03
Dec 2020
0
Epicor ARM 10.3 SP11 release update

Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) Version 10.3 SP11

In addition to features incorporated as part of Precise Solutions’ (developers of Epicor Advanced Requisition Management) scheduled product

Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) Version 10.3 SP11

Epicor , , , Sean Balogh

In addition to features incorporated as part of Precise Solutions’ (developers of Epicor Advanced Requisition Management) scheduled product roadmap, the updates in Epicor ARM 10.3 SP11 have been influenced by requests received from Epicor ARM customers.

Support for Purchase Order (PO) suggestions in Epicor (ERP10) is a major addition to Epicor ARM’s out-of-the-box functionality and a focal point for version 10.3.11.

An overview of this new feature can be viewed below – or you may wish to register for our 30-minute ‘What’s New in ARM’ webinar on Thursday 10 December; which will summarize the last 12 months of module and feature updates, including PO suggestions. Register for the webinar

‘PO Suggestions’ in ARM 10.3 SP11 Explained

For several years now, Epicor ARMs’ broad functionality (coupled with its high degree of automation and integration to Epicor ERP) has earned it the title of the ‘go-to’ solution for ad-hoc and miscellaneous purchasing within Epicor.

For certain organizations, however – particularly those in the manufacturing space – a less-subjective and calculated approach needs to be utilized for inventory purchasing. This kind of purchasing is typically handled in Epicor via a process known as MRP (Material Requirements Planning).

Running MRP in Epicor produces ‘PO Suggestions’ – a calculated list of required parts based on timing, minimums, maximums, and demand. Because Epicor handles this task particularly well, it was not uncommon to see organizations using Epicor PO Suggestions to cater to the bulk of their inventory purchasing and Epicor ARM for all ad-hoc purchasing.

Now, in version 10.3.11, PO suggestions from Epicor are made visible within Epicor ARM under a new menu item labeled ‘PO Suggestions’.

With permission, an Epicor ARM user can now see and create requisitions from the current list of suggested parts.

The user checks a box next to each line to select the part to be requested.

Clicking the ‘Requisition’ button initiates the process, of creating and automatically submitting new requisitions for approval based on the selected parts.

As always, approvers are automatically notified by email once the requisitions have been submitted.

By having Epicor PO Suggestion lists available in Epicor ARM, users can quickly and simply generate requisitions based on demand from Epicor, with the resulting requisitions still being subject to Epicor ARMs’ powerful, multi-dimensional approval functionality.

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP11 Release Guide – Download

Upgrade Eligibility

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP11 is compatible with Epicor 10.

Users upgrading to Epicor ARM 10.3 SP11 should note the following:

If you are upgrading from ARM versions 10.0 SP6, ARM 10.1.0, ARM 10.1 SP1 – SP4, you must run the Upgrade Manager to migrate data to ensure compatibility with the enhanced approvals process that was introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6.

If you are upgrading from ARM 10.1 SP5 you do not need to run the Upgrade Manager to migrate your data as it will already be compatible with the enhanced approvals process (introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6).

Users upgrading to this version should perform a full synchronization on the GLAccountDefinition and GLAccount jobs within Integration Manager.

‘What’s New in an ARM?’ Webinar – December 10

Precise will be hosting a thirty-minute webinar on Thursday 10 December at 11 am (GMT).

We will be highlighting some of the newest and most popular features incorporated in Advanced Requisition Management over the past twelve months. This webinar will cover:

  • PO Suggestions
  • Email Approval Enhancement
  • External Integration Suite (Punchout)
  • Advanced Approval Trees
  • Requisition Line Defaulting

Register now

What is Epicor Advanced Requisition Management?

Epicor Advanced Requisitions Management (ARM) is an online workflow and purchase requisition tool which enables organizations to gain visibility and control over their procurement spending and reduce their purchasing costs.

