About Sean Balogh

A marketing professional working hard to deliver relevant and engaging content to audiences in education, technology, and manufacturing.

02
May 2019
0
an image depicting a software update for epicor erp 10.2.400 update

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Update | Cloud ERP Solutions For Manufacturers

The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update is the first of two major upgrades planned for 2019. Epicor’s cloud ERP solution

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Update | Cloud ERP Solutions For Manufacturers

Epicor , , , , , Sean Balogh

The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update is the first of two major upgrades planned for 2019. Epicor’s cloud ERP solution update cadence is a commitment to helping businesses grow through innovation at a manageable pace in-line with manufacturing industry trends. Major releases like this bring benefits of cloud deployment to customers in the form of improved usability, enhanced performance and profitability, and strategic value within a single upgrade. Because of the size and breadth of the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update, 4 weeks have been allotted to test and explore these updates before upgrading customers’ production system. Now is the time to be testing end-to-end, as the update will be released in full to cloud users on May 16, 2019. The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update for on-premise users will follow later this month. If you’re trying to choose the best cloud ERP solution for your manufacturing business, consider evaluating Epicor Cloud ERP today.

Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Update And Product Roadmap

Among the changes coming with the 10.2.400 update, users can expect to enjoy full use of and coming functionality that includes:

Experiences

Industry

  • Enhanced Project Management
  • Epicor Mobile Warehouse
  • Supplier Portal
  • MES Expansion
  • Epicor IoT

Analytics

  • Epicor Data Analytics Expansion
  • Epicor Data Discovery Expansion

Future (2019-2020)

  • UX Uplift (ongoing) Mobile Apps
  • ISV Partner Ecosystem
  • Compliance Engine
  • Enhanced BI/Analytics
  • Connected Enterprise

Experiences

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA)

Marketed as ERP Intelligence personified, Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) utilizes Artificial Intelligence to deliver real-time insights and suggestions based on your Epicor system data. As a new feature, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • Conversational digital agent
  • Azure-enabled, including Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Available for iOS and Android in May 2019

Order Entry Automation

The new functionality enables your organization to capture sales orders and reduce manual order entry and errors through the use of automation. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • Captures customer purchase order data from inbound emails, scanned documents
  • Validates orders, then flows into Sales Order Entry
  • Leverages DocStar and Intelligent Data Capture with Epicor ERP
  • A solution aptly suited for repetitive actions and orders

Job Scheduling Board

Leverage enhanced usability with a modern, Gantt-based view of your scheduling board.

  • Faster and easier to use
  • New look and feel of one of the most frequently viewed screens
  • Leverages Kinetic System to provide modern customer experience

Industry

Enhanced Project Management

Provide key stakeholders with timely financial information to ensure profitability. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • Revenue recognition by WBS Phase
  • Improved visibility into project stage completion percentage
  • Delivers real-time project analysis through EDA.

Epicor Advanced Projects adds significantly more functionality with:

  • Extended Epicor ERP 10 standard Project Module
    • Three new modules:
      • Advanced Project Management
      • Advanced Contract Order Management
      • Advanced Sub-contract Management
  • Available late 2019 in collaboration with Epicor partner Precise

Epicor Mobile Warehouse

Leverage this next-generation mobile handheld for warehouse and distribution. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • Provides workflow optimization for fast and accurate scanning
  • Part and bin level validation and complex sorting and filtering options
  • Reduces time to process transactions, increases accuracy, and reduces errors
  • Available on Android, fully integrated to Epicor ERP

Supplier Portal

Manage supplier relationships, enter purchase transactions, and process RFQs. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • Built on Commerce Connect
  • REST-based communication between Supplier Portal And Epicor ERP for flexibility, security, and performance
  • E10 Credit Card module is no longer required to process fully paid credit card orders

MES Expansion

Utilize a modern refresh to improve the usability of popular MES screens.

  • Provides users with a functional and visual approach that transforms how to shop users interact with the system
  • Simplified workflow and modern look and feel with anywhere access
  • Common interface with Mattec Advanced MES Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

Epicor IoT

Leverage IoT connectivity to acquire and analyze device data from across your organization. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor. The workflow is simple and follows this simple logic:

IoT-enabled sensors send their readings to the IoT Hub > Epicor ERP reads events from the IoT Hub > Epicor creates a new maintenance order suggestion > Maintenance department approves suggestion and scheduled maintenance.

