As part of the Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 Update, Epicor Cloud ERP pilot instances will upgrade to the newest release in September 2020. Read on to learn what new business value awaits and how to prepare.

What’s New In The Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 Update

More details will be released as we near September 2020, but a few highlights include:

  • Cloud Read-only Data Access—Safely and securely view your data in a read-only environment. Epicor ERP Cloud Data Access is a new offering that allows for read-only access to your Epicor ERP instance. This new offering gives freedom of access while also safeguarding data security and system integrity. Access to the database will be on a read-only basis, but also near real-time (within seconds) to provide high value, whether leveraged by you directly or by ISV partners via APIs.
  • Epicor Advanced Unit of Measure—Seamlessly conduct business in a different unit of measure. A new capability, primarily aimed at the metals industry and adjacent industries, provides the ability to buy and value material in one unit of measure and transact in a different unit of measure.
  • Epicor Data Analytics (EDA) Financial Reporting—Budgeting, forecasting, and planning simplified. EDA Budgeting and Planning will provide an easy-to-use solution for budgeting, forecasting, and planning. With EDA Budgeting and Planning, you will be able to create financial budgets from scratch or prior year actuals and generate a budgeting workflow process, eliminating the need for Excel spreadsheets.
  • Epicor Kinetic—Continuing the journey to provide a modern and intuitive user experience with Epicor Kinetic. With this release, Epicor Kinetic is focused on the transformation of maintenance screens and quotes to cash process forms targeting high-impact maintenance and entry screens. New enhancements will be made to Epicor Application Studio, which allows you to tailor Kinetic forms with low/no code that won’t break during an upgrade.

How To Prepare For The The Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 Update

Epicor will upgrade pilot systems one month before production systems. This will provide Epicor Cloud ERP customers with a chance to explore the updates in 10.2.700 without affecting production systems.

As a best practice, please use this time to review and make any necessary changes to your Unique Business Components (UBCs). This includes any custom reports, BAQs, BPMs, User Interface customizations, etc. Effective testing will 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.

Important Dates

  • Friday, September 11, 2020
    Deadline for Flex customers to submit an EpicCare ticket indicating their preference to defer their upgrade to one of the alternate upgrade dates
  • What’s New in Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.700 upgrade webinars are scheduled for mid-September. Register for one of the sessions to learn the latest about Epicor Kinetic, AppStudio, and Identity. If you cannot attend, they will be available on demand.
  • Friday, September 18, 2020 – Saturday, September 19, 2020
    Pilot system upgrades to 10.2.700. 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, October 13, 2020 
    A pilot system update to 10.2.700.2 and UBC Opt-In Deadline. The final version that will be loaded into your Production system will be 10.2.700.2, 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, October 17, 2020 – Sunday, October 18, 2020
    Production system upgrades to 10.2.700.2. Your upgrade weekend arrives! While Epicor upgrades your production system to Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700.2, your system will be unavailable for several hours during this time.

 Note that dates are subject to change.

Flexing Your Upgrade

Subscribers to the Epicor Public Cloud Flex Option can follow the same schedule.

Alternatively, you have the option to defer your upgrade to Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700.

Below are the two date options for your flex upgrade.

                      Pilot                                                                              Production

Option 1:    Week of Dec 14, 2020                                               Jan 23-24, 2021

Option 2:    Week of Jan 18, 2021                                                Feb 20-21, 2021

If you choose to defer, you must submit an EpicCare ticket 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 Friday, September 11, 2020. If you do not choose to defer, we’ll keep you on cadence and automatically upgrade your system in September 2020.

Note: If you choose to defer your upgrade, you will not receive any 600.x updates after the 10.2.600.11 update. We only host the upgrade webinars on September 16 and September 17, 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 The Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 Update

The Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 update is the second of two major upgrades in 2020, as part of the 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

Watch for additional information about the upcoming upgrade. You will be invited to join educational webinars on September 16 and September 17 to learn more about the Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.700 update, 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.

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.


2020 has reached the mid-year mark and Avalara is delivering a live presentation on this year’s sales tax changes. The report takes stock of what’s taken place in the world of sales tax since the year began. This includes emerging trends, unforeseen changes, and the curveball this year threw the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for a live webinar presented on July 15 at 1 pm by the sales tax experts at Avalara on their 2020 Sales Tax Changes Midyear Update.

COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hamstrung brick-and-mortar commerce with a tremendous shift to digital operations and eCommerce.

All the while, businesses scrambled to deliver on fulfillment obligations to customers, remain solvent, and even retool to meet the demand for specific products.

Governments addressed the issue in several ways, with delayed VAT filings or temporarily cutting the VAT rate for industries bearing the largest impacts. For example, the United States pushed back state and federal income tax deadlines. This provides more time for individuals and businesses to file and pay.

2 Years Beyond South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.

If you recall the 2018 United States Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., the ruling enabled states to tax businesses that have economic activity but no physical presence in the state. Otherwise known as economic nexus. It was a big deal. It still is. At the time, only a handful of states moved on to the new ruling and began charging states without physical presence sales tax.

