How to Align Technology Policies with Business Goals
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face the constant challenge of aligning their IT infrastructure with business objectives while navigating a complex web of regulations and security concerns. This is where a policy-led IT strategy comes into play, offering a structured approach to technology management that ensures compliance, enhances security, and drives business value.
What is a policy-led IT strategy?
A policy-led IT strategy is an approach that places organizational policies at the forefront of technology decision-making. Instead of allowing technology to dictate business processes, this strategy ensures that IT initiatives are guided by well-defined policies that reflect the company’s goals, values, and regulatory requirements.
What are the key benefits of policy-led IT?
Improved Compliance: By basing IT decisions on clear policies, organizations can more easily adhere to industry regulations and standards.
Enhanced Security: Security policies become an integral part of the IT strategy, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting sensitive data.
Better Alignment with Business Goals: Technology investments and initiatives are directly tied to organizational objectives, ensuring better ROI.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Clear policies provide a framework for consistent IT decisions across the organization.
Increased Transparency: Stakeholders have a clear understanding of how and why IT decisions are made.
How do you implement a policy-led IT strategy?
Developing and implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps:
Define Clear Policies: Start by creating comprehensive policies that cover all aspects of IT usage, security, and governance.
Align Policies with Business Objectives: Ensure that your IT policies support and enhance your organization’s overall goals.
Communicate and Educate: Make sure all stakeholders understand the policies and their importance.
Implement Technology Solutions: Choose and implement technologies that support and enforce your policies.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review and update your policies to keep pace with changing business needs and technological advancements.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Webinar
How to Create a Policy-Led IT Strategy
To dive deeper into this topic and learn how to create an effective policy-led IT strategy for your organization, join us for our upcoming webinar:
Date: October 30th, 2024
Time: 11 AM Eastern Time
Ready to learn the key components of an effective IT policy framework? Looking for new strategies for aligning IT policies with business objectives? Seeking best practices for policy implementation and enforcement? Tired of theory and desire real-world examples and case studies?
By embracing a policy-led IT strategy, you can ensure that your technology investments are not simply sustaining your business, but actively driving your future forward in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner.
EstesGroup Soars to New Heights: Ranked Among America’s Fastest-Growing Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List
We’re thrilled to announce that EstesGroup has been recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, securing a coveted spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for 2024. This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence. EstesGroup is the leading ERP consultancy for world-class technology and cloud solutions for businesses, and this has been recognized by the Inc. 5000 community. This annual ranking, compiled by Inc. magazine, showcases the fastest-growing private companies in America, highlighting the most successful independent, entrepreneurial businesses driving the economy forward.
A Milestone Achievement
EstesGroup’s inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list is a testament to remarkable growth and success over the past few years. This recognition places EstesGroup among an elite group of companies that have demonstrated exceptional revenue growth and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges for businesses across all sectors. From navigating the complexities of remote work to adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, companies have had to be more agile and innovative than ever before. The 2024 Inc. 5000 class represents companies that have achieved impressive revenue growth while navigating complex economic conditions, including inflationary pressures, rising capital costs, and a competitive hiring landscape. EstesGroup’s ranking on this list underscores the team’s ability to thrive and expand despite these obstacles.
The Journey
Founded in 2004, EstesGroup has quickly established itself as a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting and managed IT services. This unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of our clients’ business processes, allowing the EstesGroup team to deliver tailored solutions that drive real results. Notable achievements include:
Expanding and enriching the client base, with a strong focus on mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies
Launching an innovative cybersecurity division that has quickly become a go-to resource for businesses looking to protect their digital assets
Offering premier cloud solutions and services to businesses of all sizes, across all industries
As part of the Inc. 5000, EstesGroup joins a cohort of businesses that collectively added hundreds of thousands of jobs to the economy over the past three years. This achievement not only reflects our company’s success but also our contribution to job creation and economic vitality.
The Future
EstesGroup takes this moment to thank their incredible team, loyal clients, and all those who have supported them on this journey. The trust and partnership of these stakeholders have been instrumental in the company’s success. As EstesGroup celebrates this achievement, they are also looking forward to connecting with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs at the upcoming Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala in Palm Desert, California. For those attending, EstesGroup representatives would be delighted to connect and share ideas on how to continue driving growth and innovation across various industries.
