We are pleased to announce that legendary NFL quarterback, Peyton Manning, will be joining us as the Epicor Insights 2018 guest keynote speaker.
(Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
Peyton Manning, the NFL’s only five-time Most Valuable Player and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, has earned his place among the greatest quarterbacks in league history as a leader in nearly every statistical passing category. During the 2015/2016 season, Manning led the Denver Broncos to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, making him the first starting quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different teams.
Manning has continued his efforts off the field and was honored as the recipient of the Byron “Whizzer” White Humanitarian Award and the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2005, the Bart Starr Award in 2015, and the Lincoln Medal in 2017.
Manning serves as a member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet and The Pat Summit Foundation Advisory Board. He and his wife, Ashley, established the PeyBack Foundation in 1999 to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for children at risk. The payback Foundation has provided more than $13 million of impact to at-risk youth through its grants and programs since its inception.
Register today so you can secure your spot for Peyton Manning’s keynote!
Join Encompass For A Customer Appreciation Event At Insights 2018
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Insights. the good news doesn’t end with the announcement of the Epicor Insights 2018 guest keynote speaker, either. This is a great chance for all of our customers to both meet each other, and exchange war stories, but also for you to get a chance for some face-time with your Encompass team – this year there will be representation at both an Executive and Operations level, as well as the account management team – Sonia and Dave both look forward to meeting new customers and spending time with those of you who have done business with Encompass for years.
Our team will be available throughout the event for meetings to discuss how we might support your organization in those endeavors. After a long day of training please join us for food and drink while surrounded by natural splendor beneath a soaring glass atrium in the Delta Pavilion Gazebo, Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM!
Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.
Epicor’s annual meeting, Insights, of Epicor customers, partners, and employees is right around the corner! Taking place May 21 – 24 in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Insights 2018 will bring together 3,000 attendees from around the world to learn, network, and celebrate together. The event is hosted by the Epicor Users Group and Epicor Corporation. Encompass Solutions will also be holding our annual customer appreciation reception.
The Benefits of Attending Epicor Insights 2018
Here’s what you can expect to get out of your attendance at Insights 2018:
Classes – Dozens of 60-90 minute classes are held that are interactive, headed by subject matter experts, and allow questions.
Hands-On Labs – The labs are more detailed and hands-on with lab exercises to enter into Epicor and view the results. Two people share a computer to perform the exercises.
Extended Education Sessions – These unique classes are held the Saturday and Sunday before the conference. The sessions are far more in-depth than the labs held during the conference. Each session costs an additional $260 per attendee. The benefits they offer include smaller class sizes and product-specific training with access to technical experts in each instance.
Solutions Pavilion – An on-site installation where Epicor and the Epicor Alliance partners demo solutions that extend the Epicor application. This is an opportunity to meet face-to-face with personnel to answer your business and technical questions.
Latest Epicor Version – Take advantage of witnessing the latest version of Epicor 10 firsthand. If you’re running an older or legacy version of Epicor, this is the best opportunity to see what tools you’re missing out on.
Solutions – Calculating the cost of independent research vs. getting real-time solutions at the conference is made easy and, in the case your team decides to implement, it can be enacted immediately.
Discount – Your company receives a significant discount if you register four or more employees for the event.
One-on-One Meetings – Opportunity to schedule One-on-One meetings with Epicor executives and subject matter experts who normally charge by the hour.
In addition, Insights is an excellent networking opportunity. Attendees each receive a color-coded lanyard according to the specific Epicor product used. This allows attendees to quickly identify others running the same products. This is an excellent opportunity for to you will identify attendees running the same version of the software as your company and allow you to discuss issues that your company is having.
Epicor ERP solutions are designed to address the essential functions of all enterprises, small to large.
Are you interested in attending Epicor Insights 2018?
Here are some tips and suggestions to address in a justification letter to present to management when seeking approval to attend:
Compile a list of specific session topics, speakers, and other attendees that can speak directly to challenges your company is currently facing.
Compare the cost of outside or on-site consultants versus the conference fee. Your meetings with subject matter experts and class time are included in the overall attendance price!
