ERP Implementation Archives

Embrace Cloud, Save the Planet with Sustainable ERP Migration

by EstesCloud | Apr 22, 2024 | Cloud, Disaster Recovery, Distribution, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Managed IT Services

Optimize Enterprise Resource Planning and Contribute to a Greener Future

As manufacturers and distributors face increasing pressure to optimize operations, reduce costs, and minimize their environmental impact, many are considering the move from on-premise Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to cloud-hosted alternatives. This transition to cloud ERP offers numerous benefits, including improved scalability, accessibility, cost-efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint. In this blog post, we’ll explore three key categories of helpful tips to guide manufacturers and distributors through this transformative journey while incorporating sustainable environmental tactics.

ERP Migration to Cloud: Planning and Preparation

STEP ONE: Assess your current ERP system. Evaluate your existing on-premise ERP solution to identify its strengths, weaknesses, and pain points. This assessment will help you determine which features and functionalities are essential in your new cloud-hosted ERP system. Consider the environmental impact of your current system, such as energy consumption and hardware disposal.

STEP TWO: Define your goals and requirements. Clearly outline your objectives for the transition, such as improved performance, enhanced security, reduced IT maintenance costs, and minimized environmental impact. This will guide your decision-making process and ensure that the chosen cloud-hosted ERP solution aligns with your business needs and sustainability goals.

STEP THREE: Engage stakeholders. Involve key stakeholders from various departments, including finance, operations, IT, and sustainability, in the planning process. Their insights and buy-in will be crucial for a smooth transition and successful adoption of the new system while prioritizing environmental considerations.

STEP FOUR: Develop a comprehensive migration plan. Create a detailed plan that outlines the steps involved in the transition, including data migration, system integration, and user training. This plan should also include a timeline, resource allocation, and contingency measures to address potential challenges. Incorporate strategies to minimize data transfer and energy consumption during the migration process.

Sustainable ERP Migration: Vendor Selection and Deployment

If you’re hoping for a smooth migration, you should invent substantial time into researching and comparing cloud vendors. Not all cloud are created equal. Thoroughly investigate potential cloud-hosted ERP providers, considering factors such as industry experience, product features, scalability, customer support, and environmental sustainability practices. Look for vendors that use renewable energy sources, energy-efficient data centers, and responsible e-waste disposal methods. Request demos and references to make an informed decision.

Prioritize data security and compliance. Ensure that the selected vendor adheres to robust data security standards and complies with relevant industry regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA. Inquire about their data encryption, backup, and disaster recovery practices. Consider the environmental impact of their data storage and processing practices.

Plan for successful data migration. Work closely with your chosen vendor to develop a data migration strategy that minimizes disruption to your operations and reduces data transfer energy consumption. This may involve data cleansing, formatting, and validation to ensure a seamless transfer from your on-premise system to the cloud-hosted ERP. Identify and eliminate redundant, obsolete, and trivial (ROT) data to minimize the amount of data migrated, thereby reducing energy usage.

Consider a phased implementation approach, starting with critical modules or departments and gradually expanding to other areas of your business. This incremental approach allows for better risk management, provides opportunities to refine processes along the way, and enables you to monitor and optimize energy consumption and environmental impact at each stage.

Change Management and Continuous Improvement After a Sustainable ERP Migration

PRIORITY ONE: Communication After Cloud ERP Migration

Keep your employees informed throughout the transition process, highlighting the benefits of the new cloud-hosted ERP system, including its positive environmental impact. Address any concerns they may have and emphasize the importance of sustainable practices. Clear and consistent communication will help foster a positive attitude towards the change and encourage eco-friendly behaviors.

PRIORITY TWO: Training in Cloud ERP

Invest in thorough training programs to ensure that your employees are comfortable and proficient with the new system. Include modules on sustainable data management practices, such as proper data categorization, retention policies, and responsible data sharing. Offer a mix of in-person, online, and self-paced learning options to cater to different learning styles and schedules while minimizing travel-related carbon emissions.

PRIORITY THREE: CLOUD ERP KPIs

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of your cloud-hosted ERP implementation, including metrics related to energy consumption, carbon footprint, and e-waste reduction. Regularly monitor these metrics to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the system is delivering the desired benefits while minimizing environmental impact.