EstesGroup raises a toast to continued growth, innovation, and success – not just for the EstesGroup team, but for all the visionary enterprises driving America’s entrepreneurial spirit forward. As the leading ERP consultancy, EstesGroup specializes in providing world-class technology and cloud solutions for businesses. EstesGroup’s expertise in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems enables organizations to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. This recognition by Inc. 5000 further solidifies our position as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to leverage technology for success.
Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence
This Inc. 5000 recognition comes at a particularly special time for EstesGroup, as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 2004, EstesGroup has grown from a small ERP consulting firm to a national leader in ERP solutions and managed IT services. Over the past two decades, the company team has weathered economic storms, adapted to rapidly evolving technologies, and consistently delivered value to its growing client base.
About Inc. and the Inc. 5000
The Inc. 5000 list is a prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Companies are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. The list provides valuable insights into the most dynamic segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs. Many well-known companies gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs, offering award-winning content across various channels, including print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. The Inc. 5000 list, along with other recognition programs like Female Founders and Power Partners, provides top businesses with increased credibility and opportunities to engage with an exclusive community of their peers.
For more information about Inc. and the Inc. 5000, visit www.inc.com.
“Our inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the entire EstesGroup team. During unprecedented times, we not only persevered but thrived, leveraging our expertise in ERP and IT solutions to help businesses navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and excellence in serving our clients. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in business technology solutions, empowering organizations to achieve their full potential in an increasingly digital landscape.” – Brad Feakes, President of EstesGroup
EstesGroup and NAW: A Powerful Partnership for Distribution Success
The National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW) has been a cornerstone of the multi-trillion dollar wholesale distribution industry since 1946. Let’s explore NAW’s role, offerings, membership benefits, and key events that drive wholesale success. EstesGroup provides full services and solutions to the distribution industry for business consulting, enterprise resource planning (ERP), technology, and cloud solutions.
While the National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW) provides invaluable industry advocacy, networking, and educational resources, EstesGroup complements these efforts by offering cutting-edge technological solutions tailored for the distribution sector. This synergy creates a comprehensive support system for wholesale distributors looking to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
What EstesGroup Brings to NAW Events
EstesGroup’s full suite of world-class ERP, IT, and cloud solutions addresses the unique technological needs of distributors. Their offerings include:
ERP Solutions: EstesGroup specializes in implementing and supporting enterprise resource planning systems designed specifically for distributors. These ERP solutions streamline operations, enhance inventory management, and improve overall business efficiency.
IT Services: With a deep understanding of the distribution industry, EstesGroup provides managed IT services that ensure your technology infrastructure supports your business goals. From network security to help desk support, they keep your operations running smoothly.
Cloud Solutions: EstesGroup’s cloud services enable distributors to leverage the power of cloud computing for improved scalability, accessibility, and data security. This allows businesses to focus on growth while EstesGroup manages the technical details.
By combining NAW’s industry insights and advocacy with EstesGroup’s technological expertise, distributors gain a competitive edge. NAW members can leverage EstesGroup’s solutions to implement the best practices and strategies learned through NAW’s educational programs and events. Meanwhile, EstesGroup’s understanding of NAW’s initiatives ensures their technology solutions align with industry trends and regulations.
This powerful combination of industry knowledge and technological capability positions wholesale distributors for success in an increasingly digital marketplace. Whether you’re looking to optimize your supply chain, enhance your customer relationship management, or modernize your entire IT infrastructure, the partnership of NAW’s industry leadership and EstesGroup’s technical prowess provides a solid foundation for growth and innovation in the distribution sector.
What is NAW?
NAW represents diverse sectors within the wholesale distribution industry, serving businesses of all sizes. The organization is committed to do the following and more:
Creating policies that strengthen the industry
Providing resources for contemporary market challenges
Promoting success for all member businesses
EstesGroup Supports NAW’s Core Mission
Advocacy
Represents wholesale distributors at federal and state levels
Lobbies for beneficial legislative and policy changes
Acts as the industry’s voice for a better business environment
Education
Offers resources to enhance members’ knowledge and skills
Provides publications and online webinars
Keeps members informed about industry best practices and technologies
Networking
Facilitates member events for industry connections
Fosters community and collaboration
Promotes valuable partnerships and insights
Membership Benefits
Industry representation through advocacy efforts
Access to valuable research and reports
Educational resources for professional development
Networking opportunities within the industry
Discounted services and products from strategic partners
Key NAW Events
SHIFT 2024
Date: September 11-13, 2024
Location: Denver, Colorado
Features: Networking and business insights from industry leaders
NAW Executive Summit 2025
Date: January 27-29, 2025
Location: Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.