Explain your networking strategy with other Epicor customers and experts and link this to company areas of interest, specific projects, or implementations.
Additional talking points to justify your attendance can include:
A Focus on user efficiency and education, as well as cost savings, is provided by interactive lab sessions with Epicor product experts.
Details regarding how you will implement at least one performance change based on what you’ll learn at the conference
Documenting or highlighting specific savings associated with past attendance from a colleague or you personally.
Form execution teams after the event, distribute the information, act on it, and follow up.
A plan to train others and deliver a presentation to co-workers based on what you learned at Insights.
The networking components of attendance and professional contacts that you can consult long after the conference ends.
Detailed calculation of the cost of your independent research vs. getting real-time solutions at the conference.
An outlined schedule of one-on-one meetings with Epicor executives, senior managers, and product experts during the 20-minute meeting sessions is provided in a special briefing room format.
Encompass Solutions Customer Appreciation Mingle
If you plan to attend Insights 2018 and wish to join us for the Encompass Customer Appreciation Mingle on Wednesday, May 23 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Opryland Delta Pavilion Gazebo, you can RSVP below. We hope to see you there!
About Epicor
Epicor aims to provide the most powerful ERP capabilities alongside accessibility to innovate how ERP is used, deployed, and managed by businesses. According to the company, this goes beyond reinventing interfaces and focuses more on the relationship between ERP systems and people. By removing the barriers standing between business and information, Epicor minimizes the steps taken to gain actionable insights and drive growth.
Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm 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.
To scale operations alongside the company’s recently enjoyed growth, Metaphase has contracted the services of Encompass Solutions to implement Epicor ERP, train staff, and support operations through Go-Live and beyond. With the project plan finalized, implementation, testing, and user training are projected to be completed by the end of this year. Find out why Metaphase chose Encompass Solutions to implement their ERP solution in our interview with Metaphase President Kevin High, here.
The Project
Metaphase Technologies Inc. is a leading manufacturer of machine vision and specialty LED lighting. They develop products that advance “The Quality of Light” through the engineering and manufacturing of LED illuminators for machine vision, military, and specialty lighting applications. Because Metaphase is projecting another year of 20% growth, they require a system that supports its growth without the necessity of increasing its labor force.
The Challenge
Currently, Metaphase Technologies operates on IQMS ERP and are looking to replace the system due to its labor-intensive nature. Most of Metaphase Technologies’ production is manual, but it is necessary to scan in and out of those processes on the shop floor. Quality is critical to their business; therefore, quality checks are performed when materials are received, during the manufacturing process, and before shipping. Because Metaphase Technologies ships its products globally, multi-language support is essential. Additionally, the ability to price for shipping companies, integrate UPS and FedEx into the system for customer information, and maintain the applicable rates in real time is essential to the project’s success.
The Goals
Metaphase Technologies will be implementing their Epicor ERP solution with the following goals in mind:
Efficiently managing global business operations
Providing better information to make more informed decisions
Supporting Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing (ETO)
Providing visibility to manage and track costs to measure and improve profitability
Supporting traceability requirements for warranties and material tracking
Growing revenue and profitability
The Metaphase Technologies team will be taking advantage of this project to review and update business processes while leveraging standard software capabilities whenever possible. Additionally, there is a desire to streamline ETO processes through the use of technology.
For more than two decades, Metaphase Technologies has been developing products that advance “The Quality of Light” through the engineering and manufacture of uniform diffuse high brightness and ultra brightness LED illuminators. Metaphase’s illuminators are specially designed for applications in machine vision, military, and specialty lighting. Metaphase boasts expertise in engineering flexible lighting solutions for ease of integration into vision systems design. The company’s LED illuminators are currently utilized in thousands of applications throughout the world, including vision-guided robotics, automation systems, line scan inspection units, and many others across the machine vision industry.
