Archiving Old ERP Applications: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Application Managers

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Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies often undergo digital transformations, migrating from legacy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to modern solutions. However, legacy ERP applications often hold valuable historical data that must be preserved for regulatory compliance, historical analysis, and potential future use. Application archiving projects often fall under the responsibilities of IT Application managers at most companies. In this article, we will explore how to effectively archive data for long-term storage, the methods for storing archived data, and data retention strategies that align with the unique needs of large-scale enterprises.

 

How to Archive Data for Long-Term Storage:
Archiving data for long-term storage involves preserving valuable historical records while ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility. IT Application Managers should consider the following best practices:
a. Data Segmentation: Identify the data that needs to be archived, separating it from the active dataset. ERP applications like Infor Lawson, Oracle, SAP, or PeopleSoft may contain vast amounts of historical data, and careful segmentation ensures the right data is archived.b. Data Validation: Before archiving, ensure data accuracy and completeness. Running data validation checks will help identify and rectify any inconsistencies.c. Compression and Encryption: Compressing and encrypting the archived data optimizes storage space and enhances security, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
d. User access: Perhaps the most critical component of any viable data archive solution, is how accessible it is by users. The right solution should enable users to access archived records without the need to involve IT.

e. Role based security: Of course with ease of access comes responsibility. The right solution needs to enforce well defined security roles to ensure that users are accessing the data they have access to and nothing more.

Methods for Storing Archived Data:
IT Application Managers have various options for storing archived ERP data, including:
a. On-Premises Storage: Keeping archived data on local servers allows for complete control over the storage environment, ensuring immediate access to data when needed. Of course on-premises storage can be costly due to infrastructure investments and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, it may face limitations in disaster recovery options and data accessibility for remote employees, potentially hindering seamless operations in geographically dispersed organizations.

b. Cloud-Based Storage: Utilizing cloud computing platforms for data archiving offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and high availability. Cloud providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud offer secure and reliable solutions for long-term data retention. However storing structured data in the cloud without a structured presentation layer falls short of meeting all of the requirements we previously stated.

c. Cloud-Based Application: Combining the benefits of cloud computing with a well thought-out presentation layer is the ultimate way to address the challenges of ERP data retention. This option provides the freedom to decommission and eliminate on-premise servers while maintaining data integrity and providing users an easy way to continue accessing the data in the cloud.

Data Retention Strategies:
Data retention strategies aim to define the retention period for archived data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and business needs. IT Application Managers should consider the following approaches:
a. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with industry-specific regulations, such as HIPAA, GDPR, or SOX, requires setting appropriate data retention periods to avoid penalties and legal issues.

b. Business Needs: Align data retention policies with the company’s specific business requirements and operational workflows.

c. User Stories: Understanding the needs of your subject matter experts is key to archival success. The SMEs understand the real data needs of the business, audit requirements, and what information needs to be readily accessible.

 

Conclusion:
Archiving old ERP applications is a crucial responsibility for IT Application Managers in large-scale enterprises with extensive data centers and cloud computing operations. By understanding how to archive data effectively, selecting a suitable solution, and implementing data retention strategies, organizations can preserve valuable historical information securely and compliantly. As companies continue to evolve and modernize, the archiving process becomes a strategic investment in the long-term success of their operations. For IT Application Managers seeking a comprehensive and reliable archiving solution, APIX offers a user-friendly, cost-effective, and secure data archiving platform tailored to the unique needs of large enterprises. To learn more, visit https://www.nogalis.com/lawson-data-archive/

The Heart of Europe Monaco Hotel Enhances Guest Experience with Infor

Infor recently announced that The Heart of Europe resort on Dubai World Islands is raising the bar for guest experience at its upscale Monaco Hotel using Infor Hospitality Management Solution (HMS) and Infor Sales & Event Management software. Per the press release, The Monaco Hotel has deployed Infor’s industry-specific HMS and will soon go live with the Infor event management solution. A second hotel on the same island will follow suit with both solutions within a few months. With Infor HMS the hotel is able to gather and use integrated, holistic data at multiple touchpoints to provide guests with a seamless, personalized, and consistent experience. This in turn improves guest experience while raising the productivity of hotel staff, who can re-allocate resources to more important tasks including enhancing customer service. Additionally, by using Infor Sales & Event Management, the hotel will streamline the way it manages events and catering as the software automates the entire booking process, from initial inquiry to final invoice, with customizations to support each stage in the lifecycle of events.

