Epicor Kinetic Configurator: Process Automation and ERP

More and more companies are choosing to implement an ERP system tailored to their specific needs, which translates into greater efficiency and, consequently, higher profits. One of the key features of the Epicor Kinetic system is its configurator, which allows for the control of processes down to the smallest detail.    

What is the Epicor Kinetic configurator?

For many years, we have observed the widespread adoption of ERP systems, especially in large companies. This type of software allows all data regarding inventory levels, materials, production line operations, and accounting to be gathered in one place. This leads to faster and more efficient work, thereby contributing to increased company productivity. Despite the widespread use of ERP systems in modern enterprises, many of their functionalities often require manual handling. To reduce this to the necessary minimum, it became essential to develop an intuitive configurator that encompasses all possible data. One such system available on the market is Epicor Kinetic, which is implemented in the Polish market by Mindbox. The Epicor Kinetic configurator allows for the appropriate configuration of individual elements. In the case of a production line, it is used to create a product with specific properties. It contains all options possible for a given production line and, in real-time, compares them with inventory levels, creates tasks, assigns personnel to perform them, and calculates the price of the finished product. The tool automatically excludes options that cannot be realized. It also provides insight into the history of individual configurations and tasks, and links them to other elements of the system. It is also characterized by a friendly and intuitive interface and a high degree of customization. What exactly does the configuration process look like? This will be illustrated using the example of a configurator implemented by Mindbox for a window manufacturing company. Their production requires special attention and care, as to properly fulfill its functions, a window must meet a series of requirements.

Creating an order in the Kinetic configurator

Epicor Kinetic allows users to create orders quickly and seamlessly. Data regarding possible shapes, dimensions, and materials for window production are uploaded into the system and then made available in the configurator to create an order. The system automatically excludes impossible options and calculates the necessary amount of materials and the final product price in real-time. In the case of the configurator implemented by Mindbox for the window manufacturer, it allows for four possible shapes, four window grid patterns, and four colors each for internal and external parts. It also has the ability to select specific dimensions tailored to the production line’s capabilities, as well as functionality known as dynamic lists. Windows are produced for two types of climates – northern and southern. After selecting either option, the configurator offers specific types of glass assigned to that climate and excludes the others. In other words, it allows for the construction of various dependencies between different options. Then, using the Order Job Wizard, the configurator allows for the creation of a production order that can be significantly modified – this ensures ongoing insight into its progress and estimated completion date, as well as the ability to delay or cancel. The configurator automatically translates the data entered by the user into production methods for all possible aspects of the window – frames, glass, painting, etc. Despite the broad capabilities offered by the Epicor Kinetic configurator, it is sometimes necessary to modify it to adapt to changing conditions. The tool can be modified at any time by changing values or adding new lines of code.

The configurator saves time and space

In a production line environment, it is necessary to optimize the time and space required to perform tasks as much as possible – this also applies to ERP systems. To this end, Epicor Kinetic uses lookup tables. Tables with results for specific configurations are stored in the system’s memory, which speeds up the processes of order creation and production. For example, it stores data on glass types approved for use in a given climate – for the south, there are three options, and for the north, four. A table of possibilities can be assigned to each element, which significantly speeds up work, as the system automatically fills in values after a specific option is selected. To further minimize the time required to create an order, it is also necessary to properly manage dependencies between variables. The Epicor Kinetic configurator achieves this using dynamic lists, where values depend on variables – if we select the northern climate, the system will suggest (via the Data Lookup Method) four possible glass variants, which in turn will determine subsequent order features.

Rules are the most important

The Epicor Kinetic configurator allows for the creation of rules that define specific tasks to be performed. For example, the ‘Keep Component When’ rule can, for instance, eliminate the need for painting for windows that are not intended to be painted – it eliminates all materials and activities unnecessary for the production of a specific product. It can be applied not only to raw materials but also to machines, employees, or other values in the system. The software automatically calculates the quantity and dimensions of necessary materials, e.g., the length and amount of wood needed to create a frame of specific dimensions. The possibilities do not end there – it also allows for issuing detailed instructions regarding individual operations. The ability to add comments allows, for example, detailed guidelines to be passed on to glass-cutting line employees. Based on all the properties described above, the configurator is able to calculate company costs and determine the price the customer will have to pay. Another functionality is the ability to select order transport (also in the case of products not manufactured by the company but used by it), e.g., based on data entered into the system or the customer’s postal code – in the latter case, the system will automatically select the shipping company and calculate transport costs.

Configurator – the diamond of the system

As shown in the examples above, a well-designed and implemented configurator can significantly speed up the processes used in a company. The ability to match options to specific customer requirements, as well as linking individual system elements with various dependencies, makes creating orders, planning production, organizing inventory, and distributing finished products easy and fast. This, in turn, reduces the need for tedious manual entry of subsequent processes, thus allowing for the full potential of employees to be utilized.