ERP Implementation Archives

SYSPRO UI & Layout Problem Solving

by EstesCloud | Sep 26, 2023 | Cloud, Distribution, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Manufacturing Innovation, SYSPRO

Troubleshooting user interfaces and personal layout issues in SYSPRO

Throughout the various releases and versions of SYSPRO, user interfaces and layout issues are common. Despite several significant changes to the methods of how SYSPRO stores and saves user settings, these issues are still frequently occurring even in the latest SYSPRO releases. User changes not being saved, pane locations not sticking to where they were configured, and SYSPRO windows appearing off screen are a few of these types of problems. To effectively combat these issues from a SYSPRO administrator perspective, it is important to understand how SYSPRO handles files relating to user settings and program layouts. All these issues begin and end within a folder called “Settings”.

SYSPRO stores personal operator settings in text files within a folder found both locally on the client machine and on the SYSPRO application server. The folder is called “Settings” and can be found in the following locations:

Client machine – “C:\SYSPROClient\Base\Settings”
Application Server – “C:\SYSPRO\Base\Settings”

When a user closes out of SYSPRO on their client machine, any changes made to their layouts or personal settings will be saved to this directory. The client machine syncs the files to the application server and overwrites any non-identical files for that user. The settings are stored on the application server to serve as a backup in case the user gets a new computer or signs in from another machine.

When the user signs in to SYSPRO again, the client machine compares the local setting files to the ones on the application server and restores any missing files or updates existing ones based on the modified date of the files.

As this back-and-forth process takes place, it is possible that settings files become corrupt due to various reasons such as a disconnect between the client and the app server. Thankfully, it is almost always the local files on the client machine that are corrupt and not the ones on the application server. What this means is that it is possible to clear and “refresh” a user’s settings by renaming the client-machine’s “Settings” folder (ex, “Settings_old”). By doing so, SYSPRO notices that the folder is no longer there and recreates a new “Settings” folder based on the files stored on the application server. This is an effective solution to a variety of issues that an operator may experience in a SYSPRO client environment.

Instead of renaming the entire “Settings” folder, it is a good practice to target specific settings files first. For instance, if it relates to an issue within Sales Order Entry (IMP040), you can search the “Settings” folder for IMP040 specific files and try removing those first. When the user signs-in to SYSPRO, the app server files will be restored to the client as they are detected as missing. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can then attempt the full renaming of the “Settings” folder.

If you choose to target any specific files, be sure to back them up and restore them to the folder if removing them did not resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting application server file corruption

If corruption is suspected with the application server files, then there is little that can be done in terms of restoring or recovering the user’s settings. As explained above, the app server replaces the files on the client machine in the event of any discrepancies between the user’s settings files. If they are corrupt on the app server, they will transfer and overwrite the local files and remain corrupt. In this case, we recommend seeking support from SYSPRO’s support team itself as modifying the “Settings” folder on the application server can result in potential loss of layouts and user settings for all operators in your SYSPRO environment.

Also, note that SYSPRO is and have actively been updating the amount of information stored on the application server and in the SQL database with each new SYSPRO release. Prior to SYSPRO 8 2021 R1, many types of settings are only stored locally and cannot be restored by the app server. You can try this suggested fix if you are dealing with an older SYSPRO release, however, there is no guarantee that the app server has a copy to restore so the user’s layout may reset to default.

If this fix does not resolve the user’s problem, you can try to either “Repair” or uninstall and reinstall the SYSPRO client on the user’s machine itself. This may help resolve corruption within direct program files unrelated to personal user files. If you renamed the “Settings” folder and it did not resolve the problem, be sure to restore the prior settings folder by renaming the original folder back to “Settings”.

Looking for more help with SYSPRO UI & other ERP system or IT issues? Schedule a free one-on-one consulting session with a SYSPRO ERP or IT consultant today!