As the first to standardize built-in constant current drivers, Metaphase continues to synergize cutting-edge machine vision LED lighting & control technologies to simplify innovation and increase customer return on investment.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
Doxsteel Fasteners recently achieved a significant milestone in bringing its Mexico-based operations up to speed with a complete implementation of Epicor version 10 software and user training for their Mexico-based teams. Skilled consulting, implementation, and training services provided by Encompass Solutions, Inc. ensured the project was a success.
The Project For DoxSteel Fasteners
Up to the point of implementation, Doxsteel Fasteners had been utilizing Microsoft Excel to manage their business. Because of the technological limitations of their current system and the company’s rapid growth, Doxsteel Fasteners had outgrown the capacity and functionality of the software.
Doxsteel Fasteners had spent the previous 9-10 months unsuccessfully implementing another ERP solution due to challenges related to the inexperience of internal resources with ERP functionality and understanding business requirements, as well as the level of support from the assigned consulting team.
Taking these specific details into consideration, Encompass Solutions, Inc. was tasked with performing an effective business process review, recommending the best course of action, and executing the implementation and training necessary to achieve Doxsteel’s desired outcome.
The Details
30 Concurrent Office Users
20 Concurrent Data Collection Users
Multi-tenant SaaS
Implemented in approximately 4 months
The Challenge
The challenge this project posed was introducing an ERP system in a very manual environment that used handheld hardware and FTP for export invoice approval by authorities. A bilingual Operations Manager would need to facilitate training while new processes would need to be learned by rote on the plant floor. Forms, reports, and labels would need to be created separately for each language, as well.
The Goals
Doxsteel Fasteners implemented their Epicor ERP solution with the primary goals of:
Automating costly manual processes to eliminate inefficient processes.
Improving project planning, forecasting, and customer sales management.
Providing better information to make more informed decisions.
Providing visibility to manage and track costs to measure and improve profitability.
Growing revenue and profitability.
The Results
The training was conducted with bilingual ESI consultants, both in the Financial and Operations segments, side-by-side with the client’s Subject Matter Experts who were familiar with Epicor and US operations. On-site support both for Go Live and afterward was critical to the success of the project, which finished on time and under budget.
The Next Steps
The Doxsteel Fasteners team will be taking advantage of this project to review and update business processes while leveraging standard software capabilities whenever possible. The recommended business process workshops will address some of the additional challenges facing them today with visibility of data, consistent and accurate information, and a reduction in redundancy of data entry.
About Doxsteel Fasteners
Doxsteel Fasteners, a company consisting of two legal entities under one ownership with facilities in Toluca, Mexico, and The Woodlands, Texas, provides scientifically proven safer and cost-effective fasteners resulting from rigorous research and development efforts. Doxsteel Fasteners’ mission is to revolutionize bolt theory and practice in the fastener industry. It is the company’s goal to consistently conceptualize and deliver safer, less expensive, and more scientifically sound bolts to the industry.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, 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.
We’ve been communicating with our customers over the past few months to inform them that some pretty big changes were coming their way. The changes concerned Epicor Support Updates to the company’s customer support policy. Those changes to Epicor customer support are now in effect. If you currently employ Epicor software in the operation of your enterprise, these changes could affect your level of support. Depending on your current version of ERP, you may find support considerably less comprehensive. This is a result of Epicor support rerouting resources to newer versions of ERP.
The purpose of the change is to establish support and planning for customers per release which will translate into better planning for updates, upgrades, and new releases into the future. This new path establishes a roadmap for growth and implementation of innovative tools toward for enterprises to employ alongside the developments released by Epicor.
Epicor Customer Support Changes Are Now Live.
The results are faster and easier integration with Epicor product advancement as well as service and development commitments emerging with specialization on the latest product releases.
Under the new system, two support profiles will exist:
Active Support – any release within 2 years of general availability
Optimum support experience
latest in tech & advancements
ongoing software updates
an innovative approach to support
Sustaining Support – 2 years or more after GA (no expiration)
ongoing experienced support
tech & advancements available through upgrade
access to existing updates
Stability approach to support (planning for next active release)
You can read more about what the changes mean for you and your enterprise, here.
