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

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Infor ERP Tips & News from the Experts

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

Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Purchase Inquiry

Kathy Barthelt 0 73407 Article rating: No rating

In Baan IV Purchase Control, the purchase inquiry procedure enables user to:

  • Request a specific supplier to submit a quotation on the purchase inquiry for the delivery of an item.
  • Compare the prices and discounts of the quotations that are submitted by different suppliers.
  • Copy the inquiry data to a purchase order.

In LN, you can:

  • Request multiple business partners to submit a quotation on a specific request-for-quotation for the delivery of an item.
  • Compare the received quotations based on the following criteria:
    1. Price
    2. Quantity
    3. Vendor rating
    4. Delivery dates
    5. RFQ subjective criteria
  • Copy the quotation data to a purchase order, a purchase contract, or a price book.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Using Pre-Assigned Lot Numbers

Anthony Etzel 0 40507 Article rating: 5.0

Some items in the manufacturing process may require a lot number. A quick and easy way to release the Shop Orders with lot numbers is by using the Multi-Level Shop Order Release.

Simply select the end item from the selection screen and use action 10 for the multi-level order release. At the bottom of the release screen is the field “Pre-Assign a Lot Number to Shop Orders”. Select 1 for the pre-assigned lot number assignment option.

This option will use the pre-assigned lot number on the shop order, if the lot number exists. If the lot number does not exist, the system will automatically create a lot number and assign it to the shop order for all items that are lot-controlled.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Blonder Tongue Goes Live with Crossroads MES

Anthony Etzel 0 25024 Article rating: 5.0
Blonder Tongue Labs recently went live with the Crossroads MES solution over their current BPCS 6.0.4 environment. They selected the Crossroads MES solution for its shop floor management and reporting capabilities. Blonder Tongue is a leader in the field of cable-television communications products. They are planning an upgrade to LX and will expand the usage of Crossroads MES in the LX environment.

Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Financial Year End – Have You Done All You Need To Do?

Kathy Barthelt 0 72689 Article rating: 4.0

I'm reposting this checklist for things to consider in order to finish out the year, and plan for next year…

  • Are your accounting records up to date so that you can make a projection of how the current year will turn out?
  • Are all account reconciliations currently up to date to facilitate the closing of the books after year end?
  • Are there accounts receivable that should be reserved for or written off prior to the end of the year?
  • If your business carries inventory, do you need to plan a physical count as of the end of the year?
  • Has depreciation on your fixed assets been recorded during the year? Have you considered depreciation on current year additions?
  • Have all new asset purchases and bank loans been recorded on your books?
  • Are there any liabilities, for example, pending legal actions or warranty issues, which will need to be recorded prior to year end? 
  • Do you have a plan in place to properly “cut-off” revenue at year end to properly match revenue and expense?
  • Will there be bonuses, profit sharing contributions or discretionary retirement plan contributions paid prior to the end of the year? How will these payments affect cash flow?
  • Will you be in compliance with your bank covenants at year end?
  • Do you need to make arrangements to receive statements as of the end of the year for cash value of life insurance, loan balances, etc.?

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Additional Electronic Signature Controls

Anthony Etzel 0 34226 Article rating: No rating

Electronic Signature Controls have been expanded to include additional programs, files and fields.  

When manufacturing work centers are updated through Work Center Maintenance (CAP100), the system can now require Electronic Signature processing to complete the process. This enhancement allows for broader Electronic Signature controls.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Problems With Staying on an Old Porting Set

Kathy Barthelt 0 68084 Article rating: No rating

Here are some issues that you might run into if you stay on an old porting set too long:

  • Incompatibility because of operating system patches
  • Printing issues because of out-of-date libraries
  • Potential performance issues if binaries are not updated
  • Updating third party products may not be possible because of dependencies
  • Limited support from Infor
  • Issues with updating database software/patches because of dependencies (if database is also running on same server as application)

Need help getting on a newer porting set? We'd be happy to help.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Facility Security Ranges

Anthony Etzel 0 33137 Article rating: No rating

Previously, a user was able to complete the Cost Transfer (CST920) process for any range of facilities regardless of their security settings established in SYS600.

This enhancement verifies the user security settings that were set up in SYS600 before processing cost transfers for a range of facilities in CST920. If the user has authority for a facility range, but there are facilities within that range that are not authorized, the program skips those facilities and complete the cost transfer process. This enhancement provides security in CST920 that prevents incorrect cost transfers from being processed.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Inventory Transaction Post to G/L by Cost Type

Anthony Etzel 0 32031 Article rating: No rating

This enhancement provides a method to post material, labor and overhead values on inventory postings to the general ledger to meet financial reporting requirements. The solution provides an optional further breakdown of cost by cost bucket using the new G/L Cost Type.

