Data Centers At The Heart Of The AI And Digital Economy Surge

As demand for data processing and storage increases, driven by advancements in AI, the need for robust and efficient data centers becomes paramount. Likewise, the demand for AI services and digital infrastructure rises make out data centers to be crucial for supporting these technologies. Emil Sayegh, Tech CEO, shares an article on Forbes discussing the growing importance of data centers in driving the AI and digital economy. The article highlights that cloud-service providers are expanding their infrastructure to accommodate the growing data needs of businesses and consumers. Additionally, the competitive landscape is evolving as companies invest heavily in building next-generation data centers. As more industries integrate AI into their operations, the reliance on data centers will only increase, positioning them as central to future economic growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges associated with cybersecurity and data privacy as these centers expand. Ultimately, Sayegh emphasizes that the continued evolution of data centers is vital to supporting advancements in technology and the digital economy as a whole.

 

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Add-ins error – FATAL ERROR: ITEM_SECURED

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Issue: Users encounter the following error when executing a query or upload in Microsoft Office Add-ins (MOA):

FATAL ERROR: ITEM_SECURED

File FILERELFLD is secured.

Refer to the moa.log for any returned error details.

NOTE: CNDFLD could also be listed as a file/table in the error displayed above.

 

How can I address this message?

Resolution: This issue stems from a security (authorization) setup/configuration problem.

 

To resolve this, you need to determine where to add the security rule. The steps outlined below are tailored to implementing this change in the ADDINS security class provided by Infor Lawson by default. This ADDINS security class is linked to the LawsonQueryToolsRole security role. Typically, end users requiring access to MOA should have the LawsonQueryToolsRole assigned to them, as it’s a preconfigured deliverable granting all necessary access to items required for MOA usage. If you’re utilizing a different setup, adjust the steps accordingly by adding the rule to the appropriate security class instead of ADDINS. Ensure that the security class is assigned to a ROLE already assigned to the user.

 

  1. Log in to Lawson Security Administrator (LSA).
  2. Navigate to the “Profile Management” tab.
  3. Click on “Profiles.”
  4. Double-click on the “GEN” Profile ID.
  5. Double-click on the “ADDINS” security class name.
  6. Click the “Add Rule” button.
  7. Change the “Securable Types” to “Files.”
  8. Expand (Click on +) “CS.”
  9. Locate the table listed in the error under “CS” (e.g., FILERELFLD) and check the box next to it.
  10. Click “Apply.”
  11. Test with the user. Note that you might need to wait for your security “caching interval” to pass. This setting can be found in the LSA tool under Server Management > Server on the general tab and is typically set to 900 seconds (15 minutes) by default.

 

Expert Tips For Making The Most Of Cloud-Based Data Analytics

Many companies rely on data-driven decision making for its capability to spot trends, improve processes, better serve customers and much more. Cloud-based data analytics can be a very powerful tool to help businesses gain valuable insight and information by leveraging the the actionable insights that companies use from the smart decisions provided. Below, expert members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert tips to help businesses make the most of cloud-based data analytics.

