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P21WWUG CONNECT 2024 and the Future of Prophet 21

P21WWUG CONNECT 2024 and the Future of Prophet 21

P21WWUG CONNECT 2024 Sponsor EstesGroup

EstesGroup is Proud to Sponsor the P21WWUG CONNECT Event in Chicago

As a proud Gold Sponsor of the Prophet 21 World Wide Users Group (P21WWUG) CONNECT event in Chicago, EstesGroup invites you to join us for this incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow your business. This annual event is a must-attend for anyone using Prophet 21 software in the distribution industry. With expert-led sessions, user-driven classes, and valuable networking opportunities, CONNECT 2024 is the perfect place to gain new insights and connect with like-minded professionals.

Why You Should Attend CONNECT 2024

CONNECT 2024 features a lineup of expert speakers, including Epicor representatives, industry leaders, and experienced P21 users. Gain valuable knowledge and insights from those who have been in your shoes and have found success. Connect with other P21 users from around the world, share your experiences, and learn from one another. EstesGroup, as Gold Sponsor, will offer multiple networking opportunities, and the Prophet 21 World Wide User Group will bring your team even more opportunities to network with peers this year.

Discover New Solutions for Prophet 21 ERP

At P21WWUG CONNECT 2024, you can engage directly with vendors presenting a diverse array of complementary products and services aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing profitability. Discover the tools essential for moving your business forward, ensuring that you remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving marketplace. Whether seeking streamlined operations or aiming for enhanced performance, this event provides the platform to explore solutions tailored to your specific needs, empowering you to elevate your business to new heights.

Get Answers to Your P21 Questions

Whether you’re seeking clarity on specific functionalities or aiming to optimize your usage of the platform, this opportunity offers a direct line to expertise. Engage with fellow users and experts alike, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the depths of Prophet 21 and emerge with actionable strategies to improve operations. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in the distribution industry.

EstesGroup’s CONNECT 2024 Session: Overcoming Obstacles to Web UI Migration

As a leader in helping businesses transition to the Prophet 21 Web UI, EstesGroup will be presenting a session titled “Overcoming Obstacles to Web UI Migration.” Our team of experts will share valuable insights, best practices, and lessons learned from helping numerous clients make the switch from the legacy Desktop App to the Middleware/Web UI-based configuration. You will learn:

  • How to configure middleware servers for optimal Web UI performance
  • How to adapt to changes in printing and reporting with the Web UI
  • How to handle scheduled tasks and TCPX in the new environment
  • How to migrate custom functionality, including Dynachange screen mods, business rules, portals, reports, integrations, and more

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from our experienced team and gain the knowledge you need to successfully migrate to the Prophet 21 Web UI.

As your trusted partner in Prophet 21 implementation, optimization, cloud deployment, and support, EstesGroup is committed to your success. We are excited to sponsor and participate in CONNECT 2024, and we look forward to connecting with you in Chicago. Visit our booth at the event to learn more about our services, including the following:

  • Prophet 21 implementation and upgrades
  • Web UI migration and optimization
  • Custom development and integrations
  • P21 training and support
  • Custom cloud solutions
  • Technology solutions and services managed by EstesGroup’s Prophet 21 experts

Our team of experienced consultants will be on hand to answer your questions, provide demos, and discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals with Epicor Prophet 21, third-party solutions, distribution industry trends, business excellence, and more!

EstesGroup Interviews Dan Aldridge: A Journey Through ERP

EstesGroup Interviews Dan Aldridge: A Journey Through ERP

Celebrating 20 Years with EstesGroup

For two decades, EstesGroup has been immersed in the world of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), aiding companies in harnessing technology for their organizational advancement. In honor of EstesGroup’s 20th anniversary, we embark on a series of interviews with friends and colleagues who have shared in our remarkable journey.