Features: Learning, networking, and social events
NAW is an essential resource for wholesale distribution businesses, offering advocacy, education, and networking opportunities. Through its events and services, NAW promotes community, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the industry.
The National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW) Events in 2024 and 2025: Your Competitive Edge
Visit EstesGroup at NAW events, where our team of experts will be offering complimentary consultations tailored to your distribution company’s needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize your Prophet 21 implementation, explore cloud solutions, or discuss IT strategies, our specialists are ready to provide insights and guidance at no cost. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to do the following and more:
Gain personalized advice from EstesGroup’s distribution technology experts
Explore cutting-edge solutions to enhance your operations
Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) or Business Process Review (also BPR) have evolved into a crucial strategy for companies navigating the rapidly changing digital landscape. If you’ve been in your industry for even a short time, you’ve likely encountered both terms and recognize the growing importance in driving innovation and maintaining competitive, especially in regard to new AI technologies.
Business Process Re-engineering and Business Process Review, both conveniently abbreviated as BPR, are two sides of the same coin in the realm of organizational improvement. While they share the goal of enhancing business operations, their approaches and outcomes differ significantly. A Business Process Review is like a health check-up for your company, diagnosing issues and suggesting minor tweaks to existing processes. It’s the corporate equivalent of adjusting your diet and exercise routine.
On the other hand, Business Process Re-engineering is more akin to radical reconstructive surgery, completely reimagining and rebuilding processes from the ground up. It’s not just about losing a few pounds; it’s about getting an entirely new body. Both BPRs aim to boost efficiency and effectiveness, but while a Review might suggest switching from manual to digital record-keeping, Re-engineering could propose scrapping the entire department and replacing it with an AI-driven system. In essence, these BPR twins are united in their quest for improvement but diverge in their level of ambition and disruption.
Modern businesses and ERP solutions are intricate ecosystems of processes designed to optimize quality, efficiency, and profitability. However, in today’s fast-paced environment, these processes require constant evolution. To stay ahead, companies must embrace continuous transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
Regular, comprehensive reviews of your business processes are no longer optional—they’re essential for survival and growth. This may involve:
Harnessing the power of big data and advanced analytics
Integrating AI and machine learning into decision-making processes
Reimagining customer engagement through personalized, AI-driven experiences
Adopting blockchain for enhanced security and transparency
Exploring the potential of augmented and virtual reality in various business functions
Legacy systems that once formed the backbone of operations may now be holding you back. It’s time to consider next-generation solutions built on cloud-native architectures and powered by AI.
Enter the New Era of ERP in an Era of AI
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) has undergone a radical transformation. Today’s ERP solutions are intelligent, interconnected platforms that serve as the central nervous system of your organization.
A state-of-the-art ERP system should do all of the following and more:
Leverage AI for predictive analytics and autonomous decision-making
Offer seamless integration with IoT devices for real-time data collection
Provide advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats
Enable hyper-personalization in customer interactions
Facilitate sustainable and ethical business practices
Support remote and hybrid work models with robust collaboration tools
Offer immersive data visualization for enhanced insights
The best part? These advanced ERP solutions are designed for the mobile-first world, allowing secure access and management from any device, anywhere on the planet.
If this sounds like the future your business needs, it’s time to speak with an EstesGroup AI + ERP consultant. Imagine your business processes reimagined by AI – EstesGroup can turn that vision into reality, transforming your operations from outdated to cutting-edge through strategic BPR (Business Process Review or Business Process Re-Engineering project), leaving your competitors wondering how you leaped so far ahead so fast.
At EstesGroup, we specialize in propelling businesses into the future. As leading implementers of cutting-edge ERP solutions, we excel in BPR for the AI age. Our team identifies the processes holding your business back and tailors ERP solutions that unlock your company’s full potential in this new digital era.
Reimagine Your Business for the AI Era with BPR for ERP Expertise
As we stand on the cusp of 2025, the dual forces of Business Process Re-engineering and Business Process Review are more critical than ever in navigating the AI-driven future. Whether you’re looking for incremental improvements or radical transformations, these BPR approaches offer powerful tools to optimize your operations for the challenges ahead. At EstesGroup, we understand that every business’s journey is unique. We’re here to guide you through whichever BPR path best suits your needs, leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies and our deep industry expertise.
