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.

About Encompass Solutions

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:

Experiences

Industry

  • Enhanced Project Management
  • Epicor Mobile Warehouse
  • Supplier Portal
  • MES Expansion
  • Epicor IoT

Analytics

  • Epicor Data Analytics Expansion
  • Epicor Data Discovery Expansion

Future (2019-2020)

  • UX Uplift (ongoing) Mobile Apps
  • ISV Partner Ecosystem
  • Compliance Engine
  • Enhanced BI/Analytics
  • Connected Enterprise

Experiences

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA)

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.

About Encompass Solutions

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.

an image depicting a clourd software update for epicor erp 10.2.400

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.

The last Epicor ERP update to be released was Epicor ERP 10.2.300. It is life and generally available to users. Epicor Software Corporation officially announced the release of its latest version of Epicor ERP (10.2.300) in October of 2018. Click the link to read more about the Epicor ERP 10.2.300 software update.

About Encompass Solutions

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.


Epicor ERP 10.2.300 is now live and generally available to users. Epicor Software Corporation officially announced the release of their latest version of Epicor ERP (10.2.300) earlier this month. It was released to the public last week.

Announced at Epicor Insights earlier this year, the new capabilities provided in 10.2.300 deliver a better employee experience, improves package control, manages electronic (ACH) transactions in finance and leverage the power and agility of the Microsoft Azure platform to enhance the brands ERP cloud offerings. The Epicor Dealer Network Portal has also been released alongside Epicor ERP 10.2.300.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Features

When it comes to overall functionality, Epicor ERP version 10.2.300 brings a lot to the table in terms of capabilities found in the preceding releases of version 10.2. In its latest release, Epicor continues to build on its cloud-first architecture, provides new capabilities for users, strengthens its impact on business objectives, further develops ease of use and overall user experience, and improves visibility with relevant data insights. Leveraging the improved user experience, global capabilities, analytics, deep industry focus, performance and quality, more than 450 companies and 9000 users are utilizing the Epicor ERP 10.2.300 release in the cloud.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Kinetic UX Design And Framework

When it comes to usability and simplicity, Epicor ERP 10.2.300 extends across platforms and devices to drive growth and cultivate positive digital experiences. The workforce of today has come to expect device agnostic access coupled with intuitive interfaces. Epicor ERP 10.2.300 delivers on expectations with the best-in-class UX design and framework provided by Kinetic. Bringing a modern look and feel to the forefront, Kinetic goes further by improving system usability and performance.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Business Intelligence And Analytics

Data visibility and analysis tools continue to draw significant investment from Epicor and, in the ERP 10.2.300 release, Epicor Data Discovery (EDD) brings even more advantages. Leveraging the data you need to make analyses for timely and accurate decisions has never been easier. Enhanced with new dashboards and an advanced version, EDD can be used to provide a standalone security mechanism across multiple solutions—with or without ERP.

Sales and Material Management benefit greatly from empowered Epicor Data Analytics views, as well. A new content pack, making it easier to align financial and operational data, has been released for Financial Statements, too.

Simpler is better When it comes to SRSS reporting and a new SSRS Report Design application delivers enhanced design, preview, and publishing capabilities.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Dealer Network Portal

When it comes to Epicor users’ selling of products and services, a digital experience geared towards dealers is as important as the one provided to their own customers. Attract new levels of loyalty from dealers when leveraging the Epicor Dealer Network Portal, a component of Epicor Commerce Connect. The new Portal includes:

  • The Ability to leverage the Epicor Web Configurator
  • A focus on a dealer-centric experience
  • A dealer-dedicated channel through which to drive growth

“According to Forrester, direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce is not a new approach to retail, but there is renewed interest for it among branded manufacturers. Epicor can help manufacturers transform the dealer experience through a modern eCommerce interface that dramatically elevates their brands to accelerate business growth. Dealer Network Portal works seamlessly with Epicor ERP and eliminates the cost of manual interactions and duplicate data entry, reducing errors, and overall operational costs.”

