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Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

What are the hardware system requirements for Epicor Prophet 21?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like Epicor Prophet 21 (P21) play a crucial role in streamlining operations and driving business growth in the distribution industry. However, the hardware requirements for on-premise ERP deployments present an ongoing challenge, constantly evolving with technological advancements and software updates.

Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

Epicor P21 – Background and Evolving Capabilities

Epicor positions Prophet 21 as a solution “made by distributors for distributors.” As the distribution industry continues to change, P21’s capabilities expand to meet new challenges. These include advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Order Management, eCommerce integration, and Business Intelligence features. With each new version and feature set, the demands on hardware infrastructure often increase.

The Moving Target of Hardware Requirements

The performance of on-premise Epicor P21 systems is intrinsically tied to the underlying hardware infrastructure. As the software evolves, so do its hardware needs. This presents a significant challenge for IT teams, who must continually reassess and potentially upgrade their hardware to maintain optimal performance.

Key Things to Consider When Addressing Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

While specific requirements may shift, some general hardware considerations for P21 deployment include the following:

  • Servers: Both database and application servers need regular evaluation to ensure they meet the latest requirements.
  • Processing Power: The demand for more powerful, multi-core processors (such as the Intel Xeon series) tends to increase over time.
  • Storage: The shift towards faster storage solutions like SSDs and advanced RAID configurations is ongoing.
  • Memory: RAM requirements typically trend upwards with each major software release.
  • Networking: As more features become web-based or cloud-integrated, network infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.

Back to the Basics of P21

Servers

  • Database Server: Responsible for managing and storing data that the ERP system uses; key features for optimal functionality and performance include robust storage and memory, ensuring users can quickly access and process data
  • Middleware/Web Applications Server: Essential for organizations that utilize P21’s web-based components; requires minimal to moderate processing capability and memory, depending on the number of users

Processing

  • Server CPU capabilities determine performance
  • Multi-core processors are recommended

Storage

  • Solid-State Drives (SSDs) perform the best
  • Redundant Array Independent Disks (RAID 10) enhance data processing

Memory

  • Adequate RAM is essential for operation
  • For the Database Server, 32 GB RAM or greater is recommended
  • For the Web Server, 8 GB RAM or more is needed, depending on the number of users

Networking

  • Web-based or cloud-integrated network infrastructure becomes necessary
  • Advanced cybersecurity and compliance regulation needs demand IT talent

Scalability has become one of the greatest challenges when addressing hardware system requirements for Epicor Prophet 21.

One of the biggest challenges in on-premise ERP deployment is planning for scalability. As businesses grow and P21 capabilities expand, the hardware infrastructure must be able to scale accordingly. This often requires significant foresight and investment, as upgrading hardware can be costly and disruptive.

Cloud vs. On-Premise ERP: A Shifting Landscape

The evolving nature of hardware requirements is pushing many organizations to reconsider the total cost of ownership for on-premise deployments. Cloud-based solutions, which offload the burden of hardware management and upgrades, are becoming increasingly attractive. However, this shift introduces new considerations around data security, customization, and control.

Staying Ahead of the Cloud

To manage the ever-changing hardware requirements for on-premise P21 deployments, organizations should do the following:

  • Maintain close communication with Epicor about upcoming releases and their potential hardware impacts.
  • Regularly audit current hardware against the latest requirements.
  • Develop a long-term hardware upgrade strategy that aligns with both business growth projections and P21’s development roadmap.
  • Consider hybrid approaches that leverage both on-premise and cloud resources to balance performance, cost, and flexibility.

The hardware system requirements for Prophet 21 deployments are not static.

They represent an ongoing challenge that requires constant attention and adaptation. While this document outlines some general considerations, it’s crucial to recognize that these may change rapidly. Organizations must stay informed about the latest requirements, plan proactively for hardware upgrades, and continually evaluate their deployment strategy to ensure they’re maximizing the benefits of their P21 system while managing the complexities of evolving hardware needs.

NAW Events 2024-2025: Networking for Distribution Leaders

NAW Events 2024-2025: Networking for Distribution Leaders

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.

National Association of Wholesale Distributors NAW Events

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
  • Network with industry peers and thought leaders

BPR for ERP: Reimagining Business for the AI Era

BPR for ERP: Reimagining Business for the AI Era

The BPRs of ERPs

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.

BPR in ERP

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.

