Integrating AI and Machine Learning with ERP Systems for Enhanced Decision-Making

Modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems these days are highly customizable, and many companies pain them with additional technologies to get the best from their systems. Two such technologies that can strengthen your ERP are artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Vikram Bhandari, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Riveron, shares an article on Dataquest highlighting the benefits of AI and machine learning when paired with your enterprise’s ERP systems. Bhandari explains that AI evaluates the data processed by ERP systems to forecast and automate tasks. Meanwhile, Machine Learning establishes an automated machine interaction with ERP systems to ensure simultaneous targeted adjustments. ERP systems equipped with AI chatbots can offer personalized customer management service through Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology, enabling businesses to foster customer popularity, boosting conversion rate and customer satisfaction. In addition, Machine Learning algorithms help innovative systems to empower businesses to prepare for market fluctuations by anticipating them beforehand. Bhandari states that the useful data generated by AI and Machine Learning integrated systems help business executives to make informed decisions, reducing the reliance on improvising and bolstering profitability. It is important to note that while AI and machine learning bring a competitive advantage to enterprises, there are some challenges that come with it. Mainly, implementing and training your employees with this new technology.

 

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Dock Logging screen button changed on handheld

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Issue: Using RAD > Dock Logging on the handheld, users noticed that in the upper right corner, the selection changed from ‘Print’ to ‘Send’

 

Resolution:

To change the value on the Dock Logging screen from ‘Print’ to ‘Send’ follow these steps:

In MSCM portal, go to Receiving and Delivery > Receiving > Configuration > on Misc Receipts tab

Scroll to the bottom and there is value for Dock Logging Configuration

If the Auto Print is on, the device will say ‘Print’ in the upper corner.

If the Auto Print is off, then it will just say ‘Send’

Turning off the printing is a Global setting and affects all users who use Dock Logging.

Turning the Auto Print on will show  the ‘Print’ selection on the device.

Calling for backup: The importance of disaster recovery

In today’s digital landscape, it is more important than ever to back up your data. Whether personal or business, everything needs to be backed up – from laptops to cell phone to servers, While the concept of “backing up data” seems fairly simple, there are still ways for skilled hackers to attack and compromise your data. Brent Torre, GM of Backup Suite and Kaseya, shares an article on Security Magazine of the importance of disaster recovery and how to properly back up your data. “Threat actors know good backups are the cheat code to not paying the ransomware,” Torre says, “giving victims the ability to rewind the clock to before the attack. With that in mind, the bad guys have begun to actively target backups first.”

Here are a few things, Torre offers, that IT leaders should keep in mind to ensure their data is protected, and their business keeps on running — no matter what.

All businesses are at risk. “Every business needs to assume they’re at risk and design their security posture accordingly. This doesn’t just involve ensuring there are tools to detect and mitigate an attack but writing a plan for how to recover quickly and efficiently.”

Basic backup isn’t enough. “To mitigate potential damages and eliminate downtime in the event of an IT disaster, organizations need to have a proactive plan rather than a reactive one. However, most SMBs cannot afford to spend the money, time and resources required to research, implement and test disaster recovery plans. That is why Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) is swiftly gaining prominence. It allows an organization to back up its data (along with IT infrastructure configurations and disaster recovery runbook) in a third-party cloud computing environment.”

Cloud isn’t immune to cyberattacks. “In today’s rapidly expanding threat landscape, it is thus critical for organizations to secure their data with a powerful third-party backup solution. It will help them comprehensively protect their cloud data while eliminating the single-cloud vulnerabilities and other potential pitfalls associated with leveraging cloud-native services for data backup. When looking for a cloud data protection solution, be sure it includes the same robust features previously required on-prem.”

 

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Top ways Artificial Intelligence impacts ERP software in enterprises

Today’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have found a game-changing relationship with artificial intelligence (AI). With AI used in your ERP systems, it can bring intelligence and automation to benefit your enterprise Digital Marketing Strategist Vipul Makwana shares an article on TechTarget’s Data Science Central of the importance of AI in ERP and how it benefits your business.

 

Key benefits of AI in ERP systems

Makwana lists the top benefits of AI in ERP systems:

Predictive capabilities – AI can analyze historical data and market trends to forecast future conditions, enabling businesses to make proactive decisions in real time. Moreover, companies can optimize inventory levels, production schedules, and resource allocation by predicting product demand accurately.

Effective insights – As AI excels at processing large volumes of data, it makes it possible to identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies that would be otherwise difficult to find out. Furthermore, AI transforms raw data into actionable insights, helping businesses make informed decisions.

Decision support – AI can analyze supplier performance, market prices, and inventory levels to optimize purchasing decisions and reduce costs. It can also analyze customer data to identify ideal customer segments, enabling targeted marketing campaigns and increased ROI.

Customer service – AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide efficient customer support, answering queries and resolving issues promptly. ERP systems become more intelligent, efficient, and customer-centric by leveraging the advancements of AI technology.