The benefit this program provides is the ability to post detailed material, labor, and overhead values during inventory posting to the general ledger to meet financial reporting requirements. It also helps isolate import and transport cost elements required by some countries. Global companies with intercompany purchasing are able to isolate material costs so that it is eliminated at a consolidated level.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

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Tips:  LX | BPCS | M3

Improves control over PO costing changes during invoice entry by replacing passive warnings with an intentional override action.

  • In ACP500D3 (Invoice Entry PO Costing), users previously could unintentionally accept changes by pressing ENTER, even when quantity to cost or amount to cost values had changed.

  • A new “F14 to Override” warning message replaces the old message:
    “Details have changed. Press enter again to accept data.”
    This ensures users acknowledge and confirm significant changes explicitly.

New System Parameter:

  • “Apply GRN Costing Tolerance for PO Costing” (optional):

    • Within tolerance: Displays the original message —
      “Details have changed. Press enter again to accept data.”

    • Outside tolerance: Triggers the new override requirement —
      “F14 to Override”

Benefits:

  • Enhances oversight and reduces unintentional cost acceptance.

  • Enables better control of PO costs when invoice details differ from expectations.

Last

Tips: LN | Baan

Avoid Being a Quitter: How Crossroads RMC Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

Unlocking Success Infor LX/BPCS & Infor LN and Baan

Avoid Being a Quitter

As the calendar flips to January 1st, it marks the beginning of a new year filled with fresh opportunities and resolutions. It's that time when many of us set ambitious goals for ourselves, both personally and professionally. But, how often do these aspirations fizzle out before we even hit the second Friday of the year? It's so common that they even call it "Quitter's Day." However, it's not too late to stay on track and realize your ambitions. In this article, we'll focus on the professional side of goal-setting and how Crossroads RMC can be your ally in achieving manufacturing excellence.

Step 1: Make Your Goals Bite-Sized

While you might have grand ambitions, like upgrading your ERP system, increasing customer satisfaction, or optimizing your supply chain, achieving these goals often involves breaking them down into smaller, manageable projects. Here's how you can start:

  • Why: Understand why you want to make these changes. Is it to retain your top customers, leverage new ERP features, or streamline your supply chain?
  • What: Clearly define the desired outcomes – be it increased sales, enhanced efficiency, or cost reduction.
  • Who: Identify the key players who can help you achieve these goals. Do you have the necessary resources in-house, or should you consider external expertise?
  • When: Establish a timeline, considering your overall company initiatives, project priorities, and deadlines. Make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, and time-based (SMART).

For example:

  • Increase customer satisfaction for our top 5 customers by 10% in the next 6 months.
  • Reduce production mistakes in our welding department by 50% within a year.


Step 2: Identify Roadblocks

What's preventing you from reaching your goals? Is it a lack of resources, support, or the right tools? Consider these factors:

  • Lack of bandwidth: Assess your team's capacity. Can you involve colleagues from other departments or partners?
  • Support: Get buy-in from business leaders by demonstrating the ROI and benefits of your project. Educate your coworkers on its importance.
  • Tools: Explore features in your ERP system that you might not be utilizing fully. Is an upgrade or additional software add-ons needed?

 
Step 3: Take Action and Persist

Creating a plan is vital, but remember, the path to success isn't always smooth. Prepare for challenges and adapt as needed:

  • Develop a comprehensive plan to execute your goals.
  • Communication is key. Keep your team informed about progress and challenges.
  • Adjust your plan when necessary. Mistakes are part of the journey and can lead to future success.


How Crossroads RMC Can Help You in 2024

At Crossroads RMC, we understand the challenges manufacturers face, and we're here to support your journey to success. Here's how we can assist:

  • Implement new functionality in your existing ERP system.
  • Lead the way in upgrading your ERP to the latest version.
  • Provide training based on best practices for your employees.
  • Automate time-consuming, manual processes.
  • Integrate your systems, creating a seamless, cohesive environment.
  • Deliver ERP add-on solutions that save you time and money.

We offer a comprehensive range of consulting services and software designed to optimize manufacturing by reducing costs, improving quality, and enhancing efficiency.

Learn More:

Infor LX & BPCS Services> Infor LX & BPCS Software>

Infor LN & Baan Services> Infor LN & Baan Software>
 

It's Time for Action!

Contact us today at solutions@crossroadsrmc.com or call us at 800.762.2077 to discuss your ERP goals. Let Crossroads RMC be your partner in making 2024 a resounding success for your manufacturing business!

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