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How to Use Advanced Diagnostics in SYSPRO

How to Use Advanced Diagnostics in SYSPRO

Advanced SYSPRO Debugging Tools – The “Diagnostics” Setup Option

Outside of general SYSPRO database tables in SQL and eSignatures that are not enabled by default, it can be particularly difficult to investigate custom e.net transactions and SQL issues in SYSPRO. Thankfully, an advanced “Diagnostics” tool is available. Contrary to similar administrative tools such as the System Audit Query and Job Logging programs, this tool is not a standalone program. Instead, it is a settings-related options found inside your SYSPRO’s Setup Options program. 

The setting in question is called “Diagnostics” and can be found within SYSPRO’s Setup Options program at: System Setup General Options Diagnostics. The field is a dropdown containing a variety of input options with not-so-descriptive naming conventions such as “dev02”, “enet01”, “enetxi”, and “srsd04”. While all the items available in the diagnostics list serve an important purpose, we will focus this article on the e.net-type diagnostics that can be used to help diagnose and potentially resolve complicated transaction issues. 

SYSPRO Diagnostics

SYSPRO E.net Options

When customizing SYSPRO particularly with third party programs or VBScripts, you are likely to encounter programmatic use of SYSPRO’s business objects. In extremely rare cases, you may experience issues running these business objects. Perhaps you don’t get an XML response, or you are encountering critical system errors with limited details about the errors. In this case, the “enet” diagnostic options can be useful. The “enet01” option creates a log of all business objects that have processed in the system since the diagnostic option was turned on. It saves important information such as transaction date/time, method names (logon, logoff, get, post), and status messages of each transaction. Consider the “enet01” option the “summary” of e.net type diagnostics.

If you require more detail about your e.net transactions, you can use the “enetxx” option. This diagnostics option saves the XML-In and XML-Out details of each business object transaction. The XML-In is the data that was passed to the business object. The XML-Out is the response provided back by the object. The “enetxi” option can be used to only monitor XML-In and the “enetxo” only monitors XML-Out.

While there are several other diagnostic types to choose from, it is unlikely that the information returned by these options will be of any help to you. The remaining diagnostic types are more commonly used by internal SYSPRO staff for testing and debugging of significant errors or new programs in SYSPRO. You can open SYSPRO’s “Help” documentation by pressing “F1” to learn more about the other diagnostics options if it should be of interest. 

System Impact and Log File Growth

It is important to know that some of these diagnostics options can result in very large log files if they are not turned off after an issue has been investigated. Particularly the “enetxx” option as the XML-In and XML-Out for every business object transaction can be significantly lengthy. If you are trying to monitor automated tasks and will have to leave these diagnostics on for extended periods of time, be sure to keep an eye on the log file sizes.

Additionally, many of these diagnostic types can slow down the overall system performance. Every post and query in SYSPRO use some type of business object. These transactions will see a slight performance hit due to SYSPRO recording and logging the data input/output. When you have completed investigating an issue, be sure to clear the log files and turn off the diagnostics options that you had enabled. 

The EstesWay to Advanced Diagnostics in SYSPRO

In conclusion, navigating through complex SYSPRO issues, especially those involving custom e.net transactions and SQL intricacies, can be daunting without the right tools and expertise. Fortunately, the “Diagnostics” setup option within SYSPRO’s Setup Options program provides a valuable resource for investigating and resolving such challenges. By utilizing specific diagnostic settings like “enet01” and “enetxx,” users can gain insights into business object transactions and detailed XML data, aiding in the troubleshooting process. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution with these diagnostic options, as they can lead to substantial log file growth and potential system performance impacts if left unchecked. Nevertheless, with the support and guidance of EstesGroup consultants, businesses can effectively leverage these advanced debugging tools to overcome SYSPRO-related hurdles and optimize their operations.

Empower your users with advanced diagnostics in SYSPRO ERP today.