Encompass Can Help
If you are a current Epicor customer feel the need to supplement your support following these changes from Epicor, Encompass Solutions is here to deliver support services you need. Whether you are on track to match the stride of Epicor or set your own pace for growth, we can support your enterprise with comprehensive and managed services with a pro-active approach to customer care.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
Epicor is happy to announce the winners of the January 2018 Epicor ISE drawing—an ongoing sweepstakes promotion for automotive service providers using the Epicor Integrated Service Estimator (ISE) solution. The contest is co-sponsored by Innova Electronics Corporation. The January first-place prize winner, Dan Pennington of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Tampa, Fla., will receive an Innova 5160 CarScan PRO scan tool, and second-place prize winner Christopher Price of Flagship FastLube, Pearl City, Hawaii, will receive an Innova 5100 CarScan ABS/SRS tool.
“The Epicor Integrated Service Estimator sweepstakes is a great incentive for shops to take full advantage of the ISE solution for every mechanical repair and preventive maintenance job,” said Stephen Gannon, senior director, automotive product management and product development, Epicor. “ISE can help shops of all sizes increase revenue and business efficiency by eliminating time-intensive manual and phone-based estimating and sourcing processes. Congratulations to Dan and Christopher as our latest winners of professional-grade diagnostic tools from Innova.”
Through the promotion, which continues through May 31, 2018, businesses automatically earn one free sweepstakes entry with each order generated and completed through the ISE solution. Epicor will award a professional-grade Innova scan tool to each of two Epicor ISE customers per month. Visit www.epicor.com/ISEsweeps for program rules and alternative form of entry.
Used by thousands of tire dealerships, oil-and-lube facilities, transmission service business, tune-up specialists, and general repair shops, Epicor ISE supplies users with all the necessary information to identify, price, and source any of thousands of replacement parts and accurately estimate labor for virtually any repair or maintenance service job—all without picking up the telephone.
The Epicor ISE solution is powered by the Epicor industry-leading replacement parts database, as well as popular repair and maintenance packages, an aftermarket flat-rate labor guide, OEM-recommended vehicle service intervals information, a VIN decoder, cross-reference parts database, and more. In addition, an optional, mobile “Smart Inspection” feature is designed to improve service bay productivity by allowing technicians to record the condition of key vehicle systems and components during comprehensive, guided inspections. The solution can be used in conjunction with most leading shop management systems or as a standalone business-building tool.
To learn more about the ISE solution and the sweepstakes promotion, contact your Epicor representative or visit www.epicor.com/ISEsweeps.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
It can be difficult For small and medium businesses to identify when it’s the right time to abandon internal systems, or implement if none exist, in favor of a complete ERP solution. Shedding siloed data structures and cobbled solutions that end up costing more in time and resources than they are worth can bring small and medium businesses into a new era of action.
ERP systems are the ideal solution, allowing small and medium businesses to compete with larger enterprises thanks to the more efficient use of company resources, more intelligent data, and improved analytics of day-to-day operations. Up to this point, small and medium businesses may have been able to operate on home-grown systems or just on-the-fly approaches to operations. However, these attempts to run a successful enterprise can only last so long. Eventually, serious hurdles will emerge and lead to setbacks. If left unaddressed, these setbacks can grow into more debilitating issues. Here are some indicators small and medium businesses can use in identifying that the time is right for an ERP implementation.
Inventory Issues
If your business is having trouble tracking inventory, red flags should be raised. Inventory control is a huge component of ERP as well as a defining characteristic of a successful business. When inventory can’t be accurately managed, sales orders fail to be fulfilled. As a result, customers lose faith and business drops off. When managing inventory levels turn into a guessing game, ERP implementation is the solution.
Inventory Control Is A Key Component Of Operating A Successful Enterprise Of Any Size.
Inaccurate Forecasting
Is your business throwing darts at a board when it comes to forecasting sales figures into the near and distant future? If this is the case with your small or medium business, you need better intelligence. ERP systems provide exceptional business intelligence and data maintenance components that give you more accurate sales forecasting. This way, you’re better equipped to prepare for the future expansion of your operations.
