April 2019 News And Updates

April begins in jest, but we’re not fooling around when it comes to delivering the best in business

April 2019 News And Updates

Encompass Solutions 2019, April, Encompass Solutions, News, Updates Sean Balogh

April begins in jest, but we’re not fooling around when it comes to delivering the best in business systems expertise. Discover the latest in tech to manage your business with invaluable information in this April 2019 news update.

The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 release is coming soon and we’ve got a sneak peek at what main features you can expect to find when the update is released.

Ever heard of a customer self-service portal? It can make your relationships with customers more fulfilling and profitable. The capability of these portals extends to suppliers and trading partners, as well. We deliver the details on how customer self-service portals keep manufacturers ahead of the competition.

When you need an ERP update or full-scale implementation yesterday, the only answer is a rapid implementation. Here are some tips to make your ERP rapid implementation smooth and successful.

Carve out some time on your calendar to see the Encompass Solutions automation and robotics presentation at Automate 2019 in Chicago, IL April 8-11. Jason Claggett will be presenting an introduction to automation and robotics with a primer on how to get started with these technologies. The presentation will take place Wednesday, April 10, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. view the full Automate 2019 agenda, here. We will be exhibiting at Booth #9245 during the biggest automation event in the US. Come say hello, grab some swag, and discover the automation capabilities of Epicor ERP, firsthand.

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Sneak Peek

Get a sneak peek at the latest features and tools available to users in the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 release coming soon.

Why You Need A Customer Self-Service Portal

Deliver a more fulfilling customer experience while freeing up in-house talent with customer self-service portals.

Automate 2019

Don’t miss this automation event in Chicago, IL April 8-11. Automate 2019 will deliver insights, education, and networking opportunities surrounding automation in all its forms. Encompass Solutions will exhibit at Booth #9245 and deliver an introductory breakout session on automation and robotics with steps you can take now toward implementing in your facility.

ERP Rapid Implementation

Taking steps to modernize your operations at every level takes time. Here’s how you can get up to speed with a modern business management system, faster.

Customer Appreciation Event At Insights 2019

We are always looking for ways to say thank you to customers. How about food and drinks for us at Insights 2019? If attending, send sbalogh@oldencompass.sevenagesdesign.com an email with your details to put you and your team on the guest list.

Encompass April 2019 News And Updates

If you are attending Epicor Insights 2019, we hope you’ll join us for the annual Encompass Solutions Customer Appreciation Event. We’ll be serving up the tastiest bites and beverages Mandalay Bay has to offer in the Seaside Ballroom. contact sbalogh@oldencompass.sevenagesdesign.com for an RSVP link.

Epicor April 2019 News And Updates

The biggest Epicor event of the year will be taking place at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV from April 15th to 18th. Train, network, and explore the developments revealed at this year’s event for all things Epicor.

Oracle NetSuite April 2019 News And Updates

NetSuite’s annual conference, SuiteWorld, is happening now at Sands Las Vegas April 1-4. Join us on-site to talk about the latest developments NetSuite’s Cloud ERP solutions have to offer.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.

Apr 2019

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Coming Soon

What’s New in Epicor ERP 10.2.400? A lot is going on behind the scenes at Epicor and the

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Coming Soon

Epicor 10.2.400, Epicor, ERP, Software, Technology, Update Sean Balogh

What’s New in Epicor ERP 10.2.400? A lot is going on behind the scenes at Epicor and the latest release will feature many improvements. You’ll be able to take advantage of several new components of the system as well as improvements to existing modules and tools.

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Key Features

While the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update will feature an extensive list of fixes, features, and tools, here is a list of the biggest items being introduced:

Introduction of Epicor Voice Agent
New functionality to enhance the customer experience including automated order entry and omnichannel learning
Refresh and redesign mobile time and expense, job scheduling boards, and MES screens
Deeper project management capabilities and real-time project analysis through Epicor Data Analytics
New common shop floor interface to Mattec Advanced MES via HMI
Introduction of Supplier Portal, which enables customers to better collaborate with suppliers
Introduction of Epicor IoT, a module of Epicor ERP integrated with the Microsoft Azure IoT Hub that can monitor and visualize data from sensors and other Epicor products

You can expect more news about the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 later this month and in early May. Contact Encompass Solutions below for more information.

The last Epicor ERP update to be released was Epicor ERP 10.2.300. It is life and generally available to users. Epicor Software Corporation officially announced the release of its latest version of Epicor ERP (10.2.300) in October of 2018. Click the link to read more about the Epicor ERP 10.2.300 software update.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, Suite Success Partner, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.