SYSPRO Advanced Diagnostics Tool

Follow these steps to get immediate assistance with SYSPRO ERP:

  • Contact EstesGroup consultants via chat, website, or phone.
  • Describe your SYSPRO issue and request advanced diagnostic assistance.
  • Schedule a consultation with EstesGroup SYSPRO ERP specialists.
  • Collaborate with consultants to enable and utilize diagnostic tools.
  • Implement recommendations provided by EstesGroup for issue resolution.

Connecting the Clouds: Website vs. ERP Hosting

Connecting the Clouds: Website vs. ERP Hosting

Manufacturers and distributors can benefit significantly from a Managed Services Provider (MSP) managing one website or kin websites as part of an integrated IT services, IT security, and enterprise cloud strategy. An external IT provider ensures that the world will view web-based company representation with optimal performance, scalability, and security, reduced downtime and enhanced user experience. Through robust IT security measures, a cloud provider like EstesGroup safeguards sensitive data, mitigating the risk of cyber threats. Additionally, integrating enterprise cloud solutions facilitates seamless data access, collaboration, and scalability, enabling manufacturers and distributors to focus on core business functions while staying agile and competitive in the digital landscape.

Website vs ERP Hosting

For businesses, websites serve as crucial repositories for sharing information, necessitating proper hosting and data management to connect with customers, ensure security, and facilitate growth. When exploring website hosting services and ERP hosting solutions, businesses encounter various cloud options, with managed hosting and shared hosting being the primary types. Understanding the distinctions in the website vs. ERP hosting conversation empowers businesses to make informed decisions aligning with their unique identities.

Is your website hosting forgotten data?

While your IT team is focusing on critical tasks, your website might go unnoticed, opening the path to vulnerability and chaos. In the realm of website hosting, discerning between managed hosting and shared hosting is essential. Managed hosting is ideal for businesses seeking comprehensive control and responsibility, with the service provider acting as a dedicated IT department overseeing all aspects of the website. Conversely, shared hosting accommodates businesses needing performance and security but may lack the size or budget for full-service management. Multiple businesses share resources like RAM and CPU under a shared server, potentially impacting performance during traffic surges. Managed hosting suits larger enterprises prioritizing ultimate performance and security, while shared hosting remains viable for budget-conscious smaller businesses.

Managed Hosting vs. Shared Hosting vs. Managed ERP Hosting

Businesses should consider several key differences between managed and shared hosting for websites and ERP hosting for enterprise resource planning applications. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you unravel your web of business data.

  • Resources: Managed hosting provides dedicated server resources, ensuring optimal performance, while shared hosting involves resource-sharing, potentially leading to performance issues during high traffic.
  • Customization: Managed hosting offers customized solutions, tailored to specific business needs, whereas shared hosting tends to be more one-size-fits-all.
  • Security: Managed hosting prioritizes security, protecting individual businesses, whereas shared hosting may compromise security if one business on the shared server experiences a breach.
  • Optimal Performance: Managed hosting eliminates performance issues associated with shared resources, providing consistent and optimized performance.
  • Updates: Managed hosting ensures prompt updates and security patches, while shared hosting may require businesses to schedule updates themselves.
  • Email: Both hosting types offer email services, with managed hosting providing premium plans for enhanced features.
  • Cost: Shared hosting is more affordable, making it suitable for smaller businesses with budget constraints, while managed hosting, though more expensive, offers superior performance and security.

How ERP Hosting Gets Tangled in Your Website Web

The discussion on website hosting parallels ERP hosting, where businesses can opt for a managed service provider to host their ERP software in a remote, cloud-based data center. This centralized approach provides cost-effective, secure, and scalable solutions, enabling businesses to focus on operations rather than maintaining on-premise infrastructure.

Businesses must comprehend the disparities between the many available cloud options to make informed choices for their website and ERP hosting needs. While managed hosting excels in performance, security, and support, startups or small businesses with budget constraints may consider shared hosting initially. Managed hosting proves invaluable for businesses seeking to eliminate on-premise responsibilities, allowing them to concentrate on optimization and growth.

