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.
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.
Industrial Equipment Manufacturers face complex business challenges. Especially Now.
It’s always been difficult to effectively manage parts, production, people, and products. And today, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even harder. Supply chains continue to be unsettled. Distribution channels are disrupted. Costs are rising.
The solution – in good times and bad – is to become more efficient: Fix broken business processes. Eliminate workarounds and manual make-dos. Integrate core systems. Control inventory spend. Streamline the supply chain. Reduce overall costs and improve cash flow. Achieve transparency and visibility into every aspect of operations.
To do these things, you need the right ERP solution. But what is the best solution for your organization?
That’s the challenge. Because answers can turn into more questions. Because every organization is different. And because no company handles any phase of operations – estimating, configuration, orders, changes, planning, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, inventory, distribution, shipping, sales, and field service – the same way.
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.
To compete, manufacturers in regulated industries need to be agile and innovate at a high velocity. Epicor® ERP is a leading manufacturing platformfor life science manufacturers as it offers the product traceability, system controls, and more needed to respond to your growing business while allowing you to meet regulatory challenges. The availability of critical business systems in the cloud improves your ability to compete. Cloud enables both business agility and the increased speed at which technology is delivered to better meet business needs for innovation. Additionally, the Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences offers a cloud solution designed to reduce the risk of compliance with support for the software validation needs of FDA-regulated businesses.
Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle Benefits
As a Life Sciences Manufacturer, take advantage of the benefits of the cloud with reduced risk of compliance:
Stay current in the cloud with an annual upgrade cadence for extended validation testing and documentation.
Ensure your business is ready for every upgrade by leveraging customer-proven best practices that minimize disruption.
Meet demands for high growth with flexible cloud solutions, easily scalable and adaptive to current and future business needs.
Drive strategic business outcomes with an Epicor ERP Cloud system to better align with your organizational goals.
FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Requires Validation of Software
Companies must validate that the software and systems used to create and maintain electronic records and signatures can ensure the integrity of the electronic results and information. This is done through software validation. The guidance offered by the FDA for software validation is in terms of installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ). The Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences supports IQ documentation on your Epicor cloud solution to supplement IQ documentation for internal systems within your validation plan.
Validation Documentation Available with the Bundle
The Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences supports IQ documentation on your Epicor cloud solution to supplement IQ documentation for internal systems within your validation plan.
Note: You are responsible for IQ validation documentation and testing of any installed software and devices at their location. Also, as you are responsible for your validation state, Epicor makes our documentation available for review. The following reports are available:
Epicor ERP IQ Software Validation Plan (VP): VP-01
Epicor ERP IQ Software User Requirements Specification (URS): URS-02
Epicor ERP IQ Software Risk Management Plan (RMP): RMP-03
Risk Assessment / Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA): FMEA-04
Epicor ERP IQ Software Risk Management Report (RMR): RMR-05
Epicor ERP IQ Software Functional Requirements (FR): FR-06
Epicor ERP IQ Software Validation Summary Report (VSR): VSR-08
Epicor Managed Hosting SOC 1 Type II Report
Epicor Cloud ERP SOC 2 Type II Report
Epicor SOC 2 Bridge Letter
Cloud Elements of the Bundle
The solution is a bundled offering that comprises the following cloud elements:
Epicor ERP Public Cloud U.S. Government Option
Epicor Public Cloud Validation Environment with Public Cloud Premium for your dedicated validation testing
IQ documentation and audit inquiry support in the event of customer or FDA audit
Extended validation cloud cadence of one year to provide additional time for validation documentation and testing
Figure 1: Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences. Note the solution is available in Azure Government Cloud and that additional environments are available but must be enhanced with a corresponding Premium Pilot Extension to match your solution set.
Cloud Upgrade Cadence for the Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences
Supporting the needs of the life sciences business with a software upgrade cadence that delivers time for added testing is built into the solution. Users will have stages for planning, validation testing, reporting of issues that impact validation, and regression test time for their validated processes. They will also need to test their non-validation processes such as financial transactions. Below is a diagram that outlines a sample cadence for the solution. In addition to a one-year cadence for major releases, the solution will offer a quarterly update that is made available in the pilot environment the month before making it available in the live environment.