 

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Generate XML Files for all Batch Jobs

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This article covers the steps for configuring Lawson to automatically generate all file types (XML, etc) for each batch job that is run.

 

In LAWDIR/system, you will need to look for a rpt.cfg file.  If the file doesn’t exist, then you must create it.

Next, to generate XML for all batch jobs, you must set RUNTIME_XML to ON.  For CSV, the configuration type is RUNTIME_CSV.

See below for a sample file:

lawdir/system/rpt.cfg

There is no restart or downtime required for these changes to take effect. Simply restart the system and your new changes will be applied to your batch jobs moving forward.

 

Australia’s Fashion Powerhouse Lovisa Deploys Infor WMS in Record Five Months

Infor recently announced that Lovisa, the fashion-forward jewelry brand, has implemented Infor Warehouse Management System (WMS) at a new facility in Poland. Infor partner SNS will support the implementation as Lovisa has taken a significant step forward in improving supply chain operations and delivering exceptional customer service. The project went live in March 2023, marking a major milestone in Lovisa’s journey towards enhancing its global presence. Per the press release, despite the challenges of a tight timeline of around five months from inception to go-live, the new facility in Poland started operating on the same day as Infor WMS going live, with new staff recruited for the facility. Zero customization was allowed, and all business requirements had to be catered for using an out-of-the-box Infor WMS. Moreover, Lovisa is thrilled with the successful implementation of the WMS at its new facility in Poland with the support of Infor and SNS, and looks forward to the benefits it will bring to the global operations, including improved supply chain operations and exceptional customer service.

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Anne Fontaine Transforms its Information Systems by Switching to Infor’s Multi-Tenant Cloud

Infor recently announced that Anne Fontaine, a women’s ready-to-wear and accessories brand, has just opted for Infor CloudSuite Fashion, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution specifically designed for the fashion, textile and luxury industries. Per the press release, this decision is part of a vast project to modernize the company’s information system, aiming to introduce OMS (Order Management System) functionalities such as automated tracking and management of sales, orders, inventory and order fulfillment. Additionally, Anne Fontaine is working on other parallel projects, such as implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system, and developing interfaces between Infor’s solution and other applications: These include C-DESIGN PLM software (which organizes product development data into a single, reliable interface for monitoring the progress of a collection), the Magento e-commerce platform, Yourcegid Retail Y2 store management and omnichannel control software, and, eventually, a solution for dematerializing invoices.

 

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How to adjust the Maximum Heap Size of a Node in Landmark Grid

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To adjust the maximum heap size of a node in Landmark Grid, you first need to be logged into the Grid Management Console. From there, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Configuration Manager link  (the gears icon located at top right corner).
  2. Next, click “Applications”.
  3. Select your Landmark deployed application.
  4. Click “Edit Properties”.
  5. Under Grid Defined Properties,  click “Max Heap”.
  6. Select the “All” Radio Button.
  7. Find the node you wish to adjust, and click on value it is currently assigned.
  8. In the popup window, enter a new value and click save.
  9. In the top left corner of the screen, click save again to apply the changes.
  10. Click the home link in top right corner.
  11. Click the stop link (black box in top right corner of the node you adjusted)
  12. The system will shutdown that JVM then, automatically restart it for your change to take affect.

And you’re done. Good luck!