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SYSPRO Data Integrity: A Guide to Balance Functions

by EstesCloud | Sep 19, 2023 | Business Consulting, Distribution, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Software, SYSPRO

How to Ensure Data Integrity Within SYSPRO – Balance Functions Explained

Ensuring data integrity is a top priority for any software product, especially for an ERP such as SYSPRO. As users go about performing their daily activities, various problems can arise, even with the most mature ERP systems. The most common issues seen within SYSPRO that can lead to data instability are users being disconnected, programs freezing up, or business objects unexpectedly stopping in the middle of processing. With tens (or potentially hundreds) of daily active users, it is imperative for your business that the data within SYSPRO stays consistent. So how does SYSPRO combat data integrity problems and maintain the overall stability of its data? The answer is SYSPRO balance functions!

A balance function in SYSPRO is a detailed process used to correct and adjust database information if discrepancies are detected. They are built in to SYSPRO’s Period-End programs and are supposed to be run prior to posting GL entries or performing Month-End/Year-End tasks. SYSPRO’s balance functions can help “balance” a module by comparing user transaction data to its own control totals and correcting any noticed discrepancies. Some examples of these discrepancies that it can correct include:

GL journal entries that have not been properly completed or are still marked with “in-process” flags if they were abandoned. Users unexpectedly disconnecting from the system can be a cause of this.
Failed inventory transactions. Minor hiccups from bugs or networking issues during inventory transactions can result in inaccurate inventory counts. For example, a stock code may display as having available quantity on-hand but an attempt to issue or release the quantity results in errors.
Specific key documents being locked down by users for maintenance that fail to be released once complete. Again, a potential result of unexpected user disconnects or program errors. These are commonly encountered within sales/purchase order entry and customer/supplier setups programs.

Scheduling SYSPRO Data Integrity Tasks

While most SYSPRO environments generally only run these balance functions during their period-end tasks, it is strongly recommended to schedule balance functions to run regularly. Sites with heavy user activity (including custom business object activity) may want to run balance functions overnight several days throughout the week. The result of this will be an improved and overall smoother SYSPRO experience for all users.

Balance functions are not found separately within their own respective program. Instead, they are usually part of and located within period-end programs. The naming convention of some of these programs may not be clear and it is not easy to identify all of them. As such, here is a full list of the programs within SYSPRO that contain or can perform the functionality of a “balance function”:

AP Period End
AR Period End
AR Bank Deposit Slip
Cash Book Period End
Assets Period End
Inventory Period End
Sales Order Purge
Purchase Order Purge
GRN Purge
Sales Analysis Update

It is imperative to understand that some of these programs contain critical data-altering functionality within SYSPRO relating to period-end module closures or purging of data. You should tread with caution when accessing these programs and ensure you only have “Balance” selected. NOT any unwanted options pertaining to period-end and/or data purge functionality!

Some of the above-listed programs may have an option called “Reset lowest unprocessed journal”. As it is not always checked by default, it is recommended to enable this option prior to executing a balance function. It performs an additional data-stability feature intended to fix GL journal issues.

SYSPRO Data Integrity Balance Functions AR Period Example

SYSPRO environments that are not familiar with the power of balance functions can (and will) encounter unwanted issues and potentially unstable data problems. Knowing how to utilize, execute, and schedule balance functions is key to ensuring your SYSPRO environment’s data remains both stable and trouble-free.

Ready to discover how an EstesGroup ERP consultant tackles data integrity challenges & ensures your company’s success? Chat with us now or sign up for one of our newsletters to get SYSPRO case studies, white papers, customer testimonials & more!

How to Use SYSPRO Form Actions

by EstesCloud | Sep 16, 2023 | Distribution, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, ERP Selection, Hosting, Managed IT Services, SYSPRO

SYSPRO Customization Station

When it comes to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), SYSPRO is the ultimate software choice for manufacturing and distribution companies in search of flexibility and customization. EstesGroup has an expert understanding of the SYSPRO User Interface, and our team of IT professionals is ready to help your company understand your applications and your functionality. Form actions are an important aspect of the SYSPRO User Interface that are very beneficial to your users. By understanding SYSPRO form actions, specifically how to add, remove, and customize them, users will be able to realize the full benefits of your ERP application.

What is a SYSPRO Form Action?

