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.
There are significant changes to the Epicor Learning Program for Kinetic 2021.1. The video below briefly covers the changes.
Epicor Learning Program: The Evolution of Education
Epicor Learning Program: The Next Generation Of Education From Epicor University, A Complete Training Experience
Epicor Learning License includes Full access to Epicor Learning Center with a deep catalog of video-based courses and Hands-On exercises, role-based learning paths, and the tools to quickly manage their entire training program.
Hands-on Courses are new! Hands-On is workshop-based courses for use with the Kinetic education database. They provide step-by-step instruction and hands-on practice exercises through real-world scenarios and are specifically designed to walk the learner through an actual in-product experience to help them master the Kinetic software. Hands-on exercises are also woven into role-based learning paths to accelerate adoption, develop skills, and build confidence for users.
All customers with an Embedded Ed license will have full access to Epicor Learning, ELC, and the full Learning Program.
Embedded Education has moved to sustain mode; the historical courses are available from classic help and ELC, but all new workshop-based courses will be developed as Hands-On.
All customers using Kinetic 2021.1 have access to the Help and Support Panel with help articles, quick answer videos, and guided learning; those with an Epicor Learning License get much more.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
As part of the transition to the new user experience in Kinetic (the new name of Epicor ERP), we have a path to upgrade your existing customizations in the Classic user interface to low/no code configurations in Application Studio. Bring your business current with the new Epicor customization upgrades process.
Epicor Customization Upgrades Process
Your existing customizations are not going away when you upgrade to Kinetic 2021. They will continue to work in the Classic user interface alongside the Kinetic UX forms you have enabled, so you can adopt the new user experience at your own pace without business disruption.
During your upgrade to version 2021, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your Classic customizations to the new user experience. We’ll guide you during the transition with resources and programs to facilitate the upgrade and end-user adoption process.
Get familiar with Application Studio with easy access to education and helpful resources from the application. Also, Epicor Learning Center offers training on different Application Studio elements and use cases so you can become proficient with the tool.
The process is simple and can be broken down into the following four steps:
Upgrade
The customization conversion will run during your upgrade to 2021. Classic customizations that have a Kinetic UX equivalent will be automatically converted to a layer in Application Studio.
Convert
After your upgrade, you’ll be able to review the status of the converted customizationlayers in the new Configuration Upgrade Dashboard. Some UX components will come over automatically and some may need rework.
Verify
Review the issues and use Application Studio to update them or go back to the Win Form to update and then run the conversion program again. Check the Conversion Workbench Logs to review details about the converted layers.
You can also engage with our Technical Services Team at this stage so they can do the rework for you.
Deploy
Once the conversions are verified and issues are fixed you can deploy them to the menu.
That’s all there is to it! You can get started or learn more about the process by contacting your Encompass Customer Account Manager.
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.
As part of the transition to the new user experience in Kinetic (the new name of Epicor ERP), we have a path to upgrade your existing customizations in the Classic user interface to low/no code configurations in Application Studio.
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.
If you don’t already know, Epicor users have access to EpicCare. This is Epicor’s customer self-service portal that enables the submission of issues, tickets, service requests, case creation, and more. As part of this service, there is a useful tool called Wayfinder.
What is Epicor Wayfinder
Epicor Wayfinder is a component of the EpicCare portal that shows Epicor users information about billing, contracts, service requests, and more.
The tool is a great resource for users with questions about their maintenance contract, current license ownership, and supply requests.
Epicor Wayfinder Components
With over 75 unique data points available to users, Epicor Wayfinder can help you find critical information with just a few clicks. You can also modify account information, like business name changes, billing address changes, invoice recipients, and the like.
Here is a list of all the various information you can locate or request using Epicor Wayfinder. Keep in mind, that you will need to be logged into your EpicCare account to access the following links.
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.
Below you will find a listing of all the currently scheduled Epicor customer webinars for June 2021.
Epicor Kinetic Webcast
Kinetic: A webcast on everything related to the user experience transformation ahead of the Kinetic (the new name for Epicor ERP) 2021.1 release. During this webcast, customers will learn about adopting the new UX, a phased roll-out approach, education and training resources, and a Kinetic UX demonstration.
Kinetic
· Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2021
· Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm CST
Epicor Application Studio Webcast
Application Studio: A webcast on the process to upgrade your classic customizations to the new user experience in Kinetic 2021.1. During this webcast, customers will learn about how to make the move from customizations to low/no code configurations done in Application Studio, the benefits that come with it, and the resources available to support them in this journey.
Application Studio
· Date: Thursday, June 3, 2021
· Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm CST
Epicor Cybersecurity Webcast
Cyber Security: A webcast on cloud-based ERP and Epicor security controls. During this webcast, customers will learn about gaining peace of mind with antimalware, redundant backups, and disaster recovery, isolating enterprise systems to reduce the risk of ERP data exposure, controlling access with multi-factor authentication controls, complying with industry regulations such as ITAR and CMMC and extending protection to include local machines and other hardware.
Cybersecurity
· Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021
· Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am CST
Epicor 1 EDI Source Webcast
1 EDI Source: A webcast on the new Amazon eCommerce Connector from Epicor EDI (formerly 1 EDI Source). During this webcast, customers will learn about how the connector automates order processing and automatically updates the inventory levels on Amazon from Kinetic so customers receive a better online buying experience while also automating manual order entry processes.
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.
Pattison Sign is a full-service sign manufacturing company in North America, with locations in Tennessee and Ontario. They specialize in creating electronic message centers, LED displays, digital signs, and traditional signage. Pattison Sign takes care of signage needs from beginning to end, manufacturing, installation, ongoing maintenance, and repair for some of the most well-known brands worldwide. These brands include Hilton, Jaguar, Waldorf Astoria, KFC, MassMutual, and more.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, or renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
