When it comes to running a business, everyone has a business management system. Such a system can be as simple as a whiteboard on a breakroom wall but more often will take the form of spreadsheets and emails. These systems may even fall into the category of Enterprise Resource Planning software, even if users don’t know it by that name.
Businesses need to know the point at which they’re outgrowing a homegrown or siloed business management system. Here, we’ll detail What an ERP system is, the benefits derived from those systems, and how to evaluate an ERP system for your business.
What Is Enterprise Resource Planning Software?
ERP software is a means of communicating processes and resources to a business’ personnel. This information is then used by personnel to complete tasks such as how many parts to build for a purchase order or how many orders to fulfill by specified deadlines. The level of depth ERP software provides is virtually limitless.
Why Do Businesses Use ERP Software?
Unfortunately, businesses relying on spreadsheets miss out on putting a lot of their valuable data to use. Not only this, but they divide their teams into siloed departments that leave them working less efficiently. ERP software bridges gaps in communicating processes and resources with personnel. The result is accurate and relevant data delivered to those who need it, in real-time and across departments. Businesses will find ERP applications that enable better communication, increased efficiency, increased order accuracy and fulfillment, reduced inventory and labor costs, and happier customers.
The most modern examples of enterprise resource planning software deliver automation capabilities. Today, ERP software offers virtual assistants, workflow automation capabilities, automated data capture and entry, intelligent robot interfaces, predictive maintenance tools, and systems to connect manufacturing businesses from the shop floor to the top floor.
What Is The best ERP software?
The best ERP software is the one that checks all the boxes, or the most, when it comes to meeting the needs of your business now and into the future. That said, evaluating and selecting the ERP software that’s right for your business is not an overnight decision. Once you’ve decided that a more robust enterprise resource planning system is what you need, begin evaluating options.
The typical ERP evaluation process from the buyer’s end begins with research, then engaging those vendors or their certified resellers, discovery follows to ensure the ERP software is the right fit for a business, then demonstrations, agreements, implementation, and finally training. Some vendors and VARs will stop there, only reaching out to continue selling add-on services and upgrades. However, you will want to find a partnership with experts in the ERP software of your choosing. That’s because these systems will potentially help run your business for decades as you grow and expand. Finding the right fit for both ERP software and partnership among providers is important.
How To Select ERP Software
In short, every business is different and has different needs for ERP software. Though, there are core functionalities that all ERP systems will include, like financials and operations. Beyond that, there are systems geared towards retailers, manufacturers, healthcare, and just about every other industry vertical one can name. That said, no matter what ERP software you may need, there are reliable ways to evaluate ERP software that apply to the evaluation process regardless of industry and purpose.
Don’t get hamstrung by inaccurate data, lost information, and poor response time when unforeseen events take place. When the time is right to choose an ERP system that’s right for your business, big or small, talk to the experts at Encompass Solutions. We’ll connect you with a system that fits your build.
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 ERP 10.2.400 Release is Now Generally Available
With this latest Epicor ERP 10.2.400 release, Epicor continues to deliver on its commitment to be the cloud ERP provider of choice. Epicor announced its strategic partnership with Microsoft AzureTM in May 2018, and that relationship has deepened and evolved as Epicor’s cloud business grows globally. The momentum is undeniable—as of April 2019, over 500 companies are leveraging Epicor ERP in the cloud, a jump of nearly 20% since the last release.
Epicor continues to make investments in its industry capabilities, with functionality that can leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect machines and gather data across factory floors. Epicor is also still “customer-obsessed,” and has worked on modernizing and enhancing user interactions and experience throughout the entire customer journey.
Epicor continues to execute against its roadmap of investing in functionality aligned to the company’s main investment themes, with the focus of this release on Experiences, Analytics, and Industry.
Transforming The User Experience with The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Release
Epicor has heard from its customers that one of the top areas they would like Epicor to invest in is usability. Epicor ERP 10.2.300 was the first step in a modern user experience (UX), featuring the Kinetic Design System that was introduced at Insights 2018. Kinetic is a best-in-class UX design framework that delivers a modern look and feels while improving system usability and performance. With this latest release, Epicor is introducing new mobile time and expense management applications built on the Kinetic Design System, to capture time and expense entry and approvals. Epicor has also enhanced the usability of the Gantt-based job scheduling board for a modern customer experience.
