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Revolutionizing SYSPRO with AI: Strategies for 2025

Revolutionizing SYSPRO with AI: Strategies for 2025

by | Dec 19, 2024 | AI, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, SYSPRO

SYSPRO AI in ERP

As businesses enter 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it’s a transformative force reshaping industries. For SYSPRO users, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to streamline operations, improve product quality, and make data-driven decisions. Let’s explore how SYSPRO users can harness AI to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

SYSPRO ERP AI Server Chip

AI as a Strategic Enabler for SYSPRO Users

SYSPRO coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning launched an initial appeal due to its ability to automate repetitive tasks and drive efficiencies. While these benefits remain vital, forward-thinking companies now view AI as a strategic enabler. By integrating AI into SYSPRO enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, manufacturers can do the following and more:

  • Predict and Prevent Downtime: AI-powered predictive maintenance analyzes sensor data to forecast equipment failures, allowing repairs to be scheduled proactively. This minimizes unplanned downtime and extends the lifespan of machinery.
  • Optimize Decision-Making: Machine learning algorithms provide actionable insights by processing large volumes of structured and unstructured data, empowering leaders to make informed decisions faster.
  • Enhance Customer Experiences: AI tools such as chatbots and personalized recommendations improve customer satisfaction while freeing up human resources for complex interactions.

Redefining Procurement and Supply Chain Management

Smart purchasing decisions depend on understanding patterns across many moving parts – from what you’ve bought before to how well suppliers deliver. SYSPRO’s newest tools dig into this data to help businesses buy smarter and plan better. When companies connect these capabilities to their everyday purchasing work, they can keep just the right amount of stock on hand (no more warehouse space wasted on excess inventory). The system also takes the guesswork out of picking and evaluating suppliers, while giving an early heads-up about possible supply chain hiccups so teams can tackle problems before they grow. This means less firefighting and more strategic planning for procurement teams.

Empowering Finance with Predictive Insights

Finance teams need innovative tools to tackle today’s complex business challenges. Modern technology, particularly advanced analytics and automation, opens up powerful new ways for financial professionals to work smarter and make better decisions. Below are some key opportunities that forward-thinking finance departments are exploring:

  • Smarter document handling: Gone are the days of mind-numbing data entry. New tools can read and organize financial documents automatically, freeing up staff to focus on analysis and strategy.
  • Sharper forecasting: By tapping into historical patterns and market signals, teams can build more reliable predictions about where the business is headed and adjust course proactively.
  • Better risk management: Advanced monitoring systems can spot concerning patterns in real-time, helping catch potential fraud or credit issues before they become major problems.
  • Streamlined daily operations: Routine tasks like processing invoices and expenses can now run smoothly in the background while maintaining high accuracy.
  • Dynamic planning capabilities: Modern planning tools help teams model different scenarios and find smart ways to allocate resources and reduce costs.
  • Deeper customer understanding: By analyzing customer behavior patterns, teams can develop more targeted products and provide more personalized service.
  • Smoother compliance: New tools can automatically track transactions against regulations and flag potential issues, making it easier to stay compliant in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Quality Assurance and Safety with Computer Vision

Computer vision—a subset of AI—is proving invaluable on the factory floor. SYSPRO users can leverage this technology for ultimate compliance and control:

  • Quality Control: Cameras integrated with AI systems can inspect products in real time, ensuring consistent quality and reducing waste.
  • Safety Compliance: Facial recognition and object detection enhance safety by monitoring authorized personnel and identifying hazards.

AI in Sales and Customer Service

For sales and customer service, AI delivers personalized and efficient interactions. SYSPRO users can deploy AI-driven chatbots to handle common inquiries, offer 24/7 support, and provide tailored product recommendations. This not only reduces response times but also enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

SYSPRO users can harness AI’s powerful data processing capabilities to gain a competitive edge in several key areas. By analyzing extensive historical datasets, they can better understand and predict customer behavior and market trends, enabling more proactive business decisions. This same analytical power allows them to fine-tune their pricing strategies in response to projected demand patterns, ensuring optimal revenue generation. Furthermore, the system’s ability to recognize patterns in customer purchasing behavior helps identify promising opportunities for cross-selling and upselling, allowing businesses to maximize the value of each customer relationship.