  1. Leverage GenAI For Connected, Contextual Insights. “Enable generative artificial intelligence on your data analytics platform. Connect data, operations, people and decisions for dynamic visibility and continuous intelligence. This empowers your team to turn disruptions and uncertainty into opportunities with accurate predictions and real-time, connected, contextual insights. This leads to data-driven decision making that is customer-centric and profitable.” – Roshan Pinto, Tavant
  2. Tap Into Enhanced Computing Power. “Businesses can leverage cloud-based data analytics to access enormous computing power without significant upfront costs, enabling them to train models on large datasets quickly. Once trained, these models can be applied to drive business value. Additionally, the cloud excels in real-time decision making, where speed is essential, such as tailoring unique solutions based on prospect data.” – Peter Bajwa, App-scoop Solutions Inc.
  3. Easily Connect To Various Data Sources. “Cloud-based platforms enable companies to simplify the complexity of connecting to various data sources, empowering engineers to immediately leverage existing data to address corporate initiatives with minimal capital investment. For example, with insights from these platforms, engineers can power a range of use cases to drive sustainability progress, including analyzing environmental, sustainability and governance initiatives’ performance against goals.” – Dustin Johnson, Seeq
  4. Combat Fraud. “Fraud losses total in the billions each year. Cloud-based fraud analytics enables specialists to focus on critical risks while machines handle lower-threat incidents autonomously. A good use case is merchant onboarding. Payment providers deploy cloud analytics to swiftly and accurately assess risk, capturing new merchant business without compromising due diligence.” – Rochelle Blease, G2 Risk Solutions
  5. Monitor Customer Behaviors. “Conduct real-time data processing to improve decision making. Collect, process and analyze data in real time to get up-to-date insights on business operations. For example, an e-commerce business can use cloud-based analytics to monitor customer behavior on its website in real time to detect purchasing patterns.” – Venkat Viswanathan, LatentView Analytics
  6. Strengthen Identity Governance. “In terms of identity governance, businesses can leverage cloud-based data analytics to continuously monitor access patterns and user behavior. This enables real-time anomaly detection and can flag potential risks, allowing for more accurate access controls and policy adjustments. This strengthens security and compliance while ensuring the right people have the right access at the right time.” – John Milburn, Clear Skye
  7. Establish An Enterprise Data Dictionary. “Analytics and insights are only as good as the underlying data being used. Make sure your data is sound, well-defined, not missing key components and secure. Ideally, you want to have an enterprise data dictionary or glossary so the entities are defined reasonably consistently across systems and the data lake.” – Pankaj Chawla, 3Pillar Global
  8. Create Dynamic Dashboards. “Businesses can harness cloud-based data analytics by integrating real-time data streams from various sources to create dynamic dashboards. These dashboards provide up-to-date insights, enabling data-driven decision making and allowing businesses to quickly respond to market trends and operational challenges. The cloud’s scalability and accessibility make it ideal for this approach.” – Sivanagaraju Gadiparthi, ADP
  9. Standardize Product And Supply Chain Data. “Cloud-based data analytics can be used to standardize quality product and supply chain data across departments, enabling businesses to make better-informed decisions at an accelerated pace. More specifically, these offerings provide instant impact assessments and real-time data updates that can generate insights to help companies optimize product costs, measure environmental impact and ensure compliance.” – Neil D’Souza, Makersite
  10. Integrate AI-Driven Predictive Models. “Businesses can maximize cloud-based analytics by integrating AI-driven predictive models. By analyzing historical data and trends, these models forecast future scenarios, enabling proactive decision making. This strategic foresight empowers companies to anticipate market changes, optimize resource allocation and enhance competitiveness, transforming data into a predictive tool for sustained growth.” – Rohit Anabheri, Sakesh Solutions LLC
  11. Include Data From Third-Party Providers. “By integrating aggregated data from third-party providers, most businesses can significantly enhance cloud-based data analytics. Modern cloud platforms facilitate easy connections to these sources, enriching company data and providing deeper insights for crucial decision making. This enriched data helps leaders make more informed and effective business decisions.” – Rodion Telpizov, SmartJobBoard
  12. Explore Real-Time, Broad-Ranging Scenarios. “Modeling and predictive analytics allow decision makers to efficiently explore a larger scope of scenarios in real time without being restricted by limited resources or outdated data. For example, drug developers or healthcare practitioners can individualize drug therapy to a patient based on their recent lab results via simulation of potential dosing strategies or drug treatment combinations.” – Patrick Smith, Certara
  13. Analyze Historical Data And Market Trends. “Businesses can leverage cloud-based predictive analytics to forecast demand by analyzing historical data and market trends. Manufacturers can optimize production and better manage supply chains, while retailers can adjust stock levels and plan promotions. This proactive approach minimizes waste, improves customer satisfaction and enhances profitability by anticipating future needs.” – Sumit Bhatnagar
  14. Adopt A Data As A Product Approach. “To maximize cloud-based data analytics, businesses should adopt a data as a product (or DaaP) approach. By treating data like a product, including having dedicated teams for development and life cycle management, companies ensure high-quality, accessible data. This method drives actionable insights, enhances agility and scales efficiently, embedding data deeply into strategic decision making.” – Suri Nuthalapati, Cloudera
  15. Anticipate And Prevent Downtime. “Implement cloud-based predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent system failures or downtime. By monitoring software performance metrics, companies can schedule proactive maintenance and reduce unexpected outages.” – Vamsi Krishna Dhakshinadhi, GrabAgile Inc.
  16. Dig Into The Details Of Transaction Costs. “My favorite insight that’s made easier in the cloud is realized by leveraging metadata on resource consumption and spending and then tying it to the cost of a transaction (a useful metric for transaction-driven businesses). Serverless functions and the like make it simpler to first understand per-transaction costs and then optimize.” – Kim Bozzella, Protiviti
  17. Establish A Data Lake To Monitor And Respond To Live Metrics. “Most software as a service companies and other cloud tools offer data downloads. Having a data lake with integrated cloud-based analytics and real-time data feeds allows a business to monitor and respond to live operational metrics. This capability supports agile decision making and rapid adjustments to strategies based on real-time performance indicators.” – Hadi Tabani, Liquid Technologies
  18. Leverage Quantum Computing To Tackle Complex Problems. “Businesses can use quantum computing integrated with cloud-based analytics to solve complex optimization problems that were previously unsolvable. This allows companies to uncover hidden patterns in massive datasets and make real-time, highly accurate predictions. Using quantum-enhanced insights can revolutionize decision making, providing a competitive edge in rapidly changing markets.” – Dr. Reji Thomas, TOL Biotech
  19. Deploy Human-Centric Predictive Analytics. “Businesses can efficiently use cloud-based data analytics by deploying human-centric predictive analytics. By integrating cloud-based data with behavioral psychology, companies can discover the “why” behind behaviors using predictive analytics models. This human-centric approach empowers businesses to design personalized customer experiences and products, driving both customer engagement and loyalty.” – Jabin Geevarghese George, Tata Consultancy Services
  20. Cultivate A Data-Driven Culture. “Implement monthly events where all employees, regardless of role, use simplified cloud analytics tools to explore company data. This democratizes data insights, uncovers unexpected patterns and cultivates a data-driven culture across the organization, leading to more diverse and innovative decision-making perspectives.” – Echul Shin, Eternis

