Managed IT Services Archives

How to Maximize Epicor Kinetic ROI with Performance Optimization

by EstesCloud | Nov 20, 2024 | Epicor 10, Epicor Kinetic, ERP, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, Managed IT Services, Manufacturing Innovation

Manufacturers leveraging Epicor Kinetic can achieve substantial returns on their enterprise resource planning (ERP) software investment through comprehensive performance optimization and data-driven decision making.

An ERP Designed for Profitability

The Epicor ERP platform’s integrated business intelligence and real-time analytics capabilities provide deep visibility into critical operational metrics, enabling companies to identify and capitalize on improvement opportunities across production, inventory, quality, and financial processes. By leveraging customizable dashboards and KPI monitoring, manufacturers can track and measure the tangible impact of their system investment, from reduced operational costs to increased throughput and improved quality metrics. As organizations continue to navigate complex market demands and competitive pressures, Epicor Kinetic’s strategic optimization tools help ensure that technology investments translate directly into measurable business value and sustained profitability improvements.

Manufacturers can significantly improve their return on investment (ROI) through strategic operational enhancements and modernization efforts. By implementing advanced production scheduling, companies can reduce costly downtime and optimize resource utilization. Real-time inventory management systems help prevent stock-outs while minimizing excess inventory carrying costs. Employee training programs focused on lean manufacturing principles and quality control often lead to reduced waste and improved product consistency.

A New Way to Put Profit on Auto-Pilot

Modern subscription-based ERP support services, like EstesCare for Epicor Kinetic, provide a cost-effective way to maintain and optimize critical business systems without the burden of hiring specialized staff or dealing with unpredictable support expenses. AI and data analytics tools help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, allowing manufacturers to make informed decisions about process improvements and resource allocation.

Your Ultimate Epicor Kinetic ROI Strategy: EstesCare ERP

EstesCare ERP support services deliver measurable ROI through proactive system optimization, reduced downtime, and streamlined operations, providing manufacturers with predictable IT costs while maximizing their Epicor Kinetic investment through expert guidance and rapid issue resolution.

Predictable costs through fixed monthly fees instead of variable support expenses
Reduced downtime via proactive system monitoring and rapid issue resolution
Enhanced productivity through ongoing user training and best practices guidance
Lower staffing costs by leveraging provider expertise instead of hiring specialists
Improved system optimization through regular performance reviews and tuning
Faster adoption of new features and updates with expert implementation support
Risk reduction through managed software patches and backup monitoring
Better decision-making enabled by optimized reporting and analytics configuration
Increased system reliability through preventive maintenance and health checks
Resource efficiency from streamlined processes and workflow optimization

Performance Optimization for Epicor Kinetic ROI

Companies implementing Epicor Kinetic consistently report significant returns through strategic performance optimization across their operations. By leveraging the platform’s integrated analytics and real-time monitoring capabilities, manufacturers typically see measurable improvements in key metrics including reduced inventory costs, increased production efficiency, and enhanced quality control. Organizations using Kinetic’s performance optimization tools often report 15-20% reductions in operational costs while simultaneously achieving higher throughput rates and improved customer satisfaction scores. The platform’s ability to identify and resolve bottlenecks, combined with its workflow optimization features, enables manufacturers to maximize their technology investment through continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact bottom-line results.

Kinetic Database Optimization

Implement automated maintenance schedules
Execute regular table reorganization
Archive historical data with retention policies
Optimize SQL query performance through index tuning
Implement data partitioning for large tables

ERP System Configuration

Fine-tune memory allocation based on usage patterns
Optimize application pool recycling
Configure load balancing for multi-user environments
Streamline custom code for efficiency
Implement caching strategies

Infrastructure Enhancement

Assess and upgrade network infrastructure
Implement WAN acceleration
Configure traffic prioritization
Monitor and optimize bandwidth usage
Deploy regional servers for global operations

Epicor Kinetic ROI-Driven Improvements

Manufacturers leveraging Epicor Kinetic consistently achieve substantial returns through targeted operational enhancements and strategic system optimization. By focusing on key performance indicators and leveraging real-time analytics, organizations can identify and implement improvements that directly impact profitability, from reducing production costs and inventory overhead to increasing throughput and quality metrics.

