Archive for category: News

You are here: / / News

AI-accelerated ERP transformation requires context

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping organizations accelerate enterprise resource planning (ERP) transformation, but speed alone doesn’t guarantee success. In an article from Diginomica, authors Kerry Brown and Patrick Thompson argue that while AI can automate many aspects of ERP modernization, it cannot replace a deep understanding of how a business actually operates. The article explains that AI-powered migration tools can streamline tasks such as data mapping, validation, and system analysis, reducing the time and effort required for ERP projects. However, these tools often lack the operational context needed to understand how processes, teams, and systems work together across the organization. As a result, businesses risk carrying inefficient processes and technical debt into their new ERP environment. A key theme is the importance of an operational context layer—a framework that connects data, workflows, systems, and business objectives. According to the authors, this context helps organizations make smarter transformation decisions rather than simply automating existing processes. The article also highlights the growing role of AI agents in ERP modernization. These agents can assist with identifying inefficiencies, supporting process redesign, and monitoring migration progress. However, their effectiveness depends on access to accurate business context and governance. Brown and Thompson conclude that successful ERP transformation requires more than AI-driven automation. Organizations that combine AI capabilities with a clear understanding of their business processes are more likely to reduce complexity, avoid migrating legacy problems, and achieve meaningful long-term value from their ERP investments.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Connecting to Oracle with SQLAlchemy and cx_Oracle

, ,

When working with Oracle databases in Python, a common approach is to use SQLAlchemy as the ORM or query layer and cx_Oracle as the underlying database driver. One of the most common stumbling blocks is getting the connection string syntax exactly right.

This post walks through the correct oracle+cx_oracle connection string formats, with examples for the most common Oracle connection scenarios.

Basic Connection String Format

When using SQLAlchemy with cx_Oracle, the connection URL starts with:

oracle+cx_oracle://

From there, the full format depends on whether you connect using a service name, SID, or TNS alias.

Connecting with a Service Name (Recommended)

Most modern Oracle databases use a service name rather than a SID.

Syntax

oracle+cx_oracle://username:password@host:port/?service_name=SERVICE

Example

from sqlalchemy import create_engine

 

engine = create_engine(

“oracle+cx_oracle://desi:tiger@dbserver.example.com:1521/?service_name=ORCLPDB1”

)

Connecting with a SID

Some legacy systems still require a SID.

Syntax

oracle+cx_oracle://username:password@host:port/?sid=SID

Example

engine = create_engine(

“oracle+cx_oracle://desi:tiger@dbserver.example.com:1521/?sid=ORCL”

)

Using a TNS Alias

If your Oracle client is configured with a tnsnames.ora file and the appropriate environment variables (ORACLE_HOME or TNS_ADMIN) are set, you can connect using a TNS alias.

Syntax

oracle+cx_oracle://username:password@TNS_ALIAS

Example

engine = create_engine(

“oracle+cx_oracle://desi:tiger@PRODDB”

)

This approach is often useful in enterprise environments where connection details are centrally managed.

Handling Special Characters in Passwords

Because SQLAlchemy connection strings are URLs, special characters in passwords (@, /, :, etc.) must be URL-encoded.

Example

from urllib.parse import quote_plus

 

password = quote_plus(“p@ss/w:rd”)

 

engine = create_engine(

f”oracle+cx_oracle://desi:{password}@dbserver:1521/?service_name=ORCLPDB1″

)

Failing to encode the password is a common cause of confusing connection errors.

Important Notes

  • cx_Oracle requires Oracle Client libraries, such as Oracle Instant Client.
  • SQLAlchemy automatically constructs the underlying Oracle DSN for you based on the connection URL.
  • For new projects, Oracle recommends the newer oracledb driver (which supports a thin mode without client libraries), but cx_Oracle remains widely used and supported in existing systems.

Final Thoughts

Getting the Oracle connection string right saves a lot of debugging time. Whether you’re using a service name, SID, or TNS alias, the key is understanding how SQLAlchemy maps the URL into an Oracle DSN and ensuring credentials are properly encoded.

Once that’s in place, connecting to Oracle with Python becomes straightforward and reliable.

Your ERP Has a Strategy Problem, Not a Payments Problem

Payments are often blamed for operational inefficiencies, but the real issue may lie deeper within an organization’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) strategy. A recent article from ERP Today  argues that many businesses focus on optimizing payment processes while overlooking the broader ERP and operational challenges that create friction in the first place. The article explains that payment bottlenecks are frequently symptoms of disconnected processes, fragmented data, and poorly aligned workflows rather than shortcomings in payment technology itself. When ERP systems lack visibility across finance, procurement, inventory, and operations, organizations often experience delays, reconciliation challenges, and inefficiencies that surface during the payment process. A key theme is the need to view payments as part of a larger business workflow rather than a standalone function. The article suggests that organizations achieve greater value when they focus on improving end-to-end processes, ensuring data flows seamlessly between systems, and creating stronger alignment between operational and financial activities. The piece also highlights the growing importance of real-time visibility and decision-making. Modern ERP environments should provide organizations with timely insights into cash flow, supplier relationships, purchasing activity, and financial performance. Without that visibility, even the most advanced payment solutions may fail to address underlying business challenges. Ultimately, businesses should shift their focus from isolated payment optimization to broader ERP strategy and process orchestration. Organizations that improve data quality, streamline workflows, and align technology with business objectives are more likely to achieve operational efficiency, stronger financial control, and better long-term outcomes.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