The SYSPRO User Interface includes implemental form actions that facilitate easier display and data entry in SYSPRO applications for its users. Form actions are “user-definable hyperlinks”, and users can find these form actions in the Action Panel at the bottom of the form.

In terms of functionality, users can configure form actions to identify a SYSPRO program and advance its parameters. Form actions are also important in initiating and advancing VBScript events.

The SYSPRO User Interface has great flexibility in allowing many form actions for each form as well as customized combinations of types. Users can display or hide form actions on a form, and hiding a form action does not negate the form action’s VBScript functionality.

Form Action Benefits for Users

SYSPRO’s User Interface is truly flexible and customizable, especially when your ERP system is deployed in EstesGroup’s Estes Cloud Hosting (ECHO) environment, positioned in our top-tier, highly secure data center. Form actions benefit SYSPRO users in many important ways including:

Adding program shortcuts
Removing program fields
Customizing program fields
Easy display and data entry
Quicker data entry
Data entry verification

How SYSPRO Users Can Utilize Form Actions

How to Add

Once users begin to interact with SYSPRO, understanding how to add a program shortcut will help streamline the experience and save time. In order to add a program shortcut on the same screen, users should follow these basic steps:

Locate the SYSPRO screen where a shortcut is needed (e.g. stock codes).
Select the desired field property you would like to add a shortcut to, and click on “insert form action”.
Add the appropriate cross-reference.
Once the screen is closed, the shortcut is saved.
Open the field property and verify that the shortcut has been successfully added to the SYSPRO screen.

How to Remove

SYSPRO facilitates the easy removal of form actions if users would like to change or remove an improper shortcut. In order to remove a form action in a SYSPRO screen, users should follow these basic steps:

First, locate the SYSPRO screen where a form action removal is needed (e.g. stock codes).
Next, locate the form action on the SYSPRO screen.
Select “add cross-reference”.
A display box will appear. Select “yes” to confirm removal of the form action.
Once the screen is closed, the form action removal is saved.
Finally, visit the SYSPRO screen to verify that the cross-reference shortcut is no longer available.

Simplifying Your Business With ERP Customization

SYSPRO makes data entry, verification, and manipulation of form actions easy. Users will enjoy the benefits that the ERP system provides with its streamlined and time-saving processes regarding form actions, specifically adding and removing shortcuts.

Beyond this basic understanding of the SYSPRO User Interface and form actions, EstesGroup is available to help users understand these processes in even greater detail. EstesGroup’s ERP and IT professionals are available at any time of the day to assist users with their ERP software needs and questions.

TALK TO A SYSPRO ERP EXPERT NOW

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How to Optimize Prophet 21 Performance

by Brad Feakes | Jun 16, 2023 | Cloud, Epicor, ERP, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Prophet 21

Load Balancing the P21 Server Stack into an N-Tier Architecture

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system scalability is always a concern. Your user count grows. The database gets larger. The organization adds branches. As this all snowballs, several interconnected challenges begin to affect an ERP system’s ability to keep up. A central aspect of a company’s overall system performance is the ability to effectively divide user workload when the user count exceeds the capacity of a given application server.

Prophet 21 Load Balancing Performance Optimization

Epicor’s Prophet 21 distribution ERP software is no exception to this general concern, and one significant element of handling performance challenges when scaling your Prophet 21 application relates to load balancing. That said, when understanding how P21 load balancing functions within a P21 installation, it would be helpful to understand some basic application architecture concepts.

A common form of application architecture involves a three-tiered architecture:

At the lowest level, the database server stores and organizes an application’s data.
At the highest level, the user interacts with the application through the client user interface, whether browser-based or desktop-deployed.
The application server is responsible for orchestrating the interaction between the client and the database levels – the business logic at the AppServer level converts requests from the client into commands at the database level.

Epicor’s Kinetic application has such a 3-tiered architecture, going back to the days of its antecedents, E10, Epicor 905, and Epicor Vantage – the Epicor AppServer has long been the hub of Epicor administration. But not all ERP systems had such an architecture. Epicor’s P21 ERP is one such application. Historically, the Epicor Prophet 21 application was a 2-tiered architecture:

The P21 database stored the application’s data, as is the case with most ERP systems.
The P21 desktop application functioned both as the user interface and as the source of the Prophet 21 application’s business logic, communicating directly with the Prophet 21 database.