Epicor ARM automates and streamlines the procurement process, utilizing a web browser to integrate with and extend the Epicor Purchasing module. Multiple approval methods provide a flexible framework that can be configured to meet the requirements of any organization.

About Precise Business Solutions

An award-winning and market-leading provider of ERP software solutions. Precise provides global software solutions, coupled with local business expertise. Precise is a leading provider of business software solutions and associated services to the Australian and international marketplace. A wholly-owned Western Australian company, Precise has been in business since 1989. Over the last 25 years, Precise has assisted organizations to maximise efficiencies and gaining a competitive advantage. Precise Business Solutions is also the developer of integrated companion solutions for Epicor ERP and Prophet 21: – Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) – Precise Point of Sale (POS) These solutions are distributed worldwide through their alliance partner Epicor Software Corporation. Precise continues to be a market leader in implementation, support, and services. Partnering with their customers to help them be the best they can be, has always been Precise’s primary focus.

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.

 

19
Oct 2020
2

Entrust EDI Implementation

The following form is intended to both educate companies on what information is needed to complete an EDI

Entrust EDI Implementation

EDI , , , , , encompass

The following form is intended to both educate companies on what information is needed to complete an EDI implementation and to allow prospective Entrust EDI customers to submit their EDI implementation or migration project details electronically. If you would like to submit a project RFP using this form, please fill out all fields in as much detail as possible, where applicable. This will ensure projects can be quoted, outlined, and started promptly.

By submitting this EDI implementation questionnaire, you consent to receive communications from Encompass Solutions regarding our services and your proposed project.

In the meantime, we invite you to review the following Entrust EDI resources:

Thank you for your interest in Encompass Solutions and Entrust EDI.

Entrust EDI Implementation Project Details

[wpforms id=”113489″]
16
Oct 2020
1
an image of cloud erp implementation challenges

How To Overcome Cloud ERP Implementation Challenges

If you have not read the writing on the wall, cloud-based technologies and digital transformation initiatives are quickly

How To Overcome Cloud ERP Implementation Challenges

ERP , , , , , , , , Sean Balogh

If you have not read the writing on the wall, cloud-based technologies and digital transformation initiatives are quickly becoming the focus for enterprises around the world. Providing more security, reliability, and mobility, cloud technologies simply provide too many benefits to ignore. However, their adoption is not always easy. As with any significant change at the organizational level, cloud ERP implementation challenges can stack up quickly. Here are the top 5 challenges in cloud ERP implementation and how you can address them before they impact your success.

Cloud ERP Implementation Challenges

While there are far more than five challenges that cloud ERP implementation may present to an organization, these are what we have found to be the most common. Several of these challenges are compounded by the increased reliance on remote workforces and the inability to meet in person due to environmental factors.

1. Change Management

While the age-old adage is nothing is certain but death and taxes, in business the only constant changes. For most people who are comfortably entrenched in the predictability of a routine, change can be a “four-letter word”. In most cases, change will be unsurprisingly met with resistance.

Change management will be one of your biggest hurdles in moving towards a complete cloud ERP solution from a system that was either previously on-prem or a hybrid deployment model of on-prem and cloud-based.

The easiest way to address the inherent resistance to change is to illustrate where things will improve. This is done not just by saying things will be new and modern. Show where those improvements will take place, and the cost savings and gains in productivity that system users and the company can expect to reap.

2. Focus

The last several months have pretty much done away with the divide between work life and personal life for a significant portion of the global workforce. Transitioning to remote work from home has presented unique challenges for enterprises of every size.

The result has been a muddying of work hours, family obligations, self-care, and a host of other responsibilities in one venue, without end.

The ability to focus on implementation can be a challenge in the best conditions. In a completely remote environment, where distractions are abundant, maintaining focus will be a challenge that presents itself consistently.

To overcome distraction and maintain focus, set aside specific windows of time for core project components. Businesses need to be open to scheduling compromises with employees and their families when the lines blur between work and home. By compromising on specific project hours, there is a higher probability of remaining focused on the progress of your implementation project. The remaining work time can be more fluid as the separation of workday duties and household obligations continue to muddy.