Mar 2019

Why Your Business Needs A Self-Service Customer Portal

Looking for a way to leverage the power of your ERP to deliver higher-quality customer experiences? Encompass Solutions

Why Your Business Needs A Self-Service Customer Portal

Helpful Tips Bezlio, Business, Customer Experience, Customer Service, Self-Service Portal Sean Balogh

Looking for a way to leverage the power of your ERP to deliver higher-quality customer experiences? Encompass Solutions and Bezlio can make that connection through Epicor ERP and a Self-Service Customer Portal. To speak directly with an expert about how you can get started creating a more dynamic and customer-oriented experience, contact us using the link below.

What Is A Self-Service Customer Portal?

Think of these portals as gateways to sharing what content and data you want with a customer, so that they can interact with it on their own time and on their terms to carry out actions. The applications aren’t limited to customers, either. Self-Service Customer Portals can also be created for supply partners and vendors you work with and function in much the same way.

The information shared can include real-time order status updates, invoice history, and much more. by and large, the biggest benefit is found in the fact that, once an initial build-out is completed, connecting the customer with the information they are looking for requires no additional effort on your end.

The Self-Service Customer portal delivers the customer’s unique data, stored within your ERP, to enhance the relationship you share, deliver mission-critical updates when necessary, and drive loyalty for your brand.

Still not convinced your business needs a self-service customer portal? Here are four reasons why you can’t afford to not have one for your customers.

1. There’s No Reason Not to Build A Self-Service Customer Portal

While we’re sure you can see the benefits a self-service customer portal provides, you may be wondering about the back end. We’re talking about security. It’s a topic that occupies the waking nightmares and sweaty fever dreams of many IT professionals and business owners alike. The Bezlio/Epicor integration that will deliver your self-service customer portal utilizes a unique token-based security process. This process protects all of your enterprise data to the most granular levels, around the clock.

Any information you have designated a customer can access, via a security token from your system administrator, is routed securely behind your firewall. This token is required at several points to ensure that data request comes from the person or persons granted permission for that access. Following verification, a secure channel is opened via Bezlio’s cloud API to link the front-end user and the data they are cleared to access. No data is ever stored on the device, be it desktop or mobile, during or after the information is accessed.

At this point in the security conversation, it should be clear that your sensitive data is safe at all times, which means you can share securely and with peace of mind knowing no one without access will be able to view your enterprise data. Are your customers frequently requesting order and inventory information to view or check? Investing in a self-service customer portal will give them access to the information they need without having to involve your staff in the process. The ERP and self-service customer portal take care of it all for you.

2. Self-Service Customer Portal Permissions Deliver Only What Customers Need

Your Bezlio-developed self-service customer portal is completely customizable, capable of delivering all the information your customers need and nothing they don’t. That’s right, you have all the control when building out your self-service customer portal. There’s no compromising your data policies as you may experience with an off-the-shelf package.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a self-service customer portal, you may be wondering what information should be shared and what should not.

Some common data examples include order histories, tracking details, shipment information, inventory and parts look-up, order entry, and more. Due to the customizable nature of Bezlio, you can share as little or as much as you like, provided that the information you are sharing is relevant to your customers. Dashboards, search functionality, and many other information tools can all be leveraged when setting up your self-service customer portal.

3. A Self-Service Customer Portal Will Free Your Team

A self-service customer portal pays for itself two-fold. First, it delivers relevant information your customers are looking for via a system that is open to them and secure 24/7. Second, provided you have a platform that facilitates read/write functionality, your customers are granted the ability to modify their data and handle administrative tasks within the scope of their relationship with your business. This relieves your team of certain admin duties, like placing orders, providing status updates, and reviewing inventory levels.

In providing your customers with the ability to control certain aspects of their information within your ERP system, customer data quality and accuracy are improved. Whatsmore beneficial is the fact that your team no longer needs to manage that data. As a result, your organization runs more effectively. Customer satisfaction improves alongside these organizational efficiencies.

4. A Self-Service Customer Portal Increases Customer Satisfaction And Business Performance

Customers don’t like having to wait. Few have the time it takes to reach out and get updates on orders, invoices, inventory, or service requests. Why not give them the ability to view, update, and interact with their data when they want it, where they want it?

You’ll find that customers who are empowered to make changes and submit requests or data queries on their own time are far more satisfied with their partner relationships. The result is higher customer satisfaction and improved business performance. This is apparent with the increased volume and frequency of order placement from customers who can leverage a self-service customer portal. Handing off the viewing of the status of their repair or service requests in real-time frees your customer service team to tackle more demanding tasks, which saves you time and resources.

when combined, these benefits pave the way for quality data within your organization’s system. So, when the time comes to evaluate employee and business performance, your company leadership has the benefit of more accurate information upon which to base their decisions.

See The Benefits Of A Self-Service Customer Portal For Yourself

There are many reasons for building a self-service customer portal, and at Bezlio, the development platform has been used to create some amazing examples. If you think your organization could benefit from a self-service customer portal, we’d love to show you how this low-code development platform can help you build your own quickly, easily, and at a fraction of the cost of many other software solutions.

