In the last decade, the manufacturing sector has integrated an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system of some sort for smoother operations. However, with modern technology constantly evolving, sometimes the ERP system you implemented just a few years ago is now outdated. Mark Stevens writes an article on the Stamping Journal sharing five signs that your ERP system may be outdated.
Lack of Real-time Data. “Your ERP system should allow access at the touch of a button and on any mobile device to these and other types of information to help you make better decisions, capture more sales, and satisfy customers.”
Too Complex for Users. “Lack of employee buy-in and chronic complaints about how challenging a system is and how much time it takes to enter and extract data are telltale signs of an ineffective ERP system.”
Reliance on Multiple Platforms. “If you are using nonintegrated systems or a separate customer relationship management (CRM) tool, you’re likely missing productivity and profitability opportunities.”
Still Performing Manual Processes. “ERP technology is intended to automate labor-intensive processes and keep work flows running smoothly. When your ERP fails to achieve these most basic functions, it’s time to look at an upgraded system.”
Lack of Support. “A lack of available support isn’t a problem just with legacy ERP systems; it’s also critical to ensure that your new ERP system has people who will be there to stand behind it.”
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/erp-it-cloud.jpg467700Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-18 08:19:182020-03-17 16:47:595 telltale signs it’s time to replace your ERP system
Often you will have IPA processes that run Lawson batch jobs, or perform some task with the output from a batch job. There may come a time when you need to programmatically convert the output of those jobs to another format, such as PDF or CSV. The bldxffiles command is a Lawson system command that allows you to do just that. You can use a System Command node in IPA to run the command against batch job output and convert the file. (This even works in cloud, but one caveat to note is that mutli-tenant environments do now allow system command nodes in IPA).
Generate the ADO files (_ado.xml, .csv and _ado_schema.xml). These are used by the OLE DB server
-L
Generate partial CSV files starting from a point in the report. Use in conjunction with the -o option, which indicates the line number to start at. Can also be used in conjunction with the -S option to create a partial CSV file for a single print file.
Example: bldxffiles -L sjohnson CU201JOB1 -o28
The generated CSV file will be CU201_partial.csv
-C
Create CSV file
-P
Create PDF file
-R
Create a print file with left-to-right orientation
-T
Include total groups in the CSV
-S
Build files only for the path and print file specified.
-k
Use the specified separator as the value separator in CSV files:
· a = Tab
· b = Space
· c = Comma
· s = Semicolon
-o
Specify the line number to start for a partial CSV file (used in conjunction with option L)
UserName
If you are not using the -F option, this is the name of the user who created the print files to be converted.
If you are using the -F option, this is a placeholder only. You must specify some text for this, but it can be any character.
JobName
The name of the job whose print files are to be converted.
JobStep
The job step whose print files are to be converted.
FullFilePath
The path to the input file, if you are using the -S or -Foption.
FileName
The name of the input file, if you are using the -S or -F option.
Using it in IPA
To use the bldxffiles command in IPA, you first need a system command node pointing to the “main” configuration set (or whatever configuration set points to your LSF server).
In the properties of the System Command Node, put your bldxffiles command. Typically you will want to use the “S” option so you can run the command against a filename, rather than being tied down to a specific user and job name (which could change readily). The syntax for converting a prt file to CSV would be similar to:
bldxffiles -SC <NTID> “<filepath>” <filename>
The NTID is for Windows only. On a Unix system, it would be a username.
NOTE: if you are not running the bldxffiles command in the user’s print directory (i.e. you are working on a print file that has been moved to another location), you will need to make sure that you have the print file’s corresponding detail file in the same directory where you are running the command. For instance, if you have a print file named AP520.prt, there is a correspoinding AP520.dtl file in that same print directory. That needs to follow the prt file or your command will return an error.
Example
Here is a command that will convert a check file to CSV format using the Lawson’s NTID. In this case, the file has been moved from the print directory to a new directory, so the .dtl file was also copied over. The .dtl file is also named checkf.dtl.
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Using-bldxffiles-command-to-convert-report-files-in-IPA-min.jpg470470Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-17 11:04:392020-03-20 17:31:09Using bldxffiles command to convert report files in IPA
Infor recently announced that French manufacturer of material handling, personnel elevation and earth moving equipment and services Manitou Group has implemented a program to transform its information system based on the Infor M3 Equipment solution to their factories, logistics centers and distribution subsidiaries. Manitou Group has more than 4,600 employees, 11 production centers and 8 logistics centers around the world. Per the press release, Manitou chose the Infor M3 Equipment enterprise software solution for equipment manufacturing and distribution industries. The company’s long-term goal is to harmonize the disparate systems used at its international subsidiaries by equipping them all with the Infor M3 Equipment solution. This objective will allow new innovative services to its dealers and subsidiaries, who face changing machine usage and increasingly specific end-customer requirements.
