Epicor Advanced MES is a critical part of any Smart Factory. Manufacturers use Advanced MES to improve quality, reduce scrap, help ensure on-time delivery, and boost production throughput. It’s all about improving production execution and performance efficiency to gain a competitive advantage. How do you make more without more assets? Use Advanced MES to uncover and eliminate downtime, make more parts, or cut costs. MES can improve profitability by helping you find more capacity.
Epicor Advanced MES collects data directly from equipment and operators on the shop floor in real-time, minimizing inaccurate and time-consuming manual data collection. With information instantly in your hands, you can anticipate and solve production problems before they happen. Real-time insight helps you pinpoint critical issues, reduce waste, and improve quality and customer service. Everyone in the plant and throughout the business can then take action to improve manufacturing performance.
The latest release of Advanced MES, 8.3.3, introduces several new features.
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, 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.
Mohawk Fine Papers manufactures and distributes premium uncoated paper and coated stock. They pride itself on being the first major manufacturing company to derive 100% of its electricity from wind power. Mohawk ranks as the largest maker of premium printing, writing, and imaging papers in the country.
The privately owned, over 150-year-old company runs three paper mills—one in Cohoes, NY another in nearby Waterford, NY, and a third in Hamilton, OH. It also operates a distribution center in Albany, NY, a warehouse and converting center in Saybrook, OH, a sales office in Scotland, and a distribution center in the Netherlands. In all, the company employs roughly 725 people—including 75 corporate office employees. Today Mohawk distributes papers in more than 50 countries worldwide.
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, 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.
High-growth Medical Device companies are always looking for ways to accelerate innovation across the product lifecycle to support patient needs. They are also seeking to improve product quality and manage costs to support financial growth.
Until recently, companies have gad to implementing multiple on-premise point solutions, such as ERP, PLM, MES, and QMS to achieve these goals. Today, these Medical Device organizations are looking for enterprise-wise, cloud-native platforms that support improved outcomes across the entries product lifecycle.
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, 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.
Precise Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) automates and streamlines the requisitioning 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. Via a separately licensed module, ARM also facilitates inventory transfers between Epicor locations/warehouses/sites and importing bulk data for Requisitions or Receiving via .csv files.
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, 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.
ERP Vendor Update: Industrial Equipment Manufacturing is compiled by Ultra Consultants from interviews with software company product experts, product documentation and product briefings, independent research, and Ultra internal documents.
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, 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.
The financial challenges that businesses face can be difficult to overcome without the right person at the helm. A fractional CFO or similarly-qualified financial consultant may deliver the results and value to help your organization succeed. Maybe a full-time financial leader does not make sense for your business or you need support while searching for the right individual. In any case, a fractional CFO or similarly qualified financial consultant may deliver the results and value required to help your organization succeed in a fiscally-healthy, responsible, and sustainable way.
What a Fractional CFO Does for Your Business
While a highly organized person may be able to step into an operational leadership position or a persistent and detail-oriented person can excel in marketing and sales, financial leadership is a unique skill set.
Optimizing cash flow, maximizing growth and profitability, and ensuring the financial stability of an organization are just some of the essential services a fractional CFO can provide. However, a full-time CFO can be tough to justify in terms of cost or it may be difficult to find the right individual to not only make the best financial decisions for your company but also has deep knowledge of and experience in your particular industry.
Whatever the reason a full-time CFO may not make sense for you at this point, Encompass has consultants to provide the experience and expertise you need at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CFO.
Specialty Financial Consulting Services
As a provider of financial leadership consulting, Encompass consultants can strategic expertise to help you better understand and outline your financial goals, ensure your business stays on course to achieve those goals, and excel in a competitive industry.
