Since Apple's announcement that their SOAP API's were going offline, there's been a lot of discussion as to what options are available to Apple Authorized Service Providers. We believe that the best option is one which takes advantage of the new REST API's as those offer a distinct advantage over those stuck with using Apple's GSX website. The amount of time wasted copying/pasting back and forth between your Service App and GSX, combined with the potential for human error, make the efficiency and productivity of a fully integrated solution a clear winner.

While I've yet to see a GSX integration using Apple's new API's in any application other than PIMS, I suspect that when others are talking about developing a connection to GSX, they're talking about offering a much more limited solution than what is already available in PIMS.

PIMS offers a fully integrated solution which takes advantage of all of the GSX API's available. Additionally, because PIMS is more than just a service module, that integration flows through to everything else that PIMS brings to the table—inventory management, point of sale, and accounting. As you move through the process of choosing a solution with GSX integration, here is what that integration looks like in PIMS. Keep in mind that, at the time of this writing, we are not aware that any other developer has released a GSX integration using Apple's new API's.

1. Device Lookup
1. Warranty Status
2. Find My Device Status
2. Diagnostics – Run a variety of diagnostics from within PIMS. All results are stored for future reference. Techs can review all diags run on each device. This satisfies the requirement that diags be run before warranty statuses are unmasked. 
3. Repair Strategy – PIMS filters the available repair strategies allowed for each device, making it easier for techs to set up repairs correctly.
4. Parts Lookup – PIMS displays only those parts available for the repair strategy selected. Shipping and billing part numbers are also returned to ensure proper billing.
5. Pricing Lookup – PIMS returns accurate pricing depending on warranty or REP status, damage levels, Exchange or Stock pricing, and Display or Battery Only pricing if available. Techs have the ability to review all pricing before creating the repair to minimize any pricing "surprises".
6. Repair Creation – PIMS creates the SRO in GSX.
7. Order Parts – PIMS orders parts.
   
8. Add Loaners – Add Consignment iPhone Loaners to iPhone mail-in repairs.
9. Receive Parts – PIMS tracks whether parts are received for warranty or out of warranty repairs and keeps inventory levels, cost of goods, and serial numbers accurate. 
10. Repair Update – PIMS updates GSX throughout the repair process.
1. GPR/DOA/CTS – Good Part Return automatically alerts GSX to issue a credit memo. Dead on Arrival automatically orders a replacement part. Convert to Stock automatically alerts GSX to update pricing.
2. KBB/KGB – Serial numbers are automatically updated as parts are received.
3. Ready for Pickup – PIMS automatically updates SRO status when tech completes the repair.
11. Repair Completion – PIMS automatically marks repair complete when customer picks up the device.
12. Apple Invoice Reconciliation
1. Debit Memos — PIMS automatically posts agreed invoices to accounting. Any disputed invoices are flagged for review. Disputed invoices include any parts not received, any warranty repairs, any over-charged parts, module not received, accidental, liquid, or non-repairable damages.
2. Credit Memos — PIMS automatically posts agreed labor reimbursements to accounting. Any underpaid reimbursements are flagged for review.
13. Consignment Inventory Management
1. Shipment Acknowledgments – Acknowledging shipments from within PIMS updates GSX consignment inventory parts in both GSX and PIMS.
2. Inventory Management – PIMS automatically updates GSX when using consignment parts for repairs, keeping PIMS inventory and GSX inventory levels in sync.