Scott Hays, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing, Epicor Software.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Package Control Identification (PCID)

The platform’s Package Control Identification (PCID) component received a significant expansion resulting from Epicor’s investment. PCID is an essential component of ERP for any manufacturer with a requirement for superior traceability, such as medical devices and aerospace and defense. Those manufacturers intent on grouping products together and managing their location and path through the enterprise. This release signifies the largest investment in traceability of Epicor ERP in years.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Field Service Automation (FSA)

Introduced with the initial release of version 10.2, Field Service Automation continues to make great advancements with four new integrations in:

  • Material Requests
  • Returned Material Goods
  • Expense Reporting
  • The Expansion Of Bi-Directional Contract Management

Additionally, enhancements for ease of use and to support international requirements across the product for both FSA Office and Field Mobile users including added functionality for call center, surveys and mobile pricing.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Global Business Management

The release of Epicor ERP 10.2.300 continues to expand with 20 countries that have been enhanced to stay current with recent updates.

The US and Canada received a major feature update to support wider use of electronic payments through ACH. Further expansion regarding the capabilities of ACH include direct deposits for payroll and automatic withdrawals from customer accounts.

US-based business’ FIPS 140-2 encryption and compliance requirements for U.S. customers is been introduced for companies with ITAR compliance requirements. For international customers, release enhancements include:

  • Automatic matching of AP & AR payments
  • Lower of cost or net realizable value (LCNRV) reporting

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Cloud And MS Azure

The partnership between Epicor and Microsoft continues to make expand with the Microsoft Azure platform. Epicor 10.2.300 further leverages a range of Azure technologies that include Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to deliver ready-to-use, tailored-to-fit productivity and innovation solutions for midmarket manufacturers and distributors. Regardless of whether Epicor users’ deployment is in the cloud or not, the benefits of the partnership can be readily seen with the release of Epicor ERP 10.2.300. The capabilities of Azure include:

  • Epicor Cloud Upgrade Services is using cloud resources to move Vantage/Vista, Epicor ERP 9, and 10.0 customers to the latest release.
  • In-app messaging is now available to message to cloud users, bringing greater clarity around use of Epicor ERP in the cloud.
  • Online help and education are available to all users in the cloud, simplifying the installation and ongoing management of Epicor ERP for all customers.
  • Azure AD Authentication is used for single sign on (SSO) capabilities for both cloud users and Mobile CRM users.

Epicor ERP 10.3.300 Epicor University

New learning tools, content, and training tools are now available through Epicor University (EU). Users can leverage these new and exciting features to further achieve business goals. Beyond offering comprehensive training options The latest release can be more readily aligned with the different learning styles and needs of employees.

The Epicor ERP 10.3.300 release offers 75+ Upgrade Essentials courses that have been carefully designed to train users on the new functionality available to them. all users on maintenance and support have these courses available to them. Epicor’s Knowledge on Demand (KoD) service has been built directly into Epicor ERP 10.2.300, which includes several new short videos to help solve problems quicker and better understand the new functionality that can be used to great advantage. Ge the answers you need quickly and get back on task with simple search a function in the video library. Alternatively, you can access KoD video content through the Epicor ERP product directly. The Video Help icon on the program toolbar will assist in connecting you with the appropriate video content for your needs.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider 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 the 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 Industry.

 


Epicor Tax Connect Certificates need to be updated in order for Epicor Tax Connect to function properly. If you have found your Tax Connect services impacted, please reach out to Encompass Solutions support staff for help in implementing the latest certificates at:

Email: support@oldencompass.sevenagesdesign.com

Phone: +1-336-617-4556

Chat: Support at the bottom right of your screen

For more information, please read the statement from Epicor below.