Partnering with Encompass ensures your business will have a qualified representative leading your financial department to satisfy the most essential functions of a financial department. These services include but are not limited to:
Financial Strategy, Planning, and Management
Financial Analysis, Planning, and Forecasting
Financial Regulation and Compliance
Accounting, General Ledger, Administration, and Operations
Financial Management > Financial Relations and Policies
Cash Management – Cash Flow Analysis/Financial Position Analysis
Automation and Process Improvement
Financial Technology and Solution Evaluation
Financial Strategy Alignment in preparation for, as part of, or following ERP implementation
Report Development beyond the initial Balance Sheet and Income Statement created in XLConnect
Booking Journal Entries as needed to record Reconciliation differences or reclassifications
Financial Statement preparation and review
Discussions regarding General Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP)
Month and Year End processes
Clean up old and new accounting issues
Account reconciliations and analysis
A modern business requires modern tools to maintain a competitive edge. An ERP solution or other business management system will empower your business to address the needs of financial strategy and stability. Our financial professionals work within these systems daily to ensure our client’s financial goals are aligned with their internal processes, and regulations, satisfy the financial compliance requirements of all jurisdictions in which they conduct business, and are liable for financial reporting and payments to which they are subject.
Partner with an Encompass Fractional CFO or Financial Consultant
If you are ready to have a conversation about the financial leadership needs of your business, we’re standing by to help.
Contact us today to learn how Encompass can help position your financial activities and policies on the path to success.
You can download the financial services summary in a sharable format (PDF) below.
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, 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.
The following press release “Epicor Acquires KBMax to Accelerate Growth” was originally published, here.
Epicor Acquires KBMax a Technology Leader in The Configure Price Quote (CPQ) Market to Help Customers Sell Smarter
News Summary:
The acquisition drives continued growth for Epicor with the ability to offer KBMax software as a stand-alone cloud-first, low/no code toolset, or integrated into the Epicor productivity suite to generate new, cross-and-up sell potential.
Builds a bridge between Epicor’s customized ERP modules and the sales-to-order process, delivering better customer outcomes.
Opens up new international growth markets for Epicor across the United Kingdom, France, Benelux, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Germany.
Marks is the latest in a series of strategic merger and acquisition efforts that cement Epicor’s ambitions to become the sole provider of mission-critical business applications to customers in the key industries served.
KBMax customers will benefit by having access to greater technology solutions and services housed beneath the Epicor brand name, coupled with a seamless transition and assured continuity.
AUSTIN, Texas, May 27, 2021 – Epicor, a global leader of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, announced today that it has acquired Configure Price Quote (CPQ) and visualization software provider KBMax. The transaction closed on May 27. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
KBMax software solutions will be marketed under the Epicor brand as a stand-alone module within the company’s productivity suite, aligning seamlessly with Epicor’s deep expertise in the global manufacturing engineer-to-order space. The ability to offer customers a highly customizable, industry-specific one-stop solution that connects the front and back of the house supports Epicor’s mission to differentiate itself from the fleet of one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf ERP solutions.
“Our customers are the essential businesses who make, deliver, and sell the things everyone needs. We knew we needed to move fast, to enable them to be able to stay digitally competitive and build out scalable digital commerce capabilities,” comments Steve Murphy, Epicor CEO. “It’s a perfect time for businesses to reach their customers in new and compelling ways. The integration of KBMax’s technology into our platform will solve that challenge for our customers, enabling them to create an information-rich and immersive online buying experience. The integration of next-gen CPQ tools with our ERP system will enable vital connectivity points to our customers across inventory, costs, pricing, and customer data.”
With complexity comes the need for real-time, reliable integration between systems, especially CPQ and ERP. Research shows that in 2020 80 percent of B2B buyer journeys took place online. Being able to configure a product in CPQ and instantly get 3D renderings and dimensioned drawings will dramatically reduce the time and cost it takes for our customers to respond to RFPs, getting potential buyers the information they need to make a decision faster than ever before.
The integration of KBMax with Epicor’s ERP solutions will provide customers:
A seamless connection between sales and operation data improves demand planning and production.
A single source of truth for the most complex engineer-to-order projects delivering faster and more accurate sales quotes, fewer order mistakes, and improved sales rep productivity.
Ability to navigate the escalating trend of self-service/online business by translating complex sales information into something easy to configure and visualize.