PRIORITY FOUR: Sustainable ERP Migration Feedback

Foster a sustainable culture of continuous improvement for your users. Encourage your employees to provide feedback and suggestions for optimizing the use of the cloud-hosted ERP system and promoting sustainable practices. Continuously assess and refine your processes to maximize the value of your investment, drive ongoing operational excellence, and reduce your organization’s environmental footprint.

Are you ready to save your users and save the planet with a seamless on-premise or cloud-to-cloud ERP migration?

The transition from on-premise to EstesGroup’s cloud-hosted ERP solution presents an opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to not only transform their operations but also contribute to a more sustainable future. By incorporating environmental considerations into the planning, vendor selection, implementation, and continuous improvement processes, businesses can minimize their carbon footprint while reaping the benefits of a cloud-hosted ERP system. With the right approach and a commitment to sustainability, manufacturers and distributors can navigate this shift successfully, driving efficiency, agility, and growth in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious landscape.

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Streamline SYSPRO 8 Client Installs with Batch Install Files

by EstesCloud | Apr 16, 2024 | Business Consulting, Distribution, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Manufacturing Innovation, SYSPRO

Simplifying SYSPRO 8 Client Installations

Installing client machines for SYSPRO ERP can be a tedious process. Accessing the SYSPRO 8 Installer on each client machine, signing in to the installer, going through the various tabs and steps to successfully install both the client and the necessary reporting software. What if there was a significantly easier way to perform these installations? As a matter of fact – there is!

Instead of going through the installer every time you install a SYSPRO client, you can create and export a SYSPRO product batch file. The batch file allows you to both quickly and quietly install a SYSPRO client along with the necessary reporting software without using the SYSPRO installer at all.

You can create your own SYSPRO batch file installer by following the steps outlined below.

STEP ONE: Launching the SYSPRO Installer

Find and launch the latest version of the SYSPRO Installer. By default, this file is located in: “\\*servername*\SYSPRODeploy”.

STEP TWO: Signing In

Go through the steps of signing in to the installer using your SYSPRO InfoZone credentials.

STEP THREE: Click to Select

Click on “SYSPRO ERP Software”.

STEP FOUR: Selecting Deployment Group

Click “Select” on your desired deployment group.

STEP FIVE: Exporting SYSPRO 8 Client

You should now see the available product list for your SYSPRO environment. In the top left-corner of the product list header there will be a little “Export” button. Click this button.

STEP SIX: Export

The product list now changes to an “Export” selection. Find and select the SYSPRO 8 Client and click to continue the export.

STEP SEVEN: SYSPRO Terms

You will be asked to review and agree to general installation terms. Proceed through the export wizard until you can select to begin the export.

Effortless SYSPRO 8 Client Installation with Batch Files

A batch file is now created and can be used to install the SYSPRO 8 client along with its required services. By default, the batch file is stored in “\\*servername*\SYSPRODeploy\Exports”. Following similar steps, you can create an additional batch file for reporting software by navigating through the “Additional Software” section of the installer and selecting your version of Crystal Reports to export. Using these batch files, you can now quietly install a full SYSPRO client configuration with only a few clicks!

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when using the batch files:

Run the batch file to install the SYSPRO client first prior to installing any reporting software.
To ensure that the products are installed properly, make sure that you run the batch files as administrator. Additionally, the domain user running the batch files will need sufficient access to the SYSPRODeploy folder on the SYSPRO Server where the targeted products and install files are located.
You can use the Programs & Features part of Windows to verify that the products installed successfully after running the batch files.
If something fails to install, you can always use the SYSPRO 8 Installer program to retry the installation manually.

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P21WWUG CONNECT 2024 and the Future of Prophet 21

by EstesCloud | Apr 4, 2024 | Cloud, Distribution, Epicor, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Managed IT Services, Prophet 21

EstesGroup is Proud to Sponsor the P21WWUG CONNECT Event in Chicago

As a proud Gold Sponsor of the Prophet 21 World Wide Users Group (P21WWUG) CONNECT event in Chicago, EstesGroup invites you to join us for this incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow your business. This annual event is a must-attend for anyone using Prophet 21 software in the distribution industry. With expert-led sessions, user-driven classes, and valuable networking opportunities, CONNECT 2024 is the perfect place to gain new insights and connect with like-minded professionals.

