8 Advantages of Using Managed Services with the Infor Cloud (Supporting Article)

, ,

More and more organizations are moving their ERP services into the Infor Cloud each day. Join us for a discussion about how a managed service provider can be an invaluable resource when you move to the cloud.

Functional Assistance

A good Managed Service Provider will not only understand the “back-end” of Infor products, but they will also offer strong resources who can provide “front-end” functional assistance.  Infor’s Cloud Suite applications are quite robust, and as a result they can be quite complex.  Having an MSP on your team can give your users the comfort of knowing that answers to their functional questions are just a phone call away.  Additionally, Nogalis makes it our business to know your business.  We take the time to understand all your organization processes, and we will even make process improvement recommendations.  We have deep knowledge of the Infor applications in addition to knowledge of the business needs, so we are in a unique position to make these recommendations.

Front-line Support (break-fix)

Infor’s support service is quite responsive and knowledgeable about the Infor products.  However, it is still good to have someone who can bridge the gap between the applications and your organization.  A Managed Service Provider should make it their business to know your business.  That way, if an issue arises, they can be the one to initiate and assist with support calls to Infor.  They will be in the best position to explain the issues and work with Infor toward a solution.

Security

Infor delivers basic security roles with all of their Cloud Suite products.  The setup for these roles is maintained in the Landmark Configuration Console, which uses Infor’s proprietary language called “Landmark Pattern Language” (lpl).  It can be cumbersome to have your in-house IT learn this new language.  On top of learning the new language, they would also need to learn the ins and outs of each application in order to be able to properly create/modify security classes.  The security setup can get very granular, down to the field level.  An Infor Partner will already have the expertise available to create an maintain custom security.  They will also be able to better interpret the delivered security rules so that they can work with you to ensure that users are only seeing what they need to see.  An MSP should also offer robust security reporting, and assist you with keeping your security rules in line with your Infor licensing.

Monitoring & Proactive Maintenance

A Managed Service Provider can monitor your system, even in the cloud.  There are monitoring tools provided by Infor, plus there are diagnostic tests that can be run against every system.  This helps to make sure that your applications don’t undergo any unexpected downtime.  Also, a Managed Service Provider can monitor patch releases and make recommendations on when to request patches for your applications.  They can also monitor things like disk space and database health to hopefully catch any issues, and work with Infor to mitigate them, before they bring down your system.  Nogalis offers monthly health checks that bring all of these diagnostics into one place for your review.  For our customers, these health checks have resulted in a 98% reduction in downtime, and an 80% reduction in critical issues.

Patch Testing

Infor releases patch bundles regularly, and these bundles can touch every piece of each application.  It is important to be able to interpret what the bundles are changing so that users will know how to test.  It is almost always necessary to perform full regression testing.  An Infor MSP will be able to interpret the patch notes to assist your organization with a test plan.  They will also have generic test scripts to give you a jumping off point, and they can even help you to organize the testing effort (which should take about 4-6 weeks).  And once the bundle is complete, the MSP will be available to assist with any interfaces or custom work that might need to be done as a result of changes from the patch.

Configuration Console

There are countless ways to customize the experience in Infor’s Cloud Suite.  In addition to third-party interfaces using IPA or ION, and custom security rules, the applications themselves can be customized.  Configuration Console can be used to do something as small as add a user field, or something as large as adding a whole new business class to facilitate a brand-new custom application.  These types of customizations have a tendency to be under-documented, and often the knowledge of the changes leaves when the originator leaves the organization.  It is far safer to leave this type of work in the capable hands of a Managed Service Provider.  Once they create the new custom work, or review and document the existing, they can take on the responsibility for break-fix or minor tweaks going forward.

Process Automation & Reporting

Infor offers their ION engine for translating and loading data, and Infor Process Automation is available for more complex interfaces.  There is always going to be a need for automating processes, or interfacing with other applications.  These types of activities will inevitably run into some sort of issue, and it is important to have someone on the team who understands the tools as well as the applications they are tying together.  A managed service provider should be able to jump right in to troubleshoot issues, and also to make minor tweaks as the needs arise.

In addition to automating processes, custom reporting is very important to most organizations.  Configuration Console can be used to generate many custom reports, and if you need something even more complex, or if you need to bring data in from outside systems, Infor also offers Birst as an option.  A Managed Service Provider will already have a good handle on some basic useful reports, and they should be able to hit the ground running on any new reporting needs that may arise.  An MSP should readily know and understand Infor data and how the pieces fit together, so creating and maintaining reports will be a fast, efficient, and painless process.