Dan Aldridge Interview ESTES LIVE 2024

On January 12th, Brad Feakes, President of EstesGroup, sat down with Dan Aldridge, a prominent figure in the ERP community and a burgeoning social media influencer in the realms of digital transformation, change management, and Enterprise Resource Planning.

Begin with Baan

Dan brings a unique perspective to the ERP landscape, having actively participated in ERP since the late ’90s and directly witnessing the Y2K ERP boom and its aftermath. Having gained experience with Baan’s Tier 1 ERP solution at its peak, he observed its subsequent decline and eventual integration into Infor’s comprehensive suite of ERP solutions. One could say he has witnessed it all.

Network Equals Net Worth

Dan’s career is characterized by the relationships cultivated along the journey. Colleagues from past ventures became the foundation for new endeavors. When it was time to expand the team and venture into new territories, his network provided invaluable support. Reflecting on the past, Dan finds new connections emerging based on shared business cultures that transcend their original brands.

Inbound and Outbound Strategies

In marketing and business development, Dan emphasizes the transformative power of relationships. Rather than conforming to algorithmic preferences, he advocates for informative and educational content that fosters genuine connections. “Network equals net worth” underscores the organic growth nurtured by meaningful relationships. Dan’s approach to content marketing aligns with his organizational goals while building his personal brand. In the ERP space, inbound marketing is inherently relational, focusing on solving problems and building connections that drive business growth.

Scaling, Impaling, and Prevailing

Dan’s insights into business growth and operations extend from his experiences as a business owner and a leader tasked with growing an ERP organization in the US market. Scaling organizations presents unique challenges that extend beyond implementation activities. Navigating growth requires tailored approaches in sales and marketing, particularly when transitioning from a smaller market to a larger one.

Solutions vs. Services

A notable challenge in the ERP space lies in the disparity between selling ERP solutions and selling implementation services. Selling ERP solutions emphasizes software capabilities, while selling implementation services focuses on demonstrating domain authority and expertise. As a consultant, selling services is often more straightforward due to the control over delivery, unlike the uncertainties associated with software sales.

Navigating the Future: Cloud ERP and Composable ERP

Cloud ERP dominates the horizon as on-premise models become obsolete. Dan explores the concept of Composable ERP, envisioning dynamic ERP architectures built atop legacy infrastructure without necessitating underlying system upgrades. This approach offers large organizations the flexibility to create common business processes across divisions with disparate systems, heralding a new era in ERP adaptability.

Next Steps: More EstesGroup Interviews to Come!

As the year unfolds, EstesGroup will continue celebrating its 20th anniversary by reflecting on the journey alongside the friends and colleagues who have been part of this remarkable story. We look forward to sharing more EstesGroup interviews with you along the way.

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Watch EstesGroup Interviews on YouTube to Learn More about ERP in 2024

Freight Forward to the Future: P21 Web UI Migration Options

Freight Forward to the Future: P21 Web UI Migration Options

Transitioning to the P21 Web UI Version

Keeping your Prophet 21 ERP system up to date poses numerous challenges, especially when dealing with upgrades. The testing, retesting, troubleshooting, and remediation processes can be time-consuming and demanding. Transitioning to the P21 Web UI introduces even greater challenges, with larger changes, increased risks, and heightened frustrations for end users. Consequently, the adoption of the P21 Web UI has been progressing slowly, akin to molasses in January, as they say in Canada.

Prophet 21 P21 Web UI Migration Distribution Warehouse

In November, EstesGroup sponsored the Southeast User Group chapter of the P21WWUG, presenting on P21 Infrastructure Best Practices and the elusive topic of Web UI Migrations. Our polls revealed that two-thirds of customers have yet to fully migrate from the P21 desktop application.

For customers still tethered to a desktop version seeking a way out, we recommend two approaches when planning a P21 Web UI migration: incremental or big bang.

