Dec 09
Business Tips
Industry Research
Cloud Migration
As our future becomes increasingly more digital, more and more companies are opting to migrate to the cloud. Cloud migration is the process of moving assets, in part or sum, to the cloud. Assets may include services, databases, IT resources, or applications.
Epicor’s Latest Release: Prophet 21
In October, Epicor released Epicor Prophet 21 (P21), a fully cloud-based software, for distributors. This upgrade is available to all Epicor users and is strongly encouraged to help distributors navigate the uneven terrain of the supply chain.
P21 Cloud is designed to help large distributors continue to scale their operations smoothly and securely. This shift to cloud software was largely propelled by the increased need for digital reliability and ongoing supply chain disruptions sparked by the pandemic. With easier adaptability, P21 Cloud allows users to configure their software to better meet their needs.
Benefits of Moving to the Cloud
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are only as stable as the infrastructure on which they operate. Over time, the infrastructure may become outdated or weakened. Your ERP is the core of your business; if it is not working at optimal capacity, neither is your business.
As the market changes, so should your technology. Upgrading your ERP will ensure you remain competitive. P21 cloud-based software offers the following benefits:
- Stronger security
- Improved user experience
- Better connectivity between customers and distributors
- New optimized workflows
How to Move in 4 Simple Steps
Moving your ERP to the cloud may seem a cumbersome and disruptive process, but it doesn’t need to be. Follow these four simple steps to make your move as seamless as possible:
1: Analyze: Before you make your move, take stock of your existing ERP. Epicor offers an ERP Analyzer Tool that will help you outline your current system and determine what is being upgraded and what is being replaced. Once you have this data, you can move on to the next step.
2: Plan: Downtime translates into loss of productivity. If planned out thoroughly in advance, you can lessen disruptions to your workday. If you avail of Epicor’s Could Transfer Tool, the move should be fairly straightforward. It’s also important to note that with the new upgrade, employees may require additional training. Epicor’s Learning Center provides several helpful resources.
3: Move: Once you have assessed the state of your current ERP and determined the best time and method to upgrade, you may move to the cloud. During this time, if you haven’t already, you should begin training all affected employees. The key to a flawless transition is ensuring that changes in workflows are understood followed accordingly.
4: Test: After the move is complete, it’s important to test the updated functionality. Further database upgrades and additional support are available if required. If your employees are educated and operations are working properly, your adoption of the new software is finished.
What to Do Next
While P21 is a powerful standalone tool, you can further optimize your ERP. Recurrency is an automation and optimization engine that integrates with P21 in less than 24 hours. By using machine learning and artificial intelligence, it collects, cleans, and analyzes P21’s current data to optimize and automate your ERP. To learn more about how to improve the speed and functionality of P21, get in touch.
