To improve security with sensitive online personal and corporate accounts, deploying Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is an effective solution at preventing takeovers. There are many Multifactor Authentication (MFA) tactics available that are effective and some are stronger than others. Recent hacking events called MFA Prompt Bombing have shown weaker MFAs are vulnerable.
Not All MFAs are Created Equal
An MFA requires users provide a username and password, and an additional authentication factor – fingerprint, one-time password, security key – before an account can be accessed. MFA implementations rely on a variety of different methods to deliver that second step of validation. Some methods use timed one-time passwords (TOTP), often a six-digit rotating code viewed in an authenticator app on smartphones, or optionally delivered via SMS/text messaging. Other methods may include biometrics or hardware keys to verify our identity. While these methods offer the best security, they can be complex to implement and tedious to use daily.
To reduce the deployment effort, there are less complex – and easier to exploit – methods that can use smartphone apps to receive push-style notifications, which asks if you are really trying to sign in. In other cases, it may even make a phone call to the user which requires a response with a key press. These push-style implementations of MFA are targets for attack. An Ars Technica article by Dan Goodin covers how the recent Solar Winds hackers exploited the push-style MFA by using prompt bombing.
MFA Prompt Bombing Triggers User Fatigue
This style of attack tries to introduce MFA fatigue by relentlessly attempting logins with discovered credentials in the hope that the end-user will eventually get tired of receiving the notices asking if they are trying to log in and simply click “yes it’s me”, either intentionally or accidentally. Since many online providers do not have a limit set on the number of times a MFA request can be sent out, there have been reports of people receiving a hundred notices an hour, sometimes in the middle of the night.
If you have an MFA policy implemented using this type of push notification, the underlying technology is still considered secure as it requires the user to always get notified if authentication is attempted and is still better than not having any MFA at all. However, it is important to be vigilant of the notifications being received. A good resource is this Watchguard blog, How To Avoid MFA Prompt Bombing Attacks.
If you are getting notified about authorizing a login to a trusted system that you are not actively connecting to, always deny the request. In addition, that may mean your credentials could have been compromised as well, which should prompt you to change your password as soon as possible. If a TOTP method is available for your MFA implementation, or biometric options exist (commonly called FIDO2 for Fast Identity Online), moving to this type of deployment can mitigate these attacks designed to trick us. If you have questions about your MFA deployment or are interested in improving online security, please contact Aktion Associates so we can match the proper solution to your needs.
Construction technology has historically been kept in a silo, along with other core responsibilities of the construction project management team: accounting, business development, marketing, and the like. Fortunately, over the years, different departments have become more closely aligned through the deployment of technology tools that encourage collaboration. Cloud-based construction software is a major driver of this movement, and it will likely impact other aspects of the business as well.
There’s plenty of evidence of the ways in which technology will continue its steady march and change how companies do their work in the field and home office. From data sharing to materials selection, the way buildings are built now will look very different in years to come – and technology will be either driving the change or underpinning it to ensure it takes hold.
The demand for sustainable building practices certainly hasn’t let up, and the need to look for next-generation materials and building techniques has only accelerated. The industry will likely see machines take a larger role in the jobsite as well, a deployment that may even be expedited due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the need to protect valuable human capital from disease, in addition to the typical construction-related accidents.
How will the construction industry continue to evolve? This article will discuss some of the changes project management teams will most likely see come to life in the coming months.
Three Keys to Advancing the Jobsite
One of the most exciting ways that the jobsite will change is through the use of robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles. These technologies have been in play for a while as potentially finding useful deployments on jobsites, but with the increased attention on worker safety in a post-COVID world, these innovations are more important than ever. While the term robotics almost always has a negative connotation due to its potential impact on human workers, there’s good reason not to be fearful: it’s far more likely robots will work alongside humans to assist and enhance the work employees do.
Many technology experts are excited at the prospect of freeing workers from having to directly oversee repetitive, manual tasks that can be managed by robots or artificial intelligence, allowing them to focus on higher-level projects that may drive new innovations or create additional revenue streams. At the same time, workers in the field can step away from potentially risky jobs and stay safe while still delivering the skilled labor robots can’t yet perform. Working in tandem with this advancement is the use of mobile field tools that will allow workers to report live updates from jobsites on the progress being made by robots and other autonomous devices.
Along the same lines, developing and manufacturing sustainable materials is yet another way the jobsite will be transformed. Clients are demanding that buildings perform to a higher standard, and contractors will need to seek out the next-generation building materials that make this possible. At the same time, inventory management will likely become a priority to cut down on excess materials that end up being disposed of when not used for a project or left languishing in a warehouse for years. Inventory management can help contractors manage their materials stockpile more efficiently and cut down on wasted dollars and space.
