Internet Explorer 11 end of life and what it means for Lawson users

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Internet Explorer 11 is losing Microsoft’s support on June 15, 2022.

 

What does this mean?

In a nutshell, IE11 will no longer be secure after June 2022. Vulnerabilities will not be fixed after this date. You’ll also experience more issues as other applications get updates while IE11 does not.

 

How will this affect Lawson users?

As Infor updates their Landmark, Mingle, Portal applications, (especially cloud-based apps), IE11 will run into more and more issues and most importantly will be vulnerable to security threats such as phishing and malware. This will be the same story with third-party applications that integrate into IE such as MHC’s Image Express.

 

What should my organization do?

First, use a modern browser like Chrome or Microsoft Edge and make sure you’re on a supported version of Windows.

Your organization should also look into getting on a supported version of Lawson if they are not already. Update third-party and customized Lawson applications to use modern browsers.

If your in-house Lawson team is not well-equipped to perform mass Lawson upgrades/migrations, it is best to hire a Lawson Managed service consultant team to assist in getting your organization up-to-date. They often are more agile with a wider range of resources and expertise. Additionally, if your company has migrated from Lawson but still have historical data taking up space in your servers, you should look at archiving solutions that can give you the freedom to completely eliminate all Lawson footprint from your organization.

Nogalis can help with both your Lawson managed services and Lawson data archiving plans. Schedule a meeting with a Nogalis representative and let’s discuss your long term plans for your Lawson environment.

Nogalis, Inc & Other Industry Experts Attend AWS Summit San Francisco

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One of the largest technology events kicked off for the Spring – the AWS Summit in San Francisco, CA. Nogalis, Inc., as well as other industry experts in the cloud computing space, had a front row experience at what AWS has in store.

AWS Summit San Francisco welcomed industry leaders, partners and experts on a two-day immersive experience – discovering how AWS can help you innovate quickly and deliver flexible, reliable solutions at scale. Attendees of the event get first access to the latest news from AWS leaders, learn new skills, and network with industry peers. Per the AWS website, “Over the two days, attendees will be able to hear from AWS experts, customers, and partners on how to leverage the cloud computing technology and learn the technology with interactive content.”

This year’s keynote speaker Swami Sivasubramanian – Vice President of Data, Analytics, and Machine Learning Services, Amazon Web Services – shared some exciting innovations that can make AWS the best place to run your applications, while also making better, faster decisions with your data. AWS is delivering and developing the next generation of cloud infrastructure to transform your business. While AWS is regarded as the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, Sivasubramanian made a powerful statement regarding the future of this platform, indicating there is more to come. “AWS, despite 11 straight years of being the leader in the magic quadrant still believes it’s still early days.”

Keynote Speaker Swami Sivasubramanian address a forward thinking attitude regarding the state of AWS – “It’s still early days.”

AWS’s flexibility to run any application is the driving factor as to why Nogalis has successfully integrated this cloud platform to their business services. Being part of this event, our AWS knowledge and expertise continues to stay cutting edge as our software engineers will utilize the vital material learned from this experience to harness the power of big data, and put it to work for our customers, gaining a greater business advantage.

 

 

Infor and DB Schenker Partner to Deliver Complete Supply Chain Solution

Infor and DB Schenker, a leader in supply chain management and logistics solutions, recently announced a strategic partnership. Per the press release, the agreement will see DB Schenker’s Logistics Service Provider (LSP) business leverage Infor Nexus technology to deliver a comprehensive supply chain solution to customers. Already a customer of Infor, DB Schenker will have access to a customer base with full range of Infor Nexus technology. Further, the company will benefit from a unique digital supply chain management solution that provides both supplier collaboration and shipping automation, as well as easier cost, factory, and transportation management. This, in turn, will help reduce inventory, improve supply chain resilience, cut costs, and increase operational reliability.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

IP Designer Series – Web Service

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The Web Service Node is used for SOAP API calls.  The authentication information can be stored in a configuration set under the Web Service tab.  It is recommended that you create a new configuration set for each interface, and there can only be one Web Service configuration per set.  The authentication options are Basic or WS Security.  Both accept a username and password.