Complex Cloud Hosting Environments

Experience seamless business operations with our fully managed ERP hosting, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability as we take charge of your ERP software in a secure, remote, and cloud-based environment. Ready to tackle website vs. ERP hosting? Elevate your online presence with our fully managed website hosting, where a dedicated IT team handles every aspect, providing tailored solutions for peak performance, robust security, and unmatched support. Trust EstesGroup to streamline your technology infrastructure, allowing you to focus on growth and innovation without the burden of managing complex hosting environments.

How ERP Breathes New Life into Medical Device Manufacturing

How ERP Breathes New Life into Medical Device Manufacturing

ERP Ready to Help

The medical device manufacturing sector plays a vital role in supplying essential products that impact lives. Manufacturers must adhere to the strictest compliance standards while successfully organizing and managing their operations. Effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can be an important aspect of this organization and management. There are many benefits to implementing ERP systems, and manufacturers will find that the right solutions will improve their operations, ultimately increasing operational productivity and software functioning.

Medical Device Manufacturing

Tracking Data Health

Given the diverse range of medical supplies and their components, manufacturers require software integrations capable of efficiently tracking parts and finished products. ERP systems facilitate seamless tracking and management of order histories, revisions, and product recalls. Tailored ERP solutions offer real-time insights throughout the manufacturing process, aiding in documentation and data export for compliance with medical device manufacturing standards. These systems also enable revision tracking during manufacturing, assisting businesses during inspections and audits. Providing recall tracking, ERP systems empower businesses to identify potential concerns in medical devices, implementing protocols to prevent recalls and ensuring comprehensive tracking support for the complex manufacturing of medical devices.

Healthy Supply Chain Management

ERP systems for the medical device manufacturing industry offer robust support for supply chain management. Businesses can easily manage various aspects, including the Approved Supplier List (ASL), tracking, manufacturing documentation, data reporting, validation and revalidation, risk assessment, and quality control and inspection.

Seamless ERP Integrations

The most effective ERP systems are tailored to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and software. Customized ERP systems provide a unified approach to operational management, allowing for flexible software integrations under a single system. For instance, integration with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) provides crucial data insights while safeguarding data and permissions. ERP systems collaborate with and enhance existing systems, enabling businesses in the medical device manufacturing industry to focus on quality and efficiency in supplying and distributing medical devices.

 

The Longevity of Med Device Manufacturing 

In a world where medical devices like artificial hips and knees are essential and can change lives, ERP systems emerge as crucial tools for meeting industry demands. A fully-customizable ERP system offers comprehensive data tracking and supply chain management, alongside flexibility in system and software integrations. Implementation of effective ERP systems empowers businesses to gain insights into their manufacturing processes, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity. A unified system with vital software integrations allows businesses to prioritize fulfilling essential orders and providing individuals with the medical devices they need.

Where Security Takes the Pulse

Meet ECHO, EstesGroup’s cloud solution for complex application management. In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical device manufacturing, top-tier security and cloud solutions stand as the vanguards of fortified operations. Paired seamlessly with effective ERP systems, these cutting-edge technologies offer a robust shield against potential threats. Advanced security protocols embedded within the cloud infrastructure provide an extra layer of protection for sensitive data, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards.

Global Health Requires Private Cloud ERP

Cloud solutions enable manufacturers to securely store and access critical information, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. This integrated approach not only enhances the resilience of the manufacturing process but also aligns with the industry’s commitment to delivering high-quality, life-changing medical devices. As the medical manufacturing sector embraces innovation, the synergy between ERP, top-tier security, and cloud solutions emerges as a formidable force, propelling the industry towards a future of heightened efficiency and reliability.