Coupled with the development of new materials is the continued maturation of solar panels, wind power, and wastewater treatment. All of these methods of energy conservation have the ability to harness large amounts of data that can yield more informed decision making about ways to use alternative energy solutions for increased efficiency in buildings and on the jobsite, and transferring that information to a project team is essential for maximizing the initial investment. Cloud technology, like that which powers project collaboration tools, will make it possible to instantly capture and share valuable data generated by a wind turbine or solar array.
Cloud Software: In the Here and Now
There’s no denying the appeal of these promising technological breakthroughs, but it’s also entirely fair to be concerned about the costs of such deployments. Fortunately, as history has shown, these innovations eventually become more mainstream and thus, more affordable. However, cloud project management software and mobile jobsite applications are available right now, and at a variety of price points to make some of the tools described here available for contractors of every size.
When most people think of “legacy” and how it relates to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software terms like “outdated” or “lacking features” tend to be synonymous. However, this isn’t always the case with legacy ERP systems. If you’re on the latest version of your software and still missing important features, you can supplement functionality with independent software vendor (ISV) solutions. These ISV solutions can bridge the gaps in your legacy ERP to give you access to next-generation features.
Before you read any further reference to my previous blog post titled, “Legacy vs. Next-Gen ERP: Should I Stay, or Should I Go?” if you are considering a move to a next-gen modern ERP solution like Infor CloudSuite Distribution (CSD). This quick read will provide you with the knowledge to make a more educated decision on whether you should stay on your legacy ERP or go to a next-gen ERP.
Top Three ISV Solution Integrations for Distributors
If you decide you’re going to continue to use your legacy ERP and want to modernize by adding an ISV, you may not be sure where to start. The ISV landscape is saturated with solutions of all kinds from Sales Tax Compliance to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and everything in between. To help you navigate the treacherous terrain of ISV software we conducted a survey where legacy ERP distributors were asked which types of ISV solutions they use. From that survey, we’ve ranked the top three types of ISV integrations for distributors.
#3: Document Management
Competitive distributors need to manage their entire supply chain quickly and effectively. One major disruption in your supply chain could potentially derail your entire business. Fortunately, a document management solution is a cost-effective way to improve logistics, distribution, and warehouse operations that can help your business grow.
#2: Business Intelligence (BI)
In today’s always-on, always-connected world, data is being delivered at such a fast pace that it’s easy to succumb to information overload. Don’t let information overload prevent you from losing out on data-driven revenue. Business intelligence provides real-time insights into supply chain risks and oddities allowing you to identify and resolve potential problems before they become a situation to make better business decisions faster.
#1: Ecommerce
B2B ecommerce in the distribution industry has been developing at a steady pace for years but skyrocketed in what seems like overnight due to the pandemic. Distributors that didn’t have a B2B ecommerce plan in place had to quickly adapt or were put at risk of large revenue losses due to more online transactions being made than ever before. An ecommerce solution allows your B2B customers to interact in an easy-to-use, familiar online experience like B2C ecommerce storefronts how they want, when they want in their day-to-day lives.
Which ISV Solution is Right for Me?
Choosing the right ISV solution that will provide the most ROI is an important step to modernize your legacy ERP. Just make sure before you sign on the dotted line that your current legacy ERP version and hardware meet the ISV solution’s requirements. Ultimately the ISV solution you choose will help bridge the gaps in your legacy ERP and add functionality to continue using it for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about proven ISV solutions that have been integrated into your legacy ERP before contact us to receive a full list of proven ISV solutions for distributors.
‘Legacy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)’ is a common IT term that refers to the software being outdated or lacking modern support/features. These legacy ERPs can sometimes be viewed in a negative light, with distributors attempting to avoid using a legacy ERP at all costs. But the truth is, that a distributor’s operations often depend on these tried-and-true legacy ERP systems. If you’re currently on a legacy ERP and not sure if you should stay where you are or consider migrating to a next-gen modern ERP solution – you’re going to want to read on.
Enhancement Options for Your Legacy ERP System
You’ve invested a lot into your current legacy ERP over the years and it may be lacking some of the functionality you want as you look to the future of your business. But here are some points to consider if you are contemplating a new ERP. These options give you access to additional functionality for your legacy ERP at a fraction of the cost of purchasing, implementing, and educating employees on a next-gen solution.
