In order to position E&A for future growth and to meet the challenges of supporting a large Infor ERP customer base, E&A has taken decisive action to reconfigure its technical support organization.

4GL Business Unit

The TakeStock and SX.enterprise organizations have been merged into the 4GL Business Unit headed by Tom Cangelosi. 

The 4GL Business unit has a total of three departments.  The TakeStock business unit remains the same as before; however, it was decided that the former SX.enterprise business unit should be divided into two departments in order to better manage the large number of new SX.enterprise implementations that E&A processes each year.

1. TakeStock Professional Services is directed by Jennifer Jones.  Jennifer is eminently qualified for this role, having extensive experience in all facets of TakeStock including a key role in the original design team of TakeStock at the former Software Solutions.

2. SX.enterprise Implementation Services is directed by Jon Woodrum (see the story about Jon on page 4).  Jon has over 30 years of experience implementing software for wholesale distributors and was formerly a senior member of a prominent Infor channel partner based in St. Louis, Missouri.

3. SX.enterprise Programming Services is directed by Scott Fisher. Over the years, Scott has delivered many dozens of demanding customizations built around the SX.enterprise product, including E&A’s Pro Service & Repair module.

FACTS Business Unit

The FACTS Business Unit remains as a single unit headed by Stan Mrazeck who manages two departments, as follows:

1. FACTS Implementation Services is directed by Bill Briggs.  Bill has gained extensive industry knowledge managing FACTS projects for many years and is highly regarded for his professionalism and technical expertise.

2. FACTS Programming Services is directed by Paul Morrow.  Paul has worked with FACTS since 1990 where he has worked closely with many dozens of distributors on FACTS customizations.  Paul continues to have responsibilities with managing the E&A Network Services Department, as well.

I firmly believe this reorganization will enable E&A to maintain its industry leadership and deliver the best possible level of service to you, our valued customers.  If you want to talk, give me a call anytime at 410.766.6076.

With the introduction of the Exceptions functionality in the Infor ERP VISUAL Manufacturing Window it is now possible to more efficiently manage work orders.

To start using Exceptions open the Manufacturing Window and load a work order. From the Edit menu select “Exceptions…”.

VISUAL comes with some default exceptions. To load these click the Import Default Exceptions button on the toolbar. You can edit or delete these exceptions using the buttons on the toolbar, or use the “Active” checkbox to disable an exception.

To create a new exception, select the new button on the toolbar. VISUAL will open a window with the tools to define a new exception.

1. Enter a name for the exception.
2. Enter a priority (optional).
3. Select where to apply the exception from the Object Type drop down box.
4. Enter a description for the new exception.
5. Select the item you wish to test from the data items column.
6. Select the test you wish to perform from the Operators column.
7. Select the function or enter a number to finish the test expression.
8. Click the Save button on the toolbar to save the new Exception

Note that VISUAL fills in the expression box as you select and type. If you make an error, click the “Clear Expr” button.

In our example…
Name = NotEnough2Issue
Object Type = Material
Description = Not enough material available to issue

Expression=

1. First select “CalcQty” from Data Items.
2. Then Operation “>” (greater than)
3. Then select “PartId” from Data Items.
4. Then select “PartQtyAvailToIssue” from functions.

VISUAL created the expression “CalcQty">"PartQtyAvailtoIssue(PartId)”, or in other words: If the calculated quantity for the item is greater than the quantity on hand that is available, then display an exception.

Repeat this process to create as many exceptions as you require.

Manufacturing Window Exceptions can be created to check items (Object Types)…

• Materials
• Operations
• Services
• Legs
• The Work Order Header

Now that we have created our exceptions, let’s put them to work.

With a work order open in the Manufacturing Window select View, Exceptions from the menu. Items with exceptions will remain visible while items without exceptions will become faded.

Select an exception item by clicking it and a window will pop up displaying information about which check has been triggered. If you want to see a list of all of the exceptions that have been triggered by the current work order select View, List All Exceptions from the menu.

Need to filter the list more? Select File, Send to Microsoft Excel, then use your favorite tools and functions, or return to single exception view by selecting View, List all Exceptions from the menu.

Now that you can easily review work order items that may become issues or fall outside your business rules you can more readily act upon them. The Manufacturing Window Exception functions are stored by user so each user can have their own specific checks pertaining to their job functions. Manufacturing Window Exceptions are available as a standard item in VISUAL Enterprise versions 6.5.2 and above.

Gary Ussery is a business consultant specializing in Infor ERP VISUAL. He can be reached at 864.848.1172.