A centralized data hub that can be managed in a single application that delivers a full 360-degree view of a customer’s order /fulfillment status allowing the front and back of-house teams to work from the same playbook.
Supported business continuity for existing KBMax customers.
KBMax has transformed the buying experience for over 20,000 users and its CPQ software has delivered customers measurable improvements, on average a 168 percent increase in annual sales revenues, 38 percent faster sales cycle, and a 35 percent increase in productivity.
“Epicor truly understands the industries it serves and its deep expertise in critical verticals from manufacturing to distribution make it the ideal home in which our technologies can nest seamlessly, and deliver immediate customer value while allowing us to scale and expand the technology suite,” said Kevin Bennett, KBMax CTO. “The integration of our software into the Epicor portfolio will help ensure the world’s most essential businesses can digitally evolve and thrive.”
About Epicor
Epicor Software Corporation equips hard-working businesses with enterprise solutions that keep the world turning. For nearly 50 years, Epicor customers in the manufacturing, distribution, LBM, retail, and automotive industries have trusted Epicor to help them do business better. Epicor’s innovative solution sets are carefully curated to fit customer needs and built to respond flexibly to their fast-changing reality. With deep industry knowledge and experience, Epicor accelerates every customer’s ambitions, whether to grow and transform or simply become more productive and effective. Visit www.epicor.com for more information.
Acknowledgments from Lee An Schommer, SVP, Global Product Management & Epicor University
“As part of our continued commitment to deliver a best-in-class highly customizable suite of productivity solutions, today we are excited to announce that Epicor has acquired KBMax, the technology leader in the 3D Configure Price Quote market.
Research shows that in 2020 80 percent of a B2B buyer’s journey took place online. Understanding the demands on your customers to reach their potential buyers in new and compelling ways, we knew that being able to offer next-gen CPQ tools that are seamlessly and securely housed within our ERP system, would deliver the advantage they need to keep their business ahead.
Combining KBMax’s software expertise in complex configurations with our deep B2B industry knowledge will significantly enhance our competitive position in the marketplace. The addition of KBMax’s leading technology provides vital connectivity points across inventory, pricing, and customer data. Being able to configure a product in CPQ and instantly get 3D renderings and drawings will dramatically reduce the time and cost it takes the businesses we serve to respond to RFPs, ensuring potential buyers receive the information they need to make a decision faster than ever before.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you to enable a world of better business.”
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, 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.
There are significant changes to the Epicor Learning Program for Kinetic 2021.1. The video below briefly covers the changes.
Epicor Learning Program: The Evolution of Education
Epicor Learning Program: The Next Generation Of Education From Epicor University, A Complete Training Experience
Epicor Learning License includes Full access to Epicor Learning Center with a deep catalog of video-based courses and Hands-On exercises, role-based learning paths, and the tools to quickly manage their entire training program.
Hands-on Courses are new! Hands-On is workshop-based courses for use with the Kinetic education database. They provide step-by-step instruction and hands-on practice exercises through real-world scenarios and are specifically designed to walk the learner through an actual in-product experience to help them master the Kinetic software. Hands-on exercises are also woven into role-based learning paths to accelerate adoption, develop skills, and build confidence for users.
All customers with an Embedded Ed license will have full access to Epicor Learning, ELC, and the full Learning Program.
Embedded Education has moved to sustain mode; the historical courses are available from classic help and ELC, but all new workshop-based courses will be developed as Hands-On.
All customers using Kinetic 2021.1 have access to the Help and Support Panel with help articles, quick answer videos, and guided learning; those with an Epicor Learning License get much more.
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, 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.
Customer(s) may have experienced that when working in Embedded Education in the middle of the training they receive the error message: “Unable to Load Online Education Courses. Access to online education requires an active Epicor ERP session. Please launch education courses from within the application.”
The following steps are the workaround solution with Internet Explorer as Epicor ERP version 10 was developed with it.
If you are using Microsoft Edge as your Internet browser, please check on the section “Related Links” for the related KB article.