Pillar Oil Modernizes Financials with Infor and Progressive TSL

Infor recently announced that independent energy company Pillar Oil has deployed Infor SunSystems Cloud and Hexagon EAM from Infor Gold Channel Partner Progressive TSL and will benefit from enhanced efficiency, reporting, and the ability to scale easily. Per the press release, Pillar Oil previously used SAP Business One and needed an integrated, more efficient solution that would not only meet its operational needs, but would also enhance reporting and visibility, and help bring new entities on board quickly. Infor SunSystems Cloud and Hexagon EAM now facilitate a defter way of managing financial management and procurement for the energy company. Further, Chris Walcot, CEO of Progressive TSL, commented, “Pillar Oil required a fully integrated platform to support its financials, crucially with industry-specific capabilities built in to reflect the nuances of the Nigerian oil & gas sector. Opting for an Infor cloud deployment to take advantage of reduced risk and improved security, as well as a much easier way of supporting a remote workforce, the energy leader really is in the best position from which to pursue its expansion plans and scale as market dynamics dictate.”

 

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How to get a Lawson Profile ID in LID without access to Lawson Security Administrator

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For whatever reason that you need a Lawson profile ID, below is a quick way to access it in LID.

  1. Login into LID and go to a temp directory you’re okay with dumping a file to.
  2. Run this command lsdump -f roledump.txt ROLE SuperAdminRole
  3. Go to the directory you dumped the file in and open roledump.txt in a text editor
  4. Search for ProfileID until you find the one you’re looking for

Chances are, SuperAdminRole is created with an admin class assigned to it. You can also view this file using LASHOW command without having to dump the file.

 

Good luck!

 

Many organizations opt to engage Lawson consultant teams for managing their Lawson Security. These consultant teams offer managed services at a fixed monthly rate and possess extensive knowledge and expertise. This service is particularly suitable for larger organizations, but smaller organizations that do not require a full-time Lawson employee on-site may also find it beneficial. Nogalis provides this service, and you can contact us via our contact page for further information.

 

How Restaurant Technology Promotes Transparency and Efficiency in the Supply Chain

We live in the norm of a ‘digital age’ where technology has affected almost every aspect of our lives. In the restaurant industry, for example, technology has changed the way customers experience their meals at establishments. From ordering system to payment handling, technology is playing a large role. Not only is it effecting the front end operations, but everything behind the scenes as well. This is comes at the same time more and more people are becoming conscious of their choices to dine at certain establishments – not just for the value and taste of the food, but by the practices the restaurants uphold as well. Francine L. Shaw, food safety specialist, podcaster, and co-founder of My Food Source, shares an article on Restaurant Technology News how consumers want proof that brands are doing the right things in terms of following best practice safety protocols, working only with responsible vendors, ensuring product authenticity, mitigating risks, and boosting their sustainability practices. By improving their supply chain transparency, it shows that restaurants have nothing to hide. Shaw adds there are many advantages of transparency beyond customer trust. “When restaurants embrace technology to create resilient, flexible, efficient, and safe supply chains, they’ll reap numerous benefits, such as improved risk mitigation, increased productivity, better compliance with regulations, and enhanced ethical sourcing,” she adds. Shaw also suggests there are critical ways that  a restaurant can build and maintain a better supply chain, including leveraging technology, boost collaboration with supply chain partners, constantly regularly measure and monitor, provide proper employee training, and keep open communication with their stakeholders. There are numerous benefits of building and maintaining a transparent supply chain. Shaw concludes that by doing so, restaurants will be able to improve efficiency, safety, sustainability, communication, compliance with industry regulations, as well as consumer trust.

 

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Hivimar Selects Infor WMS as its Warehouse Management System

Ecuador-based automotive distributor Hivimar has selected Infor WMS to increase productivity in its distribution The system will be implemented by Cerca Technology, Infor channel partner in Latin America. Per the press release, Hivimar’s success is based on its commitment to its customers and its constant interest in innovation and improving processes to provide more and better services. The company needed to implement an agile, technological and efficient warehouse management system. Infor WMS met all their needs for a new system, and it’s a world-class solution that applies to B2B and B2C business models and has advanced capabilities, data analytics and great user experience.

 

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