SYSPRO’s commitment to democratizing AI ensures that even non-technical users can benefit from advanced analytics. Features such as a machine learning designer and flexible card-based interfaces make it easy to easily accomplish more:

  • You can design custom AI models without coding expertise.
  • You can surface insights directly within SYSPRO’s user interface.
  • You can act on predictions and anomalies in real time.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for an AI-Driven Future

The AI in manufacturing market is projected to grow at an astonishing CAGR of 57.2%, reaching $16.7 billion by 2026. For SYSPRO users, the challenge lies in adopting these technologies strategically to maximize ROI and build resilience against future disruptions.

By embracing AI, SYSPRO users can unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The journey to an AI-powered future starts today, with practical steps that align technology with business goals. As we head into 2025, the question is not whether to adopt AI, but how to leverage it to its fullest potential.

EstesCare ERP, EstesGroup’s subscription-based support services suite for enterprise resource planning, brings cutting-edge AI to your users. Talk to us today to discover how you can customize both SYSPRO ERP and supporting AI solutions with a partnership with EstesGroup’s SYSPRO consulting team.

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Professional Service-as-a-Service for Epicor Kinetic

Professional Service-as-a-Service for Epicor Kinetic

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Epicor, Epicor 10, Epicor Kinetic, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, EstesCare

PSaaS: Transforming ERP Support and Delivery with a New Service Model

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, almost everything is delivered as a service — from software (SaaS) to infrastructure (IaaS) to even transportation and groceries. This shift has redefined how businesses consume and manage technology and services. But can the same model revolutionize ERP professional services, particularly for users of Epicor Kinetic?

Professional Service as a Service ERP Warehouse

The answer is yes. The concept of Professional Service-as-a-Service (PSaaS) is gaining traction as a flexible and scalable solution for ERP support and delivery.

What is Professional Service-as-a-Service (PSaaS)?

At its core, PSaaS moves away from traditional ERP support models that rely on upfront contracts, rigid timeframes, and unpredictable costs. Instead, professional services are delivered in a subscription-based, on-demand model.

For Epicor Kinetic users, this means access to expert ERP support, enhancements, and optimization without the hassle of large projects or resource-heavy contracts. You get what you need, when you need it — in a way that’s predictable and sustainable for your business.

Why Epicor Kinetic Users Benefit from PSaaS

Epicor Kinetic is a powerful cloud-based ERP solution that helps manufacturers and distributors optimize workflows, enhance productivity, and scale operations. However, keeping your system aligned with business needs requires ongoing support and expertise.

With EstesCare ERP Professional Service-as-a-Service, Epicor Kinetic users can focus on growth and ROI while doing the following and more:

  • Access Expertise On-Demand: Whether you need help with customizations, integrations, reporting, or general system optimization, PSaaS provides a team of ERP experts ready to assist — without lengthy project negotiations.
  • Achieve Cost Predictability: Traditional ERP support can be costly and unpredictable. PSaaS offers a subscription-based pricing model, ensuring your support costs are manageable and transparent.
  • Streamline System Enhancements: ERP systems like Epicor Kinetic evolve with regular updates. PSaaS allows you to implement updates, enhancements, and best practices efficiently, so you can take full advantage of Epicor’s features.
  • Focus on Core Business Goals: By outsourcing ERP professional services, your internal team can focus on driving core business initiatives rather than getting bogged down by troubleshooting or system maintenance.
  • Scale Services as You Grow: Whether you’re a small manufacturer or a global enterprise, PSaaS can scale with you. As your Epicor Kinetic environment grows, your professional services can seamlessly adapt.

How Does PSaaS Work for Epicor Kinetic?

The model is simple and user-focused:

  • Assessment: A quick assessment identifies your current needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement in your Epicor Kinetic environment.
  • Subscription Setup: You select a subscription package based on your needs (e.g., monthly support hours, specific services).
  • Ongoing Support & Optimization: ERP experts deliver services like troubleshooting and issue resolution; custom reports and dashboards; user training and documentation; enhancements and integrations; and regular system health checks.
  • Review & Adjust: As your needs change, the subscription can flex to ensure optimal support for your evolving Epicor Kinetic environment.

Why Professional Service Partnership Matters in Today’s ERP Landscape

The ERP market is shifting. Businesses are demanding flexibility, scalability, and ROI-driven outcomes from their ERP investments. Professional Service-as-a-Service meets this demand head-on by aligning ERP support with modern service consumption trends.

For Epicor Kinetic users, this model offers the opportunity to maintain a lean, efficient, and agile ERP system without the traditional constraints of support contracts or one-off engagements.

Is EstesCare ERP Professional Services Suite Right for Your Organization?

