Improve your quality management program with timely feedback and pre-emptive responses with the Epicor Advanced MES Statistical Process Control and Statistical Quality Control module.

What is Statistical Process Control (SPC)?

Statistical Process Control will allow you to analyze the processes from your machines using various statistical techniques. Using the data that is being automatically collected, you will be able to make adjustments to the process to help ensure the process is statistically in control and to improve the machine process capability. Without SPC your technicians can only respond to nonvisual issues when they are measured by your quality team. By the time the issue is discovered the process is already producing defective parts. Using SPC, technicians can be alerted to a process that is violating spec limits thus minimizing the production of defective parts.

What is Statistical Quality Control (SQC)?

Statistical Quality Control will allow you to analyze the variable data as well as the attribute data of the part. Using an advanced manufacturing execution system, your operators and quality technicians can use a Human Machine Interface to enter or pull in quality measurements. Using the data, you will be able to determine if the measured part dimensions are statistically in control.

Advanced MES Statistical Process Control and Statistical Quality Control

Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Statistical Quality Control (SQC) with Epicor Advanced MES use real-time, automatic data to help you respond to production conditions before making bad parts. SPC and SQC with factual data enable consistent results without constant oversight. They compare cycle time and process data to control the limits you set—providing rich, instant information to machine operators, quality and reliability engineers, and maintenance professionals.

Advanced MES SPC and SQC Features

Improve Your Quality Management Program with Advanced MES and respond to conditions before producing bad parts, thanks to:

  • Advanced MES operator interface embedded in the system
  • Easy operator interface for setup, alarming, and correction
  • Sophisticated modeling tools

Additional benefits include the ability to:

  • Conform to Quality Standards
  • Avoid charge-backs and defect penalties
  • Automatically scrap parts
  • Drive continuous improvement into your quality programs

Any machine that feeds production and process data into your Advanced MES system can benefit from the Advanced MES SPC and SQC capabilities. It’s capable of receiving any kind of data from machines—cycle time, temperature, pressure, weight, dimensions, or any other kind of measurement. Set and record process parameter control limits for each attribute, and specify sampling criteria. The system automatically administers data samples and alerts for out-of-spec conditions. It applies statistical analysis to process conditions, so operators get an alert—even before things run out of spec—that something is trending negatively.

Process Sheets

Within Epicor Advanced MES you can set up process sheets for the machine/part/tool combination that you wish to monitor. Within the process sheet, you can set up control limits for the process parameters being monitored. The process sheet allows you to configure the frequency and subgroup size for your sampling and you can set up alarms for how you wish to handle process violations.

Edge Computing and Automatic Part Qualification

Automatic part qualification can be set up based on your process sheet parameters to help determine what to do when a part violates your rules. Using our edge device – the Connect Factory Machine Interface Unit (CF-MIU) you can control what you want to have to happen when a process rule is violated.

The Mattec Machine Interface Unit (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. 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.

Advantages of SPC and SQC together

By bringing the SPC and SQC data together, you can analyze the association of the different processes to the dimensions of the part. This gives your process techs additional insight into troubleshooting process issues, and will also assist you in determining which processes are critical and guide you on setting the specifications and control limits.

Do More for Quality Management Than Gather Data

With Advanced MES, statistical analysis is easy and accessible because it’s automated and visual. Epicor eliminates the need for a statistician—or even advanced mathematics training—to put SPC and SQC to work for your company. SPC and SQC do all of the work in the background and serve up visually intuitive graphs and charts that are designed for fast, easy understanding by operators and engineers alike. Complete, accurate, and automated data collection—combined with powerful analysis in a meaningful format – empower people at every level to use statistical analysis to plan, respond, or react to help ensure quality. The Advanced MES SPC/SQC module supports:

  • Automatic process samples
  • Intermittent or batch checkpoints
  • Continuous background analysis and computations
  • Process exception alarms
  • Real-time quality displays for operators and managers
  • Linear regression analysis
  • Exception logs and reports
  • Control of limit calculation
  • Statistical analysis historian
  • Any kind of MRO activity like cleaning, changing parts, taking measurements, making adjustments, performing inspections, and others
  • Adjustment of production schedule automatically for PM/MRO
  • Machines, tools, auxiliary equipment, and another type of assets
  • Tasks, schedules, and requirements from ERP, MRP, and maintenance systems

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.


Improve your quality management program with timely feedback and pre-emptive responses with the Epicor Advanced MES Statistical Process Control and Statistical Quality Control module.

 

 

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.


The annual Epicor Customer Conference, Insights, was revived in person for 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in everyone’s mind, Insights 2021 was a strange brew of keeping the traditional spirit of the event in line with the necessary precautions required to keep attendees safe. That being the case, the show was organized and executed for an audience that numbered a bit more than 1800. That is roughly half of the standard attendance when compared to prior iterations.