Fast-forward to the June 2020 sales tax situation and the vast majority of states have signed on to adopt these economic nexus laws. COVID-19 has only heightened awareness among states that remain on the fence and it won’t be long before these convoluted rules apply to all 50 states.

States Need More Money

As the last six months have proven, the states are on their own in several social and economic areas. As the pandemic continues to send shockwaves through economies of every scale, states are sure they’ll need to supplement their coffers one way or another to remain effective in serving their residents. 2020 sales tax rules for individual states are likely to change to address the need for making up lost revenue.

Digital And Streaming Services Can Expect To Pay More

If you haven’t heard of Zoom or GoTo Meeting, chances are you’ve been living under a rock for the past six months. States are anticipated to raise taxes on these heavily utilized platforms. As a result, digital meeting and entertainment services are likely to see sales tax legislation expanded at their expense.

More Collection Requirements For Marketplace Facilitators

Marketplace facilitators like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and others, are expected to collect and remit sales tax at an increasing rate. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Most states already have such laws governing marketplace facilitator sales tax collections on the books. Just four states remain in this situation in the entirety of the US. One is already closely eyeing the implementation of such legislation.

The Dynamic Nature of 2020 Sales Tax

Nothing is guaranteed but death and taxes. Unfortunately, sales tax rules seldom retain the same state for very long. The last six months have seen reductions or eliminations of sales tax rules for feminine hygiene products. There’s even been discussion within some regions on the elimination of sales tax for firearms. Now, groceries are a focal point for communities hardest hit by job loss and economic downturn.

You can read more in Avlara’s comprehensive report, here: 2020 sales tax changes midyear update.

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. 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 latest update for Epicor ARM (Advanced Requisition Management) has been released as Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7. The developer, Precise Business Solutions, is an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) creating Epicor ERP solutions and more tools dedicated to minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency for small and medium-sized businesses.

What is Epicor Advanced Requisition Management?

Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) is online requisition management and workflow solution designed to deliver full-cycle procurement functionality securely to your organization’s desktops or mobile devices. ARM’s real-time budget visibility empowers your company to make informed purchasing decisions, while consolidated purchase orders allow you to negotiate contract pricing with your suppliers-ultimately reducing costs and maximizing efficiency across your entire enterprise.

Solution Benefits

Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) is an online solution for managing the cycle of requisitioning, ordering, and receiving. Benefits include:

  • Reduce purchasing costs and effort
  • Improve communication internally and with vendors
  • Assign preferred suppliers or default supply locations
  • Gain visibility of the purchasing process

Features

The web browser-based application allows easy deployment throughout the enterprise and facilitates the entire requisition process electronically-from requisition submission through to purchase order creation and optional distribution to vendors.

Epicor ARM automates and streamlines the procurement process, utilizing a web browser to integrate with and extend the Epicor Supply Chain Management module. Multiple approval methods provide a flexible framework that can be configured to meet the requirements of any organization.

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7

In addition to features incorporated as part of the Epicor ARM scheduled product roadmap, the updates in this release have been influenced by requests received from Epicor ARM customers.

Epicor 10.2.600 compatibility, enhanced attachment capability, and support for multiple invoices against a single purchase order receipt are just some of the features we have incorporated in this release to enhance your overall ARM experience.

An overview of some of these enhancements is outlined below.

New features and enhancements in Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7

  • E10.2.600 Compatibility (E10) – ARM 10.3.7 is compatible with E10.2.600.
  • Split BIL for APM and non-APM Environments (E10) – ARM has now split BIL with one version supporting APM and the other supporting non-APM environments. Choose the appropriate version when installing this product in your environment.
  • Support Edit Tax at Line level in AP Module (E10) – This is a ‘Manual Tax Override’ function that enables you to edit and override the tax on the line. Note that the line tax will be reset to the default values when copying the Invoice.
  • Support Project, Phase, and Cost Code (APM) in AP Module (E10) – AP Invoice and Debit Memo now support Project, Phase, and Cost Code (APM).
  • Support Hold Invoice and Hold Payments in AP Module (E10) – When selected, the ‘Hold Invoice’ check box represents a hold status on the entire Invoice. If you post a group that contains an Invoice on hold, this Invoice will not be posted. You will need to clear this check box and then re-post the group. When selected this check box also indicates that payments will not be made against the Invoice. ARM only enables this check box functionality in the time before the AP document is approved.
  • Support PO Receipt Attachments (E10) – Users can now attach a receipt document when entering PO receipts. ARM receipt attachments will not be integrated into Epicor at this time.
  • Support Receipt Attachment Visibility in AP Approval (E10) – In addition to the support for PO Receipt Attachments (above), ARM also supports the ability to view the Receipt Attachments during the AP Approval process.
  • Original Order Value on AP Invoice (E10) – Some new read-only fields have been added to the AP Invoice screen. The Ordered field shows the original value of the order raised. The Un-receipted field shows the value of the line that is not received yet.
  • AP Invoice Filter Settings Enhancement (E10) – The AP Search filtering criteria are retained for each ARM user.
  • Support Multiple Invoices Against a Single PO Receipt (E10) – ARM now supports partial Invoices for a single Purchase Order receipt. After adding a PO Receipt line to an AP Invoice, a new check box entitled ‘Final’ is shown on the main Invoice screen. When ticked, this action indicates the line is finished with Invoicing stage. To perform partial Invoicing the AP documents need to be within the same Invoice Group. When the first partial Invoice is created and approved, it will move from the ARMUNAPP Group to the nominated Invoice Group. If a second Invoice is raised, an error will be shown in ARM due to the two Invoices present in different Groups. Therefore, the first Invoice will require posting in Epicor to proceed with creating any subsequent Invoices. This functionality requires configuration in Epicor. Go to Company Configuration> Modules> Finance> Accounts Payable and enable the ‘Allow Multiple Invoicing of Receipts’ check box.
  • AP Invoice Search Results Set and Export (E10) – The Export feature now includes the Vendor name and Invoice Date on the export file.
  • AP Approval Process Enhancement (E10) – A new <Next> button feature has been added to the AP document screen. This allows the user to move and load the next AP document from the AP Search results.
  • Punchout Enhancement (E10) – The PunchOut processing has been altered to conform with the SameSite cookie policy that was introduced in newer versions of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.