About Encompass Solutions

Mar 2019

4 Essential Tips For ERP Rapid Implementation Success

When it comes to an ERP implementation or ERP upgrade, there are a significant number of factors to

4 Essential Tips For ERP Rapid Implementation Success

ERP Consultants, Encompass Solutions, Epicor, ERP, Implementation, Prophet 21, Rapid, ROI, Time to Value Sean Balogh

When it comes to an ERP implementation or ERP upgrade, there are a significant number of factors to consider. Not only will you have to employ essential and proven ERP selection strategies, but getting the job done in a reasonable amount of time can be just as important. For some, it’s more important. Here are just a few ways a rapid implementation can be leveraged for a faster, smoother implementation process.

A customer recently went live in January, about four months after signing their purchase agreement with the ERP Vendor. Encompass had engaged with them in October, days after they completed their initial install. Several factors helped ease the process, and you might want to consider them as you evaluate the potential benefits of rapid implementations.

1) Timing

Trying to time the project to coincide with your slow season will minimize downtime and maximize the utilization of staff during what may be your least productive time. In the case of this example company, January to March is a dead time for one of their companies and about half the volume for their second company. As a result, the choice was made to focus on a minimal go-live event in January. This allowed for extra time in February to wrap up loose threads and address potentially unforeseen issues.

2) Experience = Wisdom

The company’s core team was comprised of three members that had firsthand experience in other ERP implementations. That perspective made for significantly better decisions and focused efforts to be made throughout the project. It can be difficult imparting a similar perspective to inexperienced customers who do not want or cannot afford to hire a consulting team for their rapid implementation, but it definitely helps when they have it.

3) Embrace The Phase

If the core requirement for your go-live strategy is to sell, ship, invoice customers, buy, and pay suppliers on day 1, a phased, or layered, approach can work exceptionally well. For all the other “wants” out of your ERP system, logging, planning, and working on those components as soon as possible after go-live will deliver the results you are after. With this approach, you can be working on other functionality you need within days of your go-live event.

In the case of our example company, the phased approach can be applied to things like engineering. By making sure they had their top-selling parts and parts on order fully engineered, everything else was pushed out with the understanding they would work through the list over time. In this case, data conversion from their old system wasn’t very clean, and most of their engineering data were bad, to begin with. Trying to have perfection on day 1 would have pushed the project out three months. Instead, they do not lose any operational function while they work within their ERP system to migrate and clean up their company data moving forward.

4) Vanilla Is A Good Choice

While a perfect implementation would be created around a business’ processes and workflows, this can cost a lot of time and money. For our example company, they didn’t have time to customize. Knowing that processes would have to change as a result, they accepted Epicor’s standard workflows and trained them. Rather than bending the system to accommodate their process, they adapted some processes. Staff understood the legacy system was being replaced and that change was inevitable. It was a very realistic approach that delivered ideal results for an imperfect scenario.

Interested In An ERP Rapid Implementation?

If you are considering an ERP solution, think a rapid implementation is the best fit for your business, or would like to speak with an Encompass consultant about the topic, don’t hesitate to contact us using the link below. We look forward to connecting you with a business solution that fits your build.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.

Mar 2019

Heriot-Watt Laser System Facilitates Breakthrough In Welding Technology

The manufacturing industry has experienced a recent breakthrough in welding technology thanks to the efforts of scientists from

Heriot-Watt Laser System Facilitates Breakthrough In Welding Technology

Technology Laser, Manufacturing, Technology, Welding Sean Balogh

The manufacturing industry has experienced a recent breakthrough in welding technology thanks to the efforts of scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. The new Heriot-Watt laser system facilitates the fusing of metal and glass together. These two materials are difficult to join due to their strikingly disparate thermal properties. The technology utilizes an ultra-fast laser system that is capable of joining materials that, until recently, had to be joined through the use of messy and unreliable adhesives.

How The Heriot-Watt Laser System Works

The new Heriot-Watt laser system uses light that is aimed at connection points in materials to fuse them. The result is a more reliable connection than adhesives can provide. Traditional adhesives can be difficult to work with and lead to slippage or movement over time or in harsh environments. Outgassing is another issue manufacturers currently face when working with adhesives, especially in electronics and medical fields. This is a process by which the organic chemicals in these substances release gasses which can lead to a reduction in product integrity over time, as well as contamination of sterile environments. Materials that the system has been proven to join include optical materials, such as:

quartz
borosilicate glass
sapphire

which have been successfully welded to metals that include:

aluminum
titanium
stainless steel

through the use of picosecond (10⁻¹² or ¹/_{1,000,000,000,000}of a second) pulses of infrared laser light. The new Heriot-Watt laser system uses light that is aimed at predefined tracks in materials to fuse them. The result is a more reliable connection than adhesives can provide. These adhesives can be difficult to work with and lead to slippage or movement over time or in harsh environments. Outgassing is another issue manufacturers currently face when working with adhesives, especially in electronics and medical fields. This is a process by which the organic chemicals in these substances release gasses which can lead to a reduction in product integrity over time as well as contamination of sterile environments.

