Managing Implementation Of Epicor Handheld Devices
Handheld devices provide critical access for ERP software users who need to complete operations while not by a desktop—whether that’s at a client meeting or on the shop floor.
They can range from mobile phones to barcode scanners, and they all need to be able to function on your Epicor system. Whether they are being used for quality and compliance checks, or collecting data on manufacturing lines and machinery, and fixing errors as they occur, handheld devices can be critical to the success of your production success. Because there is such a wide variety of devices and uses for them, there will be a multitude of different users who need to interact with the software in different ways.
Epicor’s ERP provides a handheld solution that can blend the device, application and connectivity required for a handheld system if your business so requires it, and allows for customizations of dashboards and interfaces depending on the device and who is using it—here’s how to manage the implementation of Epicor handheld devices and things to consider before you do so.
Considerations
Before implementing an Epicor handheld device system, you need to consider several attributes of your handhelds that will affect the system. They are;
- Processor speed
- Screen size and resolution
- Size and weight
- Firmware
- Operating system and version
Not all handheld devices will be suitable for an Epicor implementation—even if they’re all currently running on the same OS. Each different type of device will need to be qualified by your platform vendor to make sure they can run the software. You’ll also need to be be able to build various different forms of the software that you’ll need for the enterprise application. i.e. a smartphone application which allows for tasks like data and task recording or travel, expense and client details. Then you might also need a PDA application that will handle more complex functionalities like workbooks, task listing, schedule editing and more. Epicor-supported PDAs can not only include built-in barcode readers, but also functionality for web browsing, email and messaging so you can manage inventory and keep up communication within the organization no matter where your business is.
Implementation
If your Epicor solution will involve handheld devices in any capacity, then they need to be a specific, delineated step on your implementation journey, and scheduled as such. Each different device needs to be qualified by your platform vendor—make sure that is a step on your roadmap. You’ll need to commit every resource you use on desktop training to your Epicor handheld devices, including use cases, conference room pilots, end user testing and training. Everyone who will be using an Epicor handheld device should be confident and have demonstrated in pilot testing and training they will be ready to use them when go-live comes—you don’t want to get to a crucial inventory check and find out that one user has been scanning the wrong codes or entering their information into the wrong database. One small misuse of your Epicor handhelds could throw off the entirety of your operations and waste serious time and money.
However, once you have selected the right devices and gone through all the necessary steps to get your staff up to speed on them, you’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of total mobility they provide—better accuracy and completeness of data, faster workflows and easier reporting on quality testing and product compliance among them. If you’re about to go through an implementation and you need help getting your Epicor handheld devices up and running, get in touch with one of our expert consultants. We’ve got over 18 years of experience with ERP software and manufacturing operations, and can help you at any stage, whether it’s device selection or training!