An Incremental Approach

For those committed to the last branched version (2021.1) and hesitant to fully transition from the P21 desktop, an incremental approach is advisable. The customer creates an ecosystem as a live testing model, gradually shifting from the old to the new through the following steps:

  • Develop an adoption plan for “branched” usage, initially allocating specific hours for web UI use.
  • Configure a branched deployment in the live environment, allowing parallel use of desktop and web UI.
  • Instruct users to incrementally operate on the web UI during designated hours.
  • Address reported shortcomings incrementally through IT or ERP administrator intervention.
  • Create a remediation work plan for identified issues and initiate resolution.
  • Conduct remediation and testing cycles until all issues are resolved.
  • Increase web UI usage until reaching a predefined cutoff amount of time.
  • Attain user and management signoff, and officially transition all users to the web UI.
  • Stabilize the live cutover environment and provide ongoing support.

A Big Bang Approach

For customers seeking a more significant leap to a web-only version (2022+), the big bang approach is recommended. This involves an implementation-level cutover executed in one decisive move:

  • Deploy the Web UI to a middleware-only test environment.
  • Conduct user testing, addressing and communicating issues as they arise.
  • Create a remediation work plan and resolve identified issues.
  • Document remediations and compile into a cutover plan, expanding the testing pool.
  • Conduct a mock cutover (CRP), regression testing, and address any remaining issues.
  • Attain user and management sign-off for the “go live” decision.
  • Repeat the cutover to the new version in the live environment with Web UI.
  • Stabilize the live cutover environment and provide ongoing support.

The Weight (and Freight) of Risk in P21 Migrations

The choice between incremental and big bang approaches depends on your risk tolerance and desired rewards. If you seek to minimize risks, choose the incremental approach. For maximizing rewards, opt for the big bang. Each approach comes with its own set of risks, rewards, and characteristics. If you need assistance with your Web UI Migration, please reach out to us!

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.

Turning the Degenerative into Generative AI in ERP

Turning the Degenerative into Generative AI in ERP

Generative AI in Enterprise Resource Planning

Generative AI (GenAI) is currently revolutionizing work dynamics and interactions. Despite initial societal skepticism and perceived risks, the majority of individuals are embracing and enjoying its capabilities. GenAI holds the power to significantly enhance efficiency and streamline operations for enterprises. When seamlessly integrated into an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, GenAI can have a positive impact on overall enterprise operations and productivity.

Generative AI ERP workstation with female engineer coding

AI TriSM

For enterprises to fully leverage GenAI in their ERP systems and applications, establishing a universal level of trust and understanding is crucial. Implementing AI TriSM controls – focusing on trust, risk, security, and management – is essential to unlock the full potential of GenAI. Over the next few years, standard regulations will likely make GenAI more trustworthy and reliable. It is anticipated that organizations will incorporate TRiSM controls into their cloud and ERP system applications to minimize risk, maintain compliance, and fortify security. The capabilities and benefits of GenAI for ERP systems and applications encompass:

  • Creative Collaboration and Problem Solving
  • Elimination of Time-Consuming, Arduous Tasks
  • Improved Employee Performance
  • Increased Productivity
  • Automation of Data Processes
  • Elimination of Flawed, Irrelevant Data for Optimal Decision-Making
  • Risk Reduction
  • Heightened Security with TRiSM Controls
  • Digital Assistance and Software Innovation
  • Redefined and Enhanced Jobs with GenAI Tools

The Cloud AI Shift

Generative AI undeniably holds the potential to completely transform ERP systems, applications, and cloud management. The capabilities and benefits of this technology are clear. However, as enterprises embrace this technological shift, having a trusted guide is crucial. EstesGroup has always been your reliable source for ERP systems and cloud services.

As GenAI becomes more regulated and applicable to enterprise operations, rest assured that our company will assist you in incorporating this technology. We are committed to keeping you at the forefront of technology, innovation, and productivity. EstesGroup can also aid in employee re-skilling as roles are redefined, and we will navigate regulation and compliance to ensure optimal risk management and data security.