  • Epicor IoT is integrated with the Microsoft Azure IoT Hub
  • Monitor and visualize data from sensors including
    • Equipment
    • Assets
    • Inventory Locations
    • Environmental factors

Analytics

Data Analytics Expansion

This EDA expansion further provides insights into projects and production management. As a new solution, a purchase may be required depending on your current contract with Epicor.

  • New content packs for field service and preventive maintenance
  • Updated content packs for production and project management, materials management, and Mattec MES

Data Discovery Expansion

  • New sidebar display that allows users to work and see EDD views at the same time
  • “Open with” feature to open Epicor ERP forms and trackers in context
  • EDD Discovery Dashboard widget as a tab on Active Home Page
  • EDD IoT widget to alert decision-makers on what needs attention on the shop floor

New Reports

New Inventory and general ledger reports are available with the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update.

Inventory

  • The New Stock movement report prints movements in and out per warehouse summarized for a given period
  • New Stock Aging Report prints the current stock on hand by part, UOM, age of stock, and value of the aged stock

GL

  • New Booking Voucher report and the Booking Voucher FC report print journal transactions for a selected year and period range. The reports display a separate page for each document or voucher

Enhanced Homepage

An enhanced homepage experience comes equipped with new widgets, layouts, and overall feel of interfaces of Epicor ERP screens.

  • New Widgets Available
    • Discovery Dashboards – A Data Discovery Dashboard is a collection of several views, that enables you to compare a variety of data simultaneously
    • Discovery IoT Widget – Use this widget to view the current status of the IoT (Internet of Things) Devices
    • Web Applications – Use this widget to host web applications, primarily kinetic-based applications, such as Manufacturing Execution System (MES) forms, scheduling boards, and others
  • Default Layout
    • You can pick a default layout that will be loaded for all users who do not have their layout
    • New Kinetic Style brings the new look to all your ERP screens
      • Kinetic features:
        • Quick Access Panel
          • Enables widgets on most of your master table and transaction screens
          • Enabled from the options menu perform
          • Can be used to keep key information handy
        • In-app icon
          • In-app messages have an icon on the homepage notifying you of unread messages

10.2.400 Update Webcast

You can watch the latest update webcast, here.

For more information on the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Update, contact the ERP experts at Encompass Solutions using the Contact Us link below.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.

01
May 2019
0
An image of the Epicor Virtual Agent, EVA, being used on a mobile device

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) | Artificial Intelligence For ERP

Interactive interfaces are the next stage in workforce agility, providing more visibility into data and processes while enabling

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) | Artificial Intelligence For ERP

Epicor , , , , , , Sean Balogh

Interactive interfaces are the next stage in workforce agility, providing more visibility into data and processes while enabling faster reaction times. Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) is Epicor Software Corp.’s answer to manufacturers’ desire to extract more value from their current assets and investments without incurring higher costs or sacrificing product quality. The Epicor Virtual Agent, aptly named EVA, is a cutting-edge digital assistant designed to help users work more intelligently.

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) At Work

With built-in artificial intelligence, EVA can simplify user interactions with the ERP system and automate manual tasks to speed up operations. Text and voice cognitive skills enable EVA to transform data into visual representations. The result is an intuitive experience that allows users to complete actions on native devices with ease. The technology is powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP), a human-computer interactive technology that users can leverage from mobile devices with requests and tasks that will be addressed by the Epicor Virtual Agent. Targeted information and data to enable faster, better decision-making is then delivered in real-time.

An image of the Epicor Virtual Assistant, EVA, being used on a mobile device

According to Scott Hays, Epicor senior vice president of product marketing, “When EVA responds within the Epicor solution, she does so with more visuals,” offering the example, “If I ask for a typical part, I’ll get back an image of the part with the key information I need to know right away. And, she’ll have a ‘next best action button.” Users can also request more information, including part price or quantity on hand, which will be provided by the Epicor Virtual Agent via the request and response interface.

Taking The Epicor Virtual Agent Beyond Conversation

While the request/response conversational experience may be what most users are familiar with when it comes to virtual agents, the Epicor Virtual Agent extends functionality into proactive suggestions based on best practices. The proactive decision-making process takes into account combinations of events, market statistics, and historical data. Designed to extend and support the workforce, EVA can provide insights teams can easily overlook to improve accuracy, and problem-spotting, and can even forecast or adjust production or distribution levels according to customer demand.