If you’re an Epicor Kinetic user looking to do the following to improve your operations:

  • Reduce ERP support costs
  • Streamline system improvements
  • Access on-demand expertise
  • Increase ROI on your ERP investment

Then Professional Service-as-a-Service with EstesGroup’s EstesCare Support Services team may be your perfect solution.

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How to Maximize Epicor Kinetic ROI with Performance Optimization

How to Maximize Epicor Kinetic ROI with Performance Optimization

by | Nov 20, 2024 | Epicor 10, Epicor Kinetic, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Managed IT Services, Manufacturing Innovation

Manufacturers leveraging Epicor Kinetic can achieve substantial returns on their enterprise resource planning (ERP) software investment through comprehensive performance optimization and data-driven decision making.

Epicor Kinetic ROI

An ERP Designed for Profitability

The Epicor ERP platform’s integrated business intelligence and real-time analytics capabilities provide deep visibility into critical operational metrics, enabling companies to identify and capitalize on improvement opportunities across production, inventory, quality, and financial processes. By leveraging customizable dashboards and KPI monitoring, manufacturers can track and measure the tangible impact of their system investment, from reduced operational costs to increased throughput and improved quality metrics. As organizations continue to navigate complex market demands and competitive pressures, Epicor Kinetic’s strategic optimization tools help ensure that technology investments translate directly into measurable business value and sustained profitability improvements.

Manufacturers can significantly improve their return on investment (ROI) through strategic operational enhancements and modernization efforts. By implementing advanced production scheduling, companies can reduce costly downtime and optimize resource utilization. Real-time inventory management systems help prevent stock-outs while minimizing excess inventory carrying costs. Employee training programs focused on lean manufacturing principles and quality control often lead to reduced waste and improved product consistency.

A New Way to Put Profit on Auto-Pilot

Modern subscription-based ERP support services, like EstesCare for Epicor Kinetic, provide a cost-effective way to maintain and optimize critical business systems without the burden of hiring specialized staff or dealing with unpredictable support expenses. AI and data analytics tools help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, allowing manufacturers to make informed decisions about process improvements and resource allocation.

Your Ultimate Epicor Kinetic ROI Strategy: EstesCare ERP

EstesCare ERP support services deliver measurable ROI through proactive system optimization, reduced downtime, and streamlined operations, providing manufacturers with predictable IT costs while maximizing their Epicor Kinetic investment through expert guidance and rapid issue resolution.

  • Predictable costs through fixed monthly fees instead of variable support expenses
  • Reduced downtime via proactive system monitoring and rapid issue resolution
  • Enhanced productivity through ongoing user training and best practices guidance
  • Lower staffing costs by leveraging provider expertise instead of hiring specialists
  • Improved system optimization through regular performance reviews and tuning
  • Faster adoption of new features and updates with expert implementation support
  • Risk reduction through managed software patches and backup monitoring
  • Better decision-making enabled by optimized reporting and analytics configuration
  • Increased system reliability through preventive maintenance and health checks
  • Resource efficiency from streamlined processes and workflow optimization

Performance Optimization for Epicor Kinetic ROI

Companies implementing Epicor Kinetic consistently report significant returns through strategic performance optimization across their operations. By leveraging the platform’s integrated analytics and real-time monitoring capabilities, manufacturers typically see measurable improvements in key metrics including reduced inventory costs, increased production efficiency, and enhanced quality control. Organizations using Kinetic’s performance optimization tools often report 15-20% reductions in operational costs while simultaneously achieving higher throughput rates and improved customer satisfaction scores. The platform’s ability to identify and resolve bottlenecks, combined with its workflow optimization features, enables manufacturers to maximize their technology investment through continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact bottom-line results.

Kinetic Database Optimization

  • Implement automated maintenance schedules
  • Execute regular table reorganization
  • Archive historical data with retention policies
  • Optimize SQL query performance through index tuning
  • Implement data partitioning for large tables

ERP System Configuration

  • Fine-tune memory allocation based on usage patterns
  • Optimize application pool recycling
  • Configure load balancing for multi-user environments
  • Streamline custom code for efficiency
  • Implement caching strategies

Infrastructure Enhancement

  • Assess and upgrade network infrastructure
  • Implement WAN acceleration
  • Configure traffic prioritization
  • Monitor and optimize bandwidth usage
  • Deploy regional servers for global operations

Epicor Kinetic ROI-Driven Improvements

Manufacturers leveraging Epicor Kinetic consistently achieve substantial returns through targeted operational enhancements and strategic system optimization. By focusing on key performance indicators and leveraging real-time analytics, organizations can identify and implement improvements that directly impact profitability, from reducing production costs and inventory overhead to increasing throughput and quality metrics.