The Heriot-Watt Laser System Effects On Manufacturing

The newly proven process has significant implications for manufacturing industries that routinely require the union of these raw materials, including:

aerospace
defense
energy
electronics
optical technology
healthcare

The manufacturing and design flexibility of the Heriot-Watt Laser System provides welds that have been tested to maintain their integrity between -50C to 90C.

Professor Duncan Hand, director of the five-university EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes based at Heriot-Watt, said of the technology “Traditionally it has been very difficult to weld together dissimilar materials like glass and metal due to their different thermal properties—the high temperatures and highly different thermal expansions involved cause the glass to shatter.” When asked how the technology differs from methods currently used by manufacturers to join the two materials, he would go on to state, “The parts to be welded are placed in close contact, and the laser is focused through the optical material to provide a very small and highly intense spot at the interface between the two materials—we achieved megawatt peak power over an area just a few microns across. This creates a microplasma, like a tiny ball of lightning, inside the material, surrounded by a highly-confined melt region.”

Commercialization Of The Heriot-Watt Laser System

While the technology is not yet commercially available, Heriot-Watt scientists are working closely with a consortium, which includes laser firms Oxford Lasers and Coherent Scotland, as well as end-users Leonardo and Gooch & Housego. The partnership seeks to develop a prototype for the system that will bring it closer to commercialization. Glass Technology Services and the Centre for Process Innovation have geared their efforts towards another commercialization route with the packaging of OLED devices.

More information on the Heriot-Watt laser system can be found, Here.

About Encompass Solutions

Feb 2019

Payment Control Best Practices, AP Automation, And ERP

Fraud has been a thorn in the side of B2B business transactions as long as those transactions have

Payment Control Best Practices, AP Automation, And ERP

ERP Accounts Payable, AP, Automation, Best Practices, ERP, Payment Control Sean Balogh

Fraud has been a thorn in the side of B2B business transactions as long as those transactions have existed. With more advanced technology at their disposal, illegitimate parties’ payment fraud attempts become more elaborate. According to the Association of Finance Professionals, last year saw the highest percentage of businesses impacted by payment fraud in the last decade. Here are a few of the payment control best practices your business can put into action today to combat fraud.

an infographic illustrating the prevalence of payments fraud experience by businesses with insufficient payment controls best practices.

Photo: Association for Finance Professionals

IT And Security Professionals On Payment Control Best Practices

The rising instance of payment fraud has It and security staff concerned. As many as 85% of security professionals surveyed responded that their companies lacked the necessary security and infrastructure to combat payments fraud.

The biggest windows of opportunity for fraud reside in the Accounts Payable (AP) department of a business. Errors made during the process of manual data entry and inefficient email communication concerning dozens of invoices at any given time are just two examples of significant vulnerability. However, a majority of fraud cases result from the most insecure payment method accepted by businesses — paper checks.

Why You Need To Implement Payment Control Best Practices

While most businesses are aware of fraud and do implement some steps to mitigate its effects, few are willing or capable of giving the subject the undivided attention it requires.

Common activities businesses use to combat fraud include:

Reconciling validity against invoices, department heads, and their vendors
manual comparison of invoices to purchase orders
compiling checks over time to have the CFO sign off at a later date

These activities may be sufficient to insulate Accounts Payable, in theory. However, with an increase in volume as a company grows, these methods fall short of providing the security AP needs. If Outlook is where your invoice approval process resides, chances are a few of those invoices are getting lost in the shuffle. Bottlenecks emerge when it comes time to audit or get approval through a CFO, who may have only a small window of availability.

Payment Control Best Practices To Mitigate Risk

Despite the growing prevalence of fraud in B2B transactions, here are some payment control best practices you can put into place today to insulate your company from the associated risks.

1. Ditch the paper in favor of electronic payment methods

Electronic transaction support can deliver a lot of benefits to businesses of any size. not only are they convenient, secure, and efficient, these types of payments add multiple layers of security through encryption. Virtual cards take things further with the inclusion of tokenization, a process by which data is assigned a series of symbols that retain essential information without compromising security.

an image of payment control best practices being used

Beyond security, electronic payment methods expedite the payment process significantly. These more opportunities reduce liabilities and increase working capital benefits that your business can leverage. the convenience of electronic payment methods can be felt on the other side of the transaction, as well. customers and vendors that can leverage an easy-to-use payment system in conjunction with your business will feel greater satisfaction from your B2B relationship. Increased partner satisfaction results in stronger relationships and can lead to more referrals for your business.