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Infor-Delivers-Enhanced-Mobile-Equipment-Solution_MFS_M3.jpg261614Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-16 09:21:082024-01-02 17:59:57Manitou Group Streamlines IT and Provides More Services and Innovation to European Distribution Subsidiaries
Infor recently announced that Al-Jazira Equipment Co. Ltd. (commercially known as AutoWorld), a pioneer in auto leasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected Infor CloudSuite Equipment to help spearhead its digital transformation. With Infor CloudSuite Equipment, it will help support AutoWorld’s new digital transformation project, SWITCH. This project aids to accelerate the digitization of its business processes, particularly those related to operational leasing and maintenance of its fleet of vehicles, to achieve best practices across the board. Per the press release, AutoWorld will use Infor’s solution to get an intuitive and streamlined approach to leasing management, such as a single entry point to manage the complete leasing flow. AutoWorld will also use Infor’s solution to standardize key business functions across its operations in Saudi Arabia, hoping to build a more effective workforce and enhanced customer acquisition and retention.
Infor ‘s supply chain consultancies and software implementation partner SNS has completed a state-of-the-art project at Colart, the leading art materials company in the world. It has gone live with Infor WMS (warehouse management system) in its new distribution center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Per the press release, the implementation of Infor WMS also brings seamless integration with the ERP system (Infor M3), as well as real-time integration with the conveyor systems. Additionally, Infor WMS will integrate with the carrier systems to better communicate packaging information with serial shipping container code (SSCC) generated by the Infor WMS solution.
Infor announced that national leader flag manufacturer Faber France has selected a new ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution to support critical business processes. Infor CloudSuite Industrial will be deployed to meet the company’s customer-specific production requirements. Per the press release, Infor CloudSuite Industrial was chosen by Faber France due to its scalable functionality for the automation of complex tasks, as well as its innovative configuration of products including management of quotes and orders (thanks to Infor Configure Price Quote), but also for its multi-site/multi-entity planning capabilities and advanced inventory management, up to invoicing.
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Infor-CloudSuite-Industrial-Enterprise.jpg400663Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-13 09:13:582024-01-02 18:05:14Faber France to Modernize Management of Activities and Gain Performance
If you want to use one System Command Node to run more than one command, simply concatenate the commands with “&&”. The output of the System Command Node will be the combined results of all the commands. For example:
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IP-Designer-Combine-Commands-in-System-Command-Node.jpg470470Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-12 08:08:272020-03-12 13:54:24IP Designer – Combine Commands in System Command Node
Infor recently announced that Lycamobile, the world’s largest international mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has invested in Infor SunSystems. This will allow the company to save costs by improving control of expenditure, and also help enable faster, more meaningful reporting. Per the press release, Infor SunSystems will replace the various financial management systems currently in use across all Lycamobile territories with a unified solution. The first phase of the roll-out will include France, the UK, Portugal and Spain. Implementation will be done by Infor service partner Lawrence Campbell. Following the initial phase and a comprehensive knowledge transfer programme, Infor SunSystems will be rolled out to the remaining 20 countries by a project team within Lycamobile.
Many companies are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools with accounts payable (AP) automation to harness both solutions’ abilities and level up their businesses’ values, according to PYMNTS.com. By bridging AP automation to ERP capabilities, it enhances working capital management, reduces operational costs and improves productivity. Per the article, the following advantages are available:
ERP and AP Automation Uptake “Implementing cloud-based ERP software has appealing benefits, but industry analysts find most companies lack the comprehensive AP capabilities necessary for efficient record keeping or rapid invoice and payment processing. AP automation simplifies the invoicing process to the extent that it can cut the cost of processing a single invoice.”
Benefits of Combining ERP and AP Automation Solutions “Augmenting ERP software with robust AP automation capabilities produces a system that significantly reduces typical human errors, such as duplicate invoice payments, and often provides additional support for innovative payment methods.”
Upgrading ERP Simultaneously With AP Automation “Embracing AP software solutions by implementing them simultaneously with ERP upgrades can streamline technical integration efforts and maximize worker productivity.”
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ERP-AP-automation.jpg400600Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-10 09:32:372020-03-04 20:42:01Harnessing ERP Software And AP Automation’s Combined Power
Microsoft is hardening their security with LDAP channeling and LDAP signing in an update coming soon. Any applications that rely on LDAP connections to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) or Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) need to be converted to LDAPS. LDAPS is a secure connection protocol used between applications like Lawson and the Network Directory or Domain Controller. Below are the potential impacted Lawson applications mentioned by Infor in a recent KB Article.
Impacted Lawson applications:
Lawson System Foundation (LSF) environments using AD LDS instances for Authentication Data Store (RM Configuration).