Cost Savings

There is no way around it.  When you move to Cloud Suite, you will still need someone “on the ground” to assist with issues, customizations, and functional questions.  The most cost-effective option is to hire a Managed Service Provider.  You can see up to a 33% reduction in operational costs in the first year over trying to manage the system in-house.  Your MSP should also be able to provide statistical reports demonstrating turnaround on incidents, as well as compliance with SLAs.  And, having a managed service provider will allow your analysts and functional users to focus on their daily tasks and process improvement, where they can really contribute to the effectiveness of the organization.  It is a true win-win scenario.

The 5 Biggest Business Trends In 2023 Everyone Must Get Ready For Now

Ever since the global pandemic of 2020, every business in every industry was flipped. Businesses faced huge challenges they didn’t think they needed to face for a while – forced to work remotely, forced to close doors, forced to lay off more than half of their workforce – and until now, they still are scrambling from these changes.  Yet from these changes, businesses have found methods that work and could still work long after the COVID-19 pandemic becomes just a memory. Technology advisor Bernard Marr shares an article on Forbes his insights of the biggest tech trends heading our way in 2023.

  1. Accelerated digital transformation. “In 2023, we see the continuation of innovations and developments in transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), cloud computing, blockchain, and super-fast network protocols like 5G. New solutions for augmented working, hybrid and remote working, business decision-making, and automation of manual, routine, and creative workloads combine these technologies in ways that enable them to enhance each other.”
  2. Inflation and supply chain security. “Many industries are still plagued by supply chain issues that emerged during the global shutdowns caused by Covid-19 and have only got worse due to the war in Ukraine. To combat this and stay afloat, companies need to improve their resilience in any way that they can. This means reducing exposure to volatile market pricing of commodities, as well as building protective measures into supply chains to deal with shortages and rising logistical costs.”
  3. Sustainability. “In 2023, companies need to make sure that their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) processes are moved to the center of their strategy. This should start with measuring the impact any business is having on society and the environment and then move to increasing transparency, reporting, and accountability.”
  4. Immersive customer experience. “The role that technology plays here, traditionally, has been to streamline processes and remove hassle from the life of the consumer. Think recommendation engines that help us choose what to buy or online customer service portals that deal with problems and after-sales support. These will still play a key role in 2023, but the game has evolved, with this year’s keywords being immersion and interactivity.”
  5. The talent challenge. “Over the past year, we have seen huge movements of talented people as workers reassessed the impact of work and what they want to get out of their lives. This has put pressure on employers to ensure they are providing attractive careers, the flexibility of hybrid work, and an enticing work environment and company culture. Offering people fulfilling work, ongoing opportunities to grow and learn, flexibility and diverse, value-oriented workplaces will all be essential in 2023.”

While the new year is still a few months away, Marr recommends businesses jump on these trends now and be prepared for a more competitive landscape in 2023.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

6 Tech Trends in the Hospitality Industry in 2022

The hospitality and the travel and tourism industry in general has seen a major facelift with technology each decade. Today, many digital integrations are an everyday offering in hotels and venues. Mobile booking and check-ins, mobile-apps or mobile friendly websites for agendas, and concierge instant messaging to name a few have become an industry standard. Mary Wadland, publisher and editor in chief of The Zebra Press, offers 6 tech trends in the hospitality industry that have been more and more in demand in 2022, and most likely for years to come.
  1. Virtual Reality, AI, and Augmented Reality. “These three elements are connected to a degree, but it’s interesting to see how they are being embraced by the hospitality industry in 2022, in many cases for the first time. Each of these adds a layer of value and convenience for the customer while also freeing up staff to concentrate on other tasks and functions.”
  2. Energy Saving Technology and the Internet of Things. “Due to the war in Ukraine, every business in 2022 is increasingly focusing on saving on the energy costs. Options include state-of-the-art sensors and detectors that can monitor whether rooms or areas are occupied and cut power to those that aren’t. At the same time, the IOT (Internet of Things) allows connectivity to a range of ‘smart’ devices and appliances that collect data and interact via the internet. This can be used to monitor and adjust thermostats and lighting and it helps to save energy costs too.”
  3. Cybersecurity. “Investing in stronger cybersecurity protection has clearly become a trend in 2022. To safeguard your valuable data as a hospitality manager/owner you should, protect your devices and those of your customers by using a VPN that encrypts data, use a guest network to keep their and your staff’s activities separate, provide cyber awareness training to your staff, and use the cloud and backup data.”
  4. Voice Search and Control. “Many of us use voice search via our smartphones or personal assistants such as Siri. We have become so accustomed to using voice for a range of features that many people now expect this when away from home too. It also helps to reduce touch technology in many areas of business, which may impact the spread of COVID-19.”
  5. Contactless Payments. “The use of contactless payment methods has been growing in popularity with consumers and providers alike. However, the health concerns generated by COVID-19 gave further impetus to a hands-free, automated payment system. Contactless payments are also beneficial for hospitality vendors too as they are quick and compatible with loyalty programs.”
  6. Mobile Check-In and Guest Communication via Messenger. “Mobile check-in reduces or eliminates the need for face-to-face interactions. It also allows customers a greater degree of freedom and flexibility about when they arrive and gain access to their rooms. At the same time, it prevents queuing at reception desks and other delays and – during a time of health concerns – limits human exposure.”