2. Remove Autonomy Over The Payments Process

Accounts payable are no exception to the rule when it comes to checks and balances. It is never a good idea to give a sole individual complete control of the flow of money in and out of company accounts. Breaking up the process to include several staff members ensures that no single person is responsible for the flow of capital. Designating one team member to set up payments and another to approve and release those payments ensures proper checks and balances during the process.

3. Automate Accounts Payable

Automation isn’t just a buzzword when it comes to your accounts payable department. with volumes of data to be received, recorded, and processed, there is plenty of room for error when the tasks are carried out manually.

Fortunately, modern tools and solutions that can be leveraged alongside your ERP system exist. The automation of these tasks increases security, efficiency, and the benefits your company can leverage as a result. putting manual data entry errors and headaches aside, how easy is it for your accounting department to keep up with rapidly changing rates, rules, and laws? automated software that integrates with ERP delivers that real-time visibility you need to remove mistakes from the equation.

An automated accounts payable process embeds payment controls — like the aforementioned segregation of duties — into the AP process and establishes them as simple and repeatable processes:

Segregation of duties: AP automation solutions designate separate roles in the accounts payable process by creating separate login credentials and separate dashboards. Not only does this make it incredibly challenging to forge approvals, but it also preserves receipt of all approvals in one central location for easy access at any time.

Two-factor authentication: adopting an AP automation solution that requires dual-factor authentication will decrease the probability of an account becoming compromised. the process dictates that a password and text message-delivered verification code must be entered before access to the system is granted.

Auto AP three-way match: For businesses working with purchase orders, AP automation can take the pain out of matching them to corresponding invoices by doing it automatically and flagging any that are mismatched within your ERP system. The “three-way” part of the three-way match refers to the three documents that will be compared:

The vendor’s invoice that was received will become part of an organization’s accounts payable when it is approved
The purchase order that was prepared by the organization
The receiving report that was prepared by the organization

With these controls in place, it’s much easier to protect and sustain your AP process, even as you continue adding vendors every month. The results are felt in:

Improved compliance and supplier relationships
Simplified vendor setup and management
Improved visibility, insight, and control of the entire accounts payable (AP) process
Ability to focus your AP team on higher-value work

When automation is factored into the equation, the benefits are felt even further with:

Reduced cost per invoice (CPI)
Instant storing, securing, and cataloging of electronic documents
Streamlined AP workflow processes
Dramatically reduced paper and storage expenses
Improved cash flow with fewer data entry errors and early pay discounts
The ability to work anywhere, anytime, on any device

We Can Help With AP Automation And Payment Control Best Practices

For more information on how to implement these best practices and automate AP for your business, get in contact with the experts at Encompass Solutions.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.

Feb 2019

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice

EDI 944, Document, EDI, Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Sean Balogh

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice

In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice is a supply chain EDI transaction most often utilized by third-party logistics providers to inform manufacturers that a shipment transfer has taken place successfully. It follows an EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice. This indicates that an on-site official has received the shipment and inspected the contents for accuracy and damage against the EDI 943’s details.

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Format

ST*944*001211532
W17*F*20170830*SVR083411
N1*WH*Judge Warehousing, LLC*54*PL
N9*BM*2007858419*1042652
N9*PO*1042652
W08*T***RBTW*239
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23172L
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*192.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*991*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*192.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*196*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23172M
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*194.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*991*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*194.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*198*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23172N
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*193.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*991*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*193.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*199*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23172P
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*193.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*991*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*193.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*199*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23172Q
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*193.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*991*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*193.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*198*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23173M
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*196.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*994*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*196.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*199*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23173N
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*195.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*994*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*195.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*200*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23173P
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*195.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*994*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*195.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*200*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23173Q
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*195.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*994*M
W20*1*4*BW*757*K*K
W20*1*4*NW*195.0*N*K
W20*1*4*W*25.4*W*CM
W20*1*4*DI*121.9*CM
W20*1*4*DT*199*K
W20*1*4*GC*FPL
W07*4*RL**SN*N47H23192M
N9*DO*100015646
W20*1*4*RL*195.0*G*K
W20*1*4*LF*990*M

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Key Data

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice documents are a mix of data elements and fields. Most commonly the EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice will include:

Supplier information
When the shipment was received
Item numbers, descriptions, and quantities
Warehouse receiving location
Shipper information

Once received, a destination official will inspect the shipment for accuracy and any damage. Once verified and accepted, the recipient will respond to the supplier with a 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice.

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Benefits

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice serves a specific function within the supply chain. That is acknowledgment from a third-party warehouse location that a shipment has been received and is as described on the shipment’s pack slip. The EDI 944 communicates a shipment is progressing along its prescribed journey as it should and maintains accuracy after it has left the facility of origin.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.