When conversation falls short, actional insights reinforce the agent’s effectiveness according to Hayes, who elaborated on what it means to be an effective virtual agent, stating “The second capability is taking action. If EVA has noticed something going on, she may say that based on what she’s seeing happening on the factory floor I should schedule maintenance on a machine.” The data described includes that from shop floor machines and IoT sensors. These devices, coupled with Epicor ERP, create a virtual nervous system that enables seamless and informed communications between EVA and users’ mobile devices.

The Epicor Virtual Agent In Action

By utilizing the EVA via an interface device, management can confirm or deny suggestions from the Epicor Virtual Agent with just a few clicks or taps. Production managers can schedule maintenance for a machine, shift production to other machines, and carry out an array of other actions with ease.

The Epicor Virtual Agent goes beyond traditional manufacturing scenarios, too. Other applications and industry-specific use cases include:

  • Distribution — EVA can provide outside sales and field service representatives with instant and easy access to information they need, such as product details, price, and availability information, as well as the ability to create a quote on their mobile devices while meeting with customers face-to-face.
  • Retail — EVA utilizes an AI-powered recommendation engine based on market basket analysis to suggest relevant cross-sell or up-sell recommendations in real time. This can take place in the aisle, in real-time, where purchase decisions are made.
  • Automotive Aftermarket — By using AI to evaluate huge datasets that include vehicle registrations and parts failure rates by region, EVA can communicate to auto parts distributors that specific parts are in high demand and stock levels of specific parts need to be replenished or increased to meet that projected demand.

Leveraging The Epicor Virtual Agent Alongside Epicor ERP

Developed using AI services from Microsoft Azure AI services are an integral part of EVA’s development. As such, the Epicor Virtual Agent can accompany any size and type of Epicor implementation, be it on-premise or in the cloud. By delivering the power of EVA to customers of every size, even small and medium-sized companies can leverage the innovative tech the biggest enterprises use to grow their businesses.

Hays emphasizes EVA’s machine learning component and how extended use will make the tool even more ubiquitous, “With EVA, you interact naturally with your ERP system. It’s as easy as just talking or typing to a colleague. This makes the breadth and depth of the industry-specific functionality and information available inside the system directly accessible to a larger audience, boosting productivity and efficiency, and giving the company an improved return on their ERP investment.”

EVA will be available as part of the latest releases of Epicor ERP and Prophet 21, which are planned for general availability in May 2019.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.

30
Apr 2019
2
an image of manufacturing process improvement with erp

5 Ways To Improve Manufacturing Processes With ERP

Change within an organization is never easy. However, when the competition is forcing you to increase efficiency around

5 Ways To Improve Manufacturing Processes With ERP

ERP , , Sean Balogh

Change within an organization is never easy. However, when the competition is forcing you to increase efficiency around lead times and manufacturing process improvement, ERP may be the secret weapon that can get your business on the right track to innovation. In an industry where agility is rarely a recognized quality, ERP solutions can bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing processes and modern technology. Here are 5 ways to improve manufacturing processes with ERP.

1. Connect Your Organization At Every Level With A Single Source of Truth

An ERP solution is not just about manufacturing execution systems and financial reporting. It delivers all the data you need to run your business from the shop floor to the top floor. This includes your essential accounting practices and manufacturing operations and expands into demand planning, MRP, corporate performance analysis, human capital management, e-commerce, CRM, and so much more. ERP systems are purpose-built to link your machine, device, team, supplier, and customer data in one location. As an accessible repository for all your business data, ERP systems provide a digital gateway to your records and the essential visibility into the supply chain you need for control, traceability, and reliability. By breaking down the silos that keep your business’ departments separated and utilizing a single system of record, you can improve your corporate and operational agility to make real-time decisions and facilitate each new stage of growth when it matters most.

2. Leverage Superior Visibility In Real-Time, Across The Globe

When customers expect manufacturers to turn on a dime and manufacturers need to know what’s happening on all fronts, not just in-house, but with suppliers and partners, too, there is no substitute for the superior visibility derived from a powerful ERP solution. Every aspect of a manufacturing operation can benefit from the utility an ERP system provides. Among the most valuable benefits is real-time visibility which allows a business to manage all its moving parts at once, with accurate and up-to-date data. This visibility also lends timely and accurate communication between internal teams, external suppliers, and partners. The result is on-time delivery, accuracy, quality, and reliability in the eyes of the customer.