 

Five ways AI reshapes the ERP systems

In addition, here are Makwana’s top factors in which AI influences the most in tailor-made ERP software:

Data handling and business intelligence – AI boosts ERP’s data handling capabilities enabling deeper insights and better decision-making. It can uncover hidden patterns and predict trends by analyzing vast datasets. For instance, AI can analyze customer purchasing behavior to tailor inventory.

Streamlined processes and automation – AI-driven ERP systems streamline operations by automating routine tasks like invoicing and scheduling. As a result, your staff can focus on strategic initiatives. Moreover, AI can identify process inefficiencies and suggest improvements, leading to increased efficiency.

User behavior and experience – AI enhances ERP usability by offering users personalized experiences. AI can tailor search results, present data in a user-friendly format, and provide intelligent suggestions. This simplifies navigation and empowers users to make informed decisions.

Conversational and Generative AI – Conversational AI transforms ERP interaction, enabling users to ask questions and request information in natural language. Generative AI can create visual representations of data and make comparisons visible. These advancements make ERP systems more user-friendly.

Third-party AI solutions – While many ERP systems offer built-in AI capabilities, companies can integrate third-party AI solutions. It can give additional flexibility and advanced features. These solutions can address specific business needs and complement the core ERP functionality.

 

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AP45.3 Add-Ins upload error Cannot change Payment Date delete and re-add record

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Problem/Issue:

While attempting to utilize Lawson Add-Ins for Microsoft Office to upload data into AP45.3 (Non-AP Reportable Income Adjustment), some users may encounter the following error message: “Cannot Change Payment Date; delete and re-add record.” How can this error be resolved?

 

Resolution:

Luckily, this isn’t a serious error and it has a quick fix. To address this issue, simply follow these steps:

  1. First, check and make sure that you use “A” as the FC Code instead of “C.”
  2. Next, utilize the “Try to Add, then try to Change” option during the Add-Ins upload process.

The error message should go away and you will now be able to successfully change the payment data, delete and re-add records.

Studies on customizable ERP software show clear competitive advantages

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have proven to be valuable assets to any company. And while not every company is the same, so are ERPs. This is why customizable ERP systems provide the competitive edge to companies who utilize them to their advantage. An article on openpr.com shares how studies in customizable ERP systems can increase productivity and efficiency. A study by Glorium Technologies highlights that customized ERP solutions save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks and increasing accuracy [ERP Software Development: A Full Guide]. Another study by Syslab Technologies shows that custom ERP systems optimize workflow by addressing and improving specific business processes [Best Custom ERP Software Development: Ultimate Guide 101]. These systems allow employees to work more efficiently because they are tailored to the exact needs and workflows of the organization.

Clear Competitive Advantages. The article states that a customized ERP system provides companies with a significant competitive advantage by allowing them to respond more quickly and accurately to market changes. Such advantages like cost savings, integration and adaptability, and data management and decision making come with customized ERP systems. The article concludes that customizable ERP systems offer numerous advantages that can go far beyond the possibilities of standardized solutions.  Companies that invest in customized ERP solutions can optimize their business processes and compete successfully in a dynamic market.

 

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Debugging 4GL forms in Visual Studio

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Sometimes compiling for trace, or adding display statements to a 4GL program, just doesn’t quite get you far enough with debugging.  Lawson is installed on a MicroFocus COBOL for Visual Studio, which can be debugged using Visual Studio.  Here are the steps to set up the debugger for a Lawson form:

  1. First, compile your program for debug (i.e. lawcmp -D <pdl> <system> <program>)
  2. Create a new Windows Application project for COBOL.
  3. Configure the application for Output Type INT/GNT, and open the “Environment…” to set a Path variable. This variable should contain <GENDIR>\bin;<JAVA_HOME>\jre\bin\server;<LAWDIR>\<pdl>\obj;<LUU_DIR>

  4. Under Debug, set the project to launch an executable. The executable should be <MF_HOME>/bin64/run.exe, and the Application Arguments should be <LAWDIR>/<pdl>/obj/<debug program>.int <pdl>
  5. On the COBOL tab, set the configuration to Active (Debug) and the platform and platform target to your current server platform. Set the COBOL dialect to Micro Focus.  Set the output path to .\bin\x64\Debug
  6. Add the “.cbl” file to the Visual Studio project that was generated from your compile in debug mode (step 1).
  7. You can set break points in that cbl file
  8. Now, it’s time to debug your form. Open the application using LID (lapm <pdl> <program code>)
  9. In a separate LID session, run the command tmmon and make note of the pid for your Lacobrts process.
  10. Now, in Visual Studio, select Debug > Attach to Process
  11. Select the process you identified in tmmon (it should be a run.exe). Now you can perform the process that you were trying to debug, and Visual Studio will stop at the break point you set.

 

The Four Keys To A Successful ERP Implementation

It is no secret that enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are likened as the nucleus of an organization – touching every aspect of business from logistics to accounting. It goes without saying that one of the most important projects within your business is implementing an ERP system. Kevin Beasley, CIO at VAI and Forbes Council Member, has had many experience in helping companies with their ERP systems. In this article he shares four keys to a successful ERP implementation.