 

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The Biggest Cloud Trends For CISOs

The cloud’s has many benefits such as self-service access, elasticity, scalability, quick deployment, and lower costs. This has brought about accelerated delivery to market and rapid uptake by enterprises. However, there are still risks involved in adopting the public cloud strategy, Chief information security officers (CISOs) should note that cloud strategies continue to change and evolve as new cloud technologies and services are introduced. This results in cloud security strategies of as little as five years ago are already outdated. Cloud security must evolve at the rapid pace as the public cloud space.

Forrester, one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world, shares an article on Forbes depicting the most critical cloud trends  that CISOs should and/or need to be aware of:

  • Securing AI in the cloud. “The onslaught of generative AI has meant that CISO organizations have also had to pivot. Lack of transparency around black-box AI models, susceptibility to bias, ethical considerations, threat actors that can exploit open-source models, and AI models that hold large amounts of data vastly increase an organization’s attack surface. CISOs should be addressing these three concerns: 1) reviewing the security controls and governance of cloud-managed AI services; 2) agreeing on the security roles and responsibilities between the cloud provider and your security team; and 3) upskilling the AI capabilities of the security and broader cloud infrastructure team to secure these new services.”
  • Workload placement for cloud sustainability. “New sustainability reporting requirements in the EU have forced enterprises to focus on their carbon footprint. One method of meeting sustainability requirements is through placing workloads in more sustainable availability zones. For example, this could involve ensuring that an availability zone powered by solar power or other renewable energy sources is preferred to one powered by a gas-fired plant. Cloud teams rely on cloud management solutions and carbon footprint data to inform workload placement. CISOs need to ask where their data will reside and implement controls over sensitive data to avoid automatic movement by workload management solutions that break security requirements.”
  • Sovereignty and regulatory requirements. “In recent years, new sovereignty requirements have created a broader push for private and sovereign clouds. CISOs operating in such environments know they need to meet these sovereignty and regulatory directives but have to balance this with allowing the wider IT team to deliver capabilities that the business needs and wants. CISOs should focus on ensuring that they understand which data types require sovereign cloud services, skeptically review claims about sovereignty by some hyperscalers, and seek to protect only the data that requires this protection, in order to keep the business on side.”