Are you thinking about extending the capabilities inside your legacy ERP but not sure where to start? Consider Aktion Associates’ three-step process to begin digital transformation inside your legacy ERP environment.
Legacy ERP Digital Transformation
How to Identify When to Consider a New Next-Gen ERP
There may come a time when your current legacy ERP system no longer fits your unique business needs. We’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons to consider a new next-gen ERP.
If you’re considering a modern next-gen ERP system, we’d recommend that you look at Infor CloudSuite Distribution (CSD). Infor CSD is a cloud-based, industry-specific ERP solution built to meet the needs of modern, growth-oriented distributors. We’ve compiled a library of short videos that show the features and functionality you’ll experience inside the platform.
At the end of the day, the decision to keep your existing legacy ERP or move to a new next-gen ERP is up to you. There isn’t a magic eight ball you can shake that’s going to give you the right answer. But after reading this blog you’re armed with the knowledge to make a more educated decision on whether you should stay on your legacy ERP or go to a next-gen ERP.
Accounting and financials for a construction company brings a unique set of skills and demands to the table. Today’s modern contractors have enough to worry about. But the good news is there are some easy solutions to avoid having to add financial stress to that list. Below, you’ll find a couple of tips to take the stress and worry out of those construction-specific accounting challenges.
Job Costing in Real-Time
Today’s construction site is filled with things that cost money. It might be tempting to try and tally all those job costs and expenses once the project is complete, but it’s only going to open you up for error and hassle – and time, lots and lots of time spent. Labor, equipment and supplies all need to be planned for and accurately tracked. But we’re just talking about one job site here. Most construction companies work on multiple projects at the same time.
Best practice for your modern construction company is to require people to record expenses daily. If you wait and figure out job costs and expenses once a project is done, you’ll find it’s inaccurate and way too time-consuming to figure out. Each job needs to have the costs attributed correctly in real-time. Therefore, you’ll want to give your job site crews the ability to clock in and out remotely and report on tools and equipment used. Suddenly your accounting team back at the office has the ability to see exactly what’s happening on each job site each day.
The Reality of Change Orders
In addition to job costing, change orders are an inevitable reality in construction. Complex construction jobs usually mean that changes will have to be made on the fly. Without a formal change order approval process, you’re opening yourself up to customer contract disputes. Setting realistic expectations with the customer before a project has even started, and securing their approval, is the best way to avoid incurring costs that will come out of your profits. We all know how tight those margins already are, so contracts with the prospect of a change order process can avoid taking on that financial risk.
Technology can again save the day for everyone involved in this ever-changing project. Empower both contractors and the accounting team to see change orders in real time. The approval process happens in minutes rather than days and any additional costs associated with the change order get allocated to the correct job immediately. Software tools should be able to give everyone from your customer to your foreman a clear picture of costs, changes and project progress.
If you’re worried about construction projects that depend upon time-consuming manual entry and physical documentation, it’s a perfect time to look at a comprehensive, cloud solution that connects everyone in real-time from anywhere. There are some excellent choices today for modernizing your construction operations. We’ve found that growth-oriented contractors understand the need for seamlessly reporting everything back to the accounting team. Make life so much easier for your accountants and truly everyone company-wide with the help of one connected platform.
Long-term value creation for A+ and FACTS ERP customers is at the center of Infor’s recent rollout of Compass. Starting January Jan. 1, 2022, all FACTS and A+ customers are now supported by this Infor group. This strategy aligns perfectly with Aktion’s existing position which has always been to support our A+ and FACTS customers for as long as they choose to use the software.
Headed by Bill Vellante, the vision of Infor Compass is to:
What Compass Means to A+ and FACTS Customers
Customers can move at a pace that works best for their business. There’s no rush for A+ and FACTS users to migrate to Infor CSD. Customers may remain on their current heritage software for as long as they want, and Infor will continue to provide support including bug fixes through Compass.
The Infor Compass team is comprised of Infor personnel who know A+ and FACTS and are focused on product direction, support and on delivering an outcome-based customer experience.
Together, Infor and Aktion have the structure in place to support this valued customer set for as long as they choose to use the software.
Our strongest sources of value are:
The bottom line is Aktion’s A+ and FACTS customers have complete peace of mind. They can remain on the current heritage software and receive complete support with Infor Compass and, when the time is right, partner with Aktion to start the journey to a modern business operation.
Increase Total Revenue and Digital Engagement While Reducing Your Costs
As a manufacturer, especially if you’ve been in business for decades, manufacturing and eCommerce may not be words that go together. Indeed, eCommerce may not be on your radar. Or, if it is, it’s a small blip that is disregarded in face of other, more pressing matters, like getting your products into the hands of your customers through your tried-and-true distributor, wholesaler, and retail channels.
