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How to Move Your Manufacturing ERP to the Cloud in 9 Steps

How to Move Your Manufacturing ERP to the Cloud in 9 Steps

by | May 8, 2025 | Cloud, Epicor, Epicor 10, Epicor Administration, Epicor Kinetic, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services

9 Steps to Migrate Manufacturing ERP to the Cloud

Ready to move your manufacturing ERP to the cloud? Discover 9 simple steps that make the transition smooth, secure, and future-ready for your future dominance as a competitive and profitable manufacturer.

A female manufacturing worker pulling a lever in a factory symbolizing how easy it is to move manufacturing ERP into the cloud.

As manufacturers look to stay competitive and future-proof their operations, migrating to the cloud is becoming a strategic necessity. Moving your manufacturing ERP to the cloud is all about what your new infrastructure doesn’t do: limit how you run your business.

What You Will Learn Here

  1. How to assess your current ERP environment and plan for future needs
  2. How to create a cloud migration strategy
  3. The importance of backing up your data before migrating
  4. Syncing user accounts and licenses for smooth transitions
  5. How to test your new cloud environment
  6. Why testing connectivity and functionality matters
  7. How to schedule your cutover date for minimal disruption
  8. How to know your data is safe with cloud backups and disaster recovery
  9. What it means to go live with your cloud-hosted ERP system
  10. The benefits of cloud operations for your manufacturing business

1. Assess Your Current Environment and Plan for Cloud Migration

Before you even think about migrating an enterprise resource planning system like Epicor Kinetic, take a moment to assess your current infrastructure. What are your pain points? What’s working well, and what’s holding you back? And equally important—what are your future growth goals? By understanding both where you are and where you want to go, you can ensure the cloud environment you migrate to can scale with you.

2. Create a Cloud Migration Strategy for Your Manufacturing ERP

Now that you’ve assessed your current needs, it’s time to plan your manufacturing ERP migration strategy. This isn’t just about setting a timeline, it’s about understanding exactly what needs to be done and who’s responsible for each step. A thoughtful plan minimizes risk and ensures that your migration is completed on time and with as little disruption as possible.

3. Back Up Your ERP Data (Crucial Before Migration)

Data is the lifeblood of your business, and migrating your ERP system to the cloud shouldn’t come at the risk of losing it. Before making any major changes, back up your entire manufacturing operation database. This is your safety net, ensuring that should anything go wrong during the transition, you have a secure copy of your critical business data.

4. Sync User Accounts and Licenses for a Smooth Migration

Once your database is secure, it’s time to sync user names, licenses, and configurations. This is crucial for ensuring that your users will have the same access and functionality in the cloud as they had before. Syncing these elements will help avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth user experience after your manufacturing operations are in the cloud environment.

5. Test Your Cloud ERP Environment Before Going Live

It’s time to test your new cloud setup. Setting up a test environment in the cloud is one of the best ways to ensure that everything works as expected before the final cutover. Simulating your everyday operations lets you spot any potential issues and correct them before going live.

6. Test for Access and Functionality for Manufacturing in the Cloud

Testing doesn’t stop after the first phase. The second round focuses on critical areas like user access, connectivity, and the overall functionality of your manufacturing ERP system in the cloud. It’s essential to verify that your system is performing at the right speed and reliability to support your day-to-day business needs. When you look deeply into the process of how to move your manufacturing ERP to the cloud, you’ll see that good testing can ensure that you’ll maximize your return on investment (ROI) for both the ERP software and its deployment model.

7. Select the Perfect Cutover Date for Your ERP Migration

With the heavy testing behind you, it’s time to schedule your cutover date for moving your ERP to the cloud. Work with your team to identify the best time for this transition. Choose a time that offers the least disruption to your daily operations. With careful planning, you can make sure your cloud migration happens without operational disruption and on schedule.

8. Proactively Protect Manufacturing Data with Cloud Backups and Disaster Recovery

Even after testing, it’s essential to take one more step to safeguard your data. Backup your data to the cloud before the final migration to know for sure that everything is secure and recoverable. If something unexpected happens, your business can continue running without major disruptions.

9. Go Live: And Teach Others How to Move Your Manufacturing ERP to the Cloud (Successfully!)

Now, it’s time to go live with your new private or hybrid cloud. Your Epicor Kinetic ERP software, or other manufacturing ERP system, will now run in a secure cloud environment tailored to your industry and to your unique manufacturing operational strategy. Whether you’ve opted for a private or hybrid cloud, this is the time to experience the tremendous benefits of scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security. No hardware costs attached. It’s also time to recommend this way of deploying ERP to your friends.

The Result: Cloud Operations Made for Manufacturers

By migrating your ERP system to the cloud, you’re setting your manufacturing operations up for long-term success. Cloud environments offer unmatched flexibility, scalability, and security. These are key ingredients for future-proofing your business. Plus, with 24/7 support and robust disaster recovery, you can focus on what you do best: running your business, not managing infrastructure.

Ready to learn how to move your manufacturing ERP to the cloud? Sign up for a free demo today!