“The speed of the new Kinetic screens and interface is great. Updating ERP 10 brings new features, no challenges or downtime.”
– Jos Greeve, Manager ICT, Boers & Co
Epicor also introduced Epicor Virtual Agent* (EVA), an intelligent digital agent embedded in the core product that enables users to get information quickly and easily, through voice or text. Finally, utilizing DocStar, Epicor will offer Sales Order Automation** integrated into Epicor ERP, which will reduce customer time and touchpoints, and accelerate their sales and fulfillment velocity.
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Analytics continues to be a major area of investment with Epicor ERP. With Epicor Data Analytics (EDA). New content packs have been released for both field service and preventive maintenance, as well as enhanced content packs for projects and production. Users will gain greater insights into the status of their field service team, their asset performance, as well as projects, and ERP MES.
Industry Focus
Epicor continues to invest in industry capabilities. Following the Dealer Network Portal introduced in the last release, Epicor now introduces the Supplier Portal in 10.2.400, which enables manufacturing customers to manage their supplier relationships, enter purchase transactions, and process RFQs in the best-in-class Epicor Commerce Connect eCommerce solution.
Epicor has refreshed and modernized frequently-used ERP MES screens using the Kinetic Design System. Advanced MES customers will also have a common shop floor interface via the Human Machine Interface (HMI).
Perhaps the most exciting solution in Epicor ERP 10.2.400 is Epicor IoT, a module that integrates with the Microsoft® Azure IoT Hub. This application monitors and visualizes data from sensors and other Epicor products. Epicor IoT leverages the power of Microsoft® Azure IoT Hub with the Epicor ERP context and production data to achieve new levels of operational efficiency. Through more intelligent insights into the production and day-to-day activities of your enterprise, Epicor users can fully drive and control Internet of Things data with the industry-leading Epicor ERP solution.
Users can track and visualize dynamic inventory to help locate process bottlenecks, monitor downtime, and throughput to improve asset utilization, and leverage predictive maintenance to boost quality and efficient manufacturing.
Ease of Everything
Epicor ERP 10.2.400 is primed to solve the complex challenges of your industry and position your business to grow profitably now and in the future. It contains proven solutions and processes that fit your unique business requirements. Committed to providing positive experiences for its customers, Epicor provides ease of everything—deployment, training and education, support, maintenance, and upgrades that result in greater profitability, productivity, and growth.
Ease of Learning – Epicor University
Epicor University focuses on a “blended” approach to learning for those upgrading to the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 release, with a suite of tools designed to appeal to all types of learning styles and needs. Start learning with the high-level Epicor ERP 10.2.400 release overview, then continue with additional targeted topic-specific Training on Demand videos, in-depth Embedded Education courses, jump into an Instructor-Led Class, or download any of the comprehensive documents and release guides. Explore all resources in Epicor Learning Center (ELC), Embedded Education, and EpicWeb***.
The new Knowledge on Demand (KOD) service is built directly into your Epicor ERP 10.2.400 solution. These short videos are usually one or two minutes long to help you solve problems quickly. Search the video library or browse by category to get the answer you need and get back to more important tasks. If you have not yet upgraded to 10.2.400 you may access the site directly via the KOD Portal.
The Epicor Learning Center (ELC) is a great addition to your company’s education toolkit. All customers, partners, and employees can access the Learning Center using their EpicWeb login credentials. From this central education hub, users can reach the available tools to assign courses and tests and track employee progress and comprehension.
The ELC home page is a valuable resource for new content announcements and other offerings. New with this release, you will find new content including self-paced Training on Demand videos, focusing on the essential new functionality added to the software. Epicor University also provides live virtual hands-on training on the current release of ERP. All courses are led by an Epicor University instructor in a hosted training environment. The sessions are interactive and students can participate in discussions, ask questions, and benefit from shared business case scenarios.
Ease of Upgrade
At Epicor, the firmly held belief that all users will gain significant benefit from staying current on new versions of the Epicor ERP software continues to endure. For users on the Epicor ERP 10 platform, the upgrade process is greatly simplified and allows for movement between releases without stepping through each release. For example, users can move from 10.1.400 to 10.2.400 without taking intermediate steps for the releases between.