This isn’t to say that every hotel or venue will have all these technologies implemented right now, but in order to stay competitive, Wadland sees these technologies as a must have for people who travel these days.

For Full Article, Click Here

City of Calgary Simplifies Asset Management with Infor

Infor recently announced the successful upgrade of Infor Public Sector (IPS) asset and work management software at The City of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, to the latest iteration. Per the press release, this upgrade will allow the city’s mobility business unit to capitalize on newer functionalities, including mobile applications, GIS data integration, overhauled user interface and enhanced performance. Implemented by Infor Consulting Services (ICS), this upgrade will assist the city to mitigate risk on its critical assets, leading to improved outcomes for the citizens of Calgary. With the newer versions of the Infor Solutions software suite, this will provide the public sector-specific functionality needed to ensure efficient business operations. Additionally, with this software, the city can potentially make faster, better-informed decisions related to asset tracking and valuation, work management, preventive maintenance scheduling, work order management, and advanced asset analysis.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

MSCM Handheld CAB Files

, ,

In a previous article, we taught you how to bypass an error message “Internet Explorer cannot download file” on a Mobile Supply Chain Management, or MSCM, handheld. Today, we’re going to show you the simple way to to file share on MSCM handheld.

Occasionally you may need to copy the handheld CAB files to a file share so they can be loaded on the handhelds.

The local file path for MSCM up to version 11 is:

WAS_HOME\profiles\server\installedApps\cell\mscm.ear\hh.war

The local file path for MSCM starting with version 11.2 is:

WAS_HOME\profiles\server\installedApps\cell\mscm.ear\mscmwar.war\hh\installer

16 Tech Trends Poised To Make A Big Impact On Product-Based Businesses

For your business to stay competitive in a tech-filled world you have to stay relevant. and that starts with knowing what the latest technology is as well as the future trends in the digital landscape. Tech trends experts can spot the technology that will see a greater role in devices, software, and businesses. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share emerging tech developments they believe will have a big impact on product-based businesses.

  1. Large Language Models
  2. Telematics
  3. 5G Private Networks
  4. Automation Via Known Data
  5. Decision Intelligence Platforms
  6. AI For Supply Chain Management
  7. V2X (vehicle-to-everything) Communication
  8. Distributed Application Architecture
  9. The IoT
  10. Augmented Reality (AR)
  11. The Metaverse
  12. Gesture-Based Applications
  13. 3D Printing
  14. Manufacturing As A Service (MaaS)
  15. Digital Twins
  16. NLP (natural language processing)

 

For Full Article, Click Here

5 Advantages of Maintaining an ERP Application in Your Business

One of the biggest reasons businesses implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is because it makes running their businesses easier. According to startupguys.net, you can use software that provides strategies, insights, and tracking capabilities to help you run a profitable business. Having the right ERP software tailored for your business, you can grow your business while staying on top of operations. Here are a few advantages, according to startupguys.net, of using an ERP application in your business:

  1. Save Time and Money. “An ERP application can save your business time and money by automating processes and providing accurate data for decision-making. They can help businesses manage inventory, track sales and customers, and streamline financial and accounting operations.”
  2. Improve the Flow of Information. “All employees can access their ERP system, which helps improve communication and collaboration across the organization, as well as improve the flow of information by providing real-time data and visibility into all aspects of the business. This can help managers make better decisions and improve operational efficiency.”
  3. Provide Real-Time Insights. “This can help you to make better decisions about your business and to monitor your progress over time. Additionally, an ERP application can help you to automate your business processes.”
  4. Enable Businesses to Be More Agile and Responsive. “ERP systems can also help businesses be more agile and responsive to changes in the marketplace. Companies can free up time and resources to focus on other areas by automating tasks and processes.”
  5. Improve Customer Satisfaction. “Having an ERP system in place gives you a better understanding of your customer’s needs and wants. This knowledge can help you improve your products and services to meet their needs better. Additionally, ERP systems can help you track customer feedback and complaints.”