3. Security

One of your project initiatives may be an effort to move towards heightened system security. This is a great feature of Cloud ERP. However, during the implementation phase, you may not have advanced security in place to maintain your sensitive data. This security becomes even more difficult to maintain between remote resources, like staff and their workstations.

Make it a point to understand the risks upfront. You can take on the challenge alone, hire a consultant, or work in tandem with your implementation partner to find the right protocol for your case. A simple step, like password-protecting Wi-Fi connections, not allowing users other than staff to utilize remote workstations is a necessary first layer of security.

Firewalls and network security software should follow. If you do not provide the hardware your staff will be working from while remote, you may want to consider doing so. A small investment in this area can result in big savings when you consider the alternative.

Lastly, have a plan in place, both documented and practiced, with your staff. Make sure they understand the risks and the results of a security breach and demonstrate the protocol they are going to follow moving forward.

4. Access, Permissions, and Productivity

Yeah, I know that’s three things but each build on the former to deliver a complete effort. So, in the interest of time and space, they’ve been combined.

Not everyone on your cloud ERP implementation project will need access to all components of your system. Working with IT to designate the proper permissions will be critical in ensuring that staff remain on task and don’t have an opportunity to ruin transitioning data, either by malice or mistake.

Provisioning web and mobile access may fit into this implementation scenario, too. If your staff has spotty connections based on their location, consider bolstering their coverage through their provider to ensure your project isn’t impeded by poor connectivity. This is usually as simple as flipping a switch on the provider’s end. This way, you won’t lose precious time in the event cloud cover conceals the satellite internet connection of your data analyst in rural Illinois.

5. Knowledge

When leaping on-prem and, in many cases, outdated data management systems, tribal knowledge, and training will be integral as you move forward.

By relying on your most knowledgeable IT professionals and department heads to deliver their expertise during the cloud ERP implementation process, you have your top minds tackling your biggest challenge yet. However, there will be scenarios for which even they are not prepared. This is where training can be one of your biggest assets. Whether training is provided by your vendor or consultant of choice, or you have chosen to produce your training plan, enabling your project staff with defined direction and knowledge will ensure their success.

Lack of familiarity with a new environment is sure to produce plenty of anxiety and opportunities for missteps. Proper planning can help to mitigate these pitfalls. Having an experienced and knowledgeable guide through the process can eliminate them. That is because every implementation is different, and every company is different. With the experience of an implementation professional, there is a wider breadth of experience to draw from in the event an obstacle presents itself.

There will inevitably be some unexpected challenges for even the most experienced vendors, VARs, and consultants to guide you through. However, doing your research and taking the time to get familiar with the nuances of a cloud ERP implementation will impart the confidence and understanding any business needs to go through the project on their own.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services. 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.

 

05
Oct 2020
0
an image of managed services promotions being reviewed by a team

Encompass Managed Services Promotions

Encompass Solutions delivers an array of useful services to support your business beyond ERP implementation. Whether you need

Encompass Managed Services Promotions

Encompass Solutions , , , , , , Sean Balogh

Encompass Solutions delivers an array of useful services to support your business beyond ERP implementation. Whether you need IT support for your on-prem or cloud-deployed ERP system, EDI management, or system patch management services, we are fully equipped to deliver on your needs. Make use of these managed services promotions to ensure your business has the support necessary to enjoy continued success.

Keep in mind, These offers apply to any of the Managed Services coverage levels outlined HERE.

Managed Services Promotions

Whether assisting with infrastructure support, reporting customization, Epicor patch management, or EDI-managed services, we are proud to add value to our customers.

New Managed Services customers committing contracts can take advantage of considerable savings on waived fees and free services.