This isn’t to say you haven’t entered the digital realm. Your website is an informational (e.g., this is who we are, and this is what we do) but not functional (e.g., used as a selling portal) part of your business. However, suggestions of taking the website further, such as using it to sell directly to customers (DTC), begs the question, “Why fix that which isn’t broken, especially with an impersonal online selling portal?”
While a fair question, the digital economy and the COVID-19 crisis have sparked major changes in the marketplace. Manufacturers that don’t evolve with these changes may be left behind, especially as competitors offering an eCommerce option are already seeing the benefits, including an increase in their revenue, efficiency, and digital engagement (of which they had very little beforehand), as well as a reduction in their overall operational costs.
The Importance of Your Digital Experience
A 2019 study by the UPS found that different generations are using different methods for researching their buying options. Not surprisingly, research via in-person discussions with company sales reps is lagging behind research via a company website, an online search engine, and social media—by all demographics. This shift in research patterns mimics the shift in purchasing items online, which has been going on for some time—since the early 90s, to be exact. Amazon was one of the first eCommerce sites, and it has been joined by anywhere between 12 million and 24 million eCommerce sites across the globe, according to some estimates.
The convenience of shopping online skyrocketed eCommerce’s popularity, and the pandemic lockdowns made it a necessity for many. An Insider Intelligence article states, “Tech-savvy consumers looking for quick, seamless purchasing options will continue to lean on ecommerce throughout the next few years—and more consumers will jump on the bandwagon. We forecast US retail ecommerce sales will grow 16.1%, reaching $1.06 trillion in 2022.”
The importance of creating and providing a user-friendly, engaging digital experience for your manufacturing customers (while simultaneously optimizing your revenue) cannot be overstated. Keep in mind, however, that the digital experience isn’t limited to an eCommerce platform. You and your team will need to consider adding or improving upon your social media interactions, whether that’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or others. This is a topic for another day.
Creating Opportunities for Innovation
Making changes to manufacturing operations is never easy, but if you’re ready to become a manufacturing and eCommerce organization, then there are some steps to you’ll need to take, starting with researching your eCommerce platform options. You could start with an alternate platform, like BigCommerce, or with a comprehensive and modern ERP solution, like Acumatica, that provides both manufacturing and eCommerce capabilities.
If you implement ERP software that allows complete integration of your manufacturing, inventory, and office functions, you’ll have access to synchronized, real-time data, can manage inventory and production from a single system, and combine customer demand with production forecasts. Solution features should include Financial Management, Customer Management, Project Accounting, Advanced Inventory, Bill of Materials and Routing, Business Intelligence, Sales Order Management, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and more.
For eCommerce purposes, the solution you choose should provide payment, order, fulfillment, and inventory tools that can be customized for your organization. A multi-channel ordering experience for your customers with order automation and warehouse management capabilities built into it is another requirement, as is a customer self-service portal.
A customer self-service portal allows customers to check orders, request support, and resolve issues online. And while the customers will enjoy instant service, you’ll be able to use their feedback to improve and personalize their experience.
It’s important to note that while having the foundational technology with manufacturing and eCommerce capabilities is critical, having a technical and sales team that can handle emerging needs as you move forward is, too. The ERP solution you choose should be provided by an ERP vendor and team that you can trust and rely upon for years to come.
Together, you’ll be able to create opportunities to innovate in the digital world.
Example of a Successful Manufacturing eCommerce Portal
According to a PwC article, 66% of U.S. manufacturers believe that implementing digital marketing and sales over the next two years is a “high” or “very high” priority, but there are manufacturers who already took the eCommerce plunge. Ray Allen Manufacturing is one of them.
The company manufactures canine equipment for military and police departments and has been since 1948. It bought a competitor in 2009 and then diversified by acquiring a company that makes products for dog training clubs, schools, kennels, and individual trainers. Ray Allen Manufacturing also operates Ray Allen B2B, which has an Amazon store. Though a thriving company, it was having challenges connected with its two different systems and inventories. The legacy system needed to be replaced, especially as it was unable to integrate with the company’s eCommerce software.
After researching for a year, former President Steve Cates selected Acumatica Cloud ERP. In Ray Allen Manufacturing’s customer success story, Cates says, “I had not heard of Acumatica but started doing some homework and looking at demos. I quickly realized Acumatica’s open platform was well-aligned with our company’s goals.”
