It’s a natural human tendency to put off unpleasant tasks like mowing the yard, taking out the trash, or addressing the deadline to move entirely from Epicor’s Classic user interface to their new browser-based Kinetic framework.
Entirely understandable, the attachment to years’ worth of carefully tailoring the ERP environment to your company’s needs is hard to give up. Just when you’ve gotten it “just right,” you’re being reset back to level 1, like a video game that suddenly loses all the lives you’ve built with great effort and ingenuity.
But like a lot of things in life, change doesn’t have to be bad. For one, it gives us a chance to reevaluate the choices we’ve made in the past.
That process you installed ten years ago—is it still meeting your needs? Could it be ditched or improved? Is there a better way?
And some of the modifications done to your system might have been tortured into the old user interface in ways that weren’t optimal, but were a way you COULD get what you wanted. And that code was often s-l-o-w.
Since the latter days of ERP10, Epicor has been introducing new tools like the REST API and Epicor Functions that give us better ways to interact with Epicor Business Objects and better places to put heavy-lifting development on the server side where it belongs.
And all your old work isn’t lost. BPMs still work the same way. Dashboards, and even some screen customizations, can be converted with some tweaking. Yes, all that C# code will disappear, but you can convert most all of its functionality to better forms in the new customization layers and functions.
The secret weapon in this fight?
prep·a·ra·tion – the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration
The time to begin the journey is likely not a month before the deadline, for several reasons.
The learning curve for transitioning from old to new can be steep. Although many of the concepts are the same or similar between the two environments, they can be expressed in very different ways.
Before starting to convert a Classic application’s customization that has very much complexity, you’ll likely want to document what the old one does and how it does it, complete with data accessed, UD fields added, C# script processes, and so on. Many Epicor ERP installations are not well documented, and this is a good excuse to do a good thing.
Evaluating the old processes and decisions about whether to promote them or instigate some redesign will take a while.
And then, the actual conversion work can be a slow slog if you have a lot of it to do.
All this might seem insurmountable, if not merely daunting. But there’s still time—the first deadline is still over a year away at this writing.
Gather your resources. Identify your team. Get support from management. Make a plan—and realize it might evolve. And as if eating an elephant, take one bite at a time.
Epicor has good documentation for their Application Studio environment via the Help information accessed from the Kinetic menu. Going to Insights will help, as will joining online user groups like www.epiusers.help.
As always, we’re here you help when you need it. The EstesGroup ERP and IT teams will extend assistance in whatever form you need, a jumpstart, specific application conversions, or project management.
Just give us a shout when you need us.
What does Epicor 2026.1 mean for your business?
EstesGroup is a leading Epicor ERP consultancy that blends elite Epicor Kinetic expertise with cutting-edge technology, AI, and cloud services. There are a bundle of technical challenges to work through and decisions to make when uplifting any custom elements of your Epicor Classic UI to Kinetic. Get your questions about Epicor 2026.1 answered now by our ERP experts. Don’t miss out on insights gained in our “Uplifting Epicor Classic UI to Kinetic” webinar with industry experts.
In the fast-paced world of business technology, staying ahead means embracing innovation and adaptability. As organizations strive to streamline operations and meet the demands of a dynamic market, the tools they use must evolve. Enter Epicor Kinetic, a transformative leap forward in enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology. With its cutting-edge user interface (UI) and enhanced capabilities, Kinetic sets a new standard for productivity, flexibility, and user experience. So what happens to the Epicor Classic UI now? What does the future look like for legacy versions?
Goodbye, Epicor Classic UI: Hello, Kinetic UI
What exactly makes the Kinetic UI so powerful in comparison to the Epicor Classic? And why is now the time to make the shift? Let’s explore the benefits, the transition timeline, and how your organization can navigate this evolution.
The Kinetic UI isn’t just an update—it’s a reimagining of how ERP systems should function in the modern age.
Built with user-centric design principles, it introduces features that empower businesses to operate with greater efficiency and agility.
Intuitive Interface: Say goodbye to clunky workflows. The Kinetic UI simplifies navigation, cutting down on the steps needed to complete everyday tasks.
Flexibility to Work Anywhere: Whether your team is in the office or remote, the browser-based design ensures ERP tools are always accessible.
Improved Performance: A faster, more responsive interface means less downtime and more productivity.
Customizable Tools: Integrated solutions like Application Studio make low-code customization a breeze, allowing businesses to tailor their ERP to meet unique needs.
These features aren’t just enhancements—they’re enablers, giving organizations the tools to compete and thrive in a fast-changing landscape.
The Sunset is Coming
Change is on the horizon, and planning ahead is critical. With the release of Epicor Kinetic 2026.1 in May 2026, the classic user interface (UI) associated with E10 and its predecessors will officially be retired. From that point forward, users will interact exclusively with the Kinetic web-based interface.