6-Month Commitment: onboarding fee waived (up to a $2,000 value)

12-Month Commitment: onboarding fee waived and an additional 1-month service included (up to a $4000 value)

Offer Terms and Conditions

  • To remain eligible for discounts, commitments must be signed by October 30th, 2020
  • Terms are based on your organization’s Managed Services Proposal
  • If a 12-month agreement is broken, the user owes the remainder of the contract and waived onboarding fee
  • If a 6-month agreement is broken, the user owes the remainder of the contract and waived onboarding fee
  • Contract termination based on service subject to review and approval
  • As an introductory offer, contract promotions are available to new Managed Services customers only.

For any questions or to request customer referrals on our Managed Services offerings, please contact us to set up a meeting.

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.

08
Sep 2020
0
an image of sourceday's upcoming webinar on covid-19 supply chain disruptions

Webinar: COVID-19’s Impact On Your Supply Chain

Join Epicor and SourceDay for a webinar to learn about COVID-19’s impact on other Epicor users’ operations and

Webinar: COVID-19’s Impact On Your Supply Chain

Webinars , , , , , Sean Balogh

Join Epicor and SourceDay for a webinar to learn about COVID-19’s impact on other Epicor users’ operations and supply chain disruptions.

SourceDay’s VP of Product Josh Tong is going to share data from more than 7,000 companies to ensure supply chain efficiency. Josh will also take time to present data about PO line changes occurring during the pandemic. With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on supply chains globally, efficiency is more important now than it ever has been.

Take this opportunity to be proactive in avoiding future supply chain disruptions.

Josh’s 4 tips for better supply chain management:

  1. Focusing on the most critical PO exceptions
  2. Containing costs through communication
  3. Getting quick supplier confirmations
  4. Expediting updates from suppliers

Register for the event, taking place September 15, 2020, at midnight CST, using the link below.

About SourceDay

SourceDay’s platform provides a digital interface between a manufacturer’s ERP system and hundreds of suppliers, automatically updating changes to delivery dates, pricing, and quantities throughout the order lifecycle and across the supply chain. Replacing manual processes with software improves customers’ understanding of the many changes that occur throughout the lifecycle of an order. Procurement teams stop spending their time on fire drills and reacting to expensive surprises. Now they have time to manage suppliers more strategically, proactively addressing pricing and quality issues and ensuring their factories receive the materials they need to meet customer commitments on time.

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.

08
Sep 2020
0
an image of business people measuring business success throguh the use of epicor data analytics

Data Analytics and Measuring Business Performance

Given the uncertainty of today’s business climate, owners and managers have a lot of questions about everything from

Data Analytics and Measuring Business Performance

Epicor , , , , Phocas Software

Given the uncertainty of today’s business climate, owners and managers have a lot of questions about everything from sales and operations to logistics and inventory. The answers to these questions will help determine the next steps, whether it’s to pursue new products or markets, drop underperforming branches, or reduce raw goods in the face of industry slowdowns. All of these are real scenarios, and making gut decisions feel or based on traditions is likely to result in disappointments, or worse, losses. Data analytics has never been more important to help organizations find answers to their critical business questions and help owners and executives understand how their businesses are truly performing.

Data Analytics From The Source

For most companies, there are multiple sources of data, as well as untapped data silos where undervalued information may reside. Keeping pace with this growing data, as well as ensuring key pieces of information are considered for decision-making, can be exhausting. Many ERP systems, as important as they are to business processes, were not created for intuitive data access and analysis. In addition, if Excel spreadsheets are the foundation of your reporting, then true data analysis can be challenging as you are limited to the static numbers that you can see, and not perhaps the beauty of the details beneath the surface. This is why understanding business performance, and truly digging into the details to find answers to shape strategic decision-making, is challenging.

But this is why Epicor Data Analytics (EDA) is so valuable to businesses. EDA was built from the ground up to provide access to intuitive data analytics for users of all skill levels. Data is critical to everyone’s role, so limiting access and analysis to specialists, or managers and higher, limits what team members can do within their roles and responsibilities.