Get Started With Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle
Business leaders balance the pace of business innovation, fluctuating demand, and regulatory compliance requirements when deploying new technology. Reducing the risk of change in these environments provides greater business resiliency with the added benefit that the cloud delivers, including the ability to stay current with technology to drive greater results. Epicor uniquely understands the needs of a life sciences manufacturer with cloud-based ERP. You need the flexibility and control to run your business your way while benefiting from the cloud technologies and business models that fit.
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.
To compete, manufacturers in regulated industries need to be agile and innovate at a high velocity. Epicor® ERP is a leading manufacturing platform for life science manufacturers as it offers the product traceability, system controls, and more needed to respond to your growing business while allowing you to meet regulatory challenges. The availability of critical business systems in the cloud improves your ability to compete. Cloud enables both business agility and the increased speed at which technology is delivered to better meet business needs for innovation. Additionally, the Epicor ERP Cloud Validation Bundle for Life Sciences offers a cloud solution designed to reduce the risk of compliance with support for the software validation needs of FDA-regulated businesses.
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.
“Moving to the cloud” is a phrase you hear a lot with technology these days. Touted as faster and more secure, the cloud presents an ideal choice. But many companies still feel more comfortable with their feet on the ground and are hesitant to make a change. It’s understandable. Moving from on-premises to cloud hosting is a big decision. Before you decide to stick to your on-premises solution, let’s break down some common myths about the cloud.
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.
2020 saw a surge in remote work with companies experiencing shutdowns and business disruptions. But thanks to Industry 4.0 and smart factory technologies, many resilient businesses were able to adapt. Manufacturer Hytera reassigned a few of its production lines to produce disposable face masks. Baoshan Iron and Steel kept its facility in Shanghai running with automated production. According to a news report, “The two major product lines in Baoshan are fully unmanned. Each line needs two to three workers for inspections.”
Companies have had to reevaluate their operations to meet social distancing requirements. They created virtual workspaces and leveraged new skills for their employees, Gartner reports. Hytera and Baoshan maintained production with new health guidelines to keep employees safe. With the sudden global changes, many businesses expected a change in production. Close to 80% of U.S. companies surveyed by the National Association of Manufacturers anticipated a financial impact. More than half anticipated a change in operations.
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.
This is a story about extraordinary innovation. About how a small commercial manufacturing company in Lexington, Kentucky transformed into an international industry leader by making daring decisions. When they adopted their provocative name, it was a spark that ignited a fire. Innovation followed by growth, followed by more innovation. Now, they use data-driven manufacturing as a standard way to operate. See how Big Ass Fans transformed manufacturing fans into high-tech solutions for customers.
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 Epicor Data Management Tool (DMT) is an application that many Epicor ERP clients use to import information into their Epicor systems and to make mass updates. Many clients already know how to use the tool through the standard UI interface. The command line interface allows for interacting with the DMT without the need for user intervention.
The Benefit of Accessing Epicor Data Management Tool via Command Line
By allowing us to interface directly with DMT, this allows for us developers/consultants to quickly import information into Epicor. Such information that can be imported for both new and updating include:
Parts
Material Issue
Return Material
Quantity Adjustments
Jobs
Job Receipt to Inventory
Many More
Under normal circumstances, we would need to utilize the standard Business Objects or APIs to make these transactions and updates within the system. This can add a lot of overhead when performing a large number of transactions at a time. Pushing these through the DMT usually allows for us to process a greater number of transactions more quickly, with only the need to write the CSV file and kick off the application.
Getting started with Epicor Data Management Tool (DMT) via Command Line
Epicor provides a good amount of information regarding the DMT and the command line interface. Here is some documentation on it, so long as you have an EpicWeb account. you can find those resources, here.
The above resource provides all of the options that can be used with the DMT.exe and some basic examples. Beyond that, I would recommend anybody who would want to use this to use the DMT to create the templates for what they would want to import. By default, it automatically selects the required fields, so it’s just a matter of adding in the fields that need to be updated/inserted.