When setting up a Web Service node in IP Designer, select the configuration set that contains the authentication data.  Populate the WSDL tab with a schema file or URL.  That way, you can use the “Build” button to generate the SOAP call.  You can also type the SOAP call directly into the Activity window.

See this article to read more about making external API calls with IPA.

SouthernCarlson Selects Infor CloudSuite Distribution for overall organizational improvements

SouthernCarlson Inc., a leading North American distributor of tools, fasteners, packaging and facility supplies, has selected Infor CloudSuite Distribution to help consolidate its operational systems, analyze data in near real time for faster decision making, and improve customer service. Per the press release, Infor’s cloud solutions – including Infor WMS warehouse management system, Infor Birst advanced analytics, and Infor Rhythm e-commerce – are planned to serve 1,200 users across more than 150 locations, with nine primary distribution centers set to use Infor WMS. SouthernCarlson’s operational model challenges to maintain applications that are not fully integrated, which results in inefficient and duplicate processes and discrepancies in data output and analytics. This environment has made it difficult for SouthernCarlson’s IT team to keep up with requested system modifications. With the help of Infor’s CloudSuite Distribution ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, SouthernCarlson anticipates it will be able to bring all of its relevant applications together for a “single version of the truth,” analyze key business data for faster and better decision making, and help its sales representatives deliver a higher level of customer service and satisfaction.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Using IPA Web Run to work with attachments/comments

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Working with attachments (or comments) to forms Is very simple using the WebRun node in IPA.

The first step to setting up a Web Run node, is to configure the Web Run Connection in your IPA configuration set.  For Internal Lawson commands, this will be your Lawson configuration set (usually “main”).

If your organization is using ADFS for authentication to Lawson, make sure you set up the Web Run Connection using the Lawson thick client site.

Here are the Web Programs used when working with attachments:

  • lawson-ios/action/ReadAttachment
  • lawson-ios/action/ListAttachments
  • lawson-ios/action/DeleteAttachment
  • lawson-ios/action/ChangeAttachment
  • lawson-ios/action/AddAttachment

The Post string should contain the pertinent details relating to the attachment.  All attachments will need a dataArea, filename, indexName, attachmentCategory, and Key values.  The Key values map to the index for the table to which you are adding attachments.  Attachment category is C or U (comment or URL).

When working with specific attachments (ReadAttachment, DeleteAttachment, ChangeAttachment), you will also need to provide attachmentNbr, which is the unique key of the attachment.  When adding and changing attachments, you will also want to provide the ATTACHMENT-NAME and ATTACHMENT-TEXT values.

It’s time for a digital spring cleaning

When it comes to spring you think of certain things – cherry blossoms, warmer weather, Easter, and of course the inevitable task of ‘spring cleaning’. Many people are motivated to declutter around this time. Cleaning out garages and organizing storage shelves come to mind. But what about cleaning up your digital space? Your phones and laptops may need some TLC during this spring cleaning period. Not only that, making sure your digital privacy is in tact with passwords and stored payments is critical as well. The Better Business Bureau and Nextar Media share tips for a digital spring cleaning strategy. Together with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), BBB is encouraging people to check their smartphones, laptops and tablets and take a few minutes to review these tips when starting their digital spring cleaning.

  • Lock down your login: “Security is critical to protecting accounts being used for work and for home. Ensure passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it.”
  • Update your system and software: “Avoid procrastination! Having the most current software, web browsers, and operating systems are some of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your most sensitive assets.”
  • Back it up: “Protect your personal and workplace data by making electronic copies – or backups – of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: 3 backup copies, 2 different media types, and 1 offline in a separate location.”
  • Clean up your online presence: “When was the last time you used all the apps on your phone or tablet? Do you know what the settings are on all the social media accounts that check in with friends and family? Check up on all your accounts. Then, control your role by making sure you know who has administrative access to your accounts. Keep all your passwords private.”
  • Be careful what you share: “Quizzes on social media are fun and keeping in touch is a necessity these days. However, questions on social media might give away too much information about you, your location or your family.”