Perhaps the strength of EDA and data analytics is the ability to turn raw information into easy-to-understand dashboards and scorecards. Modern data analytics systems such as EDA enable users to quickly and easily connect diverse data sources into a single source of truth and conduct ad hoc analysis. The software does most of the heavy lifting, presenting results in an interactive dashboard that can be shared with other team members, customers, and decision-makers.

Measuring Business Success

Converting the data into a visual presentation such as a chart, graph, or table, eliminates much of the guesswork, providing clear indicators of challenges and opportunities. In addition, with a simple click, users can drill down, down, or use advanced dashboard filters, to view the underlying transactions or take the analysis even further to different angles or more levels of granularity. These fully customizable dashboards and scorecards help companies to combine all of their information into a single location so that the entire business is referring to and analyzing the same information.

Armed with access to a single source of truth, easy-to-use data analytics, easy-to-understand and interactive dashboards and scorecards, team members across the organization can be empowered with the ability to make important, data-driven decisions. This level of information strengthens the ownership that everyone in the company has in their role and area of responsibility. Perhaps more importantly, it makes tracking performance across individuals and departments, and as a whole, easier and more powerful, as owners and executives can monitor the business from all levels, providing a much more comprehensive picture of performance.

Dashboards and Scorecards Webinar

To learn more about EDA, the importance of data analytics, and how to use dashboards and scorecards to track business performance, watch the recorded webinar:

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.

02
Sep 2020
0
an image alerting users of an epicor software corporation acquisition update that concerns the sale of the company

Epicor Software Corporation Acquisition By Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

A press release detailing the Epicor Software Corporation acquisition by investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice was published

Epicor Software Corporation Acquisition By Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

Epicor , , , , , Sean Balogh

A press release detailing the Epicor Software Corporation acquisition by investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice was published on August 31, 2020. You can read the full press release, Here.

Epicor Software Corporation Acquisition

The purchase of Epicor Software Corporation from KKR, the former owner of four years, represents an important milestone for Epicor.

“This is an exciting day for the entire Epicor family—employees, customers, and partners alike – and validates the company’s leadership position across markets we serve,” said Epicor CEO Steve Murphy. “We welcome this new partnership with CD&R, which shares our vision for growing the company, and I thank KKR for a highly successful partnership these past few years. We are excited to work with CD&R to increase investment in our market-leading product portfolio and to enhance our ability to support an ever-increasing range of customer needs.”

“Epicor’s reputation for quality and performance, and its impressive portfolio of next-generation cloud products, position the company well to accelerate growth in the coming years,” said Jeff Hawn, CD&R Operating Partner.  “We look forward to partnering with the Epicor management team to further expand Epicor’s product portfolio as well as make strategic acquisitions to meet customers’ evolving digital transformation needs.”

“We are excited to partner with Epicor and its talented management team to drive the business into a new phase of growth and profitability,” said Rick Schnall, CD&R Co-President. “Our long-standing industrial end-market experience and growing enterprise software expertise align well with Epicor’s value creation plan.”

“Four years ago, we embarked on an ambitious product modernization journey together with Epicor and are incredibly proud of the successes that the company has achieved to date, particularly with its recent cloud releases,” remarked John Park, Chairman of the Epicor Board and Head of Americas Technology Private Equity at KKR. “We are confident that CD&R will provide valuable support as the company continues this product- and customer-centric investments to accelerate growth in the cloud.”

CD&R Operating Partner Jeff Hawn will serve as Chairman of the Epicor Board upon close of the transaction, expected later this year.

We expect more information to follow shortly and look forward to an exciting new chapter in the story of Epicor’s rise in prominence over the past 5 decades.

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.

27
Aug 2020
0
an image of business professionals reviewing eda dashboards and scorecards of business performance

Webinar: EDA Dashboards & Scorecards | How Is Your Business Really Performing?

Today, businesses are trying to make important decisions accurately and efficiently — and to do that, you need

Webinar: EDA Dashboards & Scorecards | How Is Your Business Really Performing?