Measurable Performance Gains

Transaction processing speed improvements
Reduced report generation time
Decreased system response latency
Lower resource utilization
Increased concurrent user capacity

Transaction processing speed improvements

Reduced report generation time
Decreased system response latency
Lower resource utilization
Increased concurrent user capacity

Business Impact Metrics

Reduced operational costs
Increased user productivity
Improved data accuracy
Enhanced customer satisfaction
Better decision-making capability

Performance Monitoring Framework

Epicor Kinetic’s comprehensive performance monitoring framework provides manufacturers with deep visibility into system health and operational efficiency through a robust set of measurement tools. The platform tracks essential key performance indicators including system response times, transaction completion rates, resource utilization metrics, user productivity measurements, and error rate tracking to ensure optimal system performance.

Through integrated monitoring tools such as customizable performance dashboards, real-time alerting systems, and detailed trend analysis reports, organizations can proactively identify and address potential issues before they impact operations. The framework also includes sophisticated user experience monitoring and resource utilization tracking capabilities, enabling IT teams to maintain peak system performance while maximizing user productivity and ensuring efficient resource allocation across the enterprise.

Epicor Kinetic ROI Optimization Best Practices

Maintaining optimal Epicor Kinetic performance requires a structured approach to daily operations and scheduled maintenance activities. Critical daily tasks include monitoring system logs, reviewing performance metrics, proactively addressing bottlenecks, managing system resources, and tracking user feedback to ensure smooth operations. This ongoing oversight is complemented by a comprehensive maintenance schedule featuring weekly performance reviews, monthly system optimization sessions, quarterly infrastructure assessments, and annual performance audits, while regular user training ensures the workforce maintains proficiency with the system’s capabilities.

Implementation Strategy

The successful implementation of Epicor Kinetic performance optimization follows a strategic three-phase approach. Phase 1 begins with a comprehensive assessment, benchmarking current performance levels, identifying system bottlenecks, documenting user pain points, analyzing resource utilization, and establishing clear performance targets. During Phase 2, the optimization process implements targeted improvements including database enhancements, system configuration adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, monitoring tool deployment, and user training on best practices. The final measurement phase tracks and validates performance improvements, calculates ROI metrics, monitors user satisfaction levels, documents business impact, and enables continuous refinement of the optimization strategy based on real-world results.

Ready to increase your Epicor Kinetic ROI?

Transform your Epicor Kinetic ERP into a high-performance asset by implementing these optimization strategies. Focus on measurable improvements that directly impact your bottom line through increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved user productivity. Talk to an EstesGroup consultant today! Chat with us, contact us, or fill out the form below to begin a more successful ERP journey and maximize ROI.

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5 Signs Your Business Needs a Network Security Audit

by EstesCloud | Nov 11, 2024 | Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Managed IT Services, Network Security, Security

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity isn’t just for large corporations – it’s essential for businesses of all sizes. Many organizations don’t realize they’re at risk until after a security incident occurs. Here are five critical warning signs that indicate your business should consider a professional network security audit and vulnerability assessment.

Network Security Audit Vulnerability Hacker on Laptop

1) Your Network Performance Has Changed

Unexpected slowdowns or irregular network behavior could indicate security issues. Malware and unauthorized access often create unusual patterns in network traffic. While performance issues don’t always signal security problems, they warrant investigation through a comprehensive security assessment.

2) Your Remote Work Force Has Changed or Returned to the Office

The shift to remote work creates new security challenges. Each remote connection represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. If your business has embraced remote work without updating security protocols, you may have unknown vulnerabilities in your network. If your employees are returning to a traditional office setting, you also need to revisit security policies and protocols. New employees in the office mean new potential for security breaches. A network security audit can reveal threat vectors that have been introduced to your business by your shifting workforce.

3) You’re Not Sure When Updates Were Last Applied

Security patches and updates are crucial for protecting against known vulnerabilities. If you can’t confidently say when your systems were last updated, or if you’re unsure whether all devices are current, it’s time for a security audit. Research consistently shows that outdated systems are involved in at least 60% of data breaches.

4) Multiple People Handle IT Tasks

When multiple employees or vendors share IT responsibilities, security protocols can become inconsistent. This fragmented approach often leads to new vulnerabilities in your network. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Inconsistent access permissions
Overlooked security updates
Gaps in security monitoring
Unclear accountability for security measures

5) You Haven’t Had a Professional Vulnerability Assessment

If it’s been more than a year since your last professional security audit – or if you’ve never had one – your business is likely overdue. Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and yesterday’s security measures may not protect against today’s sophisticated attacks.