Accurate Sales Forecasts Will Ensure Your Business Is Prepared To Meet The Challenges Of Growth.
Poor Analysis And Reporting
Reporting and business analysis are a must for any business looking to stay afloat for the long-term. ERP capabilities in these sectors provide business owners with a better understanding of market performance, trends, and customer preferences. Reports providing key metrics allow you and your teams to adapt to changes in the market. Being agile and able to develop new strategies through the insights ERP provides will ensure your business stands the best chances in a dynamic industry.
Insightful Data And Accurate Reporting Will Provide Your Business The Insights Needed To Identify Operational Shortcomings And How To Resolve Them.
Siloed Data Systems
When your departments are separated from data because they are operating within their own siloed systems, your business loses out on performance potential. Moving your operations to a unified online system will ensure all your employees are on the same page, with access to relevant data to deliver the best service to your customers. Information is a cornerstone of operations from the factory floor to the c-suite, no matter what size of business you operate. This improved visibility will allow employees to see exactly how they contribute to the business’ overall strategy and trajectory. Engage your employees and improve productivity by communicating strategy, setting measurable goals, and supporting your growth from the inside out using the unified data systems ERP solutions provide.
Keeping Employees At Every Level Connected To Data Ensures A Complete Understanding Of Roles, Strategy, And Trajectory.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
When the goal is to be agile both on the shop floor and in the marketplace, manufacturers need tools that allow them significant maneuverability. ERP systems have traditionally been the biggest component of operational adaptability when circumstances change behind the scenes. Cloud ERP is one recent example of innovation in Industry 4.0 that has reinvigorated the manufacturing space for enterprises of every size. A survey by Technology Evaluation Centers revealed Epicor ERP ranked as the top solution for growing small and medium businesses.
Cost Saving Software
Today, small and medium businesses (SMB) can achieve world-class efficiency at a fraction of the cost when compared to the past 10 or even five years. What was once accepted as a software solution available only to large enterprises, ERP allows small and medium businesses to access data like never before. Without the high-cost of on-premises solutions, cloud ERP solutions provide significantly improved levels of insight into operations by omitting the costly expenses of hardware, maintenance, and security. Small and medium businesses are finding it easier to make their mark in the marketplace with the extra capital provided by these all-in-one solutions, in many cases built specifically for their industry.
Information Sharing
By more effectively sharing relevant information between departments, small and medium business operations can avoid bottlenecks caused by low inventory or sub-contracting tasks. Access to as much or as little data as is necessary provides every member of the workforce with the insight they need to ensure the supply chain is never interrupted.
ERP Frees Resources
Cloud-based ERP systems bring down operational costs at the point of implementation, that much is true. However, more impressive still is the ability for small and medium businesses to take advantage of the reduction of labor costs associated with ERP solutions. By eliminating the human component of repetitive tasks, labor is freed to be focused elsewhere in the supply chain. Additional benefits of the automation components of ERP solutions include fewer instances of erroneous data and more accurate forecasting.
The Take Away For Small And Medium Businesses
Beyond the cost benefits implementing an ERP system puts SMBs in the right mindset for growth with a commitment to the long-term. Positioning your business for success starts with the right attitude, after that the right tools pave the way for your progression. Cloud ERP brings several benefits that SMBs can see the results of immediately.
The first immediate benefit is uniformity and transparency within a single information system. Without the need to chase down data or keep departments working within siloed systems, everyone can work on the same page towards the same goal. With multiple data entries and exports no longer in the picture, errors are mitigated, productivity increased, and associated expenses no longer affect your bottom line.
ERP Systems Are Accessible And Highly Beneficial To Small And Medium Businesses.
Informed decision making emerges with effective ERP solutions in place. Everyone from marketing to management to accounting benefits from the ability to make more effective decisions affecting operations now and ahead. When the overall strategy becomes clearer, agility comes naturally and your business can adapt more easily to obstacles before they become issues.