An Introduction to the SYSPRO Database

An Introduction to the SYSPRO Database

An Introduction to the SYSPRO SQL Database Structure

In the early versions of SYSPRO, the ERP’s data was entirely stored in C-ISAM files. These C-ISAM files were essentially text files containing system data. They could cause a lot of trouble if you had to investigate or troubleshoot data problems as they were lacking a stable framework to review and analyze them. Thankfully, a modern SQL database structure was introduced between SYSPRO 6.1 and 7. In today’s SYSPRO 8 version, essentially all components of the ERP have now been converted and are stored in traditional SQL database tables. Knowing what SYSPRO’s database looks like becomes a vital tool if you are tasked to troubleshoot data problems, analyze company data, or build SQL queries to pull data for custom reports.

SYSPRO SQL Database Structure

So what does a SYSPRO database structure look like? 

The “System-Wide” Database

Both SYSPRO 7 and SYSPRO 8 contain what SYSPRO calls the “system-wide” database. While the name of the database can be customized to the business’ liking, it is commonly named “sysprodb” by default. The database contains information about operators, administrative settings, system information, and licensing details. Any data pertaining to system-wide configurations that span all SYSPRO companies will be found in this database. Particularly important tables to take note of in this database are:

  • AdmOperator – Contains data of all operators on file in SYSPRO along with their role, group, and other access level details. 
  • AdmSysVersion – Header table containing the database version details of the SYSPRO environment.
  • SysproAdmin – Table containing a list of the companies in your SYSPRO environment. This table becomes relevant when creating test companies or setting up SYSPRO’s default test databases. 

The Company Databases

Each company created in SYSPRO will have its own database and default company tables. By default, SYSPRO names these companies ‘SysproCompany’ along with the company’s ID at the end. Ex, SysproCompanyT, SysproCompanyA, etc. These are the databases where your company’s transactional data is stored. 

At a first glance, these databases can be overwhelming. A standard SYSPRO database can have over 1000 tables in it. The good thing is that while this full list of tables compromises all of SYSPRO’s functionality, it is unlikely that your environment is both licensed and actively using SYSPRO’s full suite of products. This means that most of these tables will be empty and will not be worth much of your attention.

Instead, there are about 25 – 50 tables in any given environment that sees most of the action. To provide a cheat sheet, here are some of the commonly used tables in SYSPRO that are essential to the daily use of SYSPRO:

  • ApInvoice – Supplier invoices
  • ApSupplier – Supplier header details
  • ApSupplierAddr – Addresses for the suppliers
  • ArCustomer – Customer header details
  • ArInvoice – Customer invoices
  • ArTrnDetail – Details about each invoice. Used extensively for sales reporting
  • BomOperations – Operations against a BOM
  • BomStructure – Structure against a BOM
  • InvMaster – Master for all stock codes in SYSPRO
  • InvMovements – Inventory transaction details against each SKU
  • InvPrice – Sell prices against each SKU
  • InvWarehouse – Master table for inventory counts of each SKU
  • PorMasterHdr – Purchase order header
  • PorMasterDetail – Purchase order details
  • SorMaster – Sales order master
  • SorDetail – Sales order details
  • WipMaster – Master for jobs
  • WipJobAllLab – Labor details against jobs
  • WipJobAllMat – Material details against jobs
  • WipJobPost – History of material/labor issued to jobs

The “Deployment” Database

Unique to SYSPRO 8, this database handles information relating to the release version of your SYSPRO environment. The “SYSPRO 8 Installer” tool uses this database exclusively to verify which products are available to you and whether any recent updates have become available. In addition, it contains information about which machines have SYSPRO clients installed on them and which versions they have installed. 

Admins, do you grasp the SYSPRO database structure for efficient data troubleshooting and analysis?

This covers the databases you will see in a usual SYSPRO environment. Knowing what SYSPRO’s database structure looks like is essential for any SYSPRO admin to effectively be able to find, troubleshoot, and analyze vital company data. 