Read the Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7 Release Guide for further detail on all the features and enhancements outlined above.

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7 Upgrade Eligibility

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7 is compatible with Epicor 10, Epicor 9.0.5, and Enterprise 7.4 SP7.

Users upgrading to Epicor ARM 10.3 SP7 should note the following:

  • If you are upgrading from ARM versions 10.0 SP6, ARM 10.1.0, or ARM 10.1 SP1 – SP4, you must run the Upgrade Manager to migrate data so that it will be compatible with the enhanced approvals process that was introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6.
  • If you are upgrading from ARM 10.1 SP5 (or above) you do not need to run the Upgrade Manager to migrate your data as it will already be compatible with the enhanced approvals process (introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6).

Users upgrading to this version should perform a full synchronization on the GLAccountDefinition and GLAccount jobs within the Integration Manager

Spotlight on ‘Blanket Order’ functionality

Two common questions we receive are “What is a blanket order?’ and “Can I use it for the ordering of maintenance and repair services?”

‘Blanket Orders’ go by a few names – sometimes called ‘blanket purchase agreements’ or ‘call-off orders. These orders allow an organization to create a requisition for a contracted amount with a supplier, to be consumed over some time. Expenses can then be ‘drawn down from this approved amount incrementally, as required. This makes it very convenient for utilities and services-related expenses, where the exact amount cannot be known in advance.

Epicor ARM Blanket Order Demonstration

To see how ARM Blanket Order functionality works, click the demonstration video below:

About Precise Business Solutions

An award-winning and market-leading provider of ERP software solutions. Precise provides global software solutions, coupled with local business expertise. Precise is a leading provider of business software solutions and associated services to the Australian and international marketplace. A wholly-owned Western Australian company, Precise has been in business since 1989. Over the last 25 years, Precise has assisted organizations to maximize efficiencies and gain a competitive advantage. Precise Business Solutions is also the developer of integrated companion solutions for Epicor ERP  – Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM) – Precise Point of Sale (POS) These solutions are distributed worldwide through their alliance partner Epicor Software Corporation. Precise continues to be a market leader in implementation, support, and services. Partnering with their customers to help them be the best they can be, has always been Precise’s primary focus.

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 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

an image of the epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 kinetic help and support panel

New In-App Feedback

  • Give Epicor your direct feedback
  • Not a replacement for Support calls

an image of epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 in-app feedback

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

an image of epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 epicor collaborate

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

an image of epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 epicor virtual agent eva

 

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 10.2.600 Cloud and Analytics Updates

  • EDA Financial Reporting
  • Multi-Region Multi-Company Transactions
  • Azure Germany Datacenter
  • Functions and File Storage

Core Cloud Enhancements

  • Functions Enhancements – low code/no code customizations
    • Scheduling Functions
    • Functions calling other Functions
    • Solution Workbench support
  • File Attachment Storage now supports
    • Google Drive
    • Dropbox

Note: Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7

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

an image of epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 new epicor erp cloud data center in Germany

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

an image of epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 update notification preferences

 

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

epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 update timeline

Preparation Checklist

epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 update 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

epicor erp cloud 10.2.600 UBC customziation tab

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

 

Watch the What’s New In Epicor 10.2.600 Webcast

What’s New In Epicor Cloud 10.2.600

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.


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, 2020 Deadline 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, 2020 Upgrade 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, 2020 Pilot 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, 2020 Pilot 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, 2020 Production 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.

Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 Upgrade Pilot/Production Schedule

Option 1: Week of Jun 22, 2020

Jul 25/26, 2020

Option 2: Week of Jul 20, 2020

Aug 22/23, 2020

If you choose to defer, you must submit an EpicCare ticket 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.

