Please Wait a Moment
X

Infor LX Tips, Infor LN Tips, BPCS Tips, Baan Tips, Infor M3 Tips & Infor ERP News

Crossroads Connections

Infor ERP Tips & News from the Experts

Infor LX | Infor LN | BPCS | Baan | Infor M3

Does your existing data collection equipment and barcode label printers need some love and attention?

BPCS & Infor LX

Anthony Etzel 0 34441 Article rating: 5.0

Crossroads RMC knows that new equipment is not something that everyone can or wants to include in their budget. Sometimes you need to make due with what you have. We are proud to partner with a local company that repairs existing data collection equipment, and sells refurbished devices as well.

Want to bring a little life back into your equipment and extend their use? Contact us today to see if your data collection equipment can be given new life! 

Anthony J Etzel – Solutions Executive
Crossroads RMC
Phone: 1.630.955.1310, x125 | Cell: 1.610.220.5089
aetzel@crossroadsrmc.com

Infor's Support Schedule for LX & BPCS

Anthony Etzel 0 61710 Article rating: 5.0

Infor recently announced their support schedule for all versions of BPCS/LX. Not sure what your company’s strategy should be moving forward?

Let us help you figure out the best path forward for YOUR company. Our goal is to put you on a path that ensures that you are supported and that your needs are met today and in the future without breaking the bank. Learn More>
 

Conversion of SiM Tasks for WFi Workflows

Anthony Etzel 0 68097 Article rating: 5.0

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.

Does your existing data collection equipment and barcode label printers need some love and attention?

Kathy Barthelt 0 33351 Article rating: 5.0

Crossroads RMC knows that new equipment is not something that everyone can or wants to include in their budget. Sometimes you need to make due with what you have. We are proud to partner with a local company that repairs existing data collection equipment, and sells refurbished devices as well.

Want to bring a little life back into your equipment and extend their use? Contact us today to see if your data collection equipment can be given new life! 

Kathy Barthelt – VP Sales
Crossroads RMC
Phone: 1.630.955.1310, x113 | Cell: 1.630.408.7759
kbarthelt@crossroadsrmc.com

Do you have spreadsheets and separate databases that may or may not be tied to Baan/LN?

Kathy Barthelt 0 36733 Article rating: 5.0

Do you have spreadsheets and separate databases that you’re keeping on the side that may or may not be tied to Baan/LN?

-Do you wish they were integrated so that you didn’t have to manually go into each system to report on the data or look up information? 
-Are you running into problems because you don’t have exposure to all of the data that is critical to running your business?

Crossroads RMC has a team of integration experts who can create the integration you’ve been dreaming about… AND we have developed RMCconnector to allow for quick and easy translation data from your front end system into a format accepted by your back end ERP. 

Learn More

Baan/LN Tip: Saving Space in Your General Ledger

Kathy Barthelt 0 79134 Article rating: 5.0

Compressing Integration Transactions

One way to save space in your general ledger is to compress integration transactions. The transactions are combined into one ledger account number. However, the detail is still available in the integration transactions sessions.

The compression is seen after the transactions are finalized. 

Compression is established in the mapping scheme by checking the box under the columns “Compression of Debit/Credit Transactions". This can only be done in a mapping scheme that is not activated. 

BPCS/LX Tip: Backup and Save options

Anthony Etzel 0 55865 Article rating: No rating

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.

Navistar goes global with Crossroads RMC!

Kathy Barthelt 0 26743 Article rating: 4.7

Navistar, a leading manufacturer of commercial trucks, buses, defense vehicles, and engines, has selected Crossroads RMC’s data collection middleware to use for their global data collection solution. Implementation began in late 2018 with Navistar’s Illinois facility and will be completed in all other divisions by the end of 2019.

First7172737476787980Last

Tips:  LX | BPCS | M3

Tips: LN | Baan

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.
 

Print
10103 Rate this article:
5.0
Kathy Barthelt

Kathy BartheltKathy Barthelt

Other posts by Kathy Barthelt

Contact author

x

Categories