AI in Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, Sage, and SYSPRO ERP

In the realm of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds particular importance for leading systems such as Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, SYSPRO ERP, and Sage ERP. These platforms stand to benefit immensely from AI advancements, enhancing their capabilities and providing tailored solutions for businesses. In Epicor Kinetic, AI can optimize supply chain management, forecast demand, and automate routine tasks, resulting in more agile and responsive operations. For Epicor Prophet 21, AI can streamline inventory management, analyze customer behaviors, and enhance order processing efficiency. In SYSPRO ERP, AI can bolster production planning, inventory optimization, and predictive maintenance, contributing to overall operational excellence. Sage ERP systems, when integrated with AI, can revolutionize financial management, automate data entry, and provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making. The synergy between AI and these ERP systems represents a pivotal leap towards efficiency, precision, and innovation in enterprise management.

The Sensitive Nature of GenAI Data in ERP

Cloud hosting in a trusted data center stands as the epitome of security for ERP systems harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Leveraging the advanced infrastructure and protocols of a trusted data center ensures unparalleled reliability and resilience. The redundant systems and robust architecture not only guarantee minimal downtime but also provide a secure environment crucial for the sensitive nature of ERP data. The cloud, with its scalable resources, accommodates the dynamic computing needs of AI applications, enabling seamless integration and optimal performance.

Additionally, top-tier data centers adhere to stringent security measures, incorporating advanced encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. This fortified combination of cloud hosting and data center standards ensures that ERP systems not only harness the transformative capabilities of AI but do so in an environment that prioritizes data integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility with the utmost diligence.

Elastic Computing Revolutionizes Business Dynamics

Elastic Computing Revolutionizes Business Dynamics

Cloud Resources are Changing the Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Landscapes

In the world of cloud options for businesses, elastic computing refers to the ability to dynamically scale computing resources up or down based on demand, without the need for significant manual intervention. It involves the use of cloud computing and virtualization technologies to provide flexibility and cost-efficiency in managing IT infrastructure. This allows for greater flexibility and scalability, as resources can be easily scaled up or down based on dynamic business needs. Cloud computing also eliminates the need for organizations to invest in and maintain their own physical infrastructure, such as on-site servers, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Elastic Computing Cloud Servers

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization, on the other hand, involves creating a virtual version of a device or resource, such as a server, operating system, or storage device. This virtualization technology allows multiple virtual instances to run on a single physical machine, effectively maximizing the utilization of hardware resources. By consolidating multiple virtual machines onto a single physical server, organizations can reduce the number of physical servers required, leading to cost savings in terms of hardware, power, and cooling.

Bringing Cloud and Virtualization Together

When combined, cloud computing and virtualization technologies offer numerous benefits for managing IT infrastructure. Firstly, they provide flexibility in terms of resource allocation. With cloud computing, organizations can easily scale up or down their computing resources based on their needs, ensuring that they have the right amount of resources at any given time. Virtualization allows for the efficient utilization of hardware resources, enabling organizations to make the most of their existing infrastructure.

Pay-As-You-Go, Quick-To-Market Technologies

At the end of the day, new cloud-based technologies offer cost savings throughout the entire business ecosystem. By leveraging cloud computing, organizations can avoid the upfront costs associated with purchasing and maintaining physical infrastructure. Instead, they can pay for the resources they actually use on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

Virtualization further reduces costs by allowing organizations to consolidate their hardware resources, reducing the number of physical servers required and the associated costs of power, cooling, and maintenance.

Additionally, cloud computing and virtualization technologies enhance the agility and scalability of IT infrastructure. With cloud computing, organizations can quickly provision and deploy resources, allowing for faster time-to-market for new applications and services. Virtualization enables organizations to easily scale their infrastructure up or down based on demand, ensuring that they can meet changing business needs without disruption.

Furthermore, these technologies improve the reliability and availability of IT infrastructure. Cloud computing providers typically offer robust infrastructure with built-in redundancy and failover mechanisms, ensuring high availability of services.

Virtualization also enhances reliability by isolating virtual machines from each other, preventing issues in one virtual machine from affecting others.

The use of cloud computing and virtualization technologies in managing IT infrastructure provides organizations with flexibility, cost-efficiency, agility, scalability, reliability, and availability. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can optimize their resource utilization, reduce costs, and improve their overall IT operations. Here are the top 10 benefits of elastic computing for manufacturing and distribution businesses:

Scalability

Elastic computing allows businesses to easily scale their IT infrastructure to accommodate fluctuating demand, ensuring that resources are available when needed without over-provisioning.

Cost Efficiency

By scaling resources up or down as required, businesses can optimize their IT costs, paying only for the computing power they actually use, reducing overall expenses.

Resource Optimization

It enables efficient use of computing resources, avoiding underutilization during periods of low demand and preventing resource bottlenecks during peak periods.

Improved Performance

Elasticity ensures that applications and systems can maintain consistent performance levels even during traffic spikes or increased workloads.

Flexibility

Businesses can quickly adapt to changing market conditions or unexpected events, such as seasonal variations in demand or unforeseen disruptions by adjusting computing resources in real time.

Reduced Downtime

Elastic computing minimizes the risk of system failures or downtime due to resource constraints, as additional resources can be provisioned automatically in response to increased load.

Enhanced Disaster Recovery

Elastic computing can support robust disaster recovery and backup solutions, enabling businesses to replicate their systems across multiple locations or cloud regions for data redundancy and resilience.

Global Reach

Businesses can leverage cloud providers’ global data center networks to expand their operations into new regions and markets without the need for physical infrastructure investments.

Resource Isolation

Elastic computing can provide resource isolation and security, ensuring that applications and data remain protected even when sharing cloud infrastructure with other users.

Agility and Innovation

With the ability to rapidly provision and experiment with new resources and technologies, businesses can innovate more quickly and bring new products or services to market faster.

The Value in Cloud Elasticity

In manufacturing and distribution, elastic computing is particularly valuable because it allows companies to handle seasonal demand fluctuations, respond to supply chain disruptions, and efficiently manage their IT costs. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing marketplace, businesses need to be agile in order to stay competitive. This means being able to quickly adapt to new trends, technologies, and customer demands. Agility allows companies to respond swiftly to market changes, seize new opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.

However, agility alone is not enough. Businesses also need to ensure the reliability and performance of their critical systems. These systems are the backbone of the organization, supporting key operations and processes. Any downtime or performance issues can have severe consequences, such as lost revenue, damaged reputation, and dissatisfied customers.

By combining agility with reliability and performance, businesses can achieve a winning formula. They can swiftly respond to market changes while maintaining the stability and efficiency of their critical systems. This requires a careful balance between innovation and stability, as well as a robust infrastructure and effective risk management strategies.

Agility enables businesses to quickly adapt their strategies, products, and services to meet changing customer needs and preferences. It allows them to experiment, iterate, and pivot as necessary, without being tied down by rigid processes or outdated technologies. This flexibility is crucial in a dynamic marketplace where customer expectations are constantly evolving.

On the other hand, reliability and performance ensure that businesses can deliver on their promises consistently. Customers expect products and services to work flawlessly, without any disruptions or delays. Critical systems, such as e-commerce platforms, supply chain management systems, or customer support systems, need to be highly available, scalable, and efficient. This requires robust infrastructure, rigorous testing, and proactive monitoring to identify and address any issues before they impact the business.

Why Manufacturers and Distributors are Choosing EstesCloud

Businesses need both agility, reliability, and performance to thrive in today’s dynamic manufacturing and distribution industry landscape. Agility allows companies to adapt and innovate, while reliability and performance ensure that their critical systems can support their operations effectively. By striking the right balance between these two factors, businesses can remain competitive, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and achieve long-term success.

Ready to move your business to the cloud? In the cloud and ready for a better cloud environment?

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