Kicking off the DMT via a BPM is how I had originally done this for an Encompass client in Life Sciences manufacturing and I imagine that this would probably be the most universal way for it to be used. With that said, using the DMT in this way is not viable for Cloud clients as the DMT isn’t available for execution from the server side of things.
Cloud clients can still utilize the DMT, even with the command line, but it would need to be through a different methodology, such as a script file or through a local application that has access to the DMT install.
For more information on utilizing Epicor Data Management Tool via Command Line, reach out to Encompass using the link 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.
Epicor has announced the upcoming major product upgrade of Epicor Kinetic 2021.1 in April 2021. This upgrade not only represents a major milestone in the advancement of manufacturing solutions from Epicor, but also a complete rebranding of the Epicor ERP solutions as Epicor Kinetic.
Epicor Kinetic 2021.1 represents decades of the Epicor manufacturing expertise fully reimagined for today’s modern workforce and digital business. Given the such depth of enhancements in this upgrade, the standard testing timeframe for customers on cadence has been extended from four weeks to seven weeks.
What’s New in Epicor Kinetic 2021.1
More details will be released, but a few highlights include:
A Transformed User Experience
Enjoy the fresh look and intuitive design of all your most-used screens and forms – now accessible in a web browser – as the user experience transformation is getting closer to completion.
Expanded Capabilities of Application Studio
Your daily users will appreciate what your power users already know – This robust low/no code toolset is more feature-rich and intuitive to help even the casual user personalize screens to work faster and smarter.
Improved Help & Support Panel
With so many new features, it’s important to have quick and easy access to help when you need it. The Help & Support panel now features familiar type-head predictive search results and more ways to personalize your favorite topics.
Important Dates For Epicor Kinetic Upgrades
For cadence customers
Date
Event
Details
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Data Refresh in Pilot
For all live Public Cloud customers staying on cadence, your pilot database will be automatically refreshed this day. Additional environments are not automatically refreshed, but if you would like them to be, please submit a case in EpicCare by Friday, April 9.
For implementing customers staying on cadence, your pilot database will not be automatically refreshed, unless you submit an EpicCare ticket requesting a refresh by Friday, April 9. Please note that you will not be able to have your database refreshed from Production to Pilot during the upgrade testing period.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Data Refresh in Pilot for MT/Express
For all legacy Multi-tenant and Express customers, your pilot database will be automatically refreshed this day.
Friday, April 16, 2021 –
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Pilot System Upgrade to 2021.1
During this time, your Pilot system, Education environment, and additional environments will be unavailable while Epicor performs your upgrade, but don’t worry—your Production system will not be affected by the new release. Once it is complete, log in to your Pilot system (and other environments) to start exploring what’s new.
Sunday, April 18, 2021 –
Friday, June 4, 2021
Extended Testing Timeline
There are seven weeks to test in the Pilot. Between the upgrade from Pilot to Production, there will be two updates for customers on cadence.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Pilot System Update to 2021.1.2
Your Pilot system and additional environments will be updated to include quality enhancements.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Pilot System Update to 2021.1.3
This will be the second and last update before the upgrade to Production
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
UBC Opt-In Deadline
Multi-tenant and Express customers (legacy cloud customers)
If Multi-tenant and Express customers want Epicor to move your unique business components (UBCs) from your Pilot environment to your Production environment, you must submit an EpicCare ticket to opt into the process. If you do not submit an EpicCare ticket to opt into the process, the UBCs from your Pilot environment will not be moved by Epicor to the Production environment.
Public Cloud customers (Azure)
Customers on the public cloud that would like to move your unique business components (UBCs) from your Pilot environment to the Production environment, please refer to KB0035160 for instructions, or attend the complimentary “Learn How to Manage Your Unique Business Components” course from Epicor University.
Saturday, June 5, 2021 –
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Production System Upgrade to 2021.1.3
Your upgrade weekend arrives! While Epicor upgrades your Production system to Epicor Kinetic 2021.1.3, your system will be unavailable for several hours during this time.