SIGN UP FOR A CLOUD DEMO TODAY

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Epicor Kinetic UI Tips & Tricks

Epicor Kinetic UI Tips & Tricks

by | Mar 30, 2025 | Cloud, Epicor, Epicor 10, Epicor Administration, Epicor Kinetic, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, EstesCare, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Security, Software

Digital transformation concept representing Epicor Kinetic UI migration from classic ERP to web-based interface.

UI Spy: Say Goodbye to Classic ERP

As you might be aware, Epicor is pushing to sunset the Kinetic ERP’s legacy “classic” UI screens, in favor of the web-based Kinetic user interface. They have been scaling back support for the classic interface over time, with a sunset date of May 2026.

As of version 2026.1, Epicor’s Kinetic ERP will no longer contain a smart client deployment, and the user base will communicate with the application exclusively through a web browser.

Depending on the extent of customizations to the UI and to components like dashboards, conversions may take a significant amount of time in modification and testing.

That said, what are key differences?

  • The user communicates with Epicor in a new User Interface (UI)
  • Runs in a browser instead of a fat client
  • Runs on web-centric devices—not limited to a traditional computer screen and now available on tablets, phones, etc.
  • Epicor components and business objects can be accessed through a mobile app—not limited to Epicor’s own apps
  • UI can be customized, but has no C# code, so heavy lifting must be off-loaded to BPMs and Functions

So you want to know more Epicor Kinetic UI tips and tricks for when the rubber meets the road? The EstesGroup Epicor Kinetic consulting team recently covered some technical areas of concern that can help you migrate to a better place moving forward.

WATCH THE WEBINAR

Getting Tippy when the Kinetic UI gets Tricky…

In helping customers move to Kinetic, we’ve encountered countless requests for various items of the Epicor Kinetic UI “tips and tricks” variety—something like: “Can Classic dashboards be automatically converted to Kinetic?”

The answer is “yes, but…”

An easy way to generate the Kinetic application is via the Tools/Deploy Dashboard option. You can preview the dashboard or generate the application when you’re satisfied with it. This does convert a lot of things well, but you’ll notice something immediately with the trackers when you preview the Kinetic dashboard.

The filter field(s) in the very first tracker will appear in a slide-out panel when the dashboard opens. Filtering may or may not actually work. Notice there is no OK button in this example. 

Other panels have had different issues. And once the panel is discarded, the user can never access it again until the dashboard is restarted. Also, if there are multiple queries/trackers on the dashboard, the subsequent trackers will never fire. It might seem disheartening at first blush, but there are workarounds.

A relatively easy way to do this is this procedure in Dashboard Entry:

  1. Copy the dashboard to avoid changing the original, perhaps add a “K” to the end of the dashboard ID, or some other scheme
  2. Load the new copy of the dashboard
  3. Delete all trackers on the dashboard
  4. Preview the dashboard and make sure it runs okay, other than the missing trackers
  5. Save the dashboard
  6. Create the Kinetic application (Tools/Deploy/Application)
  7. Open the new Kinetic application and add the trackers back in

Adding the trackers manually may sound like a lot of work, but it’s not too bad. Plus, you can add some nice functionality.

Need more guidance? Sign up to get our Ultimate Epicor Kinetic UI Tips and Tricks Guide!

GET THE GUIDE

Fill out the form below to receive your copy of Uplift Epicor Classic UI to Kinetic UI – Questions and Answers. We’ll send our help guide straight to your inbox so you can start planning your upgrade with confidence.

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How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

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

The Never-Ending Endpoint Management Game

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

Point of Endpoint Management Business Team Technology Laptops Tablets AI

Endpoint Management as the End to Pain Points

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

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

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

Build Your IT Network Foundation

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

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

Take IT Management Step by Step

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

Phase 1: Basic Monitoring

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

Phase 2: Remote Support

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

Phase 3: Automation

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

Phase 4: Optimization

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

Address the Human Element of Endpoint Management

Technology is only half the battle. Success requires:

User Education

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

IT Team Development

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

No End to Your IT Strategy

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

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

Endpoint Management is a Journey, Not an End in Itself

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT ESTESCARE SUPPORT SERVICES

The Power of a Policy-Led IT Strategy

The Power of a Policy-Led IT Strategy

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Business Consulting, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Network Security, Security

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.

Bill McCord IT Policy Webinar

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:

  1. Define Clear Policies: Start by creating comprehensive policies that cover all aspects of IT usage, security, and governance.
  2. Align Policies with Business Objectives: Ensure that your IT policies support and enhance your organization’s overall goals.
  3. Communicate and Educate: Make sure all stakeholders understand the policies and their importance.
  4. Implement Technology Solutions: Choose and implement technologies that support and enforce your policies.
  5. 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.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

Hardware System Requirements for Epicor Prophet 21

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Distribution, Epicor, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Prophet 21, Software

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.

LEARN ABOUT CLOUD OPTIONS FOR PROPHET 21

NAW Events 2024-2025: Networking for Distribution Leaders

NAW Events 2024-2025: Networking for Distribution Leaders

by | Aug 4, 2024 | AI, Business Consulting, Business Process Review, Cloud, Distribution, Epicor, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Hosting, Managed IT Services, Prophet 21

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
TALK TO A DISTRIBUTION CONSULTANT NOW