By embracing these forward-thinking strategies, your organization can not only adapt to the rapidly evolving business landscape but thrive in it. Don’t let your processes become relics of the past—partner with us to reimagine your business for the AI era and position yourself at the forefront of innovation. The future is here, and with the right BPR approach, you’ll be ready to seize every opportunity it brings. Take the first step towards future-proofing your business. Connect with us today and discover how we can transform your operations for the challenges and opportunities of 2025 and beyond.
If you are looking to test, learn, or develop with business objects in SYSPRO, look no further than the e.net Diagnostics tool. This is a utility program that can optionally be installed on either the SYSPRO Server or SYSPRO client machines using the SYSPRO installer. The program allows you load sample business object schemas and post/test various transactions in a convenient, user-friendly manner.
Getting Started with the E.Net Diagnostics Tool
To get started with the E.Net Diagnostics Tool, click the “Logon” button in the toolbar. This is the button with a green plus sign on it. A Logon screen will appear where you will have to provide various credentials in two separate tabs.
In the “Service Settings” tab, the program will request a WCF service base address. All business objects use either a WCF or SYSPRO e.net Load Balancer service to transact. The WCF service is optional and used in SYSPRO 6 and 7 environments whereas the e.net Load Balancer is the latest service for SYSPRO 8 where it is required. To use the e.net Diagnostics tool, you will have to provide a base address to your WCF or e.net Load Balancer service. You can find this address in your SYSPRO Setup Options under System Setup E.Net Service Details.
SYSPRO ERP Sign-In
In the “Logon Credentials” tab you will have to specify a SYSPRO operator to sign-in with as well as the SYSPRO company you wish to connect to. By default, your SYSPRO environment should be using an “Instance” value of “0” (zero). Once your credentials have been provided, click “Logon” at the bottom of the screen.
Generating Schema Samples
If you provided valid connection credentials, you should now receive a “Session” variable GUID in the top right of the screen. This is a token used by SYSPRO to know that you are successfully signed in. You are now able to specify, load, and transact with business objects in the provided company.
The Business Object
To load a business object, you use the “Business Object” field in the toolbar. You can either provide the direct business object code or browse using the library button next to the field. In this example, we will be using the INVTMB object for Inventory Bin Transfers. To load the sample schemas, press “Enter” in the “Business Object” field. The default schema for our business object will load to the “Business Object Input” tab as all as the “Business Object Parameter” tab (if applicable) in the main editor on the screen.
The Results
You are now able to edit the business object details and post your transactions. You post the business object transaction by clicking the “Run” button found in the top toolbar. If you are only looking to test a business object, make sure to edit the “ValidateOnly” option in the business object parameters’ section. This ensures that the results you get are only validated but not actually posted to SYSPRO.
Schema Files Consideration
One thing to keep in mind is that the e.net Diagnostics program will not be able to load sample business object schemas by default if you install it on a SYSPRO client machine. Schema files for business objects are only found on the SYSPRO server. To retrieve sample schemas on a client machine, you will have to edit the program’s settings to point to the “Schemas” folder on the SYSPRO server or copy the schema files from the server to your client machine. You can change the schema directory by going to File Settings Specify Schema Path.
SYSPRO e.net EstesWay
The e.net Diagnostics Tool by SYSPRO facilitates testing, learning, and development with business objects by allowing users to load sample schemas and conduct transactions conveniently through a user-friendly interface, requiring logon credentials including WCF service base address and SYSPRO operator information, and offering the option to edit business object details and validate transactions before posting, with a note that schema files are only available on the SYSPRO server and may need to be manually retrieved or configured on client machines.
EstesGroup ERP and IT consultants provide valuable expertise and support for organizations leveraging SYSPRO ERP, offering comprehensive assistance in maximizing the utilization of SYSPRO’s functionalities.
With deep understanding of SYSPRO’s capabilities and extensive experience in ERP implementation and optimization, EstesGroup consultants can aid businesses in streamlining processes, enhancing system integration, and optimizing workflow efficiency. Whether it’s tailoring the e.net Diagnostics Tool to suit specific business needs, providing guidance on best practices for SYSPRO configuration, or offering training and ongoing support for users, we serve as trusted partners in driving success with SYSPRO ERP solutions.
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 Clientand 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.
