The posting engine architecture in EPICOR Kinetic ERP is completely open. This means that a company using non-standard analytical dimensions can adjust the rules it operates by to meet its own specific needs.
It is worth starting with what a posting engine actually is. It is an accounting engine responsible for automatic postings carried out within an ERP system. Everything that happens in such a system, or at least the vast majority of it, is reflected in accounting transactions. These are transferred to individual accounts defined in the company’s chart of accounts. Operating according to specific rules, the posting engine combines all transaction information, analyzes it, and transfers it automatically to the indicated accounts without the need for operator intervention.
By default, the posting engine operates according to proven posting rules provided with the system. However, due to the possibility of using various analytical dimensions within an organization, the posting engine can or even should sometimes be modified to operate according to different rules.
In the case of EPICOR Kinetic ERP, the posting engine has an architecture open enough that it is possible to modify posting rules in almost any way. Of course, as mentioned earlier, the system is delivered with a standard set of rules. It is not that they are simple or simplified, but they certainly have a typical character that will fit most organizations or most analytical dimensions within a given organization.
Nevertheless, if a client has non-standard requirements, there is no problem at all in meeting their needs in this regard. From the perspective of the company implementing the system, modifying posting rules is relatively convenient, and for the client, it is safe.
On one hand, changes are introduced using a high-level coding environment, which means that new rules are assembled from ready-made elements, like building blocks. No special programming skills are required for this. Consequently, changes can even be made by the client’s own subject matter experts.
Especially since any changes made result in automatic versioning of the engine, which allows for easy rollback of changes that produce unexpected effects. Old versions of the engine are saved and stored in backups. This means that you can always return to an old, working, and proven version.
However, due to the importance of the engine for the entire system and the problems resulting from errors, independent modification of posting rules is recommended only for the most advanced users. In other cases, it is better to entrust this task to an experienced partner, such as us.
Returning to posting rules, the modifications that can be made have a fairly wide scope. It is permissible not only to use all elements of the system but also to create your own functions. It will be easiest to see this with a concrete example. As we mentioned earlier, modifications are related to the analytical dimensions existing and used in the organization.
The market for our products’ recipients can be divided into any groups. For example, based on sales volume, customer type, or market area. In such a case, we also want to have the ability to analyze sales from this perspective. Therefore, appropriate analytical dimensions are built. All sales, according to the standard rule, go to the sales account. Every sales invoice is recorded there. Nevertheless, the system will also show us information about the volume of sales in individual geographical areas or to customers of a specific size.
Moreover, analytical dimensions can be dynamic in nature, meaning they will be linked to certain objects existing in the system. For example, we can have a production order (job) dimension. When an authorized employee creates such an order in the system, a corresponding analytical dimension is created in accounting. All operations related to a given order go to this dimension. Thanks to this, accounting can use these dimensions for more detailed production settlement.
Another dynamic dimension can be a project. In EPICOR Kinetic ERP, there is a Projects module. Every project created in it causes the creation of a dimension in accounting. All information related to it will also go there.
If your company uses non-standard analytical dimensions or plans to create them, EPICOR Kinetic ERP will be an excellent solution. Mindbox experts will be happy to advise on what and how can be implemented, as well as implement the planned modifications to the posting rules.