Feb 2019

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

EDI 943, Document, EDI, Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice Sean Balogh

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice is used by the supplier to alert the recipient that a transfer shipment has been made. The EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice sends details to a receiving location, which can include all manner of information concerning the product(s) being shipped to that location. A 997 Functional Acknowledgement is typically then sent from the recipient, indicating the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice was received successfully.

Shipment Advice Format

ST*943*0001
W06*F*19691*20180214*704961**6215******1
N1*DE*Fiji Water*91*FW038070236
N3*11444 W Olympic*Suite 210
N4*Los Angeles*CA*90064
N1*CN*Schneider Logistics*ZZ*FGA
N3*c/o Schneider Logistics*246 Grange Road
N4*Port Wentworth*GA*31407
N1*SF*FW Natural Waters of Viti Ltd*ZZ*FYQ
N3*1 Naseyani Road
N4*Yaqara*FJ
G62*02*20180214
W27*VE*SCAC*Routing
W04*1260*CA*632565000630*VN*FFUS 330ML 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*IVLU-9554210
N9*SN*47895799
W04*1416*CA*632565000111*VN*FFUS 0.5L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*ANSU-1910735
N9*SN*1286690
W04*1484*CA*632565000128*VN*FFUS 1.0L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3972176
N9*SN*1286633
W04*1484*CA*632565000050*VN*FFUS 1.0L*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3362002
N9*SN*1286640
W04*1484*CA*632565000050*VN*FFUS 1.0L*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3323304
N9*SN*1286691
W04*1484*CA*632565000050*VN*FFUS 1.0L*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3660408
N9*SN*1286636
W04*1484*CA*632565000128*VN*FFUS 1.0L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-2581650
N9*SN*1286729
W04*1484*CA*632565000128*VN*FFUS 1.0L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3983951
N9*SN*1286770
W04*1484*CA*632565000128*VN*FFUS 1.0L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3375890
N9*SN*1286727
W04*1484*CA*632565000128*VN*FFUS 1.0L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3610238
N9*SN*1286761
W04*1416*CA*632565000111*VN*FFUS 0.5L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-3448220
N9*SN*47895798
W04*1416*CA*632565000111*VN*FFUS 0.5L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*SUDU-1528183
N9*SN*1286692
W04*1416*CA*632565000111*VN*FFUS 0.5L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*ANSU-1985539
N9*SN*1286682
W04*1416*CA*632565000111*VN*FFUS 0.5L 6PK*LT*14FEB18
N9*OC*ANSU-1980270
N9*SN*1286799
W03*20212*0*LB
SE*57*0001

Advice Key Data

The documents are a mix of data elements and fields. Most commonly the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice will include:

Order number
SKUs
Item(s) shipped
Item(s) quantities
Item(s) weight
Shipment destination location
Supplier information
When the shipment was sent
Shipper information

Shipment Advice Benefits

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice serves a specific function within the supply chain. That is, acknowledgment of receipt of a specific transfer has taken place for shipments to a third-party warehouse location. The receiving location derives key details about the shipment from the EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice, which helps to streamline the shipping process and save both time and money.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.

Feb 2019

2019 ERP Trends | Digital Transformation

2019 ERP Trends 2019 ERP trends and digital transformation strategies can take many shapes. However, an ERP solution

2019 ERP Trends | Digital Transformation

ERP Business Strategy, Cloud, Digital Transformation, ERP, Trends Sean Balogh

2019 ERP Trends

2019 ERP trends and digital transformation strategies can take many shapes. However, an ERP solution may exist as the most powerful tool to empower businesses. These systems unify people, processes, and resources within a single environment, more importantly, one that provides a single source of truth (read data). With a modern ERP system in place, you can inject renewed vigor and capability into once disparate, siloed systems and departments within your organization. The ERP landscape is changing constantly alongside new and emerging technologies. Businesses are increasingly leveraging these technologies as they become more attainable than they have been in the past. New deployment methods also enable smaller organizations to do more with less. You can download a free PDF guide of the most essential ERP selection strategies, here.

Here are just some of the 2019 ERP trends we expect to see take shape over the next year.

More System Audits And Disaster Preparedness

Cybersecurity has long been brushed aside as a buzzword but, with ransomware and bad actors abound, it is a topic taking up more and more meeting time among IT professionals and C-suite executives. Maintaining systems is another topic that often gets put on the back burner, as businesses find a system that works for them and effectively ride it until the wheels fall off in many cases. however, failing to maintain modern infrastructure for critical systems is setting oneself up for disaster in the long run.