Webinars , , , , , , , , , , , Sean Balogh

Today, businesses are trying to make important decisions accurately and efficiently — and to do that, you need access to the right information. But, keeping up with all of the available data can be exhausting – from sales figures and inventory data to financial management information. Do you know how your business is performing?

EDA Dashboards and Scorecards Webinar

Dashboards and scorecards give valuable insights into your business and allow your teams to uncover new opportunities and improve efficiencies. Join our webinar, Dashboards & scorecards: How is your business performing discover how you can turn your raw data into actionable insights to open up new opportunities, reduce costs and streamline processes with Epicor Data Analytics.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

  • tailor dashboards to your business needs
  • summarize an entire database in a single interface
  • create an overarching view of your business that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

When:

September 10, 2020

1 PM ET

During this webinar, you’ll see EDA dashboards and scorecards firsthand and learn how you can become a trailblazer in self-service, reporting, dashboards, and analysis. We look forward to seeing you there.

About Epicor Data Analytics

Epicor Data Analytics (EDA), powered by Phocas, is an easy-to-use cloud service with powerful tools to help you reduce costs, identify new opportunities, and speed decision-making.

  • Stay up-to-date with the daily changes in your business
  • Eliminate time-consuming and error-prone manual reporting processes
  • Visualize data across all of your business systems from production to sales

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.

25
Aug 2020
1
an image of warehouse workers using epicor quick ship on a laptop in the warehouse

Epicor Quick Ship

The pace of order fulfillment is growing every day, and sales are happening faster than ever. That’s why

Epicor Quick Ship

Epicor , , , , , , Sean Balogh

The pace of order fulfillment is growing every day, and sales are happening faster than ever. That’s why Epicor Quick Ship is becoming the preferred way to streamline shipping processes to better compete in today’s digital marketplace.

Epicor Quick Ship incorporates the Epicor Kinetic Design and Framework in a new web application. This delivers access to critical data for shipping and order fulfillment activities from anywhere. Quick Ship integrates seamlessly with your ERP to help you process shipping transactions quickly and efficiently.

When an order is pulled into the Customer Shipment Entry screen, Quick Ship contacts the selected carrier—via web API and retrieves the appropriate freight charges and tracking information based on the size, weight, dimensions, number of packages, and destination zip code.

That information then automatically appears in your ERP system. This lets you process any shipment using any licensed carrier from the same screen—ensuring you never have to leave your ERP solution to initiate a shipment. By auto-populating all the necessary information, you can also eliminate manual errors associated with copying the data from the carrier to the ERP system. Quick Ship then prints the carrier label and any additional paperwork required for the shipment.

Quick Ship offers rate shopping at the time of quote, order, or shipment to keep shipping costs low for your customers and to drive new loyalty for your business. Closing the loop, the calculated freight automatically flows back to Epicor for automated invoicing of freight charges.

Epicor Quick Ship Requirements

As a product built for Epicor ERP and Prophet 21, Epicor Quick Ship comes with a few prerequisites. For example, all environments implementing Epicor Quick Ship will need:

  • Epicor ERP release 10.1.500 or later
  • Packout Management

Epicor Quick Ship system requirements:

  • Windows 7 SPI (x86 and x64) and later
  • Windows Server 2012 and later
  • 300 MB of installed resources
  • 1 GHz or faster processor
  • 2 GB RAM
  • EPL or ZPL label printer
  • Laser Printer for forms

Epicor Quick Ship Benefits

The benefits that come with Epicor Quick Ship go beyond expedited processes and fewer errors associated with manual data entry. Epicor Quick Ship improves your bottom line performance, too. with spending reduction and better customer experiences, your business benefits greatly from this powerful tool. Epicor Quick Ship benefits include:

  • Reduce overall freight spend
  • Eliminate surcharges and fines
  • Streamline multiple tasks
  • Improved customer service
  • Easier onboarding and training

Epicor Quick Ship Key Features

Epicor quick ship provides a bounty of functionality that drive value and improve operations. from automating manual tasks to easy rate shopping and import tools, Epicor Quick Ship comes equipped with everything a manufacturer or distributor needs to run a modern shipping department.