Why You Should Attend CONNECT 2024

CONNECT 2024 features a lineup of expert speakers, including Epicor representatives, industry leaders, and experienced P21 users. Gain valuable knowledge and insights from those who have been in your shoes and have found success. Connect with other P21 users from around the world, share your experiences, and learn from one another. EstesGroup, as Gold Sponsor, will offer multiple networking opportunities, and the Prophet 21 World Wide User Group will bring your team even more opportunities to network with peers this year.

Discover New Solutions for Prophet 21 ERP

At P21WWUG CONNECT 2024, you can engage directly with vendors presenting a diverse array of complementary products and services aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing profitability. Discover the tools essential for moving your business forward, ensuring that you remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving marketplace. Whether seeking streamlined operations or aiming for enhanced performance, this event provides the platform to explore solutions tailored to your specific needs, empowering you to elevate your business to new heights.

Get Answers to Your P21 Questions

Whether you’re seeking clarity on specific functionalities or aiming to optimize your usage of the platform, this opportunity offers a direct line to expertise. Engage with fellow users and experts alike, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the depths of Prophet 21 and emerge with actionable strategies to improve operations. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the distribution industry.

EstesGroup’s CONNECT 2024 Session: Overcoming Obstacles to Web UI Migration

As a leader in helping businesses transition to the Prophet 21 Web UI, EstesGroup will be presenting a session titled “Overcoming Obstacles to Web UI Migration.” Our team of experts will share valuable insights, best practices, and lessons learned from helping numerous clients make the switch from the legacy Desktop App to the Middleware/Web UI-based configuration. You will learn:

How to configure middleware servers for optimal Web UI performance
How to adapt to changes in printing and reporting with the Web UI
How to handle scheduled tasks and TCPX in the new environment
How to migrate custom functionality, including Dynachange screen mods, business rules, portals, reports, integrations, and more

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our experienced team and gain the knowledge you need to successfully migrate to the Prophet 21 Web UI.

As your trusted partner in Prophet 21 implementation, optimization, cloud deployment, and support, EstesGroup is committed to your success. We are excited to sponsor and participate in CONNECT 2024, and we look forward to connecting with you in Chicago. Visit our booth at the event to learn more about our services, including the following:

Prophet 21 implementation and upgrades
Web UI migration and optimization
Custom development and integrations
P21 training and support
Custom cloud solutions
Technology solutions and services managed by EstesGroup’s Prophet 21 experts

Our team of experienced consultants will be on hand to answer your questions, provide demos, and discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals with Epicor Prophet 21, third-party solutions, distribution industry trends, business excellence, and more!

LEARN MORE ABOUT P21WWUG CONNECT 2024

Troubleshooting SYSPRO: General SYSPRO 8 Instabilities

by EstesCloud | Mar 25, 2024 | Business Consulting, Cloud, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Network Administration, SYSPRO

Is Troubleshooting SYSPRO Troubling You?

General issues are to be expected when utilizing a client-server-based piece of ERP software the size of SYSPRO. Client machines not responding, crashing, or getting disconnected is not unusual. From an administrative perspective, it is important to know the various factors that can affect these general system stability issues. In this article, we have outlined some of the factors that can cause these problems as well as some tools to know, utilize, and review when diagnosing general SYSPRO instability.

Antivirus and Firewall Exceptions

One of the general offenders causing SYSPRO issues are antivirus software. SYSPRO opens the required ports in the Windows Firewall when it is installed, however, most sites utilize additional antivirus and/or firewall software that will have to be configured separately. SYSPRO 8 uses port 30250 and 3702 by default but be sure to verify the ports used in your own environment.

If you see installation errors relating to SYSPRO clients or client-side reporting tools, you can try disabling local antivirus during the installation. Make sure to turn it back on after the installation has been completed.

SQL Health Dashboard

The SQL Health Dashboard (IMPDBS) is a built-in SYSPRO tool that analyzes your SQL Server and reports back with any potential issues. When you open the program, it will scan your SYSPRO databases one by one and provide you with an overview of potential issues. Any issues reported here will likely relate to system-wide issues more so than issues pertaining to specific client machines. Seeing this program report “green” across the board is vital for ensuring that your SQL Server is running at its best.

System-Audit Query

System-Audit Query (IMPJNS) is another built-in tool that you can use to diagnose problems in SYSPRO. This one is particularly helpful to determine if disconnects or errors are unique to a specific operator and/or program. You can use the program to filter for client-server disconnects and determine who is encountering them, when they are encountering them, and where they are encountering them. This program can’t fix the problem, but it can tell you if one exists!