Epicor Tax Connect Certificates Announcement

ERP 9.XX.XXX, Vantage 8.XX.XXX or Vista 8.XX.XXX customers are asked to read and act on the applicable Tax Connect certification documents before October 15, 2018.  Customers who do not successfully install the new certificates by October 15, 2018, are advised that Epicor Tax Connect will cease to operate on this date.

The .zip file, which contains the new Tax Connect certificates for the respective customer environment, may be downloaded from the Epicor FTP site below using EpicWeb login credentials (as opposed to EpicCare login credentials):

Important Things to Note

  • The ERP system administrator or IT resource will need to review the attached Tax Connect certificate install guides to determine which set of install instructions to use and which Tax Connect Certificates.zip file to obtain and use for the respective Epicor, Vantage or Vista environment.
  • Although the Tax Connect Certificate .zip files are posted to the Vantage folder of the FTP site, it is also the correct FTP site folder to download from for those who have Epicor 9.XX.XXX or Vista 8.XX.XXX.
  • The ERP 9 Tax Connect New SSL Certificates Oct 2018.zip file, for Epicor ERP 9 only, is a small file size and will download quickly. This file can also be sent to an email account which accepts .zip file attachments. Some customers’ business email servers are configured to quarantine email messages received with .zip file attachments. If this applies to the customer’s company, the file can be sent to a personal email address such as gmail.com, for example. The file can also be attached to EpicCare support cases.
  • The Tax Connect New SSL Certificates Oct 2018 OE101B.zip file, for Vantage 8.03.XXX and for Vista 8.03.XXX only, is a large file size of approximately 100MB. It will take an extended period of time to download from the FTP site with total download time required dependent on the speed of the customer’s internet connection. This file is too large to be emailed to customers or to be attached to EpicCare support cases.

If you do not feel comfortable applying the new Tax Connect certificates to their Epicor 9, Vantage 8 or Vista 8 system using the install instructions provided in the available documents, are asked to open a new support case on the EpicCare Customer Portal, select the Asset/Module of Tax Connect, and refer to either Tax Connect or Avalara in the Short Description (summary line) of the case so it will be assigned to the correct Support team (Third Party Products – Financial) without delay. Although Epicor will not install the new certificates for customers, we can provide additional guidance for customers who have obtained the applicable .zip file for their environments.

When opening a new support case with Epicor’s Tax Connect Support team to request Tax Connect certificate installation assistance, customers are asked to provide the following information for their respective company:

  • Your company’s account number (a 5-digit number we formerly referred to as site ID) or company name.
  • The name, phone number, and email address of the IT contact at the respective site whom we may contact to provide guidance.
  • Your company’s version of Epicor ERP, Vantage or Vista, which can be confirmed by logging into the application, opening any screen, and then clicking Help > About.

NoteIf your company uses Epicor ERP version 10.X, the company is all set and does not need to take any action.

  • Your company’s Progress Open Edge version which is used with Epicor ERP, Vantage or Vista.

For additional assistance in the certification process, you can contact your Encompass Solutions CAM directly or Encompass Solutions support via the link below, by phone (336-617-4556), and by live chat.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, Epicor Platinum Partner, and NetSuite Solution Provider 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 the 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 Industry.


Epicor Support Updates

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.

a graphic of the Epicor Support Updates

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.

About Encompass Solutions

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 Data Analytics 7.3.0

Epicor Data Analytics (EDA) Release 7.3.0 has gone live and is now available to EDA customers. This release contains several bug fixes, new features, and key improvements. Here are the biggest takeaways to appear in the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 update. For more information on the capabilities and functionality of Epicor ERP, click the more info button below.

Nested Grids In Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0

The new “marquee” feature for the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 release, grid nesting allows users to create an “expand/contract” report within the EDA grid. Grouped by dimension, the nested grid will allow up to three levels of detail to be displayed. This can include everything from customer data, purchase history, and product information. Whatever data you wish to associate in the view, your preferences can be saved, added to the dashboard of your choice, or exported.

A screenshot of the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 nested grids feature in use.