The event focused on Epicor’s full suite of business solutions, newest technological developments, and road map for the future of the company and its products along with providing ample learning and networking opportunities for attendees throughout the week. Because we and our audience work primarily with Epicor Kinetic (previously Epicor ERP), this recap will focus on items relevant to that product.

CDR Acquisition of Epicor Software Corp.

The Short: Epicor was purchased by CDR in late 2020. Rebranding followed shortly after with a new logo, marketing, and design. The company will focus efforts on being the #1 cloud ERP provider for manufacturers moving forward.

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice purchased Epicor in late 2020 for just under $5 billion. Epicor has more than 20,000 customers across the globe and offers a world-class suite of software for manufacturing, distribution, retail, and services. CDR is confident it can propel Epicor to its next stage in development and increase its market share. Part of that effort is a heavy investment in cloud technologies for Epicor industries.

By offloading IT costs, improving connectivity and coverage for any time, anywhere work, and heavily investing in cybersecurity, CDR seeks to make Epicor the leader in cloud-based ERP. That is not to say on-prem and hybrid deployments will be unavailable. It means that Epicor will move forward with a cloud-first mentality and encourage users to consider the cloud as the optimal choice for deployment.

Epicor has made it easy to recognize the benefits of the cloud and developed a roadmap for easier on-prem to cloud migration.

Epicor has redesigned its look to reflect these forward-looking changes with new logos, new marketing collateral, and a brand overhaul that is simple, sleek, and attractive.

Epicor Kinetic 2021.1

The Short: Epicor ERP has been renamed Epicor Kinetic. The enterprise management software will continue to focus on the needs of modern manufacturers. Intuitive design, functionality, and experience continue to improve user adoption and time to value. Advanced on-prem and cloud-based cybersecurity safeguards have become a priority to combat what Epicor sees as an increasingly targeted business group.

As part of Epicor’s rebrand, Epicor ERP has received a new moniker, Kinetic. The product leverages an array of next-generation personalization for businesses, employees, and their customers. The improved product delivers cutting-edge business management tools, including new validation and security tools for highly regulated industries, low-code, no-code interface design, and more product flexibility, all available within the browser.

This change is punctuated by a focus on Roles and Personas that will govern provisioning, interfaces, learning, and training, all within the Kinetic system moving forward.

Kinetic and the cloud-first approach will move forward in tandem, ensuring that customers will have the opportunity to see the software mature at their own pace and integrate when the time is right. The benefits emerge already, with those customers who are current on the software gaining the maximum benefit through future-proofing their business.

Epicor’s Acquisition of KBMax

The Short: Customer-driven eCommerce tools are now the norm and KBMax is Epicor’s answer to easy purchasing in a familiar online shopping experience. By enabling complex ETO and product configuration as a 3D visualization, manufacturers can enable customers to complete purchasing activities online, more quickly and more easily.

Customers are increasingly demanding faster quoting, more personalization, and an easy-to-use interface for their purchasing activities.

To address these needs, Epicor identified and acquired KBMax. This Engineered-to-Order (ETO) product configurator and 3D visualization tool allow for easy quoting and configuration of highly complex products. This includes everything from outbuildings, industrial equipment, furniture, and more.

Designed to provide customers the ability to build out complex product configurations in an easy-to-navigate interface, KBMax greatly improves the overall purchasing experience for the customer. As a result, businesses can more easily account for MRP and production activities, close more sales faster, and increase customer satisfaction to ensure repeat business. All of this takes place in a web browser, on a desktop PC or mobile device, for a new level of convenience.

The demonstration presented at Insights featured an e-commerce website for an ETO manufacturer of retail sheds and storage buildings. The tool provided for the complete customization of an outbuilding from material and color to trim and custom access points.

The customer could fabricate any variation of the shed with just a few clicks and be prompted with an alert following any configuration that would not be possible from an assembly or material availability standpoint.

The customer may even create a virtual yard or property exact to dimension to see how the finished product would look after installation. All of this took place within just a few short minutes before the purchase could be finalized and submitted from the user’s web browser. This tool looks very polished and will serve as an exceptional compliment to Epicor Kinetic’s eCommerce tools for manufacturers.

Cloud Deployments and Migration from On-Prem

The Short: Epicor is increasing emphasis on cloud deployments moving forward, though Hybrid and On-Premise will still be available options. This will provide businesses with superior agility for several reasons, including control, security, scalability, and collaboration. Government cloud and cloud validation packs are available for government contractors and manufacturers in highly regulated industries, such as med devices and life sciences.

The Kinetic rollout and cloud-first approach are governing the forward momentum of Epicor’s business model. As a result, Insights featured a litany of talks and labs based on the benefits of moving to the cloud and how to get there, whether starting from square one or moving from on-prem. The process has been streamlined to minimize business disruption.