Flex Customers
Date
Event
Details
Friday, April 9, 2021
Deadline for Flex Customers
Deadline for customers purchasing the Flex option to submit an EpicCare ticket indicating your preference to defer your upgrade to one of the alternate upgrade dates listed below.
Week of June 21, 2021
Flex Option #1:
Pilot System Upgrade
For Flex Option #1 customers, your Pilot system, Education environment, and additional environments will be unavailable while Epicor performs your upgrade, but don’t worry—your Production system will not be affected by the new release. Once it is complete, log in to your Pilot system (and other environments) to start exploring what’s new.
Week of July 19, 2021
Flex Option #2:
Pilot System Upgrade
For Flex Option #2 customers, your Pilot system, Education environment, and additional environments will be unavailable while Epicor performs your upgrade, but don’t worry—your Production system will not be affected by the new release. Once it is complete, log in to your Pilot system (and other environments) to start exploring what’s new.
Friday, July 24, 2021 –
Saturday, July 25, 2021
Flex Option #1
Production System Upgrade to 2021.1
Flex Option #1 customers: your upgrade weekend arrives! While Epicor upgrades your Production system to Epicor Kinetic 2021.1, your system will be unavailable for several hours during this time.
Friday, August 21, 2021 –
Saturday, August 22, 2021
Flex Option #2
Production System Upgrade to 2021.1
Flex Option #2 customers: your upgrade weekend arrives! While Epicor upgrades your Production system to Epicor Cloud ERP Kinetic 2021.1, your system will be unavailable for several hours during this time.
Note that dates are subject to change.
How To Prepare
Epicor will upgrade your Pilot system and any additional environments seven weeks before Production for customers on cadence. This will provide an opportunity to explore the functionality updates in 2021.1.1 without affecting your Production system.
As a best practice, please use this time to review and make any necessary changes to your Unique Business Components (UBCs)—custom reports, BPMs, User Interface customizations, etc.—to ensure everything continues to operate as expected. There will be more information regarding sample test plans and more that will be made available to you on EpicWeb Documentation.
Flexing Your Epicor Kinetic Upgrade
Subscribers to the Epicor Public Cloud Flex Option can follow the same schedule, but you have the option to defer your upgrade to Epicor Kinetic 2021.1. Below are the two date options for your flex upgrade. Please note the deferred upgrades still have the usual four weeks to test. If you are a Premium Flex Test subscriber, please communicate your preferences by the same deadline and process below.
Pilot
Production
Option 1:
Week of June 21, 2021
July 24-25, 2021
Option 2:
Week of July 19, 2021
August 21-22, 2021
Pilot upgrade dates will be communicated closer to the date.
If you choose to defer, you must submit an EpicCare ticket by Friday, April 9 with your selected upgrade date (Option 1 or Option 2) and we will send you a personalized confirmation with your instructions. We must receive your deferral no later than Friday, April 9. If you do not choose to defer, we’ll keep you on cadence and automatically upgrade your system in June 2021.
Note: If you choose to defer your upgrade, you will not receive any 700.x updates after the 10.2.700.12 update. We only host the upgrade webinars on April 6 and April 7, but replays are accessible at any time afterward as documentation on EpicWeb. If you defer, you are strongly encouraged to either attend or watch the replay so you are aware of the upgrade process.
Next Steps
1. Watch the “What’s New in Epicor Kinetic 2021” Webcast Replay
The webcasts were held in early April. If you were not able to attend or need a refresher, we encourage you to watch the replay to understand how to prepare, ways to leverage the new functionality for driving business growth and be aware of the upgrade process. The link to view on demand is coming soon!
2. Before Your Upgrade
Take a look at all of your Epicor Kinetic 2021.1 resources in Documentation – available mid-April. Particularly useful documents include:
What’s New via the Feature Summary
Upgrade Guide
Change list in the Release Notes document
3. During Your Testing Window
Resolve any issues with your configurations
Test your business flow in critical areas
*Testing tip: print customer-facing documents
Review daily, weekly, and monthly processes
And as a reminder, reach out to your Encompass CAM or EpicCare anytime you have a question or need application support.
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.