 

Measurable Performance Gains

  • Transaction processing speed improvements
  • Reduced report generation time
  • Decreased system response latency
  • Lower resource utilization
  • Increased concurrent user capacity

Transaction processing speed improvements

  • Reduced report generation time
  • Decreased system response latency
  • Lower resource utilization
  • Increased concurrent user capacity

Business Impact Metrics

  • Reduced operational costs
  • Increased user productivity
  • Improved data accuracy
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction
  • Better decision-making capability

Performance Monitoring Framework

Epicor Kinetic’s comprehensive performance monitoring framework provides manufacturers with deep visibility into system health and operational efficiency through a robust set of measurement tools. The platform tracks essential key performance indicators including system response times, transaction completion rates, resource utilization metrics, user productivity measurements, and error rate tracking to ensure optimal system performance.

Through integrated monitoring tools such as customizable performance dashboards, real-time alerting systems, and detailed trend analysis reports, organizations can proactively identify and address potential issues before they impact operations. The framework also includes sophisticated user experience monitoring and resource utilization tracking capabilities, enabling IT teams to maintain peak system performance while maximizing user productivity and ensuring efficient resource allocation across the enterprise.

Epicor Kinetic ROI Optimization Best Practices

Maintaining optimal Epicor Kinetic performance requires a structured approach to daily operations and scheduled maintenance activities. Critical daily tasks include monitoring system logs, reviewing performance metrics, proactively addressing bottlenecks, managing system resources, and tracking user feedback to ensure smooth operations. This ongoing oversight is complemented by a comprehensive maintenance schedule featuring weekly performance reviews, monthly system optimization sessions, quarterly infrastructure assessments, and annual performance audits, while regular user training ensures the workforce maintains proficiency with the system’s capabilities.

Implementation Strategy

The successful implementation of Epicor Kinetic performance optimization follows a strategic three-phase approach. Phase 1 begins with a comprehensive assessment, benchmarking current performance levels, identifying system bottlenecks, documenting user pain points, analyzing resource utilization, and establishing clear performance targets. During Phase 2, the optimization process implements targeted improvements including database enhancements, system configuration adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, monitoring tool deployment, and user training on best practices. The final measurement phase tracks and validates performance improvements, calculates ROI metrics, monitors user satisfaction levels, documents business impact, and enables continuous refinement of the optimization strategy based on real-world results.

Ready to increase your Epicor Kinetic ROI?

Transform your Epicor Kinetic ERP into a high-performance asset by implementing these optimization strategies. Focus on measurable improvements that directly impact your bottom line through increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved user productivity. Talk to an EstesGroup consultant today! Chat with us, contact us, or fill out the form below to begin a more successful ERP journey and maximize ROI.

 

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5 Signs Your Business Needs a Network Security Audit

5 Signs Your Business Needs a Network Security Audit

by | Nov 11, 2024 | Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Managed IT Services, Network Security, Security

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity isn’t just for large corporations – it’s essential for businesses of all sizes. Many organizations don’t realize they’re at risk until after a security incident occurs. Here are five critical warning signs that indicate your business should consider a professional network security audit and vulnerability assessment.

Network Security Audit Vulnerability Hacker on Laptop

1) Your Network Performance Has Changed

Unexpected slowdowns or irregular network behavior could indicate security issues. Malware and unauthorized access often create unusual patterns in network traffic. While performance issues don’t always signal security problems, they warrant investigation through a comprehensive security assessment.

2) Your Remote Work Force Has Changed or Returned to the Office

The shift to remote work creates new security challenges. Each remote connection represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. If your business has embraced remote work without updating security protocols, you may have unknown vulnerabilities in your network. If your employees are returning to a traditional office setting, you also need to revisit security policies and protocols. New employees in the office mean new potential for security breaches. A network security audit can reveal threat vectors that have been introduced to your business by your shifting workforce.

3) You’re Not Sure When Updates Were Last Applied

Security patches and updates are crucial for protecting against known vulnerabilities. If you can’t confidently say when your systems were last updated, or if you’re unsure whether all devices are current, it’s time for a security audit. Research consistently shows that outdated systems are involved in at least 60% of data breaches.

4) Multiple People Handle IT Tasks

When multiple employees or vendors share IT responsibilities, security protocols can become inconsistent. This fragmented approach often leads to new vulnerabilities in your network. Here are a few to keep in mind:

  • Inconsistent access permissions
  • Overlooked security updates
  • Gaps in security monitoring
  • Unclear accountability for security measures

5) You Haven’t Had a Professional Vulnerability Assessment

If it’s been more than a year since your last professional security audit – or if you’ve never had one – your business is likely overdue. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and yesterday’s security measures may not protect against today’s sophisticated attacks.