To simplify the upgrade process from Vantage, Vista, and Epicor ERP 9 to ERP 10.2.400 release, Epicor has invested heavily in new tooling and services dedicated to the process of upgrading. The upgrade has been reimagined with automation and guidance tools for the entire process. Visit the Upgrade and Migration Center on EpicWeb for more information and resources.
Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Release Availability
This release is available for current customers that are already live on or currently implementing Epicor ERP 10 and who are currently subscribed to an Epicor maintenance and support plan to download via EpicWeb***. Customers on Epicor ERP 9, Vantage, or Vista that are currently subscribed to an Epicor maintenance and support plan can use the established upgrade request process to gain access. Epicor strongly encourages you to review the feature summary for the 10.2.400 release and become familiar with the improvements throughout the system. Visit the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Center on EpicWeb*** for all the latest news and content on this release.
Customer, Partner, and Public Announcements
The customer and partner announcement emails are going out on Thursday, May 16, 2019 (local time). The press release was released at Insights on April 16, 2019. Epicor will be holding customer-facing regional webcasts starting on June 3 with the Americas region, with international webcasts to follow.
Get Set for Growth With The Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Release
Epicor is pleased to deliver Epicor ERP version 10.2.400 and encourages you to upgrade soon to begin reaping the benefits that will enable you to achieve greater outcomes for your business.
*Epicor Virtual Agent will go into controlled release on May 16, 2019, and is expected to be generally available on May 31, 2019
**Sales Order Automation is currently in controlled release with general availability planned shortly; specific date to be determined.
***Please note you will need to log in using your EpicWeb credentials.
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.
Selecting a certified Epicor ERP partner for your enterprise software implementation, migration, service, or support is vital to protecting your technology investment. Choosing an Epicor authorized partner, like Encompass Solutions, over other technology consultants yields a better experience for your team and better results for your business.
Encompass Solutions, Inc.: A Certified Epicor ERP Partner
The Epicor Partner Network is a comprehensive sales, support, and marketing program that offers businesses significant opportunities to grow with award-winning products, training, and support in a highly competitive, dynamic marketplace. With Encompass Solutions solutions, our proven ability to drive growth, and equipping workforces with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed, Encompass Solutions remains one of the highest-ranked partners in the Certified Epicor ERP Partner program.
Epicor authorized and certified partners:
Have completed the Epicor certification program for the highest level of product knowledge
Invest in their customers’ success with Epicor solutions
Are fully trained on the most recent product release
Have direct relationships with Epicor product development, services, and support staff
Are informed about the latest product roadmaps, promotions, and incentives
Adhere to regulations set by Epicor for the protection of your business
The Epicor certification program defines learning standards, trains participants on Epicor applications, and tests their mastery of each application upon completion. Epicor certifies partners annually, so you can expect we are equipped to provide you with the best possible consulting experience and the most up-to-date information.
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.
Insights 2019 is the annual Epicor user and partner conference that convenes each spring. It is a place where users and partners can experience first-hand training and education on the latest Epicor software and tools to empower businesses. Keynote speakers deliver insights on industry trends and where the company is directing efforts over the coming year. The manufacturing solutions being developed have a lot of users and partners excited for rollout. Read more about the biggest Epicor ERP developments in our Insights 2019 Recap below.
Insights 2019 Recap Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA)
AI is a buzzword on the tongues and in the minds of many involved in manufacturing industries. Gartner predicts that by 2020 80% of technologies will be driven by artificial intelligence in some form. Epicor has answered that call with the rollout of the Epicor Virtual Agent, aptly named EVA. A Microsoft Azure-powered virtual assistant, EVA leverages AI to deliver insights and data in real-time to empower workforces wherever they find themselves.
Virtual assistants are nothing new. However, their ubiquitous nature has yet to be fully realized, and appropriately utilized, among traditional manufacturing operations. Gartner also believes that by 2022, enterprises utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies will have some form of virtual assistant within the organization.
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.
