5 Biggest Challenges in Modern Distribution Solved With ERP

The distribution industry faces several challenges in today’s fast-paced market. Fortunately, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems offer solutions that can streamline operations and improve efficiency. In his article for Global Trade Magazine, Ryan Condon explores how ERP systems are addressing key challenges in modern distribution. From inventory management to customer relationships, ERP offers powerful solutions to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Here’s how ERP can tackle five major hurdles in distribution:

  1. Inventory Management. Distributors often struggle with keeping accurate track of stock levels. ERP systems provide real-time inventory updates, ensuring better stock control and reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts.
  2. Order Accuracy. Inaccurate orders can lead to delays and customer dissatisfaction. ERP systems improve order accuracy by automating the order-to-shipment process, minimizing human error, and ensuring timely deliveries.
  3. Supply Chain Visibility. Lack of visibility across the supply chain can hinder decision-making. ERP systems offer real-time tracking of shipments and inventory, improving visibility and helping businesses anticipate issues before they arise.
  4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Managing customer relationships is crucial in the distribution industry. ERP integrates CRM tools, giving distributors a complete view of customer interactions, preferences, and buying patterns, enabling personalized service and stronger relationships.
  5. Data-Driven Decision-Making. Without accurate data, decision-making becomes a guessing game. ERP systems centralize data from multiple sources, offering actionable insights and empowering managers to make informed decisions quickly.

Condon concludes that by addressing these common challenges, ERP systems help distributors operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. The future of distribution lies in leveraging the power of integrated technology.

 

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The Great Transformation: Why Cloud ERP Must Be the Strategic Nerve Center for Modern Manufacturing

The food, beverage, and consumer products industries have always faced complexity, but today that complexity has morphed into volatility. In a recent article on Consumer Goods Technology written by Stephen Dombroski, Director for the Consumer Products and Food & Beverage vertical markets at QAD, explains how businesses need to rethink their ERP systems to survive in this unpredictable environment. Legacy ERP systems are no longer cutting it. In a world where disruptions are constant and consumer behaviors are shifting rapidly, companies need real-time visibility and adaptability. This is where cloud-based ERP systems come into play. They’re not just about modernization—they act as the strategic foundation for operational transformation. With cloud ERP, manufacturers can respond quickly to disruptions, predict issues before they arise, and integrate data from across their entire supply chain for better decision-making.

Dombroski highlights four critical pillars for agility:

  1. Cloud ERP as the intelligence core for real-time insights.
  2. Integrated planning powered by AI for scenario-based adjustments.
  3. Optimized scheduling to maximize production capacity.
  4. Connected workforce tools that empower employees with real-time data.

Despite the clear benefits, many manufacturers hesitate to switch from their outdated systems due to concerns about disruption. However, the real risk lies in doing nothing. The companies that will thrive in the next decade will be those who view ERP not as a cost, but as a value-driving tool that shapes strategy and drives agility. As Dombroski puts it, ERP of the future doesn’t just track operations—it drives them.

 

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Start a Clean Compile of all Lawson Programs

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This article will demonstrate how to clear out a Lawson system so that you can start a completely fresh compile of the full productline.

First, open a command line utility with the Lawson environment variables set.  Then, navigate to LAWDIR\<pdl>.

Next, run the following command: rm -rf on the following directories (for visual reference, look at the screenshot below and make sure that your screen matches all of the commands):

  • obj\*
  • map\default\*
  • map\intmap\*
  • int\*
  • *src\int\wslib\*
  • *src\int\pdlib\*
  • sdlib\*

Finally, run the command combcmp <pdl>.  If everything was run correctly, then this will recompile every program in the productline and create fresh compiled code.

 

How Cloud ERP Is Transforming Enterprise Efficiency

As businesses in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region accelerate their digital transformation, Cloud ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) has become a key technology driving change. According to an article by technology writer and editor Maya Derrick in Technology Magazine, unlike traditional on-premises systems, Cloud ERP offers businesses real-time visibility, improved scalability, and the agility to adapt quickly to market shifts. By consolidating critical functions like finance, supply chain, HR, and customer engagement into one unified system, Cloud ERP boosts operational efficiency and empowers decision-makers with data-driven insights. This integrated approach helps organizations make faster, more informed decisions and enhances overall business performance. However, the transition to Cloud ERP comes with challenges. Businesses must navigate issues like integrating with legacy systems, ensuring data security, and complying with regional regulations. For companies in APAC’s diverse economies, customizing ERP strategies to meet local needs while maintaining global consistency is crucial. Real-world examples highlight the power of Cloud ERP. FCM Travel Asia for instance has used Cloud ERP to streamline operations, cutting end-of-month reporting from several days to just one. The system’s AI-powered dashboards provide real-time insights, automating tasks and improving efficiency. As businesses continue to adopt Cloud ERP, the benefits of improved efficiency, scalability, and innovation are becoming increasingly clear.

 

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Updating Lawson Database Tables to match Custom Form field changes

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If you need to update Lawson database tables to match custom form field changes, follow these steps:

 

First update your .scr forms, kndef, skndef fields if creating new columns. Updated your .sr file to include any additional fields if needed.

Then in dbdef <productline>

F6 (Define) >> Files and update the database table names

Once done, follow these procedures:

You can run a bldddbdict <productline>

Then dbreorg -l <productline> to see affected tables.

Then dbreorg <productline> to complete the dbreorg.

NOTE: If DBReorg fails, make sure websphere apps are down and java processes are not running, try and restart server then perform dbreorg again if needed.

Qcompile your file and clear cache/ios cache, then test changes.