Streamlined processes make way for increased productivity with ERP. The systems you have put in place today will enable a smoother transition through growth as you enjoy the success resulting from your hard work. The alternative may end up costing you much more than the price tag of an ERP system.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
Picking and sorting of objects is an activity few humans look forward to with great elation. However, the tedious nature of the task is a prime candidate for automation using robotics. Beyond the obvious hardware that it takes for a robot to operate within the confines of a designated task, a less obvious one, machine vision, acts as a critical component of efficient robotic sorting. The technologies involved with machine vision, sensing, and object interaction are already being used by robots with great success on the International Space Station in completing even complex tasks, semi-autonomously.
Robotics labs around the world are hard at work refining the technology for applications in factories, warehouses, and even relief efforts in disaster areas. The environment in each example is likely one with an abundance of clutter as well as rife with objects of varying size, weight, and orientation. This is a perfect setting to test and apply the advancements of machine vision and object interaction.
Machine Vision Is Increasingly Relied Upon In Automation To Drive Quality And ROI. The Market Is Expected To Reach $18.7 Billion By 2022.
Components of Machine Vision
Machine vision has significant capabilities on factory floors and production lines. As systems acquire product images and extract the relevant information, the information is analyzed and communicated to the outside world. A lot goes into the technology behind machine vision, which can be broken down into five essential components: lighting, lenses, vision processing, image sensing, and communications.
Machine Vision Lighting
Lighting is essential to the success of machine vision results. By capturing images through analysis of reflected light, machine vision systems can effectively identify objects as well as their orientation in an environment. Several lighting techniques can be utilized by machine vision systems, including backlighting to measure external and edge measurements, structured lightning patterns to interpret angles on an object’s surface, and strobe lighting to freeze moving objects for examination or aid in countering blurring. These are only a few examples of the lighting techniques utilized in machine vision systems, which can also incorporate diffuse dome, bright-field, dark-field, and axial diffuse lighting. A more comprehensive guide to machine vision lighting can be found in this whitepaper from National Instruments.
Machine Vision Lenses
Just as in conventional cameras, lenses capture an image and deliver it to sensors within the camera. One can also think of this in terms of our eyes delivering the images we see to our brains for interpretation. Fixed and interchangeable lenses are the most common types of lenses in machine vision systems. Lenses of varying sizes and shapes are used to capture the most precise image for the system’s intended use. Fixed lenses are typically standalone components and can autofocus based on mechanical adjustment or as a fluid lens that automatically adjusts to deliver the highest quality. These lenses have a fixed field of view from a certain distance. On the other hand, interchangeable lenses are typically equipped with C-mounts or CS-mounts that allow them to be removed or attached at will to the systems they are enhancing. Vision Systems Design does an excellent job detailing the fundamentals of machine vision lenses in this article.
Machine Vision Image Sensors
An essential component of image capture, image sensors utilize a charged couple device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) to interpret light as electrical signals. In more easily digestible language, image sensors capture the reflected light from an image and make sense of the object, interpreting it as a digital image with precise details that aid in accurate measurements by processing software. A more comprehensive article on image sensors from Coventor can be found here.
Vision Processing Units
A Vision Processing Unit (VPU) is another component of machine vision that serves to extract information from the digital images captured by the cameras being used. The processing undertaken by these microprocessors can be completed externally or internally on a standalone system. A process completed over the course of several steps, images will first be acquired from the sensor and software will identify specific features of an image, including measurements and comparisons to reach a decision based on the result. The results are then communicated to the system to complete additional actions. While it is true that the physical components of machine vision are integral to the overall function of these systems, the processing algorithms that evaluate and compare results are the most influential. Processing software is responsible for configuring camera parameters, pass-fail detection, communicating information to factory floors, and supporting Human Machine Interface (HMI) development.
Machine Vision System Communications
As one might conclude from this brief overview of machine vision, these systems are an amalgamation of parts and components that must all work in unison to deliver accurate results consistently and in real-time. Add to this the fact that environments can change dynamically and at a moment’s notice raises necessity to realign vision on the fly. Communications are an essential component of machine vision systems and are typically executed through discrete I/O signals or via data delivered through a serial connection to a connected device, i.e. Ethernet or RS-232 output. Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are the favored connection made to discrete I/O points, which can control stack lights, solenoids or other indicators to trigger reject responses from the system.