How To Avoid The Common Headaches In Software Migration

Software and system migrations are often necessary for modernization, but they frequently come with disruption, complexity, and organizational friction. In an article from Forbes Technology Council member and CEO of Connecting Software Thomas Berndorfer, he explains that most migration challenges are less about technology and more about people, processes, and planning. A key theme in the article is that migrations fail when organizations underestimate complexity and interdependencies across systems. Modern environments often include dozens of SaaS tools, legacy applications, and integrations across departments, meaning even small changes can create unexpected ripple effects across the business. Berndorfer also highlights the human side of migration as one of the biggest risk factors. Employees may resist new systems, fall back on “shadow IT,” or lose productivity during transitions if communication and training are not handled effectively. Without clear buy-in, even technically successful migrations can struggle operationally. To address this, he points to the importance of communication, planning, and phased approaches. Rather than forcing abrupt change, organizations can reduce friction by allowing coexistence between systems during transition periods. This enables teams to continue working in familiar environments while data and processes are gradually migrated in the background. Ultimately, successful software migration depends on balancing technical execution with organizational readiness. Companies that prioritize alignment, communication, and realistic transition strategies are far more likely to avoid disruption and achieve long-term success.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Turn user monitoring on in ISS

You can use the user monitoring administrative dashboard to turn monitoring on and off.

From the security administration dashboard, select Configuration and then under the User Monitoring group, select Configure Monitoring.

You will be on the User Monitoring – Configure Monitoring page.

  1. Enable or disable monitoring by clicking the Enable Monitoring checkbox. When this checkbox is checked, monitoring is enabled. When it is unchecked monitoring is disabled.
  2. Click Submit.
  3. Perform a full system stop and restart sequence to make the changes take effect.
    • Stop your application server.
    • Run the Infor stoplaw command
    • Run the startlaw command
    • Start your application server.

 

Is AI Crippling ERP?

AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, but organizations must be careful not to let automation replace critical thinking and human expertise. In an article from Connected World by Peggy Smedley, the author explores whether businesses are becoming too dependent on AI-driven tools within their ERP environments. Smedley argues that AI is not inherently problematic. Instead, challenges arise when organizations rely too heavily on automated recommendations without understanding the business context behind them. As ERP systems become more intelligent, there is a risk that users may trust AI outputs without questioning assumptions, data quality, or potential blind spots. A key theme is the increasing complexity facing manufacturers and other ERP-dependent businesses. Supply chain disruptions, workforce challenges, and evolving customer demands require faster decision-making, making AI-powered insights highly valuable. However, the article stresses that AI should support decision-making rather than replace human judgment. Smedley also highlights the importance of user adoption and governance. Successful AI initiatives require employees to understand how the technology works, when to trust it, and when human intervention is necessary. Organizations that balance innovation with oversight are more likely to see meaningful results. Ultimately, Smedley concludes that AI is not crippling ERP. Rather, its effectiveness depends on thoughtful implementation, strong governance, and maintaining the right balance between automation and human expertise.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

 

The Role of an ERP Implementation Partner


Enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations have evolved far beyond simple software deployments, becoming long-term business transformation initiatives that require strategic planning, change management, and ongoing support. In an article from ERP Today written by Garrett Rochell, he explains why choosing the right ERP partner can have a major impact on operational success, scalability, and long-term return on investment (ROI). The article emphasizes that an ERP implementation partner should act more like a business consultant than a software vendor. Their role begins before deployment through discovery, planning, and customization, then continues long after go-live with training, support, optimization, and scalability guidance. Rather than focusing solely on technical setup, strong partners take a holistic view of the organization and align ERP systems with broader business goals. One of the key themes is the importance of change management. ERP projects often struggle not because of the software itself, but because employees resist new processes or organizations fail to prepare teams for adoption. The article highlights how experienced implementation partners help reduce these risks through staff training, sandbox testing, proactive communication, and phased rollouts designed to minimize disruption. Rochell also stresses the value of industry expertise. ERP systems frequently require customization based on operational workflows, compliance needs, and reporting structures unique to a business’s sector. Partners with deep industry knowledge are better positioned to guide organizations through data migration, integration challenges, and long-term optimization strategies. Moreover, Rochell positions ERP implementation as an ongoing partnership rather than a one-time project. Businesses that choose partners focused on collaboration, continuous improvement, and strategic value creation are more likely to achieve lasting benefits from their ERP investment.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

How to Upgrade an AWS Aurora Instance to an r7g Instance Type

, ,

If you’re running Amazon Aurora and want to take advantage of the Graviton3-based r7g instance types for better performance and efficiency, you might notice that sometimes the option doesn’t appear in the AWS console. Here’s a breakdown of why that happens and how to fix it.