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Nogalis Attends the 2022 IMUG Fall Meeting in St. Paul

,

After 2 years of hiatus from in-person user conferences, the newly branded Infor Midwest User Group (IMUG) – formerly MWLUG – hosted it’s first in-person user meeting this month in St. Paul, MN. From September 20-21, Users in the Midwest gathered at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul for over 30 sessions from 21 vendors who shared their expert knowledge in the latest upgrades, migration trends, and archiving processes. Nogalis Inc. hosted a successful session (Archiving Lawson Data), with over 15 attendees at their workshop. While Nogalis has participated in many virtual meetings since the start of the pandemic, the IMUG Fall 2022 in-person meeting was the first event where they showcased their latest flagship product, APIX Lawson Data Archive Solution. APIX Lawson Cloud Archive helps Lawson customers archive their legacy applications to the cloud and eliminate 100% of their Lawson footprint in as little as 30-days so they can save on average $450k annually. During the session, Nogalis previewed the APIX archive solution’s 3 main suites – HCM, Finance and Procurement. Additionally, users who visited the Nogalis booth were treated to a quick video of the Archive product, while some left business cards to participate in a drawing to win an Amazon gift card. Users were also invited to book a discovery call to learn more about Nogalis’ managed services and archiving solution.

Tips for Preparing for Infor Patch Bundles

, ,

It’s that time again!  Infor Cloud is releasing a patch bundle for 2022, which is a pre-requisite for their year-end patching.  There are typically dozens (or hundreds) of patches applied during these bundles, to all the Infor applications hosted in the cloud.  This can be an overwhelming prospect for users and IT staff who are tasked with testing and validation during these patches.

If you haven’t already taken the latest bundle, here are some quick tips for preparing your organization for a patch bundle:

Preparation

  • Release notes: Infor always provides release notes on the patch bundle that they are implementing.  These release notes will be attached to the KB article that is associated with your bundle (which should be referenced in your email communication for the bundle).  If you are having trouble finding the KB article, your Infor account representative should be able to point you to it.
  • Security: Occasionally the bundles will impact Lawson Security, and even more frequently they will implement new forms/fields/tables/columns that need to be secured.  Run some security reports before the bundle so that they can be compared to the same reports after.  Also, search your html release notes for any tokens that will be added, and determine if your organization needs to secure them.
  • Reports: Run reports or queries for data validation, but also search the release notes for database changes, and make sure that you are ready to update any reports that are impacted by those changes.

MSCM

  • Certificate: If you own MSCM, it is almost always going to be updated as part of the patch bundle. There is often an issue with the certificate after this update.  Either the certificate is no longer valid, or it wasn’t generated during the patch.  After the update, make sure you go directly to the CAB file location and that you see a valid certificate there (it’ll be named like your server).  If you don’t see the file, or if you get security errors when trying to connect, open a ticket with Infor letting them know you think your cert is not valid.
  • CAB files: It is best practices to delete all your CAB files from the handhelds and reinstall them after these major updates.

IPA

  • Interface validation: There is a high probability that one or more of your IPA processes will be impacted by the patch bundle. It is important to test every single interface end-to-end.
  • IP Designer: The IP Designer version MUST match the Landmark/IPA version exactly.  So, after a patch bundle, you WILL have to download a fresh version of IPD.

Testing

  • What to test: You are most likely going to need to test everything.  Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual processes should be included in your testing.
  • How to test: Provide users with test scripts for each function, and have a central location for users to log the results. We like to use Monday.com as our central repository for testing.

Validation

  • You can use LID to validate data counts. You should also compare pre-update reports to post-update reports in all applications, including security.

 

Nogalis has assisted many cloud clients through the implementations of these patch bundles, and we would love to assist you as well!  We have some great resources on hand who can provide managed services of your system, training, and project work.  Check out our managed services program, or email our managed services and cloud expert Desi at [email protected] for inquiries about project work.

 

Mooneh Fulfillment & Logistics Optimizes Warehouse Management with SNS and Infor

Infor recently announced that Mooneh, a third-party logistics storage and distribution provider for international pharmaceutical corporates, has deployed Infor WMS (warehouse management system). The project was successfully delivered by SNS, a leading provider of supply chain consultancy and software implementation. Per the press release, the project will establish an efficient and effective warehouse operation, as well as being set to deliver full traceability of all inventory. Additionally, as part of its objective to optimize warehouse operations, Mooneh’s project goals were focused on receiving, storing and shipping efficiently by fully utilizing the warehouse space, as well as seeking to minimize human intervention and travel time for optimized productivity. Further, Infor WMS now manages Mooneh’s entire warehousing operation from receiving goods to storage and shipping.

 

For Full Article, Click Here