Taking Action for Network Security

Don’t wait for a security breach to assess your network’s safety. A professional network security audit can identify vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. Modern security assessments are designed to be the following:

Non-disruptive to your operations
Completed quickly (often in just 30 minutes)
Comprehensive in scope
Actionable with clear recommendations

Next Steps to Limit Information Vulnerabilities

Understanding your network’s security posture is crucial for protecting your business assets and customer data. The EstesGroup team provides thorough network security audits that identify vulnerabilities without disrupting your operations. We also offer subscription-based IT services for businesses looking to streamline IT and security management. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business technology.

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Sign up for a security audit and vulnerability assessment today.

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How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

by EstesCloud | 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!

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The Power of a Policy-Led IT Strategy

by EstesCloud | 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.

What is a policy-led IT strategy?

A policy-led IT strategy is an approach that places organizational policies at the forefront of technology decision-making. Instead of allowing technology to dictate business processes, this strategy ensures that IT initiatives are guided by well-defined policies that reflect the company’s goals, values, and regulatory requirements.

What are the key benefits of policy-led IT?

Improved Compliance: By basing IT decisions on clear policies, organizations can more easily adhere to industry regulations and standards.
Enhanced Security: Security policies become an integral part of the IT strategy, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting sensitive data.
Better Alignment with Business Goals: Technology investments and initiatives are directly tied to organizational objectives, ensuring better ROI.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Clear policies provide a framework for consistent IT decisions across the organization.
Increased Transparency: Stakeholders have a clear understanding of how and why IT decisions are made.

How do you implement a policy-led IT strategy?

Developing and implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps:

Define Clear Policies: Start by creating comprehensive policies that cover all aspects of IT usage, security, and governance.
Align Policies with Business Objectives: Ensure that your IT policies support and enhance your organization’s overall goals.
Communicate and Educate: Make sure all stakeholders understand the policies and their importance.
Implement Technology Solutions: Choose and implement technologies that support and enforce your policies.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review and update your policies to keep pace with changing business needs and technological advancements.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Webinar

How to Create a Policy-Led IT Strategy

To dive deeper into this topic and learn how to create an effective policy-led IT strategy for your organization, join us for our upcoming webinar:

Date: October 30th, 2024
Time: 11 AM Eastern Time

Ready to learn the key components of an effective IT policy framework? Looking for new strategies for aligning IT policies with business objectives? Seeking best practices for policy implementation and enforcement? Tired of theory and desire real-world examples and case studies?

By embracing a policy-led IT strategy, you can ensure that your technology investments are not simply sustaining your business, but actively driving your future forward in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner.

The 2024 Cybersecurity Challenge: Security Together

by EstesCloud | Sep 30, 2024 | AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services

EstesGroup Commits to Securing Our World During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

As we enter October, EstesGroup is proud to announce our participation in the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This global initiative, founded in 2004, has become the world’s foremost effort to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Ready to fall into October cybersecurity challenges together? It will take a team to secure our world – from our homes to our data centers.

Teamwork, laptop hologram and people success in data analytics, cyber security research and cloud computing. Coding, programming and developer woman or group with software solution in night overlay

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Our Connected World

In today’s digital landscape, technology is deeply intertwined with our daily lives. From smartphones to smart home devices, the benefits of emerging technologies are undeniable. However, this interconnectedness also presents new opportunities for cybercriminals to disrupt our online activities at home, work, and school.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to address these challenges by providing straightforward, actionable guidance that anyone can follow to create a safer digital environment for themselves and their loved ones.

This 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Theme: Secure Our World

The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Secure Our World.” It encourages everyone to take four simple yet effective steps each day to enhance online safety:

Embrace password managers: Understand the benefits of using a password manager and dispel common myths about their security and ease of use.
Enable multi-factor authentication: Turn on this crucial security feature on personal devices and business networks.
Recognize and report phishing: Learn to identify and report phishing attempts, which remain one of the primary tactics used by cybercriminals.
Stay updated: Install updates regularly and enable automated updates when possible.

EstesGroup’s Commitment to Cybersecurity

At EstesGroup, we recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Our participation in Cybersecurity Awareness Month underscores our commitment to promoting online safety and best practices.

Join Us in Securing Our World for Years to Come

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort involving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. By working together, we can create a more secure digital world for everyone.

EstesGroup is proud to support this vital online safety awareness and education initiative, led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

We encourage our clients, partners, and the wider community to join us in this effort. By implementing these simple yet effective cybersecurity practices, we can all contribute to a safer online environment.

For more information about 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiatives and how you can participate, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month and staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/.

Let’s work together to secure our world, one step at a time. Ready to secure your business? Talk to us today and receive a free dark web scan. We can help you navigate 2024 cybersecurity best practices and build a plan for 2025 and beyond.