What’s New in Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 and How to Prepare Webcast Option 1

  • Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2020
  • Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am CT

What’s New in Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.600 and How to Prepare Webcast Option 2

  • Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020
  • Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm CT

We hope you are excited about the innovations coming soon in Epicor ERP 10.2.600.

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.


As we continue making progress through the Epicor Kinetic journey, more reports and processes are now available to our customers to test and provide important feedback that shapes Kinetic innovations. Providing early access helps drive user adoption among Epicor ERP cloud customers and gain interest from prospective users.

New Epicor Kinetic Design Reports And Processes

We have recently communicated to cloud customers that as part of the Epicor ERP 10.2.500.10 Cloud update, they will get access to the following reports and processes, which have been redesigned with the sleek Kinetic User Interface:

Kinetic Reports

  • Sales Order Backlog
  • Sales Order on Hold
  • Scheduled Shipments
  • Open RMA
  • Stock Status

Kinetic Processes

  • Build Project Analysis
  • Build WBS Phase Analysis
  • Capture Project Revenue Recognition
  • Capture WBS Phase Revenue Recognition
  • Project Invoice Preparation

Epicor Kinetic Design Introduction

Epicor ERP Kinetic Design FAQ

As one of the newest additions to the Epicor architecture, Kinetic delivers entirely new experiences to a system and users who have been utilizing Epicor software Products for decades. Here are the most common questions submitted regarding this new technology.

What is Kinetic?

Epicor Kinetic provides a clean, intuitive and easy to use experience for all ERP users. By utilizing modern research in user interface design, Kinetic delivers consistency in navigation, simplified visuals that reduce the clutter and noise from your daily tasks, and improved accessibility and productivity. Over time Epicor Kinetic design will be applied to all ERP forms.

What is the difference between the Kinetic and classic versions of forms?

Designed with the user in mind, Kinetic forms have a streamlined user interface with expandable and collapsible panels which provide easy access to information but only when you need it. Classic forms have a tab structure which requires you to click through tabs to get to the information you need, oftentimes requiring more clicks to access data. In most applications the functionality and business logic will not change. However, the layout and navigation will.

Can I still run the classic version of a form that has been converted to Kinetic?

Yes, you can choose to run the classic version of any Kinetic form. You configure the default form to use in Menu Maintenance for each form. The default value is to open the form in the Kinetic UI, with the ability to override globally by an administrator or by a user.

Can I still use classic forms that have not been converted to Kinetic during the
transition?

Yes, during the transformation you can use both classic and Kinetic versions of a screen. Forms not yet converted will open in the same smart client window. You will continue to log into one system from the same home page. When you select a menu item, the form will either open in Kinetic or the classic version depending on your settings and whether it was converted yet.

Can I customize a Kinetic Report or Process form?

Currently, you cannot customize a Kinetic form. Customization capabilities will be available in an upcoming release of Epicor ERP.

Can I personalize a Kinetic Report or Process form?

Currently, you cannot personalize a Kinetic form. The personalization toolset will be available in an upcoming release of Epicor ERP.

What if I currently have customization on a form that was converted to Kinetic?

You can still use your customized forms by launching the classic version. By default, the application opens any form in the classic UI when you have customization attached to it.

As an administrator, can I globally set access to Kinetic forms for all users?

Yes, as an administrator you can define Kinetic as the default form that launches for each form and user.

Can I still use a custom report type on a form that was converted to Kinetic?

Yes, you can still generate the same report output that you do today.

How do I submit feedback on the Kinetic forms?

We want your feedback! Please send your feedback to Kinetic-Feedback@epicor.com. If you run into an issue, please submit a support call just like you would do for any other issue in the software.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


For customers on cadence, the Epicor Cloud Operations team will deploy your Epicor ERP Cloud update version 10.2.500.10 next week. This routine update includes enhancements to product quality and Kinetic user experiences. Testing is optional. For more details, please read this email and refer to the release notes in the 10.2.500 folder on your EpicWeb Customer Portal.

What To Expect During Epicor ERP Cloud Update Version 10.2.500.10

Pilot Update 

  • Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM Local Server Time

Production Update

  • Saturday, February 15, 4:00 PM to Sunday, February 16, 8:59 PM Local Server Time

While the 10.2.500.10 update deploys, your application may be unavailable for 30-60 minutes during the update window. Once complete you will be prompted to update the Epicor ERP Smart Client. If you happen to encounter unexpected behavior, please open an EpicCare case and include 10.2.500.10 in the details.

More Kinetic Experiences Are Here In 10.2.500.10, we’ve updated five reports and five processes (below) with the sleek, new Kinetic User Interface. As these and other Kinetic forms are periodically enabled in your environment, there will be nothing you need to do. All business logic is exactly the same. Simply enjoy the ease-of-use, modern design, and clear interface.

Like what you see? We rely on your feedback to drive our Kinetic innovations, so we encourage you to share your thoughts. Epicor’s customer experience team will randomly contact several customers to gather input, but please email Kinetic-Feedback@epicor.com at any time to send your comments or request a call.

For more information about the new Kinetic experiences, watch this 90-second video and check out Frequently Asked Questions.