Last week I spoke with a newly-hired IT professional whose company manufactures products for the railway industry. Their company had been operating on an AS/400 system for more than 15 years. In all that time, it had been working without a hitch and the company could get by conducting business as usual without a second thought. Until they couldn’t. The system began freezing intermittently a few weeks ago. It eventually required a hard reset as many as three times a week, taking 2-3 hours to become operational in each instance. Eventually, it stopped responding altogether. It was then revealed that there were no backups of any kind and no disaster recovery plan in place. A mad dash to get something, anything done and resume operations ensued. However, the company was left in the dark with an in-house system on antiquated hardware with that left no quick recovery in sight.

Fortunately, the company was able to locate an AS/400 and data recovery specialist in Florida that had an intimate knowledge of their systems. They are now on the road to recovery. What’s important to note about this situation is that the subsequent events brought their systems to the forefront of just about every internal conversation. Moving forward, there will be a disaster recovery system in place and you had better believe they’ll be backing up their data religiously.

While anecdotal, the account highlights the need to be hyper-vigilant at a time when technology is moving faster than most businesses can. You should always be evaluating your systems and disaster preparedness plans, regardless of what technology you use. There will always be companies that won’t budge on setting aside the budget for regular audits of internal systems and disaster recovery plans. However, more companies are getting on board with the idea of ensuring they are safe from infrastructure failure from the inside out. Tech will earn more focused discussion not just in the server room, but in the boardroom, as well.

Cloud Deployment Of ERP On The Rise

The above anecdote leads into our next item on the list of 2019 ERP trends, whereby traditional deployment models of ERP systems fall by the wayside, and cloud deployment is elevated to top preference. This deployment method not only saves companies high upfront costs associated with traditional deployment models but also provides a significantly more capable data protection strategy to be adopted.

ERP vendors that offer cloud deployment are already pushing for this method over on-premise and hosted options. These entities often have substantial budgets for the storage and security of client data that surpass anything small and medium-sized businesses can alone dedicate to maintaining their internal systems. While cloud deployments will certainly be on the rise, we expect traditional deployments will be offered and implemented less frequently if not entirely phased out, as a result.

More Failed Implementations

That headline is one you probably don’t want to read, but it’s a result that manifests all too often. As many as 2/3 of all ERP implementations fail. It’s a scary statistic. When businesses without the experience and teams they need try to implement an ERP system on their own, a menagerie of things can go wrong. With this push for digital transformation and the adoption of technology to stay relevant and competitive, we expect many small, medium, and even large enterprises will be lulled into a false sense of capability. On the other end of the spectrum, we anticipate many independent contractors and other tech professionals making moves to break into this competitive market of ERP integrations and consultations. The results will be many new operators faking it until they make or learn on the company dime

If you are considering an ERP implementation as part of your company’s digital transformation strategy, at the very least you should consult with the vendor directly about best practices. Additionally, there are value-added resellers (VARs), independent consultants, and project managers with decades of experience in the field who can ensure these projects are successful. Do your research and align your organization with a proven partner that can deliver effective strategies to make your implementation a success.

Accountability For Integrators

As ERP systems become more affordable and prevalent in small and medium business environments, we fully expect more failed implementations to result as more businesses adopt the technology without proper preparation. However, not enough can be said about the increased scrutiny that will be heaped on independent consultants and integrators. It’s understandable for a business to want to go it alone if they’re already paying the in-house staff carrying out the project. Bringing in external help can be costly. This is doubly so when the hired help doesn’t deliver on their contractual obligations.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of less-seasoned professionals in the implementation space. With so many ways to conduct research, read unbiased reviews, and consult with former customers of integrators, businesses have plenty of resources at their disposal to find the right partners. They also have the right tools to let the world know when one hasn’t lived up to their promises in the past.

No More “Old Way” Of Doing Things

As with all new processes, integration needs to be approached with caution and a considerable amount of planning. Let’s say a business, not unlike the one mentioned earlier, decides to implement a new enterprise-wide system. Continuing to operate with the same processes that are decades old just doesn’t make sense. Businesses will have to adopt change not just at the technology level, but at structural and operational levels, as well.

With new technology, new ideologies need to emerge within an organization so that it may rise to operate on the same level as its innovative tools. Internal processes, organizational cultures, and business models will all need to be reevaluated. If change is deemed necessary, that change needs to be managed appropriately. This way, operations are not disrupted while these new approaches to how things get done take root.

Start On Your Path To Digital Transformation

If these 2019 ERP trends have piqued your interest in taking your organization to the next level of operation, we can help you get there with a few essential strategies to adopt in your ERP evaluation process.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.

Feb 2019

David Gustovich Discusses 2019 Manufacturing Trends

Manufacturers and Manufacturing solution providers are eager to learn about what industry leaders and professionals forecast as the 2019

David Gustovich Discusses 2019 Manufacturing Trends

Manufacturing 2019, David Gustovich, Manufacturing Trends Sean Balogh

Manufacturers and Manufacturing solution providers are eager to learn about what industry leaders and professionals forecast as the 2019 Manufacturing trends to keep a close eye on. NetSuite’s Senior Director for Global Manufacturing Center of Excellence David Gustovich sat down in a recent interview with Hayley Null, NetSuite’s Manufacturing Industry Marketing Lead, to discuss the 2019 Manufacturing Trends he expects to see take root.