Machine Vision Applications In Production Processes
As mentioned above, machine vision is already hard at work on the ISS. However, more candid applications exist right here on Earth. Industrial inspection is among the largest industries utilizing machine vision. However, many applications, such medical imaging, remote sensing, and autonomous vehicles use machine vision on a continuous basis.
Sorting
Machine vision applications in warehouse and factory conditions are exceptional at mitigating the amount of human error that can affect repetitive processes, such as bin-picking and sorting tasks. The technology allows for robots to make sense of a cluttered workspace or full bin and extract the relevant objects appropriately.
Assembly Verification
When quality is of the utmost importance, consistent outputs on the assembly line are necessary to a company’s bottom line. Inspection operations in assembly verification are completed in milliseconds to ensure that every item is up to spec and incomplete products don’t make it past the check.
Automation
Automating production is an essential function of manufacturing operations. Machine vision can assist in detecting system abnormalities, jams, and other hiccups that can affect the production process. Improving the consistency of operations ensures little interruption and a reduction in production costs that result from downtime.
Removing Defects
Automation demands two things: consistency and simplicity. When things get complicated they tend to also get expensive. Machine vision systems are capable of inspecting hundreds of items per minute to a high degree of accuracy, thus ensuring that defective items are removed from the equation before they can affect a business’ bottom line, without the need for complex systems of checks throughout the production process.
Identification
The ability to scan barcodes and other identifying under several difficult conditions, be it lighting, texture, or packaging, is essential to keep operations running smoothly. Machine vision systems help achieve optimum efficiency in quickly reading necessary labeling information on the production line and in distribution centers.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
A recent comparison of Epicor ERP, NetSuite, and Infor SyteLine in the small business category revealed that in 10 of the modules tested, Epicor ERP outscored the competition as the best small business ERP. A Vendor dedicated to proving powerful capabilities alongside ease of use, Epicor seeks to redefine the relationship workforces share with ERP. This includes the visualization, interaction, and information consumption for organizations.
The three vendors were compared across 10 main modules that include 2500 features and functions. After Epicor received top marks for five of the 10 main modules tested – General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Job and Projecting cost, and Sales Management – Technology Evaluation Centers’ (TEC) Vendor Showdowns placed Infor SyteLine and NetSuite in second and third place respectively.
ERP Vendor Showdowns
A regular installment from Technology Evaluation Centers, Vendor Showdowns provides unbiased comparisons of software according to set criteria. Complete scoring and rules can be found here. In short, top marks are received for complete support out-of-the-box with ratings decreasing from that benchmark of functionality.
Vendors Were Evaluated By TEC Across 10 Product Categories As Well As 2,500 Functions And Features.
According to TEC’s Vendor Showdowns editor Larry Blitz, “After taking a look at the results of our small business software vendor showdown it is evident that Epicor is the strongest solution overall, followed by Infor, with NetSuite ranking third.” TEC’s Blitz went on to detail Infor SyteLine’s performance in receiving marks for the Inventory, Budgeting, and Manufacturing modules. NetSuite received its recognition in Fixed Assets performance.
About Epicor
Epicor aims to provide the Best Small Business ERP with powerful capabilities alongside accessibility. With the goal of innovating how ERP is used, deployed, and managed, Epicor goes beyond reinventing interfaces and focuses more on the relationship between ERP systems and people. By removing the barriers standing between business and information, Epicor minimizes the steps taken to gain actionable insights and drive growth.
About Technology Evaluation Centers
An independent software analysis firm, Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) helps organizations of all sizes to identify software solutions aligned with business’ unique requirements. With professional expertise in the realm of ERP, CRM, HCM, and BI, TEC is positioned as a leading authority on software in more than 40 categories with more than 25,000 functions and features. Utilizing a proprietary decision-support engine, TEC lets users in professional services, retail, distribution and wholesale, health care, energy, financial services, education, and many more industries find the right software for their needs in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional consulting.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.