Taking Action for Network Security

Don’t wait for a security breach to assess your network’s safety. A professional network security audit can identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. Modern security assessments are designed to be the following:

  • Non-disruptive to your operations
  • Completed quickly (often in just 30 minutes)
  • Comprehensive in scope
  • Actionable with clear recommendations

Next Steps to Limit Information Vulnerabilities

Understanding your network’s security posture is crucial for protecting your business assets and customer data. The EstesGroup team provides thorough network security audits that identify vulnerabilities without disrupting your operations. We also offer subscription-based IT services for businesses looking to streamline IT and security management. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business technology.

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How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

by | Oct 29, 2024 | AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Network Security, Security

The Never-Ending Endpoint Management Game

In today’s digital workplace, the phrase “endpoint management” appears in almost every serious conversation about cybersecurity solutions. Though it’s easy to add to your IT strategy, getting your organization to the point where you have a truly effective endpoint management system isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Let’s walk through the journey of transforming your IT infrastructure from chaos to control according to EstesGroup’s cyber experts.

Point of Endpoint Management Business Team Technology Laptops Tablets AI

Endpoint Management as the End to Pain Points

Before diving into complex solutions, take a step back and assess your current situation. What’s keeping your IT team up at night?

  • Are your help desk tickets overwhelming?
  • Do software updates feel like herding cats?
  • Is employee onboarding taking forever?
  • Are security patches consistently behind schedule?
  • Does remote work support feel like a juggling act?

Understanding your pain points is crucial because it helps you build a case for change and prioritize your needs.

Build Your IT Network Foundation

Think of endpoint management like building a house – you need a solid foundation. First you need to create and assess your unique technology blueprint. Here are the steps to do this:

  • Asset Inventory
    • Document all your endpoints (computers, laptops, mobile devices)
    • Map out your software licenses
    • Identify who uses what and why
  • Standardization
    • Create baseline configurations for different user types
    • Establish standard operating procedures
    • Define security policies
  • Network Infrastructure
    • Ensure your network can handle remote management
    • Set up secure access protocols
    • Implement backup systems

Take IT Management Step by Step

Don’t try to boil the ocean. Instead, implement endpoint management in phases:

Phase 1: Basic Monitoring

  • Deploy basic monitoring tools
  • Set up alerts for critical issues
  • Establish baseline performance metrics

Phase 2: Remote Support

  • Implement remote access tools
  • Train support staff
  • Create support documentation
  • Set up ticketing system

Phase 3: Automation

  • Automate routine maintenance
  • Set up automated patching
  • Configure automatic updates
  • Create automated onboarding workflows

Phase 4: Optimization

  • Fine-tune monitoring parameters
  • Optimize performance settings
  • Streamline support processes
  • Enhance security measures

Address the Human Element of Endpoint Management

Technology is only half the battle. Success requires:

User Education

  • Train employees on new procedures
  • Communicate changes clearly
  • Provide self-help resources
  • Get feedback and adjust

IT Team Development

  • Up-skill your IT staff
  • Define clear roles and responsibilities
  • Create documentation
  • Establish best practices

No End to Your IT Strategy

Your technology journey will never end. The cyber landscape will only become more complex. To prepare for the future, set up metrics now to track your journey:

  • Response times to IT issues
  • System downtime
  • Patch compliance rates
  • User satisfaction scores
  • Support ticket resolution times
  • Security incident rates

Endpoint Management is a Journey, Not an End in Itself

Getting to the point of effective endpoint management takes time, planning, and patience. Start with understanding your needs, build a solid foundation, implement changes gradually, and keep your users in mind throughout the process. The result? A more efficient, secure, and manageable IT infrastructure that supports rather than hinders your business operations. Remember that endpoint management is a journey, not a destination. As your organization grows and technology evolves, your approach should too.

Most importantly, remember that the goal isn’t perfection from day one. It’s about creating a sustainable system that grows with your organization and adapts to changing needs. Start your journey today, take it one step at a time, and keep moving forward. Your future IT team will thank you for it.

Would your team benefit from a partnership with a 24/7/365 team of ERP and technology experts? Learn more about our subscription-based services today.

EstesGroup provides managed IT services and enterprise consulting for all ERP systems: Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, Sage ERP, SYSPRO ERP, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and more!

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