3. A Culture Of Best Practices Will Improve Manufacturing Processes

Just because the old way of doing things has worked up to this point in time, doesn’t mean it will continue down the road. Bringing your operation’s processes in line with a modern sensibility and making an effort to utilize all the proven tools and tactics available can improve manufacturing processes and bring performance from patchy to prosperous. Established ERP vendors have incorporated the best practices of their targeted industries into their software solutions. These best practices are collected through decades of working with manufacturers in a variety of verticals and those best practices are designed to eliminate waste and inefficiencies from quote to cash. By training staff to utilize the new tools in their hands the way they are most effective, rather than conforming to the old way of doing things, a culture of best practices will emerge and steer your business toward new growth.

4. ERP Gives Your Business Tools To Expand

As the world grows more interconnected, shipping and sourcing nationally and internationally become viable options. As a result, doing business in a single currency, presenting your brand’s story and products in a single language, and abiding by just one region’s regulation may leave your company in a position of exclusion. Not only this, but the capability of modern ERP systems enables your business to easily tackle the challenges of corporate and operational growth as you scale to include bigger teams, bigger facilities, and multiple sites, at home or abroad. With global supply chains reaching around the world many times over, sourcing quality and affordable materials from international suppliers and partners are far less daunting hurdles to overcome with the help of ERP. EDI goes further in helping automate traditionally manual processes using data sourced from your ERP system.

5. ERP Allows You To Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Modern ERP systems are all about data and connectivity. delivering that crucial data to those who need it most. This data will inform and improve manufacturing processes, allowing decision-makers to see just how teams, machines, and processes are working together. When advanced technologies like machine learning and AI come into play, you can identify patterns that will lead to breakdowns further down the road. This is most evident in maintenance cycles, where a breakdown lasting just hours can cost a company hundreds of thousands of dollars. Leveraging ERP analytics you can identify problematic events before they affect your bottom line. Drive time and utilization for your machines to new heights with ERP, while process and quality improvement are the results.

As the most indispensable tool for modern manufacturers, ERP is essential to improve manufacturing processes. Use these systems to drive your business’s digital transformation, gather data to make informed decisions in real-time, stay connected on a global scale, and see around the next big turn for your business.

About Encompass Solutions

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

23
Apr 2019
1
an image of the automate 2019 logo

Automate 2019 Recap

We came, we saw, it was awesome. Encompass Solutions’ participation as exhibitors and speakers at Automate 2019 gave

Automate 2019 Recap

Events , , , , , , , , , Sean Balogh

We came, we saw, it was awesome. Encompass Solutions’ participation as exhibitors and speakers at Automate 2019 gave us the perfect vantage point from which to experience the show and deliver an Automate 2019 recap.

an image of the encompass solutions booth team at automate 2019

Automate 2019 At a Glance

Produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the show featured more than 500 exhibitors in the massive 160,000-square-foot exhibition space at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. In addition, the show hosted five educational tracks that included practical training in How to Automate, Automation Solutions & Innovation, Collaborative & Mobile Robotics, AI, Digitalization & Smart Manufacturing, Certified Vision Professional (CVP) Basic, Certified Vision Professional (CVP) Advanced, Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP), and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Updates. These tracks included content from introductory level to advanced topics for users, students, educators, and operators. While we delivered an introductory seminar on current automation types, robotics in use on the factory floor, and how you can get started implementing in your facilities, we attended several breakout and advanced sessions. During each of those talks, one theme emerged over and over–ours is the age of automation.

Here are just a few more happenings from Automate 2019 regarding new advanced robots and robot vendor developments that are rolling out into facilities worldwide.

Automation 2019 Key Takeaways

There were too many things we learned at Automate 2019 to list in one post. However, we want to share a few highlights that we think everyone needs to consider moving forward:

  • Automation is here and it’s only gaining more momentum as advancements in hardware, software, and utilization become more refined.
  • If you are not thinking about leveraging automation and robotics, you are already behind.
  • While many are expecting an economic downturn between 2020-2022, now is still the best time to begin investing in these technologies.
  • Start small. You don’t have to outfit your entire operation to remain competitive. start with one robot or one instance of automated assembly. build from there.
  • Empower your staff and involve them in the transformation that is coming.
  • Focused Automation and Robotics specializations for employees will be necessary, as there will be less and less room for unskilled staff in modernized facilities.
  • Upskilling current staff will be of greater benefit and lower cost for employers than training and onboarding new staff.=

It’s going to be a hard-fought battle to outpace competitors as automation becomes more affordable and more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises. Start training and experimenting with automation today and you’ll be ready to weather the bout.