SYSPRO Troubleshooting: SYSPRO System Audit

Client Folder Permissions

By default, the client-side installation of SYSPRO is found at “C:\SYSPROClient”. This folder contains the local SYSPRO install, user settings, and program files. Depending on default settings for a domain user, it is possible that there is insufficient access to this folder. If a local client machine is having unusual errors or access problems, try providing full control for authenticated users to this folder. You can do so by right-clicking the “SYSPROClient” folders and going to “Properties”.

Check Resource Utilization

SYSPRO utilizes significant system resources during certain business functions and report generation. To ensure that SYSPRO has sufficient resources to perform its tasks, be sure to review local client machine hardware and memory availability on the SYSPRO server itself. If the server is suffering from limited resources, it can result in a system-wide slowdown for all client-machines connected to SYSPRO.

Troubleshooting SYSPRO with EstesGroup Experts

Troubleshooting general SYSPRO 8 instabilities can be a complex and time-consuming process. From managing antivirus and firewall exceptions to monitoring SQL health and system resource utilization, there are numerous factors to consider when diagnosing and resolving these issues.

However, by leveraging the power of private cloud hosting through EstesGroup, you can simplify your SYSPRO deployment and minimize the risk of encountering these instabilities altogether. With our expertise in managing SYSPRO environments and our state-of-the-art private cloud infrastructure, you can focus on running your business while we handle the technical complexities.

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SYSPRO ERP Utilities – Utilizing the Data Dictionary Viewer

by EstesCloud | Mar 15, 2024 | Cloud, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, SYSPRO

SYSPRO’s Data Dictionary: Efficient ERP Database Management

Software systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) consolidate so much functionality into a single application. This means that the database structure they work with is equally as encompassing and can be overwhelming to familiarize yourself with. SYSPRO alone uses over 1000 database tables and knowing exactly where to look for certain can be a tough challenge. Thankfully, SYSPRO has a built-in tool called the “Data Dictionary Viewer” that can help put descriptive labels on otherwise complicated database elements.

You can find the Data Dictionary Viewer program in SYSPRO’s program list by going to Utilities  Data Dictionary Viewer. The program will load a list of all tables in your SQL Server database. Along with the table names and file codes, it will include descriptions to highlight what the purpose of the table is. The list is long so to help you find the exact table you are looking for you can use CTRL + F to open a “Search” tab. You can then type in parts of what you are looking for and SYSPRO automatically filters the list.

Data Dictionary Going Deeper

To go a level deeper, you can highlight a table record and click the “Table Properties” toolbar button. This will open a new window with details about the table, its columns, and key structure. The information found on this screen can be particularly helpful if you are creating custom reports but can’t figure out which exact field contains the data you are looking for.

Leveraging SQL Querying Tools in SYSPRO for Enhanced Data Management

While the program also contains a feature to display the data found in the database table, we recommend you instead use actual database tools. The built-in tool is no replacement for proper SQL querying tools. Many tables in SYSPRO can have a significant number of columns and not to mention millions of data records based on your business’ usage of SYSPRO. Using SQL to query and filter will make it much easier to navigate this data.

What Does the SYSPRO Data Dictionary Viewer Do?

The Data Dictionary Viewer enables both SYSPRO experts and newcomers to quickly find and learn about the database tables that contain the data held within SYSPRO ERP. Next time you build a custom report or macro script, try using this tool and see how easy it can be to narrow down a massive database to exactly the few datapoints you need!

SYSPRO ERP Utilities, particularly the Data Dictionary Viewer, stand as indispensable aids in navigating the intricate landscape of database structures within the system. With over a thousand database tables to contend with, the challenge of pinpointing specific data elements can be daunting. However, the Data Dictionary Viewer offers a solution, providing descriptive labels and organizational tools to streamline the process.

By accessing this tool through SYSPRO’s program list and utilizing features such as table properties and search functionality, users can gain deeper insights into the database architecture, facilitating tasks like report generation and macro scripting. While the built-in feature for displaying data may suffice for some purposes, the recommendation to leverage dedicated SQL querying tools underscores the complexity and scale of SYSPRO’s database infrastructure.

How EstesGroup Helps Customers With SYSPRO

Ultimately, the Data Dictionary Viewer serves as a bridge between SYSPRO experts and newcomers, empowering them to efficiently harness the wealth of data housed within the ERP system for enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency. Embracing this tool can unlock new levels of productivity and precision in leveraging SYSPRO’s capabilities, ensuring that users can extract meaningful insights from the vast expanse of data at their disposal.