How Agentic AI Is Quietly Rewriting The Rules Of Organizational Efficiency In ERP And Beyond

In a recent Forbes article, Komal Goyal, CEO of 6e Technologies, highlights how Agentic AI (artificial intelligence) is quietly revolutionizing enterprise operations—starting with ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems. While traditional automation and AI have improved efficiency, they remain rigid, requiring human input when priorities shift. Agentic AI changes that by acting independently, learning from context, and adapting in real time.

In ERP environments Agentic AI has shown the potential to cut process times by up to 60%. From invoice approvals to order fulfillment, it dynamically manages workflows, reducing errors and removing delays.

Key strengths of Agentic AI include:

  • Goal-Based Execution: Agents pursue business outcomes, not just tasks.
  • Real-Time Adaptation: They adjust actions based on live data.
  • Continuous Learning: Agents improve from past decisions and user interactions.
  • Exception Handling: Recurring issues are resolved without human escalation.

Beyond ERP, Goyal notes that Agentic AI connects siloed systems like HR, CRM, and IT, orchestrating workflows across departments. For example, when a new hire is onboarded, an agent can coordinate access, equipment, and provisioning—without manual follow-up. However, success requires more than tech. Goyal suggests that organizations need clear goals, high-quality data, operational oversight, and cross-functional buy-in. Change management and human involvement remain critical. Agentic AI is not just a tool—it’s a shift in how organizations operate. The real differentiator won’t be adoption, but how wisely it’s used.

 

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Digital adoption platforms: The overlooked Key to ERP success

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are a huge investment for organizations, promising efficiency, compliance, and a competitive edge. But often, the real value falls short—because employees struggle to adopt the new systems at scale. In fact, poor user adoption is the top barrier to ERP success, not the technology itself. According to a recent article on MSN, Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) are the missing link that can help organizations overcome this challenge.

By offering on-the-job guidance, DAPs help employees navigate complex ERP tasks and adapt quickly to system updates—without the need for helpdesks or manual guides. They bridge the gap between training and real-world application, making sure the system’s potential is realized.

However, DAPs aren’t foolproof. If not implemented wisely, they can overwhelm users with too much guidance or become outdated. To get it right, organizations should follow these best practices:

  • Start Small: Focus on 5-8 high-impact processes where adoption is most critical.
  • Establish Governance: Create a Center of Excellence (COE) to regularly update and manage DAP content.
  • Tie Adoption to System Updates: Instead of retraining the entire workforce, provide quick, in-context updates directly within the system.
  • Respect Data Privacy: Ensure compliance with laws like POPIA and anonymize user data where possible.

Looking ahead, DAPs will integrate with AI and process intelligence, providing more targeted, real-time support. They’ll also help ensure compliance is built into workflows, reducing audit risks.

In short, DAPs can be the missing link between your ERP investment and real business transformation. When used correctly, they drive smoother adoption, faster results, and better long-term outcomes.

 

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RMI Connection Errors

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If you are getting a connection timeout when trying to run certain nodes in IPA, it could be due to your firewall blocking port.

Look for the following error message in your work unit log:

Failed with error com.lawson.bpm.db.model.helper.LawsonDBException: java.rmi.ConnectException: Connection refused to host: <ip address>; nested exception is:

java.net.ConnectException: Connection timed out: connect

 

RMI expects to work over the ephemeral port range, which is typically 49152 to 65535.  If you do a telnet from your Landmark to Lawson server over one of those ports, and you get a timeout error, this is likely because your network admin has closed off all ports between those servers, besides the ones specified.  In this case, you need to tell Lawson which port it is going to use for RMI.

In LAWDIR/system/bpm.properties, set the pflowRMIPort value to the specified port (0 is all ports).  Make sure this port is also opened between the Lawson & Landmark servers by your network admin.

Reboot the Lawson server or restart services.

Enabling SMB Growth Through More Agile and Speedy Transformation

Traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations can take up to two years — a luxury small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can rarely afford. In a fast-moving landscape shaped by regulatory shifts, customer demands, and rapid innovation, a lengthy rollout can mean your ERP is outdated before it even goes live. Tech writer Craig Powers of ERP Today highlights this critical challenge and offers a new path forward. Enter the cloud-native, no-code ERP platform. Powers spotlights vendors like Nextworld, which offer SMBs the ability to implement ERP solutions in weeks rather than years. These platforms allow businesses to roll out updates incrementally — automating AP approvals, adopting new revenue rules, or extending functionality — all without overhauling core systems. The shift from “big bang” ERP overhauls to agile, iterative improvements offers a powerful competitive edge. While one company waits 18 months for transformation, its nimbler rival is already adapting, innovating, and growing. For ERP professionals and SMB leaders, the takeaway is clear: prioritize platforms with short time-to-value. Adopt a culture of innovation. And empower business users — not just IT — to drive transformation using no-code tools. In short: the game has changed. Speed is no longer a luxury; it’s a requirement. The question is whether your ERP strategy is built to keep up.

 

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How to bookmark a custom cobol ‘Vanilla’ Form

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If you want to know how to bookmark a custom cobol ‘Vanilla’ Form, follow these simple instructions below:

 

This is how the custom cobol “vanilla” form in RD69 shows under ID it’s called XX3.1_TEST

So you may think you need to add it in as XX3.1_TEST when adding as a favorite or creating a bookmark.

An example:

LAWFORM|PDL=PROD10|TKN=XX3.1|ID=XX3.1_TEST

Instead, since it is the custom “vanilla” cobol program, you only need to mention the TKN, not the ID

LAWFORM|PDL=PROD10|TKN=XX3.1

 

That’s all there is to it! Just clear the IOS cache and browser cache, then you should be able to load the bookmark now.