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Error generating CSV report file

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The option to “Create CSV File” in print manager in Portal or attempt to export a report to CSV using Lawson Addins, the CSV file is not generated and the following error message is displayed in Excel or the browser after it opens:

Error generating CSV report file. Check IOS logs for details.

ERROR [ key=ERROR_GENERATING_CSV level=1 ]

<![CDATA[ Error generating CSV report file. ]]>

<![CDATA[ Check IOS logs for details. ]]>

The ios.log shows the following type of detail:

 

2024-01-05 13:40:32,088 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [BldxffilesRunner] ********************** bldxffiles **********************

2024-01-05 13:40:32,088 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [BldxffilesRunner] Security Violation

/GENDIR/bin/rptgen: Error Encountered In Execution

2024-01-05 13:40:32,088 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [BldxffilesRunner] ********************************************************

2024-01-05 13:40:32,088 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [ReportEngine] IOException generated while streaming / LAWDIR/print/user1/ap201/1/AP201.csv/

2024-01-05 13:40:32,088 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [ReportEngine] File not found  /LAWDIR/print/user1/ap201/1/AP201.csv

2024-01-05 13:40:32,089 ERROR [WebContainer : 8] [user1      ] [REPORT      ] [Report] com.lawson.ios.core.Report.ReportException: ERROR_GENERATING_CSV

2024-01-05 13:40:32,096 INFO  [WebContainer : 8] [            ] [            ] [IOSSecurityContext] Destroying security context for user1

 

Resolution:

To troubleshoot this issue, follow the steps below:

Check the LAWDIR/system/ios.logs for the actual error message and problem. When reviewing the IOS logs, start with a search for “ERROR_GENERATING_CSV” and then review the messages that occur before that.

For the error message used in the example above, make sure the user has been granted access to the “rptgen” token under the ENV profile in Lawson Security. The user should be assigned a batch role which grants access to ‘rptgen’.

  1. Log into the Lawson Security Administrator.
  2. Go to the ENV profile.
  3. Select your batch security class.
  4. Click Add Rule.
  5. Choose the box for development tools.
  6. Select Grant all access.
  7. Expand the development tools.
  8. Select rptgen – Grant all access.
  9. Apply the rule.

 

Securing data and business in the face of new AI regulations

Ahead of its Dreamforce 2024 event in San Francisco, California this week, Salesforce introduced a slew of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and data security products and updates. A list of some of the topics are summarized below by senior editor Radhika Ojha at ERP Today.

Preparing for new regulatory frameworks. “Salesforce recently introduced a new suite of tools to help IT teams tackle key challenges related to strong data governance and security as more chief technology officers (CTOs) use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help them protect sensitive data from hackers. The product is meant to prepare companies to follow new regulations as lawmakers move to strengthen laws around the use of generative AI. For example, the EU has passed the EU AI Act to ensure the technology’s ethical use and deployment in the region.”

Accelerating productivity. “Salesforce unveiled new data and AI-powered Sales Cloud capabilities. The enhanced platform promises to drive business transformation with new account planning, forecasting, prospecting, and compensation management capabilities.”

Industry customization. “Salesforce’s latest array of AI tools includes Industries AI, which customizes prompts, data models, and capabilities depending on the industry. The tool currently covers over 100 customizable AI capabilities for 15 sectors.”

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Personalizing the Form Elements of Lawson Portal 10.1

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Lawson Portal 10.1 Series –  Personalizing the Form Elements of Lawson Portal 10.1

In the first article of the series we went over how to personalize the theme of your Lawson Portal. The next article in the Lawson Portal 10.1 Series overview will cover how to personalize the form elements on the page.

 

To update the form elements, such as label colors and sizes, of Lawson Portal 10.1, from the left-hand menu, go to General > User Options.

 

Next, click the Personalization Tab.

 

Under Form Customizations settings you have the options to select a label size, label style, label color, and detail area headers color. Feel free to customize to your likings or match your company’s colors.