This interview was previously published on the Netsuite Blog, here.

2019 Manufacturing Trends

Hayley Null: What do you recommend that manufacturers pay attention to in 2019?

David Gustovich: Based on my research and conversations with our manufacturing customers, 3 main trends will affect manufacturing companies in 2019.

State-of-the-art technology becoming more widely accepted
The potential slowdown of the global economy
Greater adoption of new revenue channels, including servicing

Null: How does the increasing adoption of state-of-the-art technology (i.e. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, the Internet of Things) help manufacturers gain a competitive edge?

Gustovich: As 2019 progresses, more and more companies are going to embrace this advanced functionality than ever before. Next-generation technology can be used as a strategic weapon to allow manufacturers, and companies in general, to manage their businesses more profitably and efficiently, increase operating effectiveness, better serve customers and create new revenue channels. Specifically, companies can drive more effectiveness in their global supply chain (form order management, procurement, delivery, logistics, distribution, managing partner, and outsourcing networks), which is always a top priority for manufacturers. Through better visibility and awareness, these technologies open new doors that weren’t there before.

Null: How should manufacturers prepare for the risk of a potential global economic slowdown?

Gustovich: To ride some of the turbulent waves of any potential downturn, manufacturers are investing more in customer service and maintaining business continuity. One of the areas manufacturers are investing in specifically is inventory management. Manufacturing companies must ensure they have the correct inventory alignment, meaning not carrying more inventory than they need, to keep inventory costs low while meeting customers’ expectations. The bottom line is that manufacturers are, or should be, looking at new initiatives that will allow them to come out of a possible slowdown stronger, and maintain or gain a competitive edge against the competition.

Null: You mentioned that manufacturers can use technology to create new revenue channels- can you speak a bit more about how manufacturers are creating new revenue channels?

Gustovich: One of the most prominent ways to diversify revenue channels is through eCommerce, mobile and social media. Manufacturers must fully embrace these platform capabilities as an outlet to drive new revenues (acquire new customers, retain current customers, increase brand recognition) and create new customer experiences (diversify product line, add after-sales servicing) – or fall behind.

Null: We’ve been discussing what lies ahead for manufacturers in 2019. Switching gears, were there any big surprises for manufacturers in 2019?

Gustovich: I would say that the biggest surprise was probably the amount of receptivity and visibility that AI and Blockchain are starting to gain in the marketplace. How accepted these capabilities are becoming is a good barometer of things to come.

About Encompass Solutions

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Yearly Archives: 2019

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Automate 2019

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Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Key Features

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What Is A Self-Service Customer Portal?

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3. A Self-Service Customer Portal Will Free Your Team

4. A Self-Service Customer Portal Increases Customer Satisfaction And Business Performance

See The Benefits Of A Self-Service Customer Portal For Yourself

About Encompass Solutions

1) Timing

2) Experience = Wisdom

3) Embrace The Phase

4) Vanilla Is A Good Choice

Interested In An ERP Rapid Implementation?

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IT And Security Professionals On Payment Control Best Practices

Why You Need To Implement Payment Control Best Practices

Payment Control Best Practices To Mitigate Risk

1. Ditch the paper in favor of electronic payment methods

2. Remove Autonomy Over The Payments Process

3. Automate Accounts Payable

With these controls in place, it’s much easier to protect and sustain your AP process, even as you continue adding vendors every month. The results are felt in:

When automation is factored into the equation, the benefits are felt even further with:

We Can Help With AP Automation And Payment Control Best Practices

About Encompass Solutions

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Format

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Key Data

EDI 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice Benefits

About Encompass Solutions

EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

Shipment Advice Format

Advice Key Data

Shipment Advice Benefits

About Encompass Solutions

2019 ERP Trends

More System Audits And Disaster Preparedness

Cloud Deployment Of ERP On The Rise

More Failed Implementations

Accountability For Integrators

No More “Old Way” Of Doing Things

Start On Your Path To Digital Transformation

About Encompass Solutions

2019 Manufacturing Trends

Hayley Null: What do you recommend that manufacturers pay attention to in 2019?

Null: How does the increasing adoption of state-of-the-art technology (i.e. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, the Internet of Things) help manufacturers gain a competitive edge?

Null: How should manufacturers prepare for the risk of a potential global economic slowdown?

Null: You mentioned that manufacturers can use technology to create new revenue channels- can you speak a bit more about how manufacturers are creating new revenue channels?

Null: We’ve been discussing what lies ahead for manufacturers in 2019. Switching gears, were there any big surprises for manufacturers in 2019?

About Encompass Solutions