Among the most popular reasons customers are choosing to move to the cloud over traditional ERP deployment models are:

  • Remaining current in stride with the pace of innovation
  • Achieving faster time to value
  • Enabling a mobile, global, and collaborative workforce
  • Minimizing environmental impacts of expansive IT hardware infrastructures
  • Facilitating IT staff to drive high-value business initiatives
  • Achieving and maintaining world-class security
  • Leveraging enterprise validation tools for highly regulated industries
  • Satisfying standards for Government-regulated manufacturing industries and contractors

The regular cadence Epicor has established for each new release of Kinetic helps to standardize and communicate change in advance. Cloud keeps these businesses protected around the clock and ahead of the curve with the most up-to-date security and functionality.

Augmented Reality, Machine Vision, and Cobots to Improve Quality and Assembly Operations

The Short: Epicor is working with cutting-edge robotics and augmented reality technology to improve assembly operations and ensure the quality of finished products. The effort also improves traceability throughout the supply chain, from the production floor to the final destination.

During the opening keynote with CEO Steve Murphy, Epicor demonstrated collaborative robots (cobots), shop floor workers, and machine vision tools working together to assemble complex products. In this case, printed circuit boards.

Serialized components were handed to workers by their cobot counterparts. The augmented reality display indicated where the next piece should be inserted into the PCB apparatus. The board was then scanned by an overhead camera to be either approved or rejected.

The actions were executed quickly and efficiently, which prompted the next piece to be retrieved by the cobot and placed appropriately by the worker. All these actions were recorded and reflected in the Kinetic system in real-time.

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.


“This is how it’s always been done,” is a dangerous statement for business leaders. Markets are far too competitive and change far too quickly for business-as-usual to deliver quality results. Today, you have to focus on how quality management processes can be completed smarter, faster, easier, and with more agility.

 

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.


In an industry like manufacturing that’s remained the backbone of economies all over the world for centuries, change has always been a constant. After all, transformation is at the heart of manufacturing, utilizing the resources and raw materials of the world to create objects that are more valuable than the sum of their parts. But in 2021, the world’s most valuable resource isn’t something that can be formed into a shape. Well, not exactly.

Here’s how Data and Analytics are destined to be one of the most valuable resources for manufacturers moving forward.

 

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.


Imagine what you could do with instant, accurate machine data and process information directly from the machine. Even depth and dimension are within reach with the help of a manufacturing execution system (MES). Medical parts, supply, and equipment manufacturers use MES for real-time production monitoring and analysis to improve throughput, boost quality, and reduce scrap. You can achieve more capacity with the same machines and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)—working more efficiently and profitably. This white paper highlights four ways to boost your performance with the right manufacturing execution system.

 

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.


Imagine what you could do with real-time monitoring and control for your production and process manufacturing operations. You could improve productivity, work more efficiently and profitably, and make better decisions based on the manufacturing performance of your plant or the entire enterprise. You can do all this with the help of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This white paper highlights four ways to better your production efficiency with a manufacturing execution system.

 

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.


Many of today’s manufacturers are experiencing growth and increased production. Volume is steadily rising for many, and manufacturers are often dealing with how to meet increasing demand.

With your manufacturing operations already running close to capacity, some of the traditional ways of gaining new capacity are to make large capital investments or to outsource some of the new manufacturing demand. These are challenging tactics, because getting new resources in line will take time, and there’s no guarantee that the numbers will continue to climb.

However, you do have a third option. You can meet increased demand by freeing up needed resources within your current operations. The key is having access to real-time manufacturing information and using it to identify areas of improvement within your existing operations.

 

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.


The software as a service (SaaS) model of application delivery, more commonly known as “cloud deployment,” in which software features are accessed through a Web browser, is an excellent way for manufacturing companies to get the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems without the need to build additional IT infrastructure. ERP functionality delivered “from the cloud” avoids the complexity and costs that often accompany on-premises ERP implementations, and typically provides a much more favorable total cost of ownership (TCO), compared to legacy on-premises deployment. Companies subscribe to the software features that they need and can add new ones as business requirements change, without buying additional servers or storage to support new functionality. The ERP features are the same as for an on-premises ERP system, except that it is hosted and maintained on the cloud provider’s infrastructure.

Epicor Software Corporation is a leading developer of ERP software and systems based in Austin, Texas, with more than 40 years of experience in building ERP systems for thousands of customers around the world. Christine Hansen, a product marketing manager at Epicor with experience in the manufacturing business sector, presents some of the best practices used by discrete manufacturers. She also explains the benefits of the Epicor Cloud ERP solution.

 

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.


Since its founding in 1985, Axelgaard Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has been recognized as an international leader in the design, development, and production of premier neurostimulation and sensing electrodes. Today, Axelgaard’s product line has expanded to include a full range of hydrogels for a variety of applications, as well as countless custom solutions for their customers’ specific needs.

Success Highlights

Challenges

  • Consolidate business systems and separate from the competition without compromising cost or quality

Solution

  • Epicor® ERP

Benefits

  • Provided visibility and analytics into every part of the manufacturing process to identify potential improvement
  • Consolidated various business software systems into one
  • Improved processes and enabled time savings, freeing staff to focus on other projects

 

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 the Industry.