Why You Might Not See r7g in the Console

When modifying an Aurora instance, only certain instance types are shown in the dropdown. If you’re missing r7g options, the most common reasons are:

  1. Aurora Engine Version
    • r7g instances require Aurora MySQL 3.x+ (based on MySQL 8.0) or Aurora PostgreSQL 15+.
    • Older versions, like Aurora MySQL 2.x, do not support r7g.
  2. Cluster Mode
    • r7g is supported only in provisioned clusters.
    • Aurora Serverless v1 and some global database setups do not allow Graviton3-based instances.
  3. Region Limitations
    • Not every AWS region offers all instance classes.
    • Make sure r7g is available in your region.

How to Check Your Aurora Version

To determine whether your Aurora cluster supports r7g:

  1. Open the RDS console.
  2. Navigate to Databases and click your Aurora cluster.
  3. Check the Aurora MySQL or Aurora PostgreSQL version under the instance details.

How to Upgrade to r7g

If your version and cluster type support r7g, here’s how to upgrade:

Using the AWS Management Console

  1. Open your Aurora instance in RDS.
  2. Click Modify.
  3. Under DB instance class, select the r7g instance type you want (e.g., db.r7g.2xlarge).
  4. Choose whether to apply immediately or during the next maintenance window.
  5. Click Continue, then Modify DB Instance.

⚠️ Note: Applying immediately will cause a brief downtime.

Using the AWS CLI

The console sometimes hides options. You can try the CLI for a more direct approach:

aws rds modify-db-instance \

–db-instance-identifier your-db-instance-id \

–db-instance-class db.r7g.2xlarge \

–apply-immediately

If your instance is not compatible, AWS will return an error specifying why (e.g., unsupported engine version).

Key Takeaways

  • Only Aurora MySQL 3.x+ or Aurora PostgreSQL 15+ support r7g.
  • Ensure your cluster is provisioned, not serverless.
  • Check regional availability if the instance class is missing.
  • Use the CLI if the console doesn’t show the instance type — it provides clearer error messages.

Upgrading to r7g can deliver better performance per dollar, thanks to AWS Graviton3 processors — but compatibility depends on your Aurora version, cluster mode, and region.

 

Why Late Change Management Dooms ERP Transformation Projects

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) transformation projects often focus heavily on technology, but many fail because organizations underestimate the human side of change. In a recent article from ERP Today by contributor Jessica Browne, it explains how delaying change management efforts can create resistance, slow adoption, and ultimately undermine the success of large-scale ERP initiatives. Browne argues that change management should begin at the very start of an ERP project—not near deployment or after major decisions have already been made. When employees are brought into the process too late, confusion and skepticism can grow quickly. Teams may struggle to understand why changes are happening, how workflows will evolve, or what the long-term benefits will be for the organization and their day-to-day responsibilities. Another key point is that ERP transformations impact far more than software systems. They often require organizations to rethink processes, responsibilities, reporting structures, and internal collaboration. Without early communication and leadership alignment, businesses risk creating friction between departments and slowing overall adoption. The article highlights the importance of building trust through transparency, ongoing training, and active employee engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

The article also emphasizes that successful ERP implementations depend on executive sponsorship and consistent messaging from leadership. Employees are more likely to embrace transformation efforts when leaders clearly communicate goals, expected outcomes, and how the changes support broader business objectives. Change management is presented not as a secondary task, but as a core strategic function that directly influences project success.

ERP transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. Organizations that prioritize change management early are far more likely to achieve smoother adoption, stronger user engagement, and better long-term outcomes from their ERP investments.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Organizations Must Confront the AI-ERP Reality Gap

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is generating enormous excitement across the enterprise, but many organizations are discovering that their enterprise resource planning (ERP) foundations are not ready to support their AI ambitions. An article from ERP Today by Gertjan van der Linden argues that the biggest barrier to AI success is often not the technology itself, but the outdated ERP environments underneath it. The article explains that many companies are racing to deploy AI-driven analytics, automation, and decision-support tools without addressing years of ERP customization, technical debt, and fragmented data. While these AI initiatives can produce promising pilot projects, they often struggle to scale because the underlying systems lack the process consistency, governance, and data quality AI requires to operate effectively. A key theme is that ERP and AI should not be treated as separate initiatives. Modern ERP systems are evolving from systems of record into systems of orchestration, providing the trusted data, standardized processes, and governance frameworks that allow AI to deliver sustainable business value. Organizations that view ERP modernization and AI adoption as a single transformation effort are more likely to achieve meaningful results. The article also highlights the importance of reducing unnecessary customization, strengthening data governance, and investing in employee training so teams can effectively work alongside AI-powered tools. Perhaps most importantly, organizations should design ERP processes with AI in mind during implementation rather than attempting costly retrofits later. Ultimately, AI success depends on ERP readiness. Companies that strengthen their ERP core, improve data quality, and build AI-aware processes today will be better positioned to turn AI investments into long-term operational and competitive advantages.

 

For Full Article, Click Here