With the more recent versions of the Prophet 21 application and the introduction of the P21 Middleware Server, the P21 ERP application has taken on a more contemporary 3-tiered architecture. The Prophet 21 Middleware Server is essentially an application server layer. The introduction of the P21 application server layer allowed for innumerable capabilities that had been previously unavailable with the P21 desktop application.

One such capability is the P21 API layer. ERP systems normally provide API connectivity at the application server layer – the ERP API functions in the place of a client application, sending requests to the application server. The application server layer interprets these requests as it would a request from an end user client.

The API layer allows for an exponential increase in integration opportunities, enabling a more decoupled hybrid cloud architecture — one where multi-system interactions no longer had to reside at the database level.

The challenges to scaling a P21 ecosystem don’t end with a three-tier server stack.

As user counts increase, the need for additional application servers similarly increases. And with fluctuations in the timing that users access the application, it becomes difficult to manage and balance the user load across the overall environment. This can lead to performance bottlenecks, among other things. Enter P21 load balancing.

A system admin can implement load balancing in one of several forms. Load balancing can occur from within the application itself – the application decides how a given user session will be handled. An admin can also choose to implement load balancing from outside the application, using an external load balancer.

When using an external load balancing appliance to level out your P21 ERP user sessions, the load balancer controls the user flow differently than a traditional 3-tiered application configuration. In such an environment, the client application speaks first to the load balancer, rather than speaking to the middleware server directly. Based in the middleware servers available, and the current load profiles in play, the load balancer guides the client request to the appropriate P21 middleware server.

What makes external load balancing of your P21 environment so helpful is its transparency – the balancing of user load is, in fact, invisible to the end users involved. This allows your P21 administrator to fine-tune performance over time, as load patterns surface.

Better still, the use of an external load balancer adds a layer of security, allowing for identify management, multi-factor authentication, and security group management, to better lock down and secure your P21 enterprise. This abstraction of the application server from the client allows for a truly N-tiered architecture: an architecture that can segregate various interactions with the P21 database, allowing for a diverse orchestration of functionality and capability.

Prophet 21 Performance in Action

EstesGroup provided the infrastructure for the P21 Lake Erie User Group meeting in December of 2022 at the Embassy Suites hotel in the greater Cleveland area. This Epicor Prophet 21 ecosystem included a load balanced P21 middleware server layer. A depiction of the system architecture can be seen in the image below:

Do you need help optimizing your Epicor Prophet 21 performance? Please fill out the form below, or chat with us now, to begin a conversation with a P21 expert today!

RPA DNA – What is Robotic Process Automation?

by EstesCloud | May 16, 2023 | Business Consulting, Cloud, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Software

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a new software technology that has the potential, in conjunction with AI technologies, to transform business processes, policies, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

RPA removes workers’ mundane, time-consuming tasks so that they can alternatively focus on innovation and creation. With RPA, software robots, rather than humans, quickly and efficiently perform data system tasks. Simple software robots can log in to data systems, locate and move files, insert and alter information in data systems, and assist in analytics and reporting.

More advanced software robots, especially if they have AI technology, can interpret, organize, and make decisions in a cognitive, human-like way. Businesses will discover that RPA technology is relatively inexpensive to implement, and it is business-ready and scalable.

A variety of different industries — in manufacturing, finance, and healthcare — can benefit from adopting RPA technology into their business operations and processes. The benefits of RPA technology are expansive, and these benefits carry over into ERP system implementations and ERP processes. Ultimately, with RPA, businesses can focus on improving their workplace atmospheres so that they are more efficient and productive.