Epicor Quick Ship key features include:

  • Seamless Integration with Epicor ERP
  • Support for multiple carriers/account numbers in one system
  • Rate Shopping (ability to compare real-time rates from carriers on one screen)
  • Data Mapping Tool
  • Bill of Lading Generation
  • Automated blind shipping
  • Automated email notification
  • Automated hazmat paperwork
  • The best way and routing guide
  • Configurable handling fees by customer or facility
  • Consolidated Shipments
  • EEI/ACE integration
  • HazMat paperwork
  • International shipments and documentation
  • Miscellaneous shipments
  • Postal shipping with Endicia
  • Print or email return labels
  • Rate Import Tool for Custom Carriers
  • Rate shopping
  • Support for non-U.S. origins in a single server deployment
  • Transfer orders

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.

24
Aug 2020
0
an image of professionals using ERP for start-ups

ERP for Start-Ups | Building Your Start-Up From The Ground Up With Epicor ERP

ERP for start-ups may seem like a bit of an oxymoron. The nature of ERP is to connect

ERP for Start-Ups | Building Your Start-Up From The Ground Up With Epicor ERP

Epicor , , , , , , , , , , , Sean Balogh

ERP for start-ups may seem like a bit of an oxymoron. The nature of ERP is to connect several departments in a unified information system. This allows you to leverage crucial data to make informed decisions that drive the success of your business. When most people hear those three little letters, they tend to think of large-scale enterprises, multi-national conglomerates, or global entities. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Small And Medium-Sized Businesses Include Start-Ups

The modern enterprise isn’t a fortune 500 company. It isn’t even a Fortune 5,000 company.

In the US There are roughly 17 million businesses with fewer than 500 employees. This number represents 99.7% of all US businesses and almost half of total private sector employment.

With that in mind, it would make sense the market for ERP that speaks to small and medium-sized enterprises is ripe for development. In the last 40 years, it has done just that with tremendous effect.

Among businesses surveyed in a 2017 Deloitte report commissioned by Google, the top 20% of the most digitally advanced companies:

  • Earned 2 times as much revenue per employee
  • Experienced revenue growth over the previous year that was nearly 4 times as high
  • Were almost 3 times as likely to be creating jobs over the previous year
  • Had an average employment growth rate that was more than 6 times as high
  • We’re also 3 times as likely to have exported over the previous year

Those stats can’t be ignored. However, what were the digital advancements these successful companies used to gain their edge in the market? Here’s how the levels of digital transformation of business are represented among those surveyed:

  • Basic – An email address
  • Intermediate – Website, basic marketing tools, online directories, and third-party marketplaces
  • High – Advanced website, mobile or e-commerce capability, engagement on multiple social media platforms, online marketing channels
  • Advanced – Advanced data analytics and applications for business management and customer interactions

It’s clear a business using advanced digital tools to help their business will perform better than those businesses using only basic or intermediate tools. But what does advanced mean?

In this case, advanced digital tools include:

  • Data analytics are used to examine the characteristics of customers, and to inform business decisions such as online marketing strategies or products offered.
  • The ability for customers to make bookings and purchases through online channels, such as enabling payments through the business’ website or using third-party e-commerce platforms.
  • Digital technologies and tools are utilized internally to improve business processes or worker productivity (e.g. cloud-based software, video conferencing, corporate social networks).

Epicor ERP For Start-Ups Facilitate Sales Excellence

Let’s start with the first benefit of ERP for start-ups. It’s no secret that sales are top of mind of a start-up.

Whether you are in it for the long haul or just long enough to get an offer, proving viability through sales is key in attracting investors and securing longevity.

