Managed IT Services Archives

How to Manage Tariff Risk in Distribution

by EstesCloud | Apr 6, 2025 | Business Consulting, Distribution, Epicor, Epicor Administration, ERP Consulting, ERP Implementation, ERP Risks and Challenges, Managed IT Services, Prophet 21, Security, Software

In today’s global economy, tariffs can shift overnight — and for distributors, those changes ripple quickly across pricing models, supplier relationships, and customer expectations. While tariffs are nothing new, the pace and complexity of trade updates in recent years have made it harder for teams to react quickly and plan confidently.

If you’re a U.S.-based distributor running Epicor Prophet 21 ERP — particularly one sourcing products from international suppliers — understanding and mitigating your tariff exposure has become a critical part of your supply chain strategy.

Manage Risk Distribution Prophet 21 Supply Chain Freighter

When deciding how to manage tariff risks, companies need to consider risk mitigation solutions and risk management strategies.

Key Considerations for Managing Tariff Risks

Solution: Implement automated tariff management tools like the Recurrency Tariff Manager
Solution: Leverage third-party software for real-time data and alerts
Solution: Diversify supplier base to reduce dependency on high-tariff regions
Strategy: Conduct regular tariff exposure assessments
Strategy: Establish contingency plans for sourcing and logistics
Strategy: Collaborate closely with trade compliance experts and consultants

The Tariff Challenge: Limited Visibility, High Stakes

Tariff exposure often hides in plain sight. Vendor records might show countries of origin or product categories, but few ERP systems offer a clean, consolidated view of which suppliers are likely to be impacted by new tariffs — and what those impacts could mean financially.

Procurement and finance teams are often left piecing together spreadsheets, customs data, and supplier intel to make urgent decisions. And by the time a potential risk becomes clear, the cost implications may already be felt.

Oversight, Strategy, and Control: Three Ways to Get Ahead of Tariff Risk

1) Invest in Strategic Supplier Diversity

By diversifying your supplier base across multiple countries or regions, you reduce reliance on any one source that may become tariffed. Your ERP system should help track and categorize suppliers by region, and your team should regularly audit where your critical parts or products are coming from.

2) Improve Cross-Functional Visibility

Tariff risk isn’t just a procurement issue — it touches pricing, forecasting, inventory, and even customer experience. Integrating trade visibility into dashboards accessible to operations and finance leadership is key. This means making tariff exposure a regular part of your supply chain reporting, not a fire drill when changes hit.

3) Use Purpose-Built Tools for Trade Risk Management

Rather than rely solely on generic ERP reports, modern distributors are turning to specialized tools that augment their ERP environment. These tools often bring in external data, enrich vendor records with AI insights, and suggest actionable strategies like pre-purchasing inventory or temporarily shifting pricing models.

If you use Epicor Prophet 21, there’s a new solution available that may be worth exploring: the Recurrency Tariff Manager.

This lightweight dashboard plugs directly into your P21 system and uses AI to analyze your vendor list for likely tariff exposure. In under 15 minutes, it can show you where you’re at risk — and help you take action, whether that means sourcing alternatives, adjusting purchasing, or planning pricing changes.

It’s a smart way to bring clarity into a complex challenge — without requiring months of development or a full system overhaul.

Managing tariff risk isn’t just about compliance or cost control. It’s about building resilience into your operations — so that when change comes, you’re prepared. By improving visibility, sharing insights across teams, and using the right tools, you can turn tariff challenges into strategic opportunities.

If you don’t want to explore things like how to manage tariff risk in distribution ERP without industry experts helping you the mitigate risks, our team at EstesGroup is always available to help you make sense of your data and identify the right tools for your ERP and business strategy.

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Epicor Kinetic UI Tips & Tricks

by EstesCloud | 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.

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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:

Copy the dashboard to avoid changing the original, perhaps add a “K” to the end of the dashboard ID, or some other scheme
Load the new copy of the dashboard
Delete all trackers on the dashboard
Preview the dashboard and make sure it runs okay, other than the missing trackers
Save the dashboard
Create the Kinetic application (Tools/Deploy/Application)
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!

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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.

Circular infographic in EstesGroup navy-and-blue tones titled “Policy-Led IT,” with four surrounding icons and labels—Technology (gear), Compliance (clipboard check), Security (shield), and People (user group).</p>
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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.

Measuring Policy-Led IT Strategy Success

Track key performance indicators including:

Compliance audit scores and violation reduction
Security incident frequency and response times
IT project alignment with business objectives
Technology ROI improvements
Stakeholder satisfaction ratings

Partner with IT Strategy Experts

Implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires specialized expertise in technology governance, compliance frameworks, and business alignment. EstesGroup’s managed IT services team helps organizations develop, implement, and optimize policy-driven technology strategies that deliver measurable business results.

Ready to transform your IT strategy? Contact EstesGroup today to discuss how policy-led approaches can improve your technology ROI while maintaining security and compliance standards.

About EstesGroup: EstesGroup is a leading provider of ERP services, managed IT services, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity consulting, helping businesses align technology investments with strategic objectives through policy-driven approaches. Chat with us today, or fill out the form below, to schedule a free ERP or IT assessment with a solutions specialist.

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