What are the benefits of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

As businesses seek to automate their work flows to become more efficient and productive, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) will continue to transform workplace atmospheres and advance processes and operations while increasing production and profits. By implementing RPA technology, businesses will realize the following benefits:

RPA is initially inexpensive to implement and is ready for use, with minimal coding, by most data systems.
RPA eliminates some of the monotonous, arduous tasks that fatigue workers.
RPA eliminates human error and encourages speed, efficiency, and accuracy of repetitive tasks.
RPA adapts to meet increased production needs and ultimately reduces costs and increases production.
RPA creates a happier working atmosphere in which employees can focus on customer relations and innovation rather than mundane tasks.
RPA encourages a strong increase in rate on investment (ROI).
RPA promotes consistent compliance with industry and government standards.
RPA enhances security by eliminating human interaction with sensitive, private information.
RPA can automatically generate reports and analytics that businesses can use to improve their processes and operations.

How does Robotic Process Automation (RPA) integrate with ERP systems?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are essential for businesses to tailor their workplace atmospheres, and by utilizing Robotic Process Automation (RPA), businesses can automate and reappropriate mundane tasks to software robots rather than humans.

Users will be able to realize the full benefits of ERP systems and focus on more foundational tasks while RPA accomplishes lower-skilled, mundane tasks. ERP systems will experience similar benefits that businesses have when integrating Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Some areas that ERP operations can utilize and benefit from RPA include:

Accurate data capture and transfer
Assistance with and automation of data migration
Inventory and supply chain management
Real-time data sharing
Real-time analytics and reporting necessary for compliance

Why should businesses integrate their ERP systems with RPA technology?

Many companies are hesitant to implement Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or fear that RPA will eliminate workers. RPA is cost-effective and easy for businesses to implement and integrate into their ERP systems. RPA software increases speed, productivity, and efficiency of processes and operations while encouraging a happier workplace atmosphere.

RPA doesn’t replace humans. It certainly is more consistent and reliable, but there will always be a need for human interaction. Although RPA will eliminate many of the lower-skilled, mundane tasks that humans must perform, workers will still be responsible for higher-skilled, fundamental tasks. As RPA streamlines workplaces and ERP systems, humans will be able to focus on more complex, meaningful tasks that will help businesses grow and maximize profits.

Combining an ERP system with new cloud-based technology allows businesses to experience all the benefits of both while approaching the future with automation and efficiency. Businesses will see cost reductions and great increases in rate on investment (ROI).

ERP systems with integrated RPA technology encourage streamlined workplace atmospheres, innovation, competitiveness, and ultimately, business growth. RPA lets workers enjoy their coffee, innovate, and communicate with customers while it does the grunt work.

Looking for answers to questions about how new technology can help your business? Fill out the form to meet with our team to learn how cloud-based solutions and services can help you achieve your goals!

5 Ways Cloud Deployment Changes SYSPRO ERP

by EstesCloud | Feb 16, 2023 | Cloud, Distribution, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, SYSPRO

SYSPRO ERP Cloud Deployment vs. On-Premise Infrastructure

Top manufacturers and distributors are choosing private or hybrid cloud deployment for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This is especially true for cloud-ready ERP systems, like Epicor Prophet 21 and SYSPRO ERP. On-premise deployment can be limiting in the fast-paced world of manufacturing and distribution. Competition is fierce, cybercrime is rampant, and compliance regulations demand visibility and competition.

Fortunately, cloud deployment of ERP systems like SYSPRO offers you a competitive edge with increased visibility, improved growth potential, enhanced control, long-term scalability and affordability. Moreover, fully managed ERP hosting in a data center gives your business speed, reliability, and a written 100% uptime service level agreement (SLA).

SYSPRO cloud-ready ERP helps your business leverage data while protecting it, and a private or hybrid cloud deployment ensures scalability, security, and long-term success. For instance, you can increase control and scalability while gaining valuable insights into every part of your manufacturing or distribution business. You gain insight into everything from inventory management to customer relationship management.

Are you cloud-ready but not fully in a cloud of your own? Read on to learn more about why cloud computing is the top trend for companies running ERP software systems like SYSPRO. Business owners, leadership teams, and steering committees continue to look to managed cloud hosting partners like EstesGroup. Why? Most importantly, you can get the ERP consulting and cloud services you need with a 24x7x365 support team ready to serve you throughout your ERP deployment or cloud migration journey. This ensures a good foundation for long-term success with both your software and your technology.