Best Practices for Evaluating a Next-Generation B2B Platform

Best Practices for Evaluating a Next-Generation B2B Platform

How to Think about E-Commerce as a Manufacturer

E-commerce continues to be a pivotal topic in the manufacturing world – distributors caught on to e-commerce comparatively quickly, as the demand for streamlined processing became a core competency. But in the manufacturing world, where product complexity is many times greater than the items delivered over traditional distribution channels, the acquisition and fulfillment of complete, complex, and high-dollar products becomes much more complicated.

B2B E-Commerce

Manufacturing companies that successfully leverage e-commerce as part of their overall go-to-market strategy do so in a variety of ways and seek to achieve a variety of benefits. That said, I thought it would be beneficial to cover some of the ways in which manufacturing companies are successfully leveraging e-commerce solutions to the benefit of their bottom line and their strategic initiatives.

Expanding Your Spare Parts Business

As a consultant, I once noticed an interesting trend when it came to system configuration – customers routinely spend an inordinate amount of time configuring their ERP system around their finished goods. And then they go live, and we all realize that the vast majority of their orders are not for finished goods but rather for spare parts. In many organizations, these orders amount to a significant revenue stream. Why is that? The margins achieved by service parts, replacement parts, spare parts, and related value streams are generally much higher than they are for finished goods. When a customer is in a bind, their machines are down, and product is not getting out the door, the demand for simple components goes way up, and as a result, the asking price similarly climbs.

To that end, e-commerce systems can streamline the process for finding the right part you need and expediting the fulfillment process, getting the order in the queue, without the need to chase down a customer service rep.

Expedited Warranty Processing

The flip side of the spare parts business is the world of warranty. In these cases, customers need some form of service part to address an issue covered by the original product’s warranty, often at no cost. Deploying your warranty parts to your e-commerce system allows your customer base to get a hold of the parts they need as soon as possible and helps cut down your own warranty costs by reducing the degree of human interaction. The net result is a better overall service offering, without the increase in overhead.

Finished Goods Acquisition

While our discussion has thus far centered on the acquisition of component parts, many manufacturers have extended their e-commerce offerings to include finished goods. I’ve seen customers readily deploy their highly standardized and stocked finished good products to their e-commerce systems, and in doing so, provide another avenue for customer service and order taking. This can be of great value to organizations that cater to both a B2B and B2C community. It can also service the lead-time needs of existing customers – in cases where companies are short-staffed on the order entry / customer service front, an e-commerce connection allows your customer base to get “first in line” when placing an order. In many industries, such a priority can shorten order-to-deliver lead times, which can be of great value to a given customer.

Customer Portal

The ability to stay on top of your orders has become of increasing importance to customers in B2B relationships. This includes but is not limited to orders that were placed online. When a customer places an order, they often expect online status information, to be able to track their orders through the fulfillment process. This can be important both for quick-turn items, where delivery timing is of the essence, or for large, long lead time items, where status at various stages becomes critical to know. E-commerce solutions provide a natural way to provide customers with updates to order status, whether the order was placed online or through a customer service representative. This allows you to provide an easy means of constant status to your customers while saving your own team.

Dealer Interaction

One important customer channel for many manufacturers is the dealer-distributor network. Dealers and distributors are a strange blend of outside sales and end customers, and their needs overlap the two. A goal for many organizations is to make their dealer-distributor network as much an extension of their own organization as possible. How is this done? Through seamless communication, often fostered by an e-commerce-enabled dealer portal. Dealer portals often combine elements of traditional e-commerce with elements that betray the intimacy that dealers need and expect from their manufacturing partners. Are you looking to better service the needs of your dealers and distributors? Give e-commerce a try.

24/7 Customer Service

As you might have noticed, many of the above circumstances have referenced difficulties in getting your order placed. This is surprisingly common, and I am forever shocked and surprised by the challenges many companies have in finding reliable customer service and order processing resources. Customer service is a difficult business, and many workers who might have posted for these roles have found other options. That said, the time it takes for your customers to get their orders into your system and “into the queue” can be a deal maker or a deal breaker. 