For businesses seeking comprehensive support in optimizing their SYSPRO ERP system and navigating its intricate functionalities, EstesGroup offers a wealth of expertise and tailored solutions. Our team of SYSPRO consultants brings extensive experience in database management, including proficient utilization of tools like the Data Dictionary Viewer to streamline operations and drive efficiency.

Beyond database management, EstesGroup provides a wide array of IT services, encompassing cloud solutions, cybersecurity measures, system integrations, and more. Whether it’s implementing customized reports, fine-tuning database configurations, or migrating to cloud-based infrastructures, our consultants are equipped to address diverse needs and challenges. With a commitment to delivering holistic support and maximizing the value of SYSPRO ERP investments, EstesGroup stands ready to empower businesses on their digital transformation journey.

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How to Reverse a Purchase Order Receipt in SYSPRO

by EstesCloud | Mar 1, 2024 | ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, SYSPRO

SYSPRO makes it easy to reverse a mistake.

Perhaps you entered a wrong price, received the wrong item, or maybe received one too many quantities of an item on your purchase order. It is easy to get familiar with the process of receiving items. However, what do you do when you make a mistake and need to reverse a SYSPRO PO receipt that was not quite right? As long as a received item has not yet been sold, adjusted, or transferred, then SYSPRO makes it easy to reverse a mistake. We will explain the process of reversing a PO receipt in this article.

For our test example, we have received a quantity of 5 for our stock code “A100” that we would like to reverse. To do so, we need to go to the Purchase Order Receipts program in SYSPRO. This program can be found in SYSPRO’s program list at Purchase Orders  Purchase Order Processing  Purchase Order Receipts.

In the Purchase Order Receipts program, type in or browse to find the original purchase order number that your stock code was received on. If you received your PO line in full, you may notice that there are no lines showing on your PO to be received and you can’t find the original PO line for your stock code. This is because the program hides completed lines by default. To see your completed line, click on the “Options” tab at the top of the screen and select “Preferences…”. On the preferences screen, find and check the option that says, “Include all lines by default”. Click “Save” and the program will now show any completed lines on the selected purchase order.

Now, find and select the purchase order line that you are wanting to reverse. Click the “Receipt Line” button or you can also double-click on the specific line to be reversed. If your line was completed by the original receipt, you will see a warning message. Click “OK”.

The “Purchase Order Receipt” pane will refresh with the details about the PO line. You will now have to do the following:

Enter a negative “Receipt quantity”. In our case, we want to reverse the full quantity of 5 so we enter a value of “-5”.
Select the original cost basis.
Enter any supplier’s delivery note if applicable.
Optionally, you can enter a notation to explain why the transaction is being reversed.
Enter the GRN number that was created when the item was originally received.

Click “Post” and the purchase order line receipt has now been reversed. You can verify the reversal by going to SYSPRO’s Inventory Query and check the “Movements” details for the stock code.

Adjusting preferences in SYSPRO ERP is easy.

Reversing a Purchase Order (PO) Receipt in SYSPRO ERP is a straightforward process that allows users to correct mistakes such as wrong prices, incorrect items received, or excess quantities. By accessing the Purchase Order Receipts program in SYSPRO, users can easily locate and select the original PO line to be reversed. Adjusting preferences to include all lines by default enables visibility of completed lines for reversal. Upon selecting the desired line, entering a negative receipt quantity, original cost basis, supplier’s delivery note if applicable, and a notation for explanation, if needed, facilitates the reversal process. Finally, posting the transaction confirms the reversal, which can be verified in SYSPRO’s Inventory Query. This systematic approach ensures accuracy and efficiency in managing PO receipts within the SYSPRO ERP system.

Are you seeking expert guidance and support for your SYSPRO ERP administration, implementation, and ongoing maintenance?

Look no further than EstesGroup consultants! Our team is dedicated to assisting you every step of the way, whether you’re setting up your system for the first time or looking to optimize its performance. With years of experience in SYSPRO ERP, we specialize in building, maintaining, and upgrading full-suite technology and cloud services tailored to your specific needs. From initial setup to continuous support and upgrades, we’re here to ensure your SYSPRO system runs smoothly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for personalized assistance and take your SYSPRO ERP experience to the next level!

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