Kinetic Reports in 10.2.500.10:

  • Sales Order Backlog
  • Sales Order on Hold
  • Scheduled Shipments
  • Open RMA
  • Stock Status

Kinetic Processes in 10.2.500.10:

  • Build Project Analysis
  • Build WBS Phase Analysis
  • Capture Project Revenue Recognition
  • Capture WBS Phase Revenue Recognition
  • Project Invoice Preparation

Epicor Cloud ERP Update Schedule

Here is the latest information on the release and update schedule for Epicor Cloud ERP.

To learn more about Epicor version numbering and deferred release upgrades, see the bottom section of this post.

​The Cloud ERP environment is updated as indicated in the table below. Each date represents the day your update is complete. Keep in mind that these dates and update notes are subject to change without notice at the behest of Epicor Software Corporation.

​Update ​Pilot ​Production
​10.2.500.5 ​19 Nov 2019 ​23 Nov 2019
​10.2.500.7 ​17 Dec 2019 ​21 Dec 2019
​10.2.500.8 ​14 Jan 2020 ​18 Jan 2020
​10.2.500.10 ​11 Feb 2020 ​15 Feb 2020
​10.2.500.13 ​24 Mar 2020 ​28 Mar 2020
10.2.600.2
(Release 10.2.600)
​17-18 April 2020
(one month to test)
​16-17 May 2020
The Public Cloud Deferred Customers environment upgrade options for major release are as indicated in the tables below. Subject to change.
​​Upgrade 400 to 500 Pilot​ ​Production
Flex Option 1: ​10.2.500.xx ​Week of 16 Dec 2019 ​25-26 Jan 2020
​Flex Option 2: 10.2.500.xx ​Week of 20 Jan 2020 ​22-23 Feb 2020​
NotePrior to 10.2.500, if you chose to defer your upgrade, you continued to receive 400.x updates up to your scheduled deferred upgrade date.
With 10.2.500, if you choose to defer your upgrade, you will not receive any 400.x updates after the 10.2.400.11 update.
​​Upgrade 500 to 600 Pilot​ ​Production
Flex Option 1: ​10.2.600.xx ​Week of 22 June 2020 ​25-26 July 2020
​Flex Option 2: 10.2.600.xx ​Week of 20 July 2020 ​22-23 August 2020​
NoteWith 10.2.600, if you choose to defer your upgrade, you will not receive any 500.x updates after the 10.2.500.13 update.

Epicor ERP Cloud Version Numbering and Timing

A typical Epicor ERP version number is ‘10.2.500.7’. In this example, ’10’ represents the Product, ‘2’ represents the Version, ‘500’ represents the Release, and ‘7’ the Update level.

  • Updates. Updates are generally applied on a bi-weekly or monthly basis. Updates are applied to the customer’s ‘pilot’ environment on Tuesday or Wednesday evening, and then promoted to ‘production’ environments during Saturday night local datacenter time. You may test if you like, but these are non-disruptive updates to our system, and do not introduce schema changes. We avoid month-end and calendar year-end for your convenience.
  • Releases. Releases are scheduled twice a year with black-out dates to avoid calendar year end. Because they tend to be larger releases and may introduce new functionality release upgrades are installed into a customer’s pilot environment no less than one month before their promotion to production, allowing customers to test the new features and updates.
  • Versions. Version upgrades occur approximately every 18-24 months. These often include changes to schema, user interface, and business objects. Like release updates, testing is required, so the upgrades are applied to the customer’s pilot environment thirty days prior to the scheduled production upgrade. Customers also receive an additional sandbox environment for more extensive testing.
  • Products. Product updates are typically more involved; and accordingly, we allow extended time and support to test and prepare before introduction into production.

Deferred Release Upgrades

If your business is subject to fluctuating seasonal demands or other time constraints, Epicor offers its premium “Epicor Public Cloud Flex Option,” which allows clients to defer upgrades for up to 90 days, for an additional subscription fee.  With the Epicor Public Cloud Flex Option you may select among two or three alternate pre-selected dates for your upgrade.

Regardless if you select this option and choose to stay on cadence or select a later date to upgrade, you still receive the standard one month to test releases in the pilot environment. Customers with this option would not have the full 90 days to test upgrades, but rather have the option to test and upgrade up to 90 days later if business needs require. Please contact your Epicor Sales Representative for more information.

Change Notifications Preferences

Use these steps to manage your notification preferences in order to receive alerts regarding Cloud releases.

  1. Navigate to System Setup > System Maintenance > System Monitor. From the Actions menu, select Notifications Preferences.
  2. The In-App Notifications User Preferences window opens. In the Select Roles section, specify the following:
    – In the Titles/Levels field, to receive notifications, you must select either User-PowerExecutive, or Manager.
    Note: If you select a different option, or if you enter your own title, you will not be included in the scheduled in-app messages or email notifications.
    – In the Functions/Departments field, you can specify your specific business detail.
  3. In the Types of Business section, define your Primary Sector and Primary Industry.
  4. Use the Select Interests section to indicate what type of notifications you want to receive. Note: This area is configurable and depends on your admin settings.
  5. Verify your email address in the Email field.
  6. Select the Send Notifications via email too checkbox if you are not a regular user of Epicor ERP and you want to receive notifications using email.
  7. Click Close.