Epicor ERP CRM and Sales Management tools drive intelligent marketing and provide insightful data about what products are and are not moving. Add to this the ability to collaborate with internal teams as well as customers externally through one unified system and you have a recipe for success.

With Epicor Sales Management tools Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your sales team. By giving your sales teams the ability to manage their opportunities and automate administrative tasks, you free up their time to focus on building lasting, profitable relationships. It also enables your sales team to:

  • Produce accurate estimates
  • Streamline your order-to-cash cycle
  • Fulfill perfect orders and ensure high customer satisfaction

Components of the sales management module include:

Estimate and Quote Management – Easily generate and track all customer or prospect requests for quotation (RFQs)—from the time of receipt until an order is placed. Create estimates and get quotes out more quickly with more accurate pricing and lead times with a wide range of powerful tools.

  • Generate accurate and timely estimates and quotes
  • Import data from a variety of customer and system sources
  • Check inventory availability during quote entry
  • Manage the sales cycle with dynamic task lists that ensure the right people are working on the quote at the right time
  • Automatically cross reference customer part numbers to your part numbers during the quoting process

Order Management – Order Management drives the Epicor system. From the time an order is entered, its progress is tracked through final shipment—producing perfect order fulfillment on demand for maximum customer satisfaction.

  • With the Order Job Wizard, generate appropriate jobs for new orders in a single step
  • Check customer credit status online at quote entry, order entry, and shipment entry
  • Using blanket orders, establish multiple releases for each sales order line and pull parts directly from inventory
  • Link sales orders, jobs, purchase orders, field service calls, cases, tasks, milestones, and budget information to manage projects

EDI/Demand Management – Entrust EDI/Demand Management secures your competitive edge by incorporating electronic data interchange (EDI) with the demand schedule.

  • Get full flexibility and control for setting up customer contracts and handling their schedules in the Epicor ERP system
  • Reduce lead time and effort for planning and procurement
  • With Demand Management, set up contracts per customer with such agreed-upon parameters as pricing, initial demand schedule, and contract end date

Point of Sale – Epicor Point of Sale (POS) extends the power of your Epicor ERP to a customer-facing sales environment—regardless if you need a single POS station or if you’re a multinational chain.

  • Feature-rich system that empowers store personnel to deliver an enhanced customer experience
  • Comprehensive functionality includes electronic gift cards, gift receipting, customized receipt per transaction type, coupon redemption/issuance, layaways, special orders, suspend and resume, item marking for various functions, additional input fields, multicurrency, start/end of day functions, cash management, and more.

Epicor Commerce Connect – B2B and B2C eCommerce is the new norm. Epicor Commerce Connect (ECC) provides your buyers and sales channels with a simple online shopping experience that encourages repeat purchases and sets your brand apart.

  • Launch an attractive, simple-to-use eCommerce site with your branding in less time
  • Manage only one product database with tight integration into Epicor ERP
  • Simplify channel support by letting your partners make payments on accounts, access pricelists, and place quick re-orders

Epicor Customer Connect – Today’s customers want new access to information. Epicor Customer Connect helps you improve customer loyalty and online commerce.

  • Special promotions and pricelists
  • Enable your customers to make repeat purchases

Startup Growth And Innovation With Advanced Digital Tools At An Affordable Price

Epicor technology is powered by industry-leading innovation and expertise. The software empowers businesses of every size and is modular to fit the needs of start-ups, no matter their stage of growth. Epicor solutions feature seamless integration with thousands of existing software applications, web-enabled platforms, and fully configurable interfaces and reporting systems.

Utilize the components of Epicor ERP for your start-up needs here and now. Add more functionality as you scale, customize the framework to fit your unique business components, and take as much control of your technology as you like with on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployment options. Mobile solutions can further be utilized to access the system from Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

Epicor ERP for start-ups is designed to be both accessible and affordable for small businesses and start-ups. Financing, subscription models, and even tax write-offs are available for Epicor ERP software purchases.

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.

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