This shift marks a significant milestone for ERP software users. As the Epicor Classic UI is phased out, the Kinetic UI becomes the default, offering a future-ready solution with modernized design, enhanced performance, and more efficient workflows. Organizations adopting the Kinetic UI gain access to features that legacy systems cannot support while avoiding the risks of limited support for older versions.
The bottom line? Embracing the Kinetic UI and leaving the Epicor Classic UI in the dust isn’t just about keeping pace with technological advancements—it’s about positioning your business to succeed in a future defined by flexibility, speed, and innovation.
Web UI vs. Cloud: Understanding the Difference
A common misconception about Kinetic is the relationship between its Web UI and cloud deployment. It’s essential to understand the distinction:
Cloud Deployment focuses on the server and how the application is hosted—whether on-premise, in a private cloud, or in a public cloud managed by a vendor.
Web UI refers to how users interact with the application through a browser-based interface.
This means you can use the Kinetic web UI without moving to the cloud. Whether your ERP is on-premise or hosted in a private or public cloud, the Kinetic UI is accessible, providing flexibility for organizations to adapt at their own pace.
What Does “Kinetic” Really Mean?
“Kinetic” carries a multifaceted meaning within theEpicor ERP ecosystem. At its core, it’s a rebranding of Epicor’s Vantage/905/E10 ERP system. More specifically, it’s the name for the new web-based UI that will fully replace the Classic UI with Release 2026.1. When someone talks about “moving to Kinetic,” they might mean different things:
Upgrading to E11/Kinetic: This is essentially a shift from E10 to the next version.
Transitioning to the Web-Based UI: Moving from the Classic WinForms UI to the Angular JavaScript-based UI, which will become the exclusive interface starting in 2026.
Key Takeaway: Upgrading to E11/Kinetic doesn’t require an immediate adoption of the Kinetic web UI. Organizations can approach the transition in stages.
Upgrade vs. Uplift: A Practical Path Forward
For many Epicor customers, the transition to Kinetic isn’t an all-at-once process. Instead, they adopt a phased approach:
Upgrade First: Move to E11/Kinetic while retaining the Classic screens. This ensures your system is on a supported version without requiring immediate changes to the interface.
Uplift Later: Gradually transition to the Kinetic UI, tailoring workflows and training teams at a manageable pace.
This approach minimizes risk, allowing organizations to benefit from the latest version of Epicor without overwhelming their teams or operations.
Future-Proof Your ERP Today
The move to Kinetic is more than just an upgrade—it’s a strategic opportunity to position your business for long-term success. By embracing the Epicor Kinetic UI, you’re not just adopting a new tool—you’re unlocking a more efficient, flexible, and innovative way of working.
Are you ready to make the shift? Connect with us today to explore how moving from the Epicor Classic UI to the Kinetic UI can transform your ERP experience and help your business thrive in an ever-changing market.
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.
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!
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 Commits to Securing Our World During Cybersecurity Awareness Month
As we enter October, EstesGroup is proud to announce our participation in the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This global initiative, founded in 2004, has become the world’s foremost effort to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Ready to fall into October cybersecurity challenges together? It will take a team to secure our world – from our homes to our data centers.
The Importance of Cybersecurity in Our Connected World
In today’s digital landscape, technology is deeply intertwined with our daily lives. From smartphones to smart home devices, the benefits of emerging technologies are undeniable. However, this interconnectedness also presents new opportunities for cybercriminals to disrupt our online activities at home, work, and school.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to address these challenges by providing straightforward, actionable guidance that anyone can follow to create a safer digital environment for themselves and their loved ones.
This 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Theme: Secure Our World
The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Secure Our World.” It encourages everyone to take four simple yet effective steps each day to enhance online safety:
Embrace password managers: Understand the benefits of using a password manager and dispel common myths about their security and ease of use.
Enable multi-factor authentication: Turn on this crucial security feature on personal devices and business networks.
Recognize and report phishing: Learn to identify and report phishing attempts, which remain one of the primary tactics used by cybercriminals.
Stay updated: Install updates regularly and enable automated updates when possible.
EstesGroup’s Commitment to Cybersecurity
At EstesGroup, we recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Our participation in Cybersecurity Awareness Month underscores our commitment to promoting online safety and best practices.
Join Us in Securing Our World for Years to Come
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort involving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. By working together, we can create a more secure digital world for everyone.
EstesGroup is proud to support this vital online safety awareness and education initiative, led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
We encourage our clients, partners, and the wider community to join us in this effort. By implementing these simple yet effective cybersecurity practices, we can all contribute to a safer online environment.
For more information about 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiatives and how you can participate, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month and staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/.
Let’s work together to secure our world, one step at a time. Ready to secure your business? Talk to us today and receive a free dark web scan. We can help you navigate 2024 cybersecurity best practices and build a plan for 2025 and beyond.
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