ERP At Automate 2019

We spoke with hundreds of users and manufacturers thinking about robotics and automation during the weeklong Automate 2019 event. While the robots and automation enclosures were captivating, to say the least, one thing few seemed to consider during that time was how they were going to connect those robotics and automated systems to the rest of their enterprise. In short, the answer is an ERP solution.

It’s one thing to install a robot on your factory floor to install windshields, make welds, or assemble PCBs. However, what are you doing with that data from your manufacturing processes? Are you even tracking it? By plugging your robotics and automation data into your ERP system, you are getting more detailed accounts of performance, quality, material and time optimization, maintenance cycles, and so much more. Everyone we spoke with, from attendees to exhibitors to organizers, agreed that ERP connectivity is an essential component of automation and robotics on the factory floor. We look forward to carrying those conversations further and urge everyone looking to automate processes or install robots in their facilities to consider the necessity for visibility and connectivity when evaluating such technologies.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.

04
Apr 2019
0
an image of items that can be created through medical device manufacturing erp with encompass solutions consulting services

Medical Device Manufacturing ERP Systems On The Rise

Medical device manufacturing has grown more and more complicated as products become more intricate and regulators become stricter

Medical Device Manufacturing ERP Systems On The Rise

ERP , , , , , , , , , Sean Balogh

Medical device manufacturing has grown more and more complicated as products become more intricate and regulators become stricter about conformity to rigid standards. These two industry trends have driven Medical Device Manufacturing ERP systems to command an increasingly larger portion of the conversation on where the industry is headed.

an image of items that can be created through medical device manufacturing erp with encompass solutions consulting services

Medical Device Manufacturing ERP And Encompass Solutions 

As a result of the growing trend, Medical Device Manufacturing ERP implementations and integrations into existing business systems are in high demand. But that doesn’t mean all implementation specialists are created equal. Encompass Solutions delivers proven implementation and consulting experience to an array of medical device and bio-science clients. The longstanding partnership with ERP vendor Epicor has kept Encompass at the forefront of ERP and manufacturing industry developments.

What A Medical Device Manufacturing ERP Can Do For You

The platform allows all facets of the business to derive data from a single source. Epicor ERP allows users to control accounting, production, forecasting, performance metrics, product lifecycle management, 360-degree visibility, and much more. Encompass Solutions empowers clients with the training and support to utilize these powerful tools to their fullest extent in heavily regulated markets like medical devices, aerospace and defense, and aviation.

Whether a medical device manufacturer is regional, national, or international, the same essential tools can be leveraged to manage quality, meet demand, and facilitate the corporate and operational growth of their organization. Automating manual and non-value-added back-office tasks with an ERP system will provide talented staff to take on more value-added tasks, such as customer care, and sales, and ensure conformity to government and industry standards.

Encompass Solutions Is Your Medical Device Manufacturing ERP Partner

Encompass clients utilizing medical device manufacturing ERP systems work with our consultants regularly to automate manual tasks, improve processes and maintain their organization from the shop floor to the top floor with less effort and fewer costs.

Our position as subject matter experts ensures that clients not only have a partner that speaks their language but can value-add to their organization for the lifetime of their partnership. From implementation, to upgrade, and beyond, you bring the vision and bring the tools with business systems to fit the build.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.

03
Apr 2019
0
An image depicting April 2019 news and updates from encompass solutions.

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 , , , , 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.

an image depicting a software update for epicor erp 10.2.400

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.

an image of a customer self-service portal enriching the customer experience

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.

an image of the automate 2019 banner in march 2019 news and updates from encompass solutions

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.

an image representing rapid implementation of an erp solution for businesses undergoing a digital transformation

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.

an image of the encpomass logo

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.

an image of the epicor logo for the epicor consultants at encompass solutions

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.

an image of the Oracle + NetSuite logo

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.

01
Apr 2019
0
an image depicting a software update for epicor erp 10.2.400 update

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 , , , , , 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.

an image depicting a clourd software update for epicor erp 10.2.400

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.

20
Mar 2019
0
an image depicting the benefits of a self-service customer portal for your business

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 , , , , 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.

a graphic image of a happy customer utilizing a self--service customer portal

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

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.

15
Mar 2019
0
an image representing rapid implementation of an erp solution for businesses undergoing a digital transformation

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 , , , , , , , , 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.

an image of an hourglass, signifying that when time is short an erp rapid implementation may be the best solution.

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.

a picture of vanilla ice cream,

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.

06
Mar 2019
0
an image of the hariot-watt university logo, where the heriot-watt laser was developed

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 , , , 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

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.

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