The Nested Grids Feature Is Useful On Many Levels. A full video of the nested grids feature and its capability can be viewed, here.

Data Snapshot Retention In Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0

Administrators syncing data within Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0, retention of historical snapshots can be an invaluable tool when working with datasets. To use the feature, tick the ‘Retain snapshot’ box when adding a file in Sync. Retention periods can be set for both daily and monthly periods. This feature is especially useful when working with data that is updated in real-time, allowing you to retain and view historical snapshots at-will.

a screenshot of the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 data retention snapshot feature in use.

Reference Your Snap Shots For An Easy Look Back At Historical Data.

Retained data can be viewed by navigating to Administration > Sync sources and selecting the relevant source to view in more detail. In the example below, each snapshot is identified by its timestamp according to the retention period previously set by the user.

Enable and Disable Sync Items Functionality In Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0

Administrators who have been looking for a veritable pause button when it comes to data sync will find just that with the new Enable/Disable Sync Items functionality released in EDA 7.3.0. The function is easy to engage. All admins need to do is tick enable box in the Data Items panel prior to sync taking place.

A screenshot of how items are enabled and disabled for syncing in the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 Interface.

Enabling And Disabling Sync For Your Items Is A One-Click Action.

Newly added items and items being edited can also be enabled or disabled for sync using the same method.

A screenshot of the Epicor Data Analytics 7.3.0 Enable and Disable Sync functionality works for newly added items.

Enable Sync When Adding A New Item With A Single Click. You Can Always Disable Later If You Choose.

About Encompass Solutions

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.


As an Epicor Platinum partner, we are pleased to announce that Epicor has released a new Epicor ERP software update! We are beyond excited to begin rolling out the new version, expanded features, and improvements to our Epicor clients. Read the details of the latest Epicor ERP software update here.

Epicor ERP Software Update

Epicor Software Corporation, a provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth on a global scale, has introduced a new version of Epicor ERP. Epicor is dedicated to delivering ERP solutions to enterprises of every size. Currently, Epicor ERP is in use by thousands of companies in 150 countries worldwide.

The Epicor ERP version update includes robust and expanded functionality that enables manufacturers to thrive, innovate, and remain competitive. Mobile Field Service Automation (FSA) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are the two largest benefactors of the Epicor ERP version update, while new business intelligence and visual analytics capabilities are available through Epicor Data Discovery. Epicor ERP itself has received a completely redesigned homepage, Active Home Page, Smart Inventory Management, and new country and industry-specific functionality features that include additional country and industry-specific elements within the Epicor ERP system.

“Businesses that adopt the latest technologies in cloud, analytics, and employee experience will be fit to grow and respond to the new digital challenges of tomorrow while achieving a competitive advantage right now. In this, our third major release in the past 13 months, Epicor continues to deliver cloud-enabled, industry-specific functionality, globalization and localization, mobility, and action-oriented analytics, with continued improvements in customer experience, ease-of-use, and performance.”

Scott Hays, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing, Epicor Software

Epicor ERP Software Update: Role-Based Insights For Better, Faster Execution

Gartner recently reported, “In 2018, data and analytics can’t be ignored — analytics will drive major innovation and disrupt established business models in the coming years.”[1] Epicor ERP enables workforces with the essential insights at their fingertips for more relevant, more efficient analysis and action. The Epicor ERP Active Home Page offers role-based analytics through uniquely configurable dashboard views. Epicor Data Discovery (EDD) is what makes all this possible. The tool supports deep, on-demand data exploration to expose real-time operational and business performance analysis to effectively steer intelligent decision making. EDD delivers complex data sets into intuitive graphs and charts that allow users to quickly grasp and gauge performance, trends, and opportunities. drilling down into data sets and testing “what if” scenarios are made easy.

