The concept of a “Smart Factory” has become a reality for manufacturers. In today’s Industry 4.0 world we must have a system that can capture more information, faster. With the Epicor Kinetic Advanced MES Machine Interface Unit (MIU), you can collect machine and process data in real time and connect to virtually any machine, without having to rely on equipment that is OPC compliant.

Benefits of the Epicor Kinetic Advanced MES Machine Interface Unit

The Advanced MES Connected Factory Machine Interface Unit (CF-MIU) is an industrial-strength data collection device conceived, developed, and manufactured by Epicor, and was designed along the lines of a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. The term SCADA generally refers to a system that monitors machines, groups of machines, or large cells of manufacturing equipment.

Much of the control is performed automatically by the MIU, however, there are host control functions that permit overriding this autonomous control through supervisory actions or intervention. For example, the MIU can control the output reject chute based on various conditions and processes. Other benefits include:

  • Continues to collect data during network outages
  • Connects to any machine
  • Control your machine when there are process violations detected
  • Sample at 2000 per second

The MIU is ensuring that every part is manufactured according to engineering specs provided at the host. Its main purpose is to collect production and process information from the manufacturing machine, store, and transmit that data in real-time to the server computer.

The MIU can interface with non-OPC PLCs on the factory floor as well as read its own internal set of analog and digital inputs. The data acquisition begins here through meter readings, level indicators, pressure and temperature status readings, etc., which are then forwarded to the SCADA engine on the MIU. Data is then compiled, and formatted, various reduction analysis equations are executed, and outputs are engaged if needed. In real-time, the operator can make supervisory decisions to adjust or override normal processes and procedural functions.

Advanced MES Connected Factory Machine Interface Unit Technology

The new CF-MIU takes advantage of the latest technology in computer hardware design and offers advancements from almost every standpoint that allow you to connect your factory floor like never before. Instead of soldering input boards onto the motherboard, the new MIU uses plug-n-play input boards that allow the MIU to grow as your needs change. Any interruption in network service is covered by a much larger cache that takes us from storing hours of data to days. 2 USB ports are available for remote network connections such as for a mouse or a keyboard.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


Manufacturers are quite familiar with feeling the squeeze of constrained talent pools. This can be said for just about every department of a business. When it comes to ERP staff, qualified individuals can be tough to come by even in healthy job markets. This becomes even more apparent when seeking ERP staff with backgrounds that align with the unique needs of manufacturing businesses. Remote Staff Augmentation, also known as Virtual Staff Augmentation, for manufacturers is one answer to the problem of finding qualified staff to keep your manufacturing business running at peak performance.

Whether you’re working on the road, at home, or onsite, Encompass can supplement ERP staff remotely with remote workforce augmentation.

What is Remote Workforce Augmentation?

Remote Workforce Augmentation is the ability to supplement your internal staffing needs with employees, contracted or otherwise, that operate remotely and generally interact with a business by virtual means.

Why use Remote Workforce Augmentation?

There are many reasons why a company would choose to leverage Remote Workforce Augmentation for their ERP needs. This includes everything from simple system checks and reviews to advanced projects and ongoing support.

Some of the most common pain points for manufacturers that lead to leveraging remote workforce augmentation include:

  • Being overburdened with incoming orders or outgoing purchase orders
  • Achieving business goals
  • Running regular reports
  • Adding ERP coverage without bringing on new employees
  • Bridging gaps between office staff and departments

If you are experiencing any of these pain points or have a few that you think may qualify for remote workforce augmentation and IT support, Encompass has the right person for you.

How Encompass Provides Remote Workforce Augmentation

Companies that cannot afford or do not need full-time ERP staff will want to consider Remote Workforce Augmentation. This arrangement is one where the company will contract their ERP work and support requirements out to a third party, in this case, Encompass Solutions, Inc. (ESI).

ESI will provide several levels of support for a business to evaluate when considering remote workforce augmentation, which includes:

  • Supplementing your ERP staff
  • Bridging gaps during personnel turnover
  • Supporting teams with those on Maternity/Paternity leave
  • Quote/Order Entry
  • Job Creation/Closing
  • Purchase Order Entry
  • AR Invoicing
  • Shipping Notifications
  • Manual EDI processing
  • Transitioning back to your team if needed

Depending on your level of requirements, you may choose a basic or more comprehensive offering. Use your procedures – we’ll do the work!

Get started with Encompass Remote Workforce Augmentation

If you are ready to supplement internal operations with ESI staff or would like a review of your internal processes to find the best solution to your needs, we can help you get started.

It all starts with an informal review of your current process, which includes:

  • Order Entry
  • Purchase Order Entry
  • Customer Statements
  • and more

As part of the process, your business will provide Encompass with your procedures and our team will execute this according to your business processes and requirements.

Following that, ESI will document our progress throughout the day, providing regular reports and communications to your team or “next in line” person to make sure you are always kept up to date.

If you are ready to have the conversation about your IT support and remote workforce augmentation needs, contact Encompass today.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


Today’s global business environment has transformed what enterprises need from their ERP systems. Global competition has led to the development of extended value networks, with facilities, suppliers, and partners in every part of the globe; moreover, it is much more nuanced than was ever imagined. Change is constant. Innovation is accelerating. Competitive pressures and customer expectations are higher. In this dynamic and challenging environment, technology must support the goals of better collaboration, increased agility, real-time responsiveness, and higher performance while reducing complexity in what is inherently a complex structure. Failing to do so may hinder what technology is meant to drive: growth and opportunity.

Epicor ERP 10 has been built from the ground up to comprehensively respond to these needs and provide the support organizations require to thrive in today’s competitive global business landscape. Guided by the needs of today’s organizations, Epicor ERP 10 streamlines the use of ERP across multiple devices while providing greater deployment choices, reduced complexity, and remarkable ease of use. Built on agile technology to provide rich, global functionality, we believe it is a truly inspired ERP solution, one that not only unleashes the full potential of ERP but also changes its role from necessary infrastructure to active facilitator of business growth and sustainability.

 

About Encompass Solutions

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, or 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.


Manufacturers today are looking for innovative ways to differentiate themselves in the competitive global marketplace. Understanding customers’ needs in great detail has become an essential to being competitive.

One way to gain this understanding is to implement an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. ERP solutions consolidate business operations, enhancing your businesses ability to be agile. Not only do these systems deliver on technology that you can boast about over coffee with a colleague, the business advantages include the ability to streamline your organization’s processes to reduce waste, improve throughput, and ultimately meet your customer’s value stream; improving odds for continued business in the future.

 

About Encompass Solutions

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 Industry.