The Ancient Art of Specifying Report Requirements in Epicor

The Ancient Art of Specifying Report Requirements in Epicor

Designing Custom Reports in Epicor ERP

Creating custom reports in any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, including Epicor Kinetic, can be a surprisingly difficult endeavor. I’ve seen numerous cases in custom report development where the final deliverables did not match the expectations. Why does this happen? Most often, it’s not due to technical challenges but rather the difficulty in defining what you actually need.

Report Requirements in Epicor

If you are considering creating a custom report and are in the process of specifying report requirements in Epicor, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When requesting a custom report in Epicor ERP, simply providing a paper copy of a report from your legacy system and asking the developer to recreate it in Epicor is not enough to ensure a successful outcome. While the legacy report may serve as a starting point, it’s essential to recognize that the data structure and available fields in Epicor may differ from your previous system. To create an effective custom report, you need to provide more specific details about your requirements, taking into account the unique features and capabilities of Epicor ERP. Similarly, offering a one-line description of your desired report and expecting the developer to “get it done” is insufficient for achieving the desired results. A brief, vague description leaves too much room for interpretation and can lead to misunderstandings. So, make note of these two things not to do when planning your approach:

  1. Simply pulling out a paper copy of a report from the legacy system and saying, “Do it in Epicor,” is not sufficient.
  2. Providing a one-line description and saying, “Get it done,” is also inadequate.
Investing time in creating detailed specifications can save you from multiple rounds of revisions and ensure a more efficient and successful custom report development process in Epicor ERP.
In other words, if you want a good report, you need to specify the details.

Key Elements for Specifying an Epicor Report

To ensure your custom report meets your expectations, consider the following key elements:

Query Logic

What should the underlying query return? For example, specifying the report logic might involve “all active parts of Part Class X” or “all sales order miscellaneous charges that have not yet been invoiced.” Providing this basic logic helps the developer structure the underlying query.

Filters

Do you need to run the report filtered by something, such as the part, supplier, or site? If so, note it, as this will affect how the report is created.

Groupings

How do you want the data in the report grouped? For instance, you may want the data grouped “by site and customer.”

Sorts

Within the groupings, how should the data be sorted? This will impact how the underlying query is structured before the data is passed to the report designer. For example, you might want to “group by site and customer, and sort by invoice number” or “sort alphabetically by part number.”

Fields and Field Order

It’s important to know the specific ERP fields where the data lies, and the order they should appear in the report. If it’s a calculated field, you need to provide the calculation (e.g., past due = due date – current date).

Sample Data

Often, to build a report, you will need the underlying data in the development environment. For example, if you are specifying a report that collects all miscellaneous charges, you may need to create some sales orders and sales order lines with miscellaneous charges.

Mockup

Providing a visual mockup of what you are looking for helps the developer organize the output. If you are replacing an existing report from a legacy system, this may be a good time to use the legacy report copy, albeit with the necessary edits to make it specific to the new ERP system.

By considering these key elements and providing clear specifications, you can help ensure that your custom report meets your expectations and delivers the insights you need.

When defining report requirements in Epicor ERP, it’s crucial to provide clear and detailed specifications to ensure the final output meets your expectations.

Epicor report requirements should include query logic, filters, groupings, sorts, fields, sample data, and a visual mockup to guide the developer in creating a custom report that aligns with your business needs. By effectively communicating your Epicor report requirements, you can streamline the development process and obtain the insights you need to make informed decisions and drive your business forward. Creating custom reports in Epicor ERP can be a complex process, but by understanding and addressing the key challenges, you can ensure your reports meet your specific needs. The most significant hurdle is often not the technical aspects but rather the difficulty in clearly defining your requirements. By providing detailed specifications, you can help bridge the gap between your expectations and the final deliverable. Remember, effective communication and collaboration are essential to overcoming challenges.

Embrace Cloud, Save the Planet with Sustainable ERP Migration

Embrace Cloud, Save the Planet with Sustainable ERP Migration

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.

Sustainable ERP Migration

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.

Streamline SYSPRO 8 Client Installs with Batch Install Files

Streamline SYSPRO 8 Client Installs with Batch Install Files

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!

SYSPRO ERP User

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.

SYSPRO Sign In

STEP THREE: Click to Select

Click on “SYSPRO ERP Software”.

SYSPRO Installer

STEP FOUR: Selecting Deployment Group

Click “Select” on your desired deployment group.

SYSPRO Deployment Groups

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.

SYSPRO Product Selection

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. 

SYSPRO Product 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.

SYSPRO 8 Client

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.