 

How to Keep Your Cloud Migration From Becoming Dangerous

Cloud migration can be a difficult  task but it doesn’t mean businesses shouldn’t do it. It offers many benefits such as agility, cost savings, and scalability. The “difficulties” in such endeavor range from staying within budget, checking that data is secure, choosing the right provider and ensuring that employees are ready for change, among others. But these challenges can be avoided or resolved head on. Sashank Purighalla, CEO and founder at BOS Framework, shares an article on builtin.com about how you can keep your cloud migration from becoming dangerous and disastrous. With some planning, a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, and some best practices in place, cloud migration doesn’t need to be dangerous or difficult, he states. He Purighalla, in his article, goes into great detail on some of the best practices to follow for a smart cloud migration. Here is a preview of his list. For a comprehensive breakdown, visit the article on the link below.

4 Best Practices for a Smart Cloud Migration

  1. Create a comprehensive roadmap for your cloud migration.
  2. Implement robust data safety precautions.
  3. Control your costs.
  4. Implement smart change management policies.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Determining The Maturity Of Your Organization To Implement A New ERP System

Implementing an ERP (enterprise resource planning) system for your organization is a challenging endeavor. For chief information officers (CIOs) and other top executives, this process represents a significant test of leadership and organizational capability. ERPs aim to streamline operations, improve data visibility and enhance decision-making capabilities. However, the road to this is littered with obstacles. Miguel Llorca, Forbes Council Member and Microsoft Regional Director, Dual MVP & MCT, shares an article to help determine if the maturity of your organization is ready to implement a new ERP system.

Assessing Organizational Readiness: The First Step
The first step on the journey to ERP implementation is assessing the readiness and maturity of your organization. Llorca notes, “A mature organization has clearly defined processes, well-managed data and a workforce that is open to change. If any of these elements are lacking, the chances of a successful ERP implementation diminish significantly.” In addition, with cultural readiness, an ERP system requires a shift in how employees work, communicate and collaborate. “If the organizational culture is resistant to change or if there is a lack of trust in the leadership’s vision, the ERP project is likely to encounter significant resistance,” he adds. “This is why a maturity assessment should not only evaluate the technical aspects but also include a deep dive into the organization’s cultural fabric.”

The Reorganization Challenge: More Than Just Software
Implementing a new ERP system demands that existing structures and processes be reevaluated and often reorganized. Lorca states, “This reorganization is not just a technical exercise; it is a strategic move that requires careful planning and execution. The leadership team must be prepared to make tough decisions about which processes need to be overhauled and which roles may need to be redefined. Moreover, they must communicate these changes effectively to ensure that all employees understand the rationale behind the reorganization and are on board with the new direction.”

 

Change Management: The Key To Success
Given the scale an ERP implementation entails, it means change management is crucial. Llorca finds that the ADKAR model (which stands for awareness, desire, knowledge, ability and reinforcement) works best in managing change in this context. “The ADKAR model provides a structured approach to managing the human side of ERP implementation. It helps ensure that employees are not just passive recipients of change but active participants in the transformation process. By following this model, organizations can better mitigate resistance, build momentum and increase the likelihood of a successful ERP rollout,” he says.

 

The Role Of Leadership In ERP Implementation

Like any project, leadership plays a critical role, and it is detrimental to the success or failure of an ERP project. Llorca notes that leaders in this position must be prepare for push back from their employees on new changes or make difficult decisions such as reallocating resources or restructuring teams. Moreover, transparency and communication throughout the ERP implementation process if needed. Llorca states, “When employees understand the bigger picture and feel that their concerns are heard, they are more likely to support the change.”

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Personalizing the Theme of Lawson Portal 10.1

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Lawson Portal 10.1 Series – Personalizing the Theme of Lawson Portal 10.1

Welcome to the first article of the Lawson Portal 10.1 Series. Along with this one, future posts will cover other personalizations, how to set up your bookmarks, and adding main content to your Lawson Portal screens. Let’s get started with the first topic – personalizing the theme of your Lawson Portal 10.1.

 

To change the theme (background/foreground colors) of Lawson Portal 10.1, from the left-hand menu, go to General > User Options.

 

Next, click the Personalization Tab.

 

Under Global Customizations you have the options to select a new theme (light, dark or high contrast), and a different Accent Color if desired (usually to match your company’s colors).