Insights 2019 Recap Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Update
Epicor ERP 10.2.400 has also been announced and will receive its full production update on the weekend of May 11th, 2019. Now it’s the time to be testing end-to-end for those customers keeping in pace with the Epicor ERP software update cadence. Among the changes coming with the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update, users can expect to enjoy full use of and coming functionality that includes:
For more information on the updates discussed above, reach out to the ERP experts at Encompass Solutions, Inc. using the contact us link below.
Exclusive Epicor Software Discounts
Encompass customers are entitled to exclusive discounts on Epicor software and services, provided they attended Insights 2019. If you were at Insights 2019 and wish to take advantage of reduced pricing on several Epicor ERP modules, SaaS subscriptions, and third-party integrations, get in touch with your Encompass Solutions Customer Account Manager today.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What’s New in Epicor ERP 10.2.400? A lot is going on behind the scenes at Epicor and the latest release will feature many improvements. You’ll be able to take advantage of several new components of the system as well as improvements to existing modules and tools.
Epicor ERP 10.2.400 Key Features
While the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update will feature an extensive list of fixes, features, and tools, here is a list of the biggest items being introduced:
Introduction of Epicor Voice Agent
New functionality to enhance the customer experience including automated order entry and omnichannel learning
Refresh and redesign mobile time and expense, job scheduling boards, and MES screens
Deeper project management capabilities and real-time project analysis through Epicor Data Analytics
New common shop floor interface to Mattec Advanced MES via HMI
Introduction of Supplier Portal, which enables customers to better collaborate with suppliers
Introduction of Epicor IoT, a module of Epicor ERP integrated with the Microsoft Azure IoT Hub that can monitor and visualize data from sensors and other Epicor products
You can expect more news about the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 later this month and in early May. Contact Encompass Solutions below for more information.
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.
When it comes to an ERP implementation or ERP upgrade, there are a significant number of factors to consider. Not only will you have to employ essential and proven ERP selection strategies, but getting the job done in a reasonable amount of time can be just as important. For some, it’s more important. Here are just a few ways a rapid implementation can be leveraged for a faster, smoother implementation process.
A customer recently went live in January, about four months after signing their purchase agreement with the ERP Vendor. Encompass had engaged with them in October, days after they completed their initial install. Several factors helped ease the process, and you might want to consider them as you evaluate the potential benefits of rapid implementations.
1) Timing
Trying to time the project to coincide with your slow season will minimize downtime and maximize the utilization of staff during what may be your least productive time. In the case of this example company, January to March is a dead time for one of their companies and about half the volume for their second company. As a result, the choice was made to focus on a minimal go-live event in January. This allowed for extra time in February to wrap up loose threads and address potentially unforeseen issues.
2) Experience = Wisdom
The company’s core team was comprised of three members that had firsthand experience in other ERP implementations. That perspective made for significantly better decisions and focused efforts to be made throughout the project. It can be difficult imparting a similar perspective to inexperienced customers who do not want or cannot afford to hire a consulting team for their rapid implementation, but it definitely helps when they have it.
3) Embrace The Phase
If the core requirement for your go-live strategy is to sell, ship, invoice customers, buy, and pay suppliers on day 1, a phased, or layered, approach can work exceptionally well. For all the other “wants” out of your ERP system, logging, planning, and working on those components as soon as possible after go-live will deliver the results you are after. With this approach, you can be working on other functionality you need within days of your go-live event.
In the case of our example company, the phased approach can be applied to things like engineering. By making sure they had their top-selling parts and parts on order fully engineered, everything else was pushed out with the understanding they would work through the list over time. In this case, data conversion from their old system wasn’t very clean, and most of their engineering data were bad, to begin with. Trying to have perfection on day 1 would have pushed the project out three months. Instead, they do not lose any operational function while they work within their ERP system to migrate and clean up their company data moving forward.
4) Vanilla Is A Good Choice
While a perfect implementation would be created around a business’ processes and workflows, this can cost a lot of time and money. For our example company, they didn’t have time to customize. Knowing that processes would have to change as a result, they accepted Epicor’s standard workflows and trained them. Rather than bending the system to accommodate their process, they adapted some processes. Staff understood the legacy system was being replaced and that change was inevitable. It was a very realistic approach that delivered ideal results for an imperfect scenario.