Related Links
KB0103351 – Embedded Education – Unable to Load Online Education Courses – Workaround solution when using Microsoft Edge
– Troubleshooting Steps on Microsoft Internet Explorer –
The following steps are the workaround solution when you’re using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your Internet browser.
Step
Action
1
Close ERP Education instance. Go to step 2.
2
Open Microsoft Internet Explorer. Go to step 3.
3
Select the Tools menu and then click on Internet Options. Go to step 4.
4
In the window Internet Options look for the button named Settings below the section Browsing History and click on it.
Go to step 5.
5
In the window Website Data Settings, click on the radio button “Every time I visit the webpage” and click on “OK”.
Go to step 6.
6
Back in the window Internet Options look for the button named Delete… below the section Browsing History and click on it.
Go to step 7.
7
Clear browsing history and cookies and other temporary Internet files:
From the list of possible kinds of data to delete, at least select and delete the first 3 categories (checkmark them and then press the Delete button): Temporary Internet files and website files, Cookies and website data, and History. Check the image. Go to step 8.
8
Once the Internet clears the data, you can close the browser and open Epicor ERP to verify the Embedded course.
Action steps complete
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, 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.
Manufacturers are quite familiar with feeling the squeeze of constrained talent pools. This can be said for just about every department of a business. When it comes to ERP staff, qualified individuals can be tough to come by even in healthy job markets. This becomes even more apparent when seeking ERP staff with backgrounds that align with the unique needs of manufacturing businesses. Remote Staff Augmentation, also known as Virtual Staff Augmentation, for manufacturers is one answer to the problem of finding qualified staff to keep your manufacturing business running at peak performance.
Whether you’re working on the road, at home, or onsite, Encompass can supplement ERP staff remotely with remote workforce augmentation.
What is Remote Workforce Augmentation?
Remote Workforce Augmentation is the ability to supplement your internal staffing needs with employees, contracted or otherwise, that operate remotely and generally interact with a business by virtual means.
Why use Remote Workforce Augmentation?
There are many reasons why a company would choose to leverage Remote Workforce Augmentation for their ERP needs. This includes everything from simple system checks and reviews to advanced projects and ongoing support.
Some of the most common pain points for manufacturers that lead to leveraging remote workforce augmentation include:
Being overburdened with incoming orders or outgoing purchase orders
Achieving business goals
Running regular reports
Adding ERP coverage without bringing on new employees
Bridging gaps between office staff and departments
If you are experiencing any of these pain points or have a few that you think may qualify for remote workforce augmentation and IT support, Encompass has the right person for you.
How Encompass Provides Remote Workforce Augmentation
Companies that cannot afford or do not need full-time ERP staff will want to consider Remote Workforce Augmentation. This arrangement is one where the company will contract their ERP work and support requirements out to a third party, in this case, Encompass Solutions, Inc. (ESI).
ESI will provide several levels of support for a business to evaluate when considering remote workforce augmentation, which includes:
Supplementing your ERP staff
Bridging gaps during personnel turnover
Supporting teams with those on Maternity/Paternity leave
Quote/Order Entry
Job Creation/Closing
Purchase Order Entry
AR Invoicing
Shipping Notifications
Manual EDI processing
Transitioning back to your team if needed
Depending on your level of requirements, you may choose a basic or more comprehensive offering. Use your procedures – we’ll do the work!
Get started with Encompass Remote Workforce Augmentation
If you are ready to supplement internal operations with ESI staff or would like a review of your internal processes to find the best solution to your needs, we can help you get started.
It all starts with an informal review of your current process, which includes:
Order Entry
Purchase Order Entry
Customer Statements
and more
As part of the process, your business will provide Encompass with your procedures and our team will execute this according to your business processes and requirements.
Following that, ESI will document our progress throughout the day, providing regular reports and communications to your team or “next in line” person to make sure you are always kept up to date.
If you are ready to have the conversation about your IT support and remote workforce augmentation needs, contact Encompass today.
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, 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.
Go to step 8.
