add the Client

2.Save the Client record

Then:

1.Double-click the Client

2.Add the Service Unit

3.Link the proper account

4.Save the Service Unit record

This ensures:

•proper history linkage

•accurate reporting

•CRM synchronization

•service tracking

Service Unit Identification Standards

Every Service Unit must have a:

👉 permanent unique identifier.

For vehicles:

•use the actual license plate

•use the VIN for manufacturer identification

For non-vehicle equipment:

•use the manufacturer serial number whenever possible

To prevent duplicate serial numbers between manufacturers:

👉 add a manufacturer prefix.

Examples:

•HP-22033

•CAT-998712

•GEN-44721

This improves:

•search accuracy

•history tracking

•reporting reliability

•duplicate prevention

Why Accurate Data Matters

Accurate Client and Service Unit information improves:

•service efficiency

•estimate preparation

•preventative maintenance tracking

•customer communication

•inventory control

•historical analysis

•CRM effectiveness

•profitability analysis

Poor data quality often causes:

•duplicate records

•missing history

•incorrect reporting

•failed CRM communication

•inaccurate PM scheduling

MLS 2026 includes utilities and reports specifically designed to help maintain accurate records.

Recommended Best Practices

•Search before adding new records

•Use permanent unique Service Unit IDs

•Maintain consistent naming conventions

•Verify VIN and serial numbers carefully

•Save changes immediately

•Use utilities instead of manual record changes

•Review duplicate records regularly

•Keep client contact information current

•Maintain accurate ownership relationships

•Use preventative maintenance scheduling proactively

Recommended Companion Sections

•Client Data

•Service Unit Data

•Service History

•Preventative Maintenance Scheduler

•Client / Service Unit Utilities

•Marketing

•Auto CRM

•Client Analysis

•Workorder Processing