Source: BBB.org

 

Digital Spring Cleaning on an Enterprise Level

Now that you’ve got your digital space organized on a personal level, you should also consider how to clean up your workspace on an enterprise level. Does your business have old data lying around or legacy systems with historical data that need proper archiving? While the process can be worrisome and stressful, there are several options out there to get your digital mess at work cleaned up as well. Nogalis helps Lawson customers archive their legacy applications to the cloud and eliminate 100% of their Lawson footprint in 6-8 weeks so they can save on average $300k annually. Learn more about APIX Lawson Data Archive Solution Here.

For Full Article, Click Here

How CRM and ERP Integration Can Benefit Your Business

There are many enterprise tools  that help your business run smoothly. Two major systems are customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Individually they make a strong addition to your business processes. Together, CRM and ERP can keep your business running smoothly. Both systems share a few common functions that can be used interchangeably in your organization, but do have their main functions to contribute to your business model. ERP usually pertains to internal business functions such as human resources, accounting and supply chain, while CRM focuses on external functions for marketing and sales, as well as managing customer data. Technology writer and expert Lauren Hansen share an informative article on CIO Insight explaining how CRM and ERP working side by can greatly benefit your business. Hansen points out that CRM and ERP work with related data, thus are capable of working together. Pairing ERP and CRM benefits company culture, management, HR, and the research and development team through communication, planning, and product information, says Hansen.
  • Communication. “Customer data in the CRM platform is a goldmine of information that informs much of the business’s back-end. Opening CRM data to the rest of the organization promotes transparency and empowers cross-functional collaboration among employees to solve problems.”
  • Planning. “ERP that integrates customer relationship management helps improve business planning. Based on CRM data, a business can better anticipate ebbs and flows in production, delivery needs, and the people and materials required across the supply chain.”
  • Product/service quality. “Integrating your CRM solution with your ERP system helps your business improve product or service quality, based on salespeople’s interactions with clients. When accounting data shows unprecedented returns or when the same complaint gets registered in the CRM, a good ERP system will alert management and point to a bigger internal issue. Effectively addressing product or service issues will reflect happier customer data in the CRM.”

Hansen concludes when your ERP and CRM solutions are integrated, your business can greatly improve with a streamlined data process driven by both systems.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Configuring MSCM 10 with ADFS

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To configure MSCM 10.x for ADFS, update the mscm.filter.properties file.  Set the service.name.param to the thick client identity, or you can set it to both thick client and SSOP delimited by a comma (i.e. SSOP, THICKCLIENTLDAPLS).  Also, set the lawson.username to the UPN (i.e. [email protected]).

Run an updateconfig to set the changes.

NOTE: All MSCM users in Lawson Security must have a thick client identity configured before making these changes.  Otherwise, the user synchronization task will fail in MSCM.

You can validate the change by checking the USER_IDENTITY table in your MSCM database.  This should show records for each user for each identity configured.

 

NTM Set for Success with Infor

Finnish engineering leader Närpes Trä & Metall (NTM) recently decided to partner with Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise to help unify and standardize its complex operational and manufacturing processes across the globe. Per the press release, the system, which will be delivered via multi-tenant cloud on Amazon Web Services (AWS), will be deployed by local Infor partner Midport Scandinavia, beginning at NTM’s headquarters in Närpes, Finland, and then rolling out across the group’s other sites in Russia, Sweden, Estonia, Germany, the UK, Canada and the United States. NTM develops, manufactures, sells and maintains transport equipment for heavy goods vehicles and refuse and recycling material collection vehicles, engineered-to-order to meet the demands of a varied customer base. They were looking for a solution to bring a commonality to its processes across all business sites, with the goal of unifying and standardizing systems to create a platform for pursuing further growth. A multi-tenant cloud deployment was also a crucial factor in NTM’s decision, ensuring the business can benefit from continual updates with minimal administrative burden on the in-house IT team, as well as enabling the swift on-boarding of new entities.

 

For Full Article, Click Here