This enhancement simplifies access to LX programs that are available through System i Manager (SiM), as well as Workflow for System I (WFi). This provides an easy way to promote common WFi business processes from one LX environment (for example, test or environment) to another LX environment (for example, production). 

LX also provides a set of four-character task codes that can be used within SiM, System i Workspace (SiW), and WFi, for default programs in LX. These predefined LX task codes begin with 0,1,2,3, or 4. Users can specify task codes for their custom programs that are flagged as valid menu options in LX, but these task codes cannot begin with 0,1,2,3, or 4. Users can specify the task codes in Infor LX Object Master Maintenance, SYS625D. This enhancement provides simplified access to LX programs that are flagged as valid menu options in System i Manager and Workflow for System i environments. In SYS625D, The user can also specify task codes in SYS625D for customized programs that are flagged as valid menu options.

Users are no longer limited to backing up or saving files to a tape or diskette.They can now use a Save File (SAVF) to save data and objects. LX programs that perform saves and/or backups were modernized to add a new SAVF option.  

There were numerous places in LX where users are prompted to save a file or library. These screens have options for tape or diskette. Diskette refers to the old 8” diskettes used on System/38. These devices are outdated and virtually obsolete. The current means of saving objects on the IBM i, is through the use of a Save File (SAVF). This compresses the data into a single object that can be saved and is easily transferred between systems.

These objects were modified and/or created for this enhancement:

• Backup Simulation (FOR630C, FOR630D, FOR630FM, FOR640HT, and FOR630HT)
• Month End Close (INV903D, INV903FM, INV901C, and INV903HT)
• Purge YTH/Restore Archived Lots (INV912C, INV912D, INV912DHT, and INV912FM)
• Purge and Save ITH records (INV932C, INV932D, INV932FM, and INV932HT)
• Labor Ticket Save (SFC905D, SFC905FM, SFC901C, and SFC905HT)
• Backup Infor LX Files (SYS700C, SYS700D, SYS700FM, and SYS700HT)
• Backup Infor LX Programs (SYS710C, SYS710D, SYS710FM, and SYS710HT)
• Backup Infor LX Source (SYS740C, SYS740D, SYS740FM, and SYS740HT)
• Save File Name Selection (SYS912D, SYS912FM, and SYS912HT)

Benefit

Use the Backup Simulation to copy a simulation file to a SAVF or tape. Users may want to do this to transfer simulation data from one system to another, from site to site, or to save the data before permanently deleting it from the system.

This feature provides the ability to enter information in the shelf life days and retest days fields for non-QMS lot controlled items, even when the QMS product is installed. The purpose of this enhancement is to allow the user to enter information for non-QMS lot controlled items even when QMS is activated in Parameters Generation, SYS800D. In previous versions, when QMS was activated, the Shelf Life Days and Retest Days fields in Facility Planning Maintenance (MRP140) and Item Master Maintenance (INV100) were not maintainable for non-QMS lot controlled items. The user is now able to change non-QMS lot controlled items even when a QMS product is installed.

The Facility Period Close process, as introduced in Infor LX 8.3.4, was designed to function interactively. 

The expectation was that clients with a continuous or 24-hour worldwide operation in multiple facilities would submit the Period End Close jobs for each facility as daily operations ceased or shifts ended for each facility. This process was designed to function interactively so that validations of users performing transactions that conflicted with period end processing, and resulting messages, were immediately sent to the period end user. 

This enhancement provides a batch mode for the Facility Period Close (INV930) process and allows the Update IIM Inventory from IWI (INV931) process to be submitted from the INV930B program. The enhancement also provides a batch mode for the INV931 process. For example, a user has a 24-hour operation in facilities around the world, but a centralized IT operation. With this enhancement the user can submit the individual facilities to be closed to a batch process that can be managed by a scheduler, automatically releasing each facility to be closed at a predetermined time.

From John O'Kelly's article on Manufacturing.net:

"Regardless of industry, efficiency gains and increased speed provide a competitive edge. The ever-increasing competition in the manufacturing world makes it necessary to find new, efficient ways to speed up the process while remaining accurate and productive. While flying robots and miracle technologies may promise to reshape the industry, we still have a way to go until full automation, and thus the most important asset on the manufacturing floor in 2019 will remain its people.

In 2019, the focus will undoubtably be increasing efficiencies, and this can be achieved through investing in employees, equipping them with the proper techniques and tools. An invested labor force will limit mistakes on the manufacturing floor and improve throughput at every level of the process."

Here are a few best practices to increase efficiency on the manufacturing floor in 2019:

1. Invest in your labor force
2. Prioritize quality assurance
3. Improve labeling errors

You can read the full article with detailed descriptions at: https://blog.safe.com/

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

You’ve got an ERP system, so everything should be real-time and everyone should have access to information in real-time, right? RIGHT?!

Why not? Why are there spreadsheets, and separate Access databases off to the side?

Data loses value over time, so why not give everyone up to date, accurate information all the time? Take a look at those silos of information and see how you can eliminate them. Your business will benefit greatly as a result.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

When is the last time you took a hard look at your production lines?

• How are you moving product through the facility?
• Do you have work instructions / drawings available where needed?
• Do you have frequently used inventory available at the line?
• Where are the bottlenecks?
• Are your processes simplified?

Taking a hard look at your processes and procedures may reveal some interesting results. Don’t assume that everyone is doing things the same way. Some may be superstars, and others may need some mentoring. Some processes may be outdated and costing you time and money, while others are extremely efficient. One area of the business may benefit from how others operate. Take the time to review and analyze your findings. Your company may benefit greatly as a result.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Such lofty goals you had when you implemented your ERP system. It was going to be like pressing the “Easy Button”…  then it wasn’t.

What happened? In some cases, decisions were made to implement the system “just like we used to run our old system”. Great idea? Not so much. Your business changes, and your business software needs to change as well.

Are you using the ERP system, but everything seems cumbersome and takes more time than its worth? 

Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you looked at streamlining your processes?
• Can you automate a step or two and eliminate some manual keying?
• Can you add barcoding to avoid keying in some information altogether?
• How about automating the printing of some reports?

Now is the time to sit down and really review the steps required to complete the task and think out of the box a bit. Soon you can develop your own streamlined process to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!