Lawson System Foundation (LSF) environments using an LDAP Bind to Windows Active Directory for authentication.
Landmark Environments using an LDAP Bind to Windows Active Directory for authentication.
Infor Federated Services (IFS) synchronization connections to Active Directory.
Infor has recommended that on-premise clients configure the impacted applications and have provided KB Articles on how to perform these tasks.
Some important things to note:
This change does affect you, even if you have implemented AD FS
If you are using Microsoft Add-ins for LSF and Lawson Process Administrator for Landmark, you will have a Thick Client installed that used LDAP Bind.
If your networking team takes the Microsoft LDAPS update and enforces LDAPS connections before these changes have been configured, your Lawson applications will fail in the following ways:
The LASE process on LSF will fail to start.
Login to services that rely on LDAP bind will be unable to login (Landmark Rich Client, MSCM Handheld Devices, IPA Flows to LSF).
IFS will be unable to sync users from Active Directory.
This change will NOT impact DSP applications
DSP application include Infor Business Intelligence (IBI or LBI), Lawson Smart Office (LSO), Mobile Supply Chain Management (MSCM), etc.
These applications use Infor Lawson for authentication. They are not bound to LDAP, nor do they have their own instance of AD LDS.
You can update your configuration at any time
The changes recommended by Infor can be completed before LDAPS connections are enforced, and there will be no negative impact to your system.
https://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/What-do-I-need-to-know-about-LDAPS.jpg470470Angeli Mentahttps://www.nogalis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo-with-slogan-good.pngAngeli Menta2020-03-09 07:36:022020-03-05 13:18:28What do I need to know about LDAPS?
5 telltale signs it’s time to replace your ERP system
NewsIn the last decade, the manufacturing sector has integrated an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system of some sort for smoother operations. However, with modern technology constantly evolving, sometimes the ERP system you implemented just a few years ago is now outdated. Mark Stevens writes an article on the Stamping Journal sharing five signs that your ERP system may be outdated.
For Full Article, Click Here
Using bldxffiles command to convert report files in IPA
Articles, Frontpage Article, NewsOften you will have IPA processes that run Lawson batch jobs, or perform some task with the output from a batch job. There may come a time when you need to programmatically convert the output of those jobs to another format, such as PDF or CSV. The bldxffiles command is a Lawson system command that allows you to do just that. You can use a System Command node in IPA to run the command against batch job output and convert the file. (This even works in cloud, but one caveat to note is that mutli-tenant environments do now allow system command nodes in IPA).
The Command
Command syntax is:
bldxffiles –[ALCPRTX | U] [abcdpstv] <username> <jobname>
Example: bldxffiles -L sjohnson CU201JOB1 -o28
The generated CSV file will be CU201_partial.csv
· a = Tab
· b = Space
· c = Comma
· s = Semicolon
If you are using the -F option, this is a placeholder only. You must specify some text for this, but it can be any character.
Using it in IPA
To use the bldxffiles command in IPA, you first need a system command node pointing to the “main” configuration set (or whatever configuration set points to your LSF server).
In the properties of the System Command Node, put your bldxffiles command. Typically you will want to use the “S” option so you can run the command against a filename, rather than being tied down to a specific user and job name (which could change readily). The syntax for converting a prt file to CSV would be similar to:
bldxffiles -SC <NTID> “<filepath>” <filename>
The NTID is for Windows only. On a Unix system, it would be a username.
NOTE: if you are not running the bldxffiles command in the user’s print directory (i.e. you are working on a print file that has been moved to another location), you will need to make sure that you have the print file’s corresponding detail file in the same directory where you are running the command. For instance, if you have a print file named AP520.prt, there is a correspoinding AP520.dtl file in that same print directory. That needs to follow the prt file or your command will return an error.
Example
Here is a command that will convert a check file to CSV format using the Lawson’s NTID. In this case, the file has been moved from the print directory to a new directory, so the .dtl file was also copied over. The .dtl file is also named checkf.dtl.
Manitou Group Streamlines IT and Provides More Services and Innovation to European Distribution Subsidiaries
NewsInfor recently announced that French manufacturer of material handling, personnel elevation and earth moving equipment and services Manitou Group has implemented a program to transform its information system based on the Infor M3 Equipment solution to their factories, logistics centers and distribution subsidiaries. Manitou Group has more than 4,600 employees, 11 production centers and 8 logistics centers around the world. Per the press release, Manitou chose the Infor M3 Equipment enterprise software solution for equipment manufacturing and distribution industries. The company’s long-term goal is to harmonize the disparate systems used at its international subsidiaries by equipping them all with the Infor M3 Equipment solution. This objective will allow new innovative services to its dealers and subsidiaries, who face changing machine usage and increasingly specific end-customer requirements.
