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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: The Machine Master Part 1

Anthony Etzel 0 82478 Article rating: No rating
Understanding:

The Machine Master File


Machines are associated with a work center. For example, in the work center you may have multiple machines and each machine can have a unique machine ID. If there are several machines that perform the same function, they may operate at different speeds and efficiencies. Setting up the machine master can be a benefit for planning capacity and shop order throughput.
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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Aborted Finalization Run

Kathy Barthelt 0 76157 Article rating: No rating
When a finalization run is aborted and in the batches selected for this finalization run are transaction types having the update mode finalization, you must use the Restart Finalization Run session. This session can be found in the Transaction Processing menu of the General Ledger Module of the Finance Package.
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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: SFC600

Anthony Etzel 0 79558 Article rating: No rating
In addition to SFC650, this ERPLX program is also used to capture and post shop floor information.

The key difference between the two is that SFC600 only captures Labor (run time) reporting, machine time, downtime and indirect time.

If you use SFC600, then all shop order material receipts and issues would be captured using INV500.

Both Inventory and Shop Floor Transaction entry is keyboard dependent, unless you incorporate an automated method like an MES solution to capture the data.
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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Downtime Reasons

Anthony Etzel 0 78513 Article rating: No rating

Using SFC600 to enter downtime.

You are tracking downtime and using SFC600 to enter the downtime, but you don’t know where to go to setup downtime reasons. You can set up the downtime reason codes in the INV application by selecting the reason code maintenance program INV140D1.

Once you are in the reason code maintenance program, position to the transaction effect code “D”. Using the transaction effect code “D” you can now setup as many downtime reason codes as needed. The reason code field is alpha numeric, so be creative with your reason code assignments.

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Restricted User Access

Kathy Barthelt 0 72923 Article rating: No rating
Administrators are able to restrict access in Baan in several ways – including Companies, Packages, Modules, Sessions, and Tables – using the Authorization capabilities of the system.

In Baan IV, access can be given or denied on a user by user basis.

In Baan V and LN, the Authorization Management System can provide or deny access based upon roles to which users are assigned.

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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Work Center - Cells

Anthony Etzel 0 60742 Article rating: No rating
The LMP module (Lean Manufacturing Process) uses work centers but refers to them as production cells.

A cell is one or more work centers that produces an end item. So when a company decides to adopt the lean manufacturing philosophy, the concept of work centers takes on a new meaning.

In lean terms, the work center, or group of work centers, becomes a production cell. In other words, a mini-factory producing end items with similar characteristics.
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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Closed, Final Closed, Provisional Close – What’s The Difference?

Kathy Barthelt 0 77138 Article rating: No rating

Fiscal, Reporting and Tax Periods can have status Open, Closed or Final Closed. If a period is Closed or Final Closed, you cannot post entries to those periods. If a period is Closed, you can re-set it to Open and post entries. If a period is Final Closed, you cannot post and you cannot set it back to Closed or Open.

A Provisional Close is run at year-end to bring the balances forward for the new year without having to close the previous year. A Provisional Close can be run as many times as you like. After a Final Close, a Provisional Close cannot be run.

The Provisional Close allows you to continue into the new year with all financial reporting and not have to rush with the Final Close until all adjusting entries are made and any final signoffs have been completed.

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Product Families

Kathy Barthelt 0 76912 Article rating: No rating

In Baan IVC, plan items on the lowest plan level were automatically actual items (not product families). All plan items on higher plan levels were product families.

The relationship between a product family and items on lower plan levels was defined in a planning bill of material.

In Infor LN, every family item must be defined in the Item Base Data module. A family item can exist on any plan level. The relationship between a family item and items on lower plan levels is defined in aggregation relationships.

Aggregation relationships in Infor LN are much more flexible than the planning bills of material in Baan IV. For example, users can define aggregation relationships between items on the same plan level.

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Tips:  LX | BPCS | M3

Tips: LN | Baan

Kathy Barthelt
/ Categories: Infor ERP Utilization Review, Support, Training & Workshops, Consulting, Finance, Operations, Technology, Executive

Eliminating ERP Customizations: Key Considerations and Modern Solutions

Transitioning away from customizations can indeed pose challenges, but it's not insurmountable with the right approach. Here’s a look at the real issues and solutions that can pave the way for a streamlined, up-to-date ERP.


Common Challenges:

  1. Dependency on Custom Processes
    Custom processes become ingrained, and removing them disrupts established workflows. However, business processes often evolve over time, as do best practices incorporated into modern ERP systems.

  2. Cost and Time Constraints
    Testing, retraining, and hiring consultants for an upgrade are valid concerns. Yet, consider the efficiency gains and reduced maintenance costs over time by utilizing standard ERP features.

  3. User Resistance
    Change management is critical, as employees can be skeptical of losing tools they’re familiar with. Effective communication about the benefits of standardized, future-ready tools can help ease the transition.


The Reality Check: Has Your Organization Changed?

Evaluate how much your business needs have shifted, how user expectations have evolved, and if any workarounds or interim solutions are now adding unnecessary complexity. Many companies discover that industry-standard ERP features can replace outdated customizations.


Did You Know?

  • ERP Upgrades Can Eliminate 25% - 50% of Customizations
    Modern ERP systems incorporate industry best practices as core features, allowing you to rely less on customizations and more on robust, standardized solutions.

  • Extensibility & Reporting Solutions
    Extensibility tools in Infor LN or Baan let users add last-mile functionality without modifying the core ERP. Reporting tools allow custom insights while keeping ERP data intact.


Solutions to Reduce Customization Dependency:

  1. Rewrite Customizations to Use Standard APIs and Libraries
    This ensures seamless interaction with core ERP features without modifying underlying code.

  2. Utilize Infor Extensibility and LN Studio
    Smaller tweaks can be handled with Extensibility; larger needs can leverage LN Studio for custom apps without touching the ERP's foundation.

  3. Incorporate Infor ION for External Integrations
    If customizations primarily manage integrations, Infor ION can connect and streamline external systems effectively.

  4. RMCgen for Custom Components
    RMCgen allows for custom development without altering standard programs, offering flexibility without compromising core stability.

  5. Analytics Dashboards for ERP Insights
    Dashboards offer tailored views and insights without requiring customizations in the ERP itself.

  6. Leverage Built-in Reporting Tools
    Infor Report Designer, Document Management, and BIRST can provide custom reporting, avoiding custom coding altogether.

  7. Assess Your Custom Components
    A thorough assessment of your customizations—internally or with Crossroads RMC consultants—can reveal areas for potential standardization and streamlining.

Let’s Talk Solutions

If customizations are standing in the way of your ERP’s full potential, Crossroads RMC can help. Connect with us at 800.762.2077, solutions@crossroadsrmc.com, or request a consultation to start your path towards a flexible, future-proof ERP.
 

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Kathy Barthelt

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