Upgrading Custom Items in Cloud Environments

If you are upgrading your cloud environment, you can use the Unique Business Component Dashboard to locate and then update your custom items. To learn how to upgrade your custom items, watch the free, self-paced Epicor University course “Upgrading Custom Items in Cloud Environments”. This course is designed to assist System Administrators in understanding the tools and processes to effectively manage Unique Business Components during a system upgrade. To take the self-paced course, click here.

Alternatively, Encompass is here to help as your Certified Epicor Partner. We can help you upgrade custom business items in cloud environments any time you like. Reach out using the Contact Us link below to discuss your next project.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


The latest release of Epicor Advanced Requisition Management (ARM), v10.3 SP5, is here! In addition to features incorporated as part of Epicor ERP’s scheduled product roadmap, the updates in this release have been influenced by requests received from Epicor ARM customers. Email notification enhancements, mandatory attachments and updates to standing orders are just some of the features incorporated in this release to enhance the overall ARM experience.

What is Epicor Advanced Requisition Management?

Epicor Advanced Requisitions Management (ARM) is an online workflow and purchase requisition tool which enables organizations to gain visibility and control over their procurement spending and reduce their purchasing costs.

Epicor ARM automates and streamlines the procurement process, utilizing a web browser to integrate with and extend the Epicor Purchasing module. Multiple approval methods provide a flexible framework that can be configured to meet the requirements of any organization.

New Features And Enhancements In Epicor ARM 10.3 SP5

  • Multiple Approver Node ‘Require All’ Function (E7/10) – A new checkbox option is now available when editing a node that allows for the selection of multiple approvers in an approval tree. When ticked, the submitted document will require all approvers configured on the node to approve it in order to progress up to the next approval node. A single rejection will result in a rejected outcome.
  • AP Location and Category Approval Trees (E10) – Epicor ARM now supports ‘Location’ and ‘Category’ approval trees for AP (Accounts Payable).
  • Email Approvals (E7/10) – Epicor ARM approvals have been enhanced to allow users to approve/reject directly from the notification email.
  • New Validation Rule: Mandatory Attachment (E7/10) – A new validation rule has been added which (when activated) requires a user to upload an attachment to the requisition before it can be submitted for approval.
  • Catalogue Default View (E7/10) – A new setting has been introduced which defaults the Catalogue search view to either Grid, List or Table format.
  • Auto Purchase Order for New Vendors (E10) – By default, purchase Orders are now automatically created upon approval of requisitions, for new vendors. This setting can be changed via vendor settings.
  • Project Budget calculation in Standard Epicor Project/Non-APM Setup (E10) – Epicor ARM now supports the ability to calculate project budgets using either WBS (work breakdown structure) Phases or Project Costs analysis in a Non-APM setup.
  • Standing Order Due Date (E10) – The due date for orders that are generated from a standing order is now configurable in Epicor ARM.
  • Support for Vendor ID Changes in Epicor (E10) – When a Vendor ID in Epicor is changed, Epicor ARM automatically updates with the new Vendor ID.
  • Auto-Email Failure Notifications (E7/10) – Epicor ARM now provides email bounce back notifications for the auto-email functionality.
  • Auto Email Notifications Supported on Auto-Approve Nodes (E7/10) – A new setting has been introduced allowing email notifications to be sent to Approvers whose approval tree nodes are flagged with the ‘Auto-Approve’ option.

Contact Your Encompass CAM for further details on all these updated features.

Epicor Advanced Requisition Management 10.3 SP5 Upgrade eligibility

Epicor ARM 10.3 SP5 is compatible with Epicor 10 and 7.4 SP7. Existing ARM customers have the option to upgrade to ARM 10.3 SP5 at any time, and while many of the features of the latest releases cater predominantly to Epicor 10 users, customers do not necessarily need to be on the latest version of Epicor to implement ARM now. Contact your Encompass Customer Account Manager for more information.

Users upgrading to Epicor ARM 10.3 SP5 should note the following: If you are upgrading from ARM versions 10.0 SP6, ARM 10.1.0, ARM 10.1 SP1 – SP4, you must run the Upgrade Manager to migrate data so that it will be compatible with the enhanced Approvals Process that was introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6.

If you are upgrading from ARM 10.1 SP5 you do not need to run the Upgrade Manager to migrate your data. It will already be compatible with the enhanced Approvals Process (introduced in ARM 10.1 SP6).

About Encompass Solutions

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


The second of two release upgrades planned for 2019, the Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 Update is part of the regular cloud ERP update cadence and commitment to helping businesses grow through the innovation of the Epicor Cloud ERP solution. Major releases like this bring greater usability, performance, and strategic value in a single upgrade. That’s why users are given 4 weeks to test in Pilot and explore the changes before upgrading the live production system.

Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 Update Highlights

The Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 update can be distilled into four different categories of change, Experiences, Industry, Analytics, and Cloud tools.

