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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: LX 8.3.5 Facility Period Close

Anthony Etzel 0 44943 Article rating: 5.0

The Facility Period Close process was introduced in Infor LX 8.3.4 and has been enhanced in 8.3.5. This feature allows continuous or 24-hour worldwide operations in multiple facilities to submit Period End Close jobs for each facility as daily operations cease, or shifts end.

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.

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Order Series Full – Switching to a Different Series

Kathy Barthelt 0 164404 Article rating: 5.0

In general, you can enter a different series in the order field if you have an available series.

To add a new series, find the appropriate group in the First Free Number session, and add a new series and first free number (usually 1).

In Baan IV, go to the Maintain First Free Numbers Session (under Common, Tables, Maintain Logistics Tables, Maintenance 1).
Groups are easily identified (e.g., Purchase Order, Sales Order, etc.).

In Baan V, go to the First Free Number Session (under Common Data, Tables, Logistics). There are number groups (e.g., 570 may be for Purchase Orders, 650 may be for Sales Orders, etc.).

In LN, go to the First Free Number Session (tcmcs0150m000 – it is in different places in the menu under different Feature Packs). There are number groups (e.g., 210 may be for Purchase Orders, 310 may be for Sales Orders, etc.).

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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Revisit The Last Brilliant Idea

Anthony Etzel 0 48070 Article rating: No rating

Sometimes the best ideas have to be tabled due to competing priorities. That doesn’t mean that the idea was bad. Revisit previously suggested cost savings ideas, or ideas to make a manual process more efficient. Now could be the right time to do something great!

Optimize Your Manufacturing Today!

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Difference Between a Serialized Item and Unit Effective Item

Kathy Barthelt 0 132509 Article rating: No rating

A serialized item is not the same as a unit effective item. A serialized item has a serial number that is used to identify and track individual items, whereas a unit effectivity item has an effectivity unit that provides some information about the item's configuration. However, an item can be both serialized and unit effective.

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Alternative Materials in BOMs:

Kathy Barthelt 0 401423 Article rating: No rating

Often, multiple items are interchangeable even when these are purchased from various vendors. You can use any of these items as material in a bill of material (BOM). If a shortage of a standard material is expected to delay a production order, LN can automatically select one of the alternative materials. You can define up to nine alternative materials for any material in a BOM.

The use of alternative materials has the following advantages:

  • LN can handle material shortages for some items without user intervention.
  • The use of alternative items can reduce the average inventory level.
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BPCS/LX Tip of the Week: Purchase Order “In Use” Reset Feature 8.3.5

Anthony Etzel 0 43477 Article rating: No rating

 

This new feature provides the ability to resolve or reset a purchase order or requisition that is no longer being processed, but the system still indicates it is ‘in use’. We all remember those situations where we could never figure out how the order got hung up.

What we previously had to do was run a behind the scenes script to reset the flag so the order was again accessible. This enhancement provides the ability to resolve the issue and resume processes quickly.

This option is now on the PUR menu, and the user can select the Purchase Order/Requisition in Use Maintenance, PUR940D. The user then enters an order or requisition to remove the “In Use” status.

  

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Baan/LN Tip of the Week: Advantages / Disadvantages of Virtualization

Kathy Barthelt 0 136590 Article rating: 5.0

I know a lot of our customers are considering virtualization projects. I came across this, and thought it might be useful:

The advantages of virtualization include the following:

• You get more out of your existing resources. Pool common infrastructure resources and break the legacy “one application to one server” model with server consolidation.

• You can reduce datacenter costs by reducing your physical infrastructure and improving your server to admin ratio. Fewer servers and related IT hardware means reduced real estate and reduced power and cooling requirements. With better management tools, you can improve your server to admin ratio so personnel requirements are reduced.

• You can increase the availability of hardware and applications for improved business continuity.

• Securely back up and migrate entire virtual environments with no service interruptions. Eliminate planned downtime and recover immediately from unplanned issues.

  

• Gain operational flexibility. Respond to market changes with dynamic resource management, faster server provisioning, and improved application deployment.

The disadvantages of virtualization include the following:

• Virtualization adds overhead to the CPU, memory, IO, and network.

• Virtualization adds an additional layer to the hardware and software stack. Therefore, additional complexity is introduced in the following circumstances:

  • When sizing the physical server.
  • When planning VM capacity.
  • When planning multiple VMs on the same physical server.
  • When investigating performance issues.

 

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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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