Epicor ERP Software Update: New Mobile FSA And CRM

New mobile Field Service Automation (FSA) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionality deliver tools that sales and service personnel in the field can leverage conveniently and efficiently. Delivered via the cloud or on-premises, Epicor FSA provides an integrated mapping that supports streamlined scheduling and dispatch activities. The workflows used to automate processes for asset management, contract, warranty and Service Level Agreement (SLAs), and management of service inventory are robust and can be leveraged to great benefit for sales and service personnel. Epicor FSA operates in a reactive capacity, making it a perfect tool for use on smartphones, tablets, and laptops both online and offline. Streamlined communications with back-office workforces enable enhanced productivity and efficiency reaching all facets of the service workforce. The result is improved response, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction.

Epicor CRM supports digitally enabled sales engagements for improved efficiency and productivity in buyer/seller experiences and revenue generation. Mobile CRM synchronizes with Epicor ERP and updates data in real time. This enables sales teams to access critical data, such as stock status and customer credit availability quickly and easily in real-time. This can be done in the office or in the field on any mobile device. Robust CRM and sales functionality enable sales teams to keep track of contacts, nurture leads, maintain sales pipelines, and create compelling quotes.

Epicor ERP Software Update: Smarter Inventory Planning and Optimization

The optimum inventory strategies needed to drive profitability and growth are available in Epicor Smart Inventory Planning and Optimization tools. This integrated set of cloud-based functionality delivers solutions for demand planning, inventory optimization, and supply chain analytics that help to propel the adoption of best-practices in both sales and inventory operations planning (SIOP). Leverage this functionality to effectively monitor and prescribe inventory policies and service levels that result in the lowest total cost for your business.

The package provides a mix of substantial forecasting strategies, optimization practices, and consensus demand and inventory planning delivered via an intuitive user interface that can be accessed through any web browser. Reporting and analytics tools deliver the pivotal stats on inventory status that reveal the root causes of operational inefficiencies, stockouts, excess inventory, and late deliveries.

Epicor ERP Software Update: New Functionality And Capability 

New functionality coming in the form of an expanded country- and industry-specific scope provides support for an array of jobs with localized precision. This specific functionality allows for localized geographic supports for global business compliance and reporting, tax and payment processing, and international trade requirements, including legal numbering, and non-recoverable taxes.

Epicor Payment Exchange has been completely integrated with Epicor ERP enabling the customer to take advantage of predictable pricing and low rates. Providing peace-of-mind alongside one of the fastest-growing payment processors in the U.S., Epicor Payment Exchange delivers real-time authorization, next-day settlement, and comprehensive reporting for credit card transactions.

Epicor customers using the Epicor Mattec MES solution haven’t been left out of the update either, thanks to improvements in MES-ERP integration that accounts for various parameters and dependencies related to jobs, scheduling, operators, and/or machines.

About Encompass Solutions

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.


ERP systems are kinda our thing, so we’re sure you’ll understand when we get really, really excited about version updates. We understand that most people don’t get excited about version updates at all… in fact, a lot of people get nervous at the idea of change. That’s where we come in. We love keeping our clients on the cutting edge and version updates help us make your business more efficient, productive, and streamlined. Get ready for the Epicor ERP 10.2 Update!

announcing the Epicor ERP 10.2 Update

That’s definitely something you can get excited about.

Epicor ERP 10.2 Update Details

Epicor 10.2 has been kept tightly under wraps, but earlier in the month, Express and Multi-Tenant Cloud customers were able to receive a pilot upgrade, and customers with embedded education have access to delta training courses. Our team has been training hard on learning the new features and functionality so that we can continue our commitment to excellence by providing seamless updates and smooth roll-outs.

The new Epicor mission statement—“Ease of Everything”—gives us a clue on what to expect. They’ve made no secret of the fact that there will be a new User Experience with this version, and the new customizable, role-based Home Page will feature active tiles that will display—in real time!—the important data your business needs immediate access to in order to keep your workflow running.

So: Get excited. Epicor 10.2 will be out soon and Encompass will be there to help take your business to the next level.

About Encompass Solutions

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.