What a Private or Hybrid SYSPRO Cloud Looks Like

Manufacturers and distributors are constantly looking for ways to increase visibility, growth, control, and long-term success. One of the most effective strategies for achieving these goals is to invest in a managed hosting solution for your ERP system. SYSPRO managed hosting provides an array of benefits that can help manufacturers and distributors reach their business objectives.

Benefits of an Estes Cloud Deployment for SYSPRO ERP

An on-premise deployment might be the right decision for your business. However, EstesGroup has seen the following outcomes for manufacturers and distributors that choose to shift to managed hosting solutions. In addition to SYSPRO, we have created success stories for many other complex enterprise resource planning systems. Talk to us to learn more about successful cloud migrations in Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, and Sage ERP.

You can stay competitive in your industry by keeping up with digital transformation trends.
You get instant access to valuable tools that let you control and analyze security and compliance.
You can now gauge success with improved KPI tracking, benchmarking, and monitoring.
You can easily customize your business strategy with new access to remote worker enablement tools, offering employees ultimate portability.
You can quickly increase or decrease your cloud complexity with consumption-based pricing with no ingress or egress costs.
You will instantly gain a valuable external team of SYSPRO enterprise resource planning consultants and technology experts. Your internal team gets everything you need to support both immediate and long-term business goals.

What is SYSPRO in EstesCloud?

EstesCloud hosting (ECHO), also known as a private cloud for SYSPRO or hybrid cloud solutions for any ERP system, is a cloud-based service that provides businesses with the ultimate access to enterprise resource planning software and its related services. SYSPRO is a cloud-ready ERP and is easy to deploy in an external data center. Your EstesGroup data center meets your needs for everything from cybersecurity to backup and disaster recovery. EstesCloud managed cloud services help your business by taking care of your technology while also providing ERP consultants that are always just a phone call away.

With SYSPRO managed hosting, customers can enjoy the benefits of having their own dedicated server without the need to purchase or maintain hardware. The service also includes 24/7 support, automated backups, and scalability options so businesses can easily scale up or down as needed.

1. Increased Visibility

The first benefit of managed ERP hosting for SYSPRO ERP is increased visibility. Access to real-time data on operations, customers, suppliers, and inventory levels, gives manufacturers and distributors good data. You can make informed decisions quickly and accurately. This allows you to respond quickly to changes in the market or to customer demands while also staying ahead of competitors.

Additionally, with SYSPRO’s cloud-based platform, they can access this information from anywhere at any time – giving them greater flexibility when making decisions or responding to customer inquiries.

2. Improved Growth Potential

Another advantage of a hybrid cloud deployment option is improved growth potential. With a cloud-based ERP system like SYSPRO, manufacturers and distributors have the ability to scale up or down as needed. Basically, you won’t need to purchase additional hardware or software licenses. This allows you to save money while still being able to expand your operations as needed.

3. Enhanced Control

SYSPRO managed hosting also brings enhanced control over operations. Manufacturers and distributors gain complete control over their data security measures. This includes encryption protocols that help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or misuse.

Furthermore, with its built-in disaster recovery capabilities, you can ensure that all data is backed up regularly. If there were ever an issue, your systems could be restored quickly without any disruption in service. This keeps operations running smoothly, even during unexpected events such as power outages or natural disasters.

4. Long-Term Success

Finally, one of the biggest advantages associated with a private ERP cloud is a long-term success thanks to scalability and affordability. Many private or hybrid cloud solutions operate on a pay-per-use model, enabling you to only pay for what you need when you need it. That way, you can avoid dealing with the massive upfront costs associated with purchasing the hardware and software licenses needed to maintain your own cloud network.

5. An EstesGroup Partnership

Ready to get started with a partnership that will bring you immediate access to the best SYSPRO consultants and technology experts in the nation? If you’re ready to get started with your own private or hybrid ERP cloud deployment, EstesGroup can help. We provide fully managed IT and cloud services to all companies across all industries that are using enterprise resource planning software. Connect with us and get access to a team of ERP consultants with years of experience in cloud services and managed IT. We are dedicated to helping you succeed with your ERP project.

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