For Full Article, Click Here
Saudi Arabia’s AutoWorld Digitally Transforms with Infor CloudSuite Equipment
NewsInfor recently announced that Al-Jazira Equipment Co. Ltd. (commercially known as AutoWorld), a pioneer in auto leasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected Infor CloudSuite Equipment to help spearhead its digital transformation. With Infor CloudSuite Equipment, it will help support AutoWorld’s new digital transformation project, SWITCH. This project aids to accelerate the digitization of its business processes, particularly those related to operational leasing and maintenance of its fleet of vehicles, to achieve best practices across the board. Per the press release, AutoWorld will use Infor’s solution to get an intuitive and streamlined approach to leasing management, such as a single entry point to manage the complete leasing flow. AutoWorld will also use Infor’s solution to standardize key business functions across its operations in Saudi Arabia, hoping to build a more effective workforce and enhanced customer acquisition and retention.
For Full Article, Click Here
Colart Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency with Infor’s Best-in-Class Warehouse Management System
NewsInfor ‘s supply chain consultancies and software implementation partner SNS has completed a state-of-the-art project at Colart, the leading art materials company in the world. It has gone live with Infor WMS (warehouse management system) in its new distribution center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Per the press release, the implementation of Infor WMS also brings seamless integration with the ERP system (Infor M3), as well as real-time integration with the conveyor systems. Additionally, Infor WMS will integrate with the carrier systems to better communicate packaging information with serial shipping container code (SSCC) generated by the Infor WMS solution.
For Full Article, Click Here
Faber France to Modernize Management of Activities and Gain Performance
NewsInfor announced that national leader flag manufacturer Faber France has selected a new ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution to support critical business processes. Infor CloudSuite Industrial will be deployed to meet the company’s customer-specific production requirements. Per the press release, Infor CloudSuite Industrial was chosen by Faber France due to its scalable functionality for the automation of complex tasks, as well as its innovative configuration of products including management of quotes and orders (thanks to Infor Configure Price Quote), but also for its multi-site/multi-entity planning capabilities and advanced inventory management, up to invoicing.
For Full Article, Click Here
IP Designer – Combine Commands in System Command Node
Articles, Frontpage Article, NewsIf you want to use one System Command Node to run more than one command, simply concatenate the commands with “&&”. The output of the System Command Node will be the combined results of all the commands. For example:
Lyca Dials into Unified Financial Management with Infor
NewsInfor recently announced that Lycamobile, the world’s largest international mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has invested in Infor SunSystems. This will allow the company to save costs by improving control of expenditure, and also help enable faster, more meaningful reporting. Per the press release, Infor SunSystems will replace the various financial management systems currently in use across all Lycamobile territories with a unified solution. The first phase of the roll-out will include France, the UK, Portugal and Spain. Implementation will be done by Infor service partner Lawrence Campbell. Following the initial phase and a comprehensive knowledge transfer programme, Infor SunSystems will be rolled out to the remaining 20 countries by a project team within Lycamobile.
For Full Article, Click Here
Harnessing ERP Software And AP Automation’s Combined Power
NewsMany companies are turning to enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools with accounts payable (AP) automation to harness both solutions’ abilities and level up their businesses’ values, according to PYMNTS.com. By bridging AP automation to ERP capabilities, it enhances working capital management, reduces operational costs and improves productivity. Per the article, the following advantages are available:
ERP and AP Automation Uptake
“Implementing cloud-based ERP software has appealing benefits, but industry analysts find most companies lack the comprehensive AP capabilities necessary for efficient record keeping or rapid invoice and payment processing. AP automation simplifies the invoicing process to the extent that it can cut the cost of processing a single invoice.”
Benefits of Combining ERP and AP Automation Solutions
“Augmenting ERP software with robust AP automation capabilities produces a system that significantly reduces typical human errors, such as duplicate invoice payments, and often provides additional support for innovative payment methods.”
Upgrading ERP Simultaneously With AP Automation
“Embracing AP software solutions by implementing them simultaneously with ERP upgrades can streamline technical integration efforts and maximize worker productivity.”
For Full Article, Click Here
What do I need to know about LDAPS?
Articles, Frontpage Article, NewsMicrosoft is hardening their security with LDAP channeling and LDAP signing in an update coming soon. Any applications that rely on LDAP connections to Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) or Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS) need to be converted to LDAPS. LDAPS is a secure connection protocol used between applications like Lawson and the Network Directory or Domain Controller. Below are the potential impacted Lawson applications mentioned by Infor in a recent KB Article.
Impacted Lawson applications:
Infor has recommended that on-premise clients configure the impacted applications and have provided KB Articles on how to perform these tasks.
Some important things to note: