A collection of the most frequently asked questions, submitted by customers, regarding the Kinetic Design Framework Preview Program. This information is valid up to Epicor ERP version 10.2.600.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
The Epicor ERP 10.2.600 update is the first of two Cloud release upgrades planned for 2020. This is a major update that brings greater usability, performance, and strategic value in a single upgrade.
Epicor ERP 10.2.600 Highlights
As with past releases, the breakdown of what’s been added has been categorized into four major components: Experiences, Industry, Cloud and Analytics, and Global updates.
Epicor ERP 10.2.600 Experiences Updates
Epicor ERP Kinetic Dashboards and Trackers
Epicor ERP Kinetic Application Studio
Kinetic Help and Support Panel
Epicor Collaborate Phase 2
EVA Skills
Kinetic Highlights For Epicor ERP 10.2.600
184 reports and processes
20 Trackers (Located on a new Trackers – Kinetic menu)
Ability to deploy dashboards to Kinetic UI
Ability to create BAQ Reports in Kinetic UI
Ability to personalize and customize Kinetic forms
Epicor Application Studio (version 1)*
Enhancements to Kinetic Home Page
Kinetic App Maintenance*
Kinetic version alert banner*
*coming in 10.2.600.2
Refer to Release Notes for a cumulative list of Kinetic forms.
Kinetic Help and Support Panel
One-click access to videos, articles, and guided learning
Context-sensitive results
Easy access to Epicor Learning Center, EpicCare, and EpicWeb
Display field help
New In-App Feedback
Give Epicor your direct feedback
Not a replacement for Support calls
Epicor Collaborate
Cloud-based, collaboration solution within Epicor ERP
Simple, intuitive experience
New in 10.2.600:
• Editing, sharing, flagging and tagging messages
• Creating groups to make communication easier, including private groups
• Creating custom notification rules
• Designing BPM workflows to post notifications to Collaborate
• Integrations with EVA, EDD, IoT, and Microsoft Teams
• Support for 11 additional languages
Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA)
Conversational digital agent
EVA is enhanced with new skills each release:
• Collaborate API – @EVA user posts message to a Collaborate group or individual
• Return Material Authorization (RMA) Skill – “Create RMA for X pieces of [part] to [Customer]”
Available for iOS and Android
Epicor ERP 10.2.600 Industry Updates
Epicor Financials Enhancements
Epicor Quick Ship
Epicor Cash Collect
DocStar ECM 2020.1
Epicor AMM PCID Transfers
Epicor ERP Core Financial Enhancements
Centralized AR collections
AR/AP netting settlement
AP invoice cancellation
AR/AP invoices-WHT timing option through interim accounts
Epicor Quick Ship (Manifest)
Cloud enablement on Microsoft Azure
Data mapping tool
New carrier integrations with:
• CH Robinson’s freightquote.com
• Canadian carriers Loomis and Canada Post
Epicor Cash Collect
User-friendly Customer Portal empowers businesses to better serve their customers
New Communications Assistant enables collection representatives to record, transcribe and store calls
Document Creation gives users a PDF print driver that enables printing a batch of invoices
Advanced Workflow allows the ability to create custom workflows within Epicor Cash Collect
Epicor Data Analytics Financial Reporting
Replaces Advanced Financial Reporting with a modern, cloud-based BI and analytics solution
All-in-one easy-to-use solution
Robust financial reports such as financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports in a pre-packaged format
Offers Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
Device-agnostic
Epicor Advanced Project Management
Provides integrated project management for customers with modules for:
• Project Contracts
• Project Accounting
• Project Subcontracts
Simplifies and streamlines the contract management process and tracks at the sub-ledger level
DocStar Enterprise Content Management 2020.1
Provides automation to route and process business documents more efficiently, faster, and more accurately
Integrates to Epicor ERP for storage of documents and attachments, pre-built automated processing of documents for sales order entry and accounts payable
New features include AP Automation enhancements, integration with Epicor ERP identity, supporting multi-factor authentication, and new Kinetic screens
Package Control Identification Transfers
Reserve and allocate Advanced Materials Management PCIDs for sales orders
Enables customers to supply multiple sites with raw materials from a central location
Allow a customer to receive a single PO line or job info multiple PCIDs in a single transaction
Epicor ERP Public Cloud Multi-region Multi-company Transactions
Run Epicor ERP in multiple company locations from any geography, in the cloud or on-premises
Enable intercompany transactions such as purchasing, sales orders, and reporting across multiple databases
Roll out a cloud strategy in phases, meet local requirements, and gain global visibility and alignment
Epicor ERP Cloud Regions
Epicor Cloud Communication
The email address on the In-app user profile is now where you enter your preferred communication email address
Need to update your notification preferences?
Access your profile from the System Monitor -> Action Menu
Epicor ERP 10.2.600 Global Updates
Country-Specific Functionality updates
Epicor Electronic Reports
Epicor Country Specific Functionality
Countries providing updates for:
China
Colombia
France
Germany
India
Indonesia
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
UAE
UK
and all countries in the European Union (EU) with support for the EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number.
Epicor Electronic Reports
Prepare electronic reports for third-party organizations
Work efficiently with advisory companies and auditors
Leverage simple e-invoicing
Strengthen your global business management with legally required electronic reports
Timeline for 10.2.600
Preparation Checklist
Pilot/Additional Env Upgrade Weekend
Pilot/Additional Systems offline Friday 12:01 AM local data center time
Not able to log in during upgrade process
Timeline
For live Public Cloud customers: We start copying your Production data to Pilot on Wed April 15 at 8:00 PM CDT and through Thurs
For MT, Express: We start copying your Production data to Pilot on Thurs at 8:00 PM CDT
Additional environments are not auto refreshed
When upgrades are complete, your users can login
Download happens automatically
No changes to Users \ menu \ permissions
10.2.600 in the Pilot system available for testing on Sunday, April 19
Production Upgrade Weekend
Production System offline Saturday 12:01 AM local data center time
Not able to log in during upgrade process
Approximate time for an upgrade 4-10 hours once your upgrade has started
During this time the Epicor Cloud Ops team will…
Upgrade your Production
Install UBCs solution from Pilot if requested by Tuesday, May 12
Send “all clear” messages
▪ First to administrators, second to all users
When complete, your users can login
Download happens automatically
No changes to Users \ menu \ permissions
Local system admin import UBCs previously saved to local drive and not included in the solution
Pilot changes will be retained on a backup copy until May 29 if needed
Data Refreshes for Customers in Public Cloud
All live customers staying on cadence—your pilot database will be automatically refreshed Wed, Apr 15 and upgraded Fri, Apr 17
Additional environments are NOT automatically refreshed. But if you would like a refresh prior (so you test the latest data) please raise a ticket in EpicCare – this must be completed ASAP, to be ready for 12:01 Friday AM local data center time.
All implementing customers –your pilot database will not be automatically refreshed. You will be upgraded on Fri, Apr 17 with the data in place.
But if you would like a refresh prior (so you test the latest data) please raise a ticket in EpicCare – this must be completed ASAP and ready for 12:01 Friday am local data center time.
Implementing customers will not be able to have the database refreshed from Production to Pilot during the upgrade testing month – so if you want this done it must be done by Thurs, April 16.
Customers with Option to Flex Their .600 Upgrade
The deadline was Wed, April 8 to submit your Flex request
Updates:
Note: if you choose to defer your upgrade, you will NOT receive any scheduled 500.x updates after 10.2.500.10.
However, Kinetic forms (User interface refresh) will continue to be turned on during this Flex period, regularly, with no downtime required
Option 1
Week of June 22 – your pilot system will be refreshed from live and upgraded
Additional will be upgraded and not refreshed. But if you would like a refresh prior
(so you test the latest data) please raise a ticket in EpicCare – this must be completed ASAP and ready for 12:01 Friday AM local data center time.
Saturday, July 25 at 12:01 AM – your live system upgrade will start
Option 2
Week of July 20 – your pilot system will be refreshed from live and upgraded
Additional will be upgraded and not refreshed. But if you would like a refresh prior
(so you test the latest data) please raise a ticket in EpicCare – this must be completed ASAP and ready for 12:01 Friday AM local data center time.
Saturday, Aug 22 at 12:01 AM – your live system upgrade will start
Testing in Pilot
Use this time to test end-to-end
A sample test plan is available for download on EpicWeb
Personalize the test plan and distribute it to your power users
Monitor for any failed Unique Business Components
(UBCs)
Tues, May 12 is your last day to fix any UBCs and “opt-in” by requesting via EpicCare that the Epicor Cloud Ops team moves your UBCs to Production
If you need changes later, that’s ok. You’ll just have to update your Production after go-live.
Export all UBC changes to a known local location (Don’t take the default location)
Pilot/Additional will be upgraded to 10.2.600.2 May 12 just before the Live upgrade May 16-17
If you need help, please submit an EpicCare ticket
Testing Your SSRS Reports in Pilot
Open both your Production and Pilot applications from the same computer
Print the report in Production
Download your Production report from Production
Upload the report into the Pilot
Print the report in the Pilot
Compare the two documents
If you need to make modifications, make them in Pilot, and take notes so that you can move them post-upgrade
If you need help, please submit an EpicCare ticket
Unique Business Components (UBCs)
Vendor/Partner-side Teams Will: Upgrade your UBC items to 10.2.600
You need to:
Use the UBC Tracker to prioritize what needs your attention: clean up old data and fix issues
Use the sample test plans to walk through your business processes end-to-end (including reports)
Work to resolve items by Tuesday, May 12
Create an EpicCare Ticket IF YOU WANT* Epicor Cloud Ops to move your UBCs from Pilot to Production for you
Note: *In 10.2.400 and earlier, Epicor moved your modified UBCs files automatically, unless you opted out by requesting that they not be moved. Like the 10.2.500 process, with 10.2.600 Epicor will only move your modified UBC files if you choose to opt-in by submitting an EpicCare ticket.
Unique Business Components Tracker
Provides a read-only overview of your UBCs in one spot
Tabs organize your items so you can see what is good to go
Use it to identify obsolete or prototype items for cleanup
Dynamically reads your data
Customization panel refreshed every 4 hours
UBC Customization Tab
Three fields help you identify and prioritize customizations needing resolution
On the menu – Any customization used on a menu that has a problem is your highest priority
Is Cosmetic – These customizations have fields that may need attention
Duplicate – Review and delete
These fields are updated in Customization Maint by the verification process
Access a “how-to” video on the EpicWeb Cloud Documentation site
Training Courses
Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 features over 60 new and updated titles in our Training on Demand library
Epicor ERP Cloud Embedded Education has over 100 courses with several updates
Remember to leverage the cloud upgrade training:
Getting Started with Epicor ERP in the Cloud
Epicor Support and Cloud Operational Excellence
Leveraging the Unique Business Component Tracker to Manage Your Customizations During an Upgrade
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
As we near the Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 Update, here are the important dates and enhancements you should know.
Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 Update Important Dates
Tuesday, April 7, 2020,New Kinetic forms are turned on in your pilot environment. Your systems will not experience any downtime during this simple enhancement, and your version will not change. Details can be found in the Epicor ERP Kinetic FAQ for Customers.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020Deadline for Flex customers to submit an EpicCare ticket indicating their preference to defer their upgrade to one of the alternate upgrade dates. This has been extended from April 6.
Saturday, April 11, 2020,The new Kinetic forms are turned on in your production environment. Your systems will not experience any downtime, and your version will not change.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and Wednesday, April 15, 2020Upgrade webinars are held live, recorded, and posted as documentation. Please plan to join or watch the replay so you are aware of the upgrade process. Registration information will be sent shortly.
Friday, April 17, 2020 – Saturday, April 18, 2020Pilot system upgrade to 10.2.600. During this time, your pilot system will be unavailable while Epicor performs your upgrade, but don’t worry—your production system will not be affected by the new release. Once it is complete, log in to your pilot system and start exploring what’s new.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020Pilot system update to 10.2.600.2 and UBC Opt-In Deadline. The final version that will be loaded into your Production system will be 10.2.600.2, so we’ll update your Pilot environment on this date. Also, if you want Epicor to move your UBCs from your Pilot environment to your Production environment, you must submit an EpicCare ticket to opt into the process. If you do not submit an EpicCare ticket to opt into the process, the UBCs from your Pilot environment will not be moved by Epicor to the Production environment.
Saturday, May 16, 2020 – Sunday, May 17, 2020Production system upgrade to 10.2.600.2. Your upgrade weekend arrives! While Epicor upgrades your production system to Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.600.2, your system will be unavailable for several hours during this time.
Note that dates are subject to change.
What’s New in Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600
A few highlights include:
Multi-region Multi-company Cloud Transactions—Accelerate your growth plans. New in 10.2.600 is the ability to connect separate instances of Epicor ERP across Azure datacenters—or even across Azure datacenters to on-premises locations—through multi-company transactions to enable a distributed cloud or hybrid cloud business model.
User Experience—Ease of use continues to be a top priority. We’re introducing new personalization tools, enhancing Epicor Functions, and updating visuals throughout the application. You get new file attachment options with Google Drive and Dropbox. And for your mobile time and expense apps, get the ability to edit timesheets and expense reports in offline mode.
Epicor Collaborate—Get connected to get it done. Building on the first release of Epicor Collaborates in our last release, 10.2.600 features so much more. Epicor Collaborate will offer custom notifications, multiple channels and groups, filtering options, translation support for eleven more languages, and fit-for-purpose integrations with Epicor Data Discovery, Epicor Virtual Agent, Epicor IoT, and Microsoft Teams.
General Enhancements—This release features enhancements throughout the applications, including Epicor Advanced Project Management, Financials for Epicor Data Analytics, four new modules in Epicor Cash Collect, full cloud enablement for Epicor Quick Ship, and more.
How to Prepare Epicor will upgrade your pilot system one month before your production system so you have the opportunity to explore the updates in 10.2.600 without affecting your production system. As a best practice, please use this time to review and make any necessary changes to your Unique Business Components—custom reports, BPMs, User Interface customizations, etc.—to ensure everything continues to operate as expected. If you submit an EpicCare ticket for help with moving your UBCs from Pilot to Production, Epicor will do so for you during the upgrade weekend.
Flexing Your Upgrade Subscribers to the Epicor Public Cloud Flex Option can follow the same schedule, but you have the option to defer your upgrade to Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.600. Below are the two date options for your flex upgrade.
If you choose to defer, you must submit anEpicCareticket with your selected upgrade date (Option 1 or Option 2) and we will send you a personalized confirmation with your instructions. We must receive your deferral no later than Wednesday, April 8, 2020. If you do not choose to defer, we’ll keep you on cadence and automatically upgrade your system in April 2020.
Note: If you choose to defer your upgrade, you will not receive any 600.x updates after the 10.2.500.10 update, but you will continue to receive any planned Kinetic form enhancements that we turn on during the Flex period. We only host the upgrade webinars on April 14 and 15, but replays are accessible at any time afterwards as documentation on EpicWeb. If you defer, you are strongly encouraged to either attend or watch the replay so you are aware of the upgrade process.
About the Upgrade Epicor Cloud ERP, 10.2.600 is the first of two major upgrades planned for 2020, as part of our regular cadence and commitment to helping your business grow through innovation. Unlike the more frequent monthly updates that are minor yet enhance your daily experience, major releases like this bring you greater usability, performance, and strategic value in a single upgrade. That’s why we give you advance notice and the opportunity to test and explore the updates in the pilot before upgrading your production system.
Next Steps You are invited to join educational webinars on April 14 and April 15 to learn more about Epicor ERP 10.2.600, how to prepare, and ways to leverage the new functionality for driving business growth. Documentation will also be made available on the Epicor customer portal EpicWeb. And as a reminder, reach out to EpicCare anytime you have a question or need application support.
Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.