Experiences

  • Epicor Virtual Agent Skills
  • Kinetic Epicor Collaborate
  • Kinetic Mobile Warehouse
  • Enhanced Mobile Time & Expense
  • Epicor Kinetic Preview

Industry

  • Epicor Service Pro
  • Mattec MES 8.3 Integration
  • Finance Enhancements
  • Country-Specific Functionalities

Analytics

  • Enhanced Epicor Data Discovery
  • Epicor Data Analytics
  • personalization

Cloud

  • System Notifications
  • New Cloud Status Webpage
  • Canada Datacenters
  • Epicor Functions

Epicor Collaborate

A new offering from Epicor Software Corp., Epicor Collaborate provides enhanced cloud-based business collaboration. So, what does that mean for the end-user and business as a whole? Epicor Collaborate provides:

  • Improved communication and collaboration among your teams
  • Easy to use and intuitive interfaces
  • Engagement with colleagues using familiar social media concepts
  • Easy following of relevant ERP entities
  • Viewing of notifications and feeds in your homepage

Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA)

A unique AIexperience that improves the overall usability of the Epicor System from desktop and mobile devices, Epicor Virtual Agent (EVA) delivers intelligence personified for Epicor ERP systems. The tool made its first appearance in the Epicor ERP 10.2.400 update. EVA is a conversational digital agent available on Android and iOS devices. Utilizing Azure-enabled Natural Language Processing (NLP). In the 10.2.500 update, new skills have been added and the free-trial has been extended to December 31, 2019.

An image of the epicor virtual agent eva epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

Epicor Mobile Warehouse

Epicor Mobile Warehouse has received a facelift with the Epicor Kinetic design system. Epicor Mobile Warehouse is a modern and intuitive app. It provides workflow optimization for fast and accurate scanning. Time to process transactions is reduced alongside the instance of errors. Accuracy is also increased, as a result. The application provides bin-level validation as well as complex sorting and filtering options. What’s more, the application is fully integrated with Epicor ERP.

An image of the epicor mobile warehouse epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

 

Enhanced Mobile Time and Expense

want to increase efficiency and throughput for teams on-the-go? The Epicor ERP enhanced mobile time and expense module empowers teams with offline tools to get work done when unconnected. Then, when connections resume, automatic sync delivers the updates needed to communicate progress. Enhanced mobile time and expense allows users to:

  • create timesheets or expense reports in offline mode
  • Auto-sync offline changes when you go online
  • Leverage new file types to manage attachments in cloud
  • Add Time Reporting against Maintenance Jobs
  • Utilize enhanced mobile time and expense on both iOS and Android devices

An image of the epicor mobile time and expense epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

Epicor Kinetic Framework

The Epicor Kinetic framework transforms how customers interact with Epicor ERP software, making them more productive by simplifying everyday tasks. Kinetic is more than a modern look and
feel and intuitive user interface, it also aims to automate the most critical business process functions. The Kinetic design is a simple, intelligent, modern and consistent look and feel for your Epicor ERP system.

An image of the epicor kinetic framework epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

The Kinetic preview program is now available. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to gain early access to Kinetic and get:

  • Get familiar with its intuitive user interface and benefit from improved performance
  • Test drive 600+ high demand reports and processes at no cost
  • Provide feedback that will help shape the future releases of Kinetic
  • Once the preview period is completed, benefit from a faster installation of the full product with the 10.2.600 release

Contact your Customer Account Manager for more information.

New And Improved Epicor ERP Analytics Tools

Epicor Personalized Analytics Tools give you the power to gain more insights that matter. Additionally, Epicor Data Discovery has been “kineticized” for greater usability. Epicor Data Analytics now supports custom views and dashboards grids, as well.

An image of the epicor data analytics epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

Epicor Service Pro

Service work is never centralized and a constant source of hiccups for those businesses without a sounds system to keep everything organized. Epicor has advanced these tools for users to streamline services with a service-oriented architecture. In particular, Epicor Service Pro delivers the tools to:

  • Efficiently schedule work, dispatch, and track technicians
  • Integrate with inventory and financial systems
  • Incorporate time-saving automation tools that streamline service calls, quoting, work order management, service contracts, and more
  • Leverage easy-to-use mobile service app for field technicians

Epicor ERP Cloud and Mattec MES 8.3

The latest Mattec MES offers improved data integration for a seamless experience. The latest update includes a redesigned integration utilizing RESTful API services for greater performance, SSRS reporting and support for Epicor IoT. Additionally, Epicor ERP Mattec MES efficiency in scheduling, allocation of jobs to machines, and production reporting have been improved.