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Cybersecurity Audits: Safeguarding Modern Manufacturing

by EstesCloud | Sep 13, 2024 | Cybersecurity, Epicor Kinetic, Managed IT Services, Manufacturing Innovation, Network Security, Security

Ensuring Robust Cybersecurity with SOC 2: Certified Providers, Certified Protection

In today’s interconnected manufacturing landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a critical business imperative. As cyber threats evolve and regulatory requirements tighten, manufacturers must ensure their digital assets, intellectual property, and operational technology (OT) are adequately protected. This is where comprehensive security audits, conducted by SOC 2 certified providers like EstesGroup, play a crucial role. With EstesCare Guard cybersecurity experts, manufacturers can run complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, like Epicor Kinetic, without worrying about cyber threats and attacks. Cybersecurity audits for manufacturers are complex. Let’s take a closer look at the closer look of a security audit.

Females business executive accessing files on a secure tablet surrounded by code and cybersecurity symbols.

The Importance of Security Audits for Manufacturers

Security audits are essential for manufacturers to accomplish the following:

Identify vulnerabilities in both IT and OT environments
Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards
Protect sensitive data and intellectual property
Maintain operational continuity and prevent costly downtime
Build trust with customers and partners

Key Areas Covered in a Manufacturer’s Security Audit

A thorough cybersecurity audit for manufacturers typically encompasses the following categories and more:

Network Security

Firewall configurations
Segmentation between IT and OT networks
Wireless network security

Endpoint Security

Workstation and mobile device protection
Internet of Things (IoT) device security
Industrial control system (ICS) security

Access Control

User authentication and authorization
Privileged access management
Remote access security

Data Protection

Data encryption (at rest and in transit)
Backup and recovery procedures
Data loss prevention strategies

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA Security

ICS/SCADA system hardening
Patch management for industrial systems
Security monitoring for OT environments

Supply Chain Security

Third-party risk assessment
Secure data exchange with suppliers and partners
Vendor management processes

Incident Response and Business Continuity

Incident response plans
Disaster recovery procedures
Business continuity strategies

The Advantage of Choosing a SOC 2 Certified Provider

When selecting a cybersecurity partner to conduct your security audit, opting for a SOC 2 certified provider like EstesGroup offers several key advantages:

Proven Expertise and Reliability: SOC 2 certification demonstrates that the provider has undergone rigorous third-party audits of their own security practices. This ensures they have the expertise and systems in place to effectively assess and improve your security posture.
Comprehensive Security Framework: SOC 2 certified providers adhere to a robust security framework based on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. This comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of your cybersecurity is overlooked.
Industry Best Practices: By working with a SOC 2 certified provider, you benefit from their knowledge of the latest industry best practices and emerging threats, ensuring your security measures are up-to-date and effective.
Compliance Alignment: SOC 2 certified providers are well-versed in various compliance requirements. They can help align your security practices with relevant industry standards and regulations.
Continuous Improvement: SOC 2 certification requires ongoing compliance, meaning your provider is committed to continuously improving their own security practices—a commitment that extends to the services they provide to you.

The Security Audit Process

When working with a SOC 2 certified provider like EstesCare Guard Cybersecurity, you can expect a structured and thorough security audit process:

Initial Assessment: Understanding your manufacturing environment, technologies in use, and specific security concerns.
Comprehensive Review: Evaluating your current security controls, policies, and procedures across all relevant areas.
Vulnerability Scanning and Testing: Conducting technical assessments to identify potential weaknesses in your systems.
Risk Analysis: Assessing the potential impact and likelihood of various security threats.
Detailed Reporting: Providing a comprehensive report of findings, including vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance gaps.
Remediation Planning: Developing a prioritized action plan to address identified issues and enhance your overall security posture.
Ongoing Support: Offering continuous monitoring and support to maintain and improve your cybersecurity over time.

Safeguarding Your Manufacturing Future

In an era where cyber threats can significantly impact manufacturing operations, regular security audits conducted by SOC 2 certified providers are essential. By partnering with EstesGroup’s EstesCare Guard cybersecurity experts, you’re not just getting a security assessment—you’re gaining a trusted advisor committed to protecting your digital assets, ensuring operational continuity, and safeguarding your manufacturing future.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity posture and protect your manufacturing operations with a comprehensive security audit? Don’t settle for general! EstesGroup offers cybersecurity audits for manufacturers.

Our team understands the manufacturing industry. Our team understands your ERP system. Our Epicor Kinetic, SYSPRO, and Sage experts are on the same team as our elite cybersecurity consultants. Talk to us today to keep your data secure.

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