Critical Success Factors

  • Build in time for planning and information gathering. “Every business is different, even in the same industry. The early information-gathering process is crucial and should be painstakingly meticulous to avoid costly mistakes and delays down the road. Aspects of the planning process include whether the go-live date will occur on a rolling basis based on location or involve the entire organization or application-based implementations.”
  • Get the culture and people questions right. “ERP implementations have big impacts on employees’ jobs. For some, it’s a time of opportunity because they see mastery of the system as a source of job enhancement. For others, a new ERP means changes in long-standing roles and responsibilities. Managers and executive teams need to get the requirements and questions right to facilitate an implementation plan that leads to employee buy-in and long-term success.”
  • Test, test and test again. “The changeover from one system to another isn’t like turning a key. Implementation involves a series of data conversion tests. Organizations should couple this testing with documentation to help explain any anomalies.”
  • Set a goal and stick to it. “It happens—organizations begin the process of installing a new ERP and then run into a challenge. Sometimes, a seemingly innocuous detail, overlooked during the planning phase, complicates implementation. Sometimes, the organization decides to change course, adding new features or realigning certain aspects of the business.”

 

The Need For Project Managers

A successful ERP implementation should have an implementation team and a reliable project manager to oversee the project from beginning to end. Beasley notes that the right project managers have unique insight into the processes and problem-solving skills that are invaluable when navigating the many intricacies of ERP implementation projects. “Having or bringing in such specialized expertise can turn what could be a daunting task of ERP implementation into a strategic advantage that positions a company for future success,” he says, “allowing it to harness the full potential of its new system now and into the foreseeable future, as well as enabling a competitive advantage.”

 

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Why your business needs data protection policies

Your company’s data is one of, if not THE most important asset. Protecting this information should be a top priority and should ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, whether that’s safeguarding data associated with your commercial partners, customers, or the data a business holds about its workers. Business and technology write David Howell shares an article on ITPro explaining that for this reason, all organizations must have a formal set of data protection policies and to guarantee compliance. “Until recently, the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 was the primary legislation for holding and processing data in the UK. It was replaced in 2018 by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), alongside the Data Protection Act 2018,” explains Howell. “These were introduced to strengthen safeguards for citizens in the era of mass data processing and social media. Maintaining compliance with both GDPR and the DPA 2018 protects your business from penalties and improves your organization’s data hygiene. Adopting robust data protection policies offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond simply ticking a regulatory box.” Below, Howell explains why every business needs a proper data protection policy in place to fully secure and protect their company’s business operations and customer information.

 

Why does a company need data protection policies?

Howell reminds us that it is essential to maintain robust policy documentation to ensure your business understands and meets all of its data processing responsibilities governed by GDPR and DPA. Having the documentation always available allows you to clearly communicate these policies your workforce, customers, and commercial partners. These policies remove uncertainty and enable your company to build and maintain more robust data security systems.

 

What should a data protection policy contain?

No two companies are alike, therefore no two data security policies are the same. While every policy has an overall objective to secure and protect their data, certain things will be unique to the company only. For example, Howell explains that if a company doesn’t collect customer data, then a security policy governing this data could be less strict or optional altogether. Additionally, he states, “GDPR and DPA will drive the core of the policies you create for your business. In essence, your policies must address critical components of data security. Your policy should clearly state how your workforce will comply with all the relevant data security regulations.”

 

Best practices for creating a data protection policy.

Howell notes the following practices below to commit to a sturdy data protection policy:

  • Apply the principles of GDPR and DPA to your business
  • Conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)
  • Build data access authorization into your data protection policy
  • Only collect the information that is needed
  • Train your workforce in best practices
  • Regularly review your data protection policy

Ultimately, Howell concludes, a data protection policy isn’t only about compliance; it’s about building trust, safeguarding sensitive information, and fostering a responsible approach to data within your organization.

 

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Lawson CTP install error – failed to uncompress patch.tar.Z file

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When trying to install a CTP you encountered the below error:

“Error – failed to uncompress “patch.tar.Z” file.” or “patch.tar already exists; not overwritten”

 

There’s a possibility of encountering this error due to the presence of an extra patch.tar file stemming from a prior or simultaneous CTP installation.

 

Upon executing the tar command, ensure that within the <versionfiledir> directory, where you’ve unpacked the CTP, only three files pertain to this CTP. Verify that you have obtained the following trio of files:

– x.x.x_patch_CTPnumber.readme.html

– Versions

– patch.tar.Z

 

Clear out any past CTP files from this location, particularly any patch.tar files, and proceed to rerun the lawappinstall.

 

For UNIX systems:

It’s possible that the lawson user lacks write permissions to a directory higher up in the hierarchy. The entire directory where the decompression is taking place should have permissions set to 777.

 

For Windows:

If you encounter this error on a Windows server, it may be due to spaces in the folder names along the path to the versions directory. If this is the case, you’ll receive a “failed to uncompress” message.

 

To resolve this, replace spaces with underscores (_) or use folders without spaces in their names, then proceed to rerun the lawappinstall command.

 

Typically when installing CTPs it is recommended to have a new directory for each CTP install.