Epicor ERP Finance Enhancements

Increasing accuracy, speed, and security, Epicor ERP finance tools are among the best in the industry. With the Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 update, users can take advantage of:

  • CRE Support for Level 3 Compliance to optimize credit card payment validation with deep transaction security information
  • Resolve bank receipt file import performance
  • Enhancements in Electronic Compliance Engine

New Epicor Country-Specific Functionality

Several critical updates to ten countries’ functionality have been included in the Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 update. These countries are:

  • Argentina
  • China
  • Colombia
  • India
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Portugal

New Epicor ERP Functions

The Next Evolution of Epicor BPM’s are here and users will be happy to learn they have enhanced tools with:

  • Familiar BPM Designer Experience
  • A new way of server-side customization
  • Eliminated copy and paste BPM logic
  • Integrations that upgrade seamlessly

Epicor ERP Standards REST-based approach couldn’t be easier to work with. That’s because the logic is not built on the client and is called via REST, any device, OS, etc can call the function (ie. a calculation, integration, etc.)

Epicor ERP Cloud Regions

The Epicor Cloud Infrastructure has added an additional data center in North America. Epicor-administered data centers include:

  • Australia
  • Canada (New)
  • Singapore
  • United Kingdom
  • United States x 3

An image of the epicor cloud data centers epicor erp cloud 10.2.500 update

Epicor Cloud Communication

Epicor strives for clear communication with customers through in-app or email communications. As a result, 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, within the Action Menu.

Epicor ERP Cloud Status Webpage

As the name implies, Epicor has erected a Cloud Status webpage to communicate the status of cloud infrastructure on a global level. The status for all Epicor Cloud products can be found at https://status.epicor.com.

Embedded Education Courses

Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 Embedded Education features 40 new courses and several updated. This includes cloud-specific training on:

• Epicor ERP in the Cloud first steps
• Epicor Support and Cloud Operational Excellence
• Leveraging the Unique Business Component Tracker to Manage You Customizations During an Upgrade

For more information on the Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 update, connect with your Encompass Solutions Customer Account Manager.

Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 Webcast

Epicor ERP Cloud 10.2.500 Release Guide

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


If you’re not already testing your Epicor Cloud ERP system in Pilot, you should be. There are just two weeks left to test Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 changes in your Pilot environment. The Epicor Live (Production) environment upgraded to 10.2.500 will take place on October 12 – 13, 2019.

Testing Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 In Pilot

Epicor upgraded customer Pilot systems September 13 – 14. This ensured customers would have time to explore the updates in 10.2.500 without affecting live data or transactions. As a best practice, please use this time to review and make any necessary changes to your Unique Business Components. This includes custom reports, BAQs, BPMs, User Interface customizations, etc. This testing will ensure everything continues to operate as expected after the update. Epicor will then move your Unique Business Components from Pilot to Production if you choose to opt-in*.

* Note: This is a change to the UBC process. Epicor moved UBCs files automatically in 10.2.400 and earlier unless you opted-out by requesting that they not be moved. In 10.2.500 and going forward, Epicor will only move your modified UBC files if you choose to opt-in by submitting an EpicCare ticket.

Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 Resources

Several resources are now available in the Epicor ERP 10.2.500 folder and in the “announcements” section on the Epicor customer portal EpicWeb. As a reminder, reach out to EpicCare anytime you have a question or need application support.

Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 Upgrade Important Dates

Below are the important dates related to the Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 upgrade.

  • Tuesday, October 8, 2019
    Unique Business Components Opt-In Deadline. If you want Epicor to move your UBCs from your Pilot environment to your Production environment, you must submit an EpicCare ticket to opt-in to the process. If you do not submit an EpicCare ticket to opt-in to the process, the UBCs from your Pilot environment will not be moved to the Production environment.
  • Saturday, October 12, 2019 – Sunday, October 13, 2019
    Production system upgrades to 10.2.500. Your upgrade weekend arrives! Systems will be unavailable for several hours while Epicor upgrades your production system to Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500.

About the Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 Major Release Upgrade

Epicor Cloud ERP 10.2.500 is the second of two major upgrades scheduled for 2019, as part of our regular cadence and commitment to helping your business grow through innovation. This update is not like more frequent minor updates that enhance your daily experience. Major releases like this bring you greater usability, performance, and strategic value in a single upgrade. That’s why customers have advance notice. This provides the opportunity to test and explore the changes in the pilot before upgrading your production system.

Epicor Cloud ERP Major Release Schedule

Epicor Cloud ERP Update ​Pilot ​Production
​​10.2.400.8 ​​N/A ​​N/A
​​10.2.400.9 ​13-Aug-19 ​17-Aug-19
​​10.2.400.10 ​​N/A ​​N/A
​10.2.400.11 ​10-Sept-19 ​14-Sept-19
​10.2.500.2 43722 ​12-Oct-19
(Release 10.2.500) (1 month to test)
​10.2.500.3 ​22-Oct-19 ​26-Oct-19
​10.2.500.4 ​5-Nov-19 ​9-Nov-19
​10.2.500.5 ​19-Nov-19 ​23-Nov-19
​10.2.500.6 ​N/A ​N/A
​10.2.500.7 ​17-Dec-19 ​21-Dec-19
​10.2.500.8 ​14-Jan-20 ​18-Jan-20
​10.2.500.9 ​N/A ​N/A
​10.2.500.10 ​11-Feb-20 ​15-Feb-20

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. We provide full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems. For businesses addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.