Interested In An ERP Rapid Implementation?
If you are considering an ERP solution, think a rapid implementation is the best fit for your business, or would like to speak with an Encompass consultant about the topic, don’t hesitate to contact us using the link below. We look forward to connecting you with a business solution that fits your build.
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.
Mark your calendar for Epicor Insights 2019, taking place on April 15-18 at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. More than 4,000 Epicor users are expected to attend for education, information, networking, and fun during the world’s largest Epicor customer conference. You can download the preliminary agenda, here.
Attending customers have their choice of focused educational tracks to explore that cover their desired products and solutions. Further networking opportunities between businesses and industries present themselves at these events.
This is a tremendous opportunity to learn more about your specific Epicor solution while networking with peers at the world’s largest Epicor customer-focused event. Make the most of this occasion to leverage valuable insight on how to grow your business, better utilize your talent and resource, as well as increase your bottom line.
Epicor Insights 2019 Highlights
Education Courses are offered the Sunday and Monday before the conference and consist of four-hour training sessions on focused topics. Valued at $495, these sessions can be reserved now for just $275.
One-On-One Sessions offer an exceptional opportunity to get one-on-one face time with Epicor executives and product experts in individual meetings.
Additional features and benefits you can expect to find at Epicor Insights 2019 include:
Technical Insight – Gain a better understanding of how to drive costs down, boost ORI, and resolve compliance issues
Practical Insight – participate in labs directly with the technical staff from Epicor as they demonstrate practical software solutions
Peer Insight – Develop your professional network with peers in attendance, exchange experiences, and challenges, as well as solutions
Expert Insight – Receive updates and news on what’s coming from Epicor directly from its executive staff and through scheduled meetings with Epicor experts on-site
Education ROI – Go deeper into understanding the business systems you utilize daily with extended education sessions
Customer Stories At Epicor Insights 2019
Have an Epicor success story or challenge you’d like to share with the Epicor community? Present at the event and earn a substantial discount on the price of admission. You’ll get invaluable exposure as a presenter and the opportunity to take the stage, representing your business as an industry leader.
The discounts for presenters are as follows:
50% discount on regular registration for accepted single presenters
20% discount on regular registration for accepted presenters on 2 or more panels
10% discount o regular registration for accepted presenters on a single panel
If interested in presenting, submit your 500 words or less abstract for consideration. Topics include:
Best Practices
Case Studies
General Business
Technical
Tips and Tricks
Submit an abstract of how you have used Epicor to overcome business challenges and a member of the Insights team will contact you if you have been selected to speak.
Epicor Insights 2019 Hotel and Travel
The Mandalay Bay Resort is offering discounted group rates for attendees to Epicor Insights 2019. Discounted rates that can be utilized by attendees include:
Group rate: $179 (13.38% tax per night)
A Daily Resort fee of $20 plus applicable taxes will be added to each guest room rate
*Attention: Insights attendance is limited to current Epicor customers, authorized partners, and guests only.
Registration to the full conference will include all sessions meals and evening events, as well as access to the Solutions Pavillion. All Epicor Insights 2019 sessions and meals will take place at:
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
877-632-7800
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV, 89
Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Platinum 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.
It’s no secret that dealers face intense complexity. Juggling brands and customer expectations are a constant challenge on top of staying up-to-date on the latest e-commerce innovations. All of this results in fierce competition for manufacturers to craft the best experience for their dealers. This is where Epicor’s innovative Dealer Network Portal comes into play. Want to know more about this invaluable tool? Get in touch with our team of Epicor experts for more information on how you can leverage this integration on your Epicor system.
Portal Benefits
With the Epicor Dealer Network Portal, you can stand out and win business. This tool for sales and service personnel facilitates quick configuration, pricing, and quoting of orders. You can also manage service and warranty needs for all your products in one convenient place.
The solution integrates seamlessly into Epicor and offers huge benefits to manufacturers, including:
Streamlined Order Processing
Branded Experiences
Self-Service Portals
Service and Warranty Needs
Intuitive Dealer Experience
Stronger Dealer Relationships
Real-Time Data
Download The Factsheet
For more information on the Epicor Dealer Network Portal, contact us below.
Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Platinum 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.