Providing an easy means to enter orders and get them immediately into the fulfillment cycle can be an enticing option. Also, in our increasingly remote world, where employees routinely look to get tasks done at odd hours, the ability to provide 24/7 customer service can be of great value to many organizations. When your customer is in a pinch due to an emergency or machine downtime, the ability to immediately get in front of you can be of immense value.

Separating the Best from the Rest

As you can see, e-commerce has grown in breadth and depth over the years to cover an increasing number of avenues and solve a variety of problems for customers. But now that we know what a world-class e-commerce solution can do for you, the question remains: what are the best practices for evaluating a world-class e-commerce solution? In our webinar on October 25th, 2023, our friends at Parttrap can help you see what you need to look for when evaluating an e-commerce solution.

B2B
Unlocking the SYSPRO System Audit Query

Unlocking the SYSPRO System Audit Query

System Audit Query – A SYSPRO ERP Administrator’s Go-To Report for SYSPRO Security Events

Being an administrator of an ERP system is no easy task. Thankfully, SYSPRO ships with several convenient programs that allow an administrator to actively monitor important events that are taking place within the system. One especially useful tool that stands out is the System Audit Query program (IMPJNS).

SYSPRO System Audit Query

SYSPRO System Audit

What You’ll Find in the SYSPRO System Audit Query Program

SYSPRO creates security logs automatically as events take place throughout the ERP. These logs are created to assist system administrators to better manage and review security related incidents in SYSPRO. The System Audit Query program is the place where these logs can be retrieved and analyzed. The program allows you to filter a time period for various security and system health-related events such as:

  • Access having been denied to a company or a program
  • Any security changes made to Groups, Roles, or specific operators
  • Logins attempted and any related error messages
  • Multi-Factor authentication changes or errors
  • System setup changes and activity related to licensing

Along with information about these events, the report can tell you which operator triggered the event, any notes associated with the event, as well as the name of the computer where the activity took place.

SYSPRO Security System Audit Query

One particularly important event that the System Audit Query program can identify for you is client-server disconnects. These are common problems reported by SYSPRO users and they can be highly complicated to investigate. SYSPRO generally has limited information about these events so the System Audit Query log is one of the few places where you can obtain valuable information about when/where they occur.

Along with the use of System Audit Query, you can investigate specific events even further by using the Job Logging Query program (IMPLOG). This program allows you to review and monitor general operator activity throughout SYSPRO.

For instance, if the System Audit Query reports technical issues relating to a specific operator, you can use the Job Logging Query program to analyze whether a specific program or user behavior is the cause of the problem. Be warned that the Job Logging Query program can take a long time to process if you choose to generate the report without filters. In a busy SYSPRO environment with a high number of daily users, the activity logs for operators will be dense and can take time to compile.

SYSPRO Job Logging Query

SYSPRO ERP Job Logging Query

A Day in the Life of a SYSPRO Admin

From the perspective of a SYSPRO administrator, actively monitoring the System Audit Query program is essential for ensuring the integrity of both the overall security and general stability of your ERP environment. The role of an ERP system administrator is undoubtedly challenging, requiring constant vigilance to ensure the smooth operation of crucial business processes.

Fortunately, SYSPRO equips administrators with a range of invaluable tools to actively monitor and maintain the system’s integrity. Among these, the System Audit Query program (IMPJNS) shines as a beacon of efficiency and reliability. With SYSPRO and its robust capabilities, administrators can confidently navigate the complex landscape of ERP management, ensuring their organizations operate seamlessly and securely.

Unlock the Full Potential of SYSPRO ERP Security with EstesGroup! Discover How Our Expert Consulting and Cutting-Edge Cloud Technology Services Can Help Your Business!