The company implemented multiple editions, including Acumatica Manufacturing Edition and Acumatica Retail-Commerce Edition. In addition to streamlining their processes, gaining robust reporting, utilizing a central database, managing their accounting for various subcompanies in one place, eliminating manual, paper-based tasks, and being able to log in from anywhere, at any time, Cates says they’re able to manage their eCommerce needs easily.
“We chose Acumatica primarily because of its flexibility and its ability to integrate with an eCommerce platform,” says VP of Operations John Oakley. “[We] were able to integrate all of our websites directly into our ERP. It just really streamlined the whole process for us. We use it for purchasing, customer service—our inbound customer service agents are using it. It’s been a really solid back end [solution]. It essentially runs all aspects of our company.”
How We Can Help
As you contemplate the benefits of online selling through Acumatica, Aktion, a national ERP Value Added Reseller (VAR), IT infrastructure and cloud & managed services provider, would be happy to answer any questions about how they can help you embrace new digital trends through an eCommerce platform. Contact their team at any time.
And before you go, here are a few Acumatica eCommerce dos and don’ts for manufacturers:
I’ve been working in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software business for over 30 years and have seen many customers have great success with Infor Distribution solutions like A+ and FACTS. Based off my experiences, I’ve compiled a list of the top six reasons why A+ and FACTS customers continue to find success using these heritage ERP solution.
1. Reliability
Both A+ and FACTS are tried and true having stood the test of time for nearly 30 years helping distributors operate their back-office operations more efficiently. They are basically bullet proof when it comes to reliability with almost 100% uptime if hardware is current.
2. Familiarity
Everyone already knows how to use the software. Which means, there’s no need to allocate additional time or resources to train staff on a new system. There’s value in knowledge capital and knowing how to run a business with the systems in place.
3. Version Upgrades
Infor A+ and FACTS have stood the test of time. As these are critical to the operation of a business, to function properly and continue to deliver value, maintenance is required. This maintenance when it comes to your ERP is making sure you are on the most current release. This allows you to take advantage of the new functionality built inside the platform.
4. Adaptability
Over the past two years since the pandemic started, I’ve observed that customers on a current release of Infor A+ or FACTS were able to be very agile. The pandemic brought a resurgence of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) which allows for electronic interchange of business information using a standardized format. Our customers that were on a current release could easily add the EDI module allowing them to take advantage of the changing environment and gain new business. By being on the current software release, customers were able to modernize, innovate and drive digital transformation into their business as their customers and vendors required it.
Those who embraced digital transformation have been the most successful during the pandemic. From an Aktion perspective, we experienced an increase in delivering EDI services and there are several new EDI vendors in the market. The result is an uptick in integration data in/out and web services being used more frequently. Those that were on a current software release were able to quickly adapt.
5. Customizable
Unlike many ERP solutions today, the source code for both Infor A+ and FACTS is included. This allows users the ability to customize the software to meet their specific business needs. Infor A+ and FACTS users are a very active and engaged community. Collaboration in this community is one of the main reasons why these heritage ERPs are still valued and used in the Wholesale Distribution industry. Sharing customizations with other users is common. Aktion is actively involved in this community and regularly provides input on customizations for users.
6. Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Third-party Applications
Another way I’ve seen many A+ and FACTS users add functionality into their system is using ISV applications. These ISV applications can be used to perform targeted tasks such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Tax Compliance, Credit Card Processing, Ecommerce, etc.
Deciding What to Do with Heritage Infor ERP
Aktion has developed a list of questions we share with our customers to help them decide if staying on an existing heritage Infor ERP is in the best interests of the business.
Does the current ERP meet 90% of business needs?
Are there plans for a control change in the next 3-5 years?
Wizard of Oz Syndrome
In many cases, an Infor heritage ERP was installed many years ago and it’s likely the team that installed the solutions are no longer with the company. Adding to this, businesses change and need to adapt to stay competitive. Even with customizations and adding ISV software, the heritage ERP may not meet the needs of a modern Wholesale Distributor.
To help companies make an informed decision, we recommend conducting a business operations review. The review is a blueprint for identifying the gaps, if any, in their current ERP functionality and is the foundation for developing a comprehensive IT strategy. Frequently the review illustrates for company stakeholders that their existing Infor ERP solution has the functionally they need and is delivering business value. All they need to do is “click their heels!”
The purchase of A+ Avalara Connector provides your organization with access to Avalara Tax Services. This includes sales tax calculation for all 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and all Canadian Provinces and Territories (including GST, PST, and HST). We’ve put together a simple guide to get you started with the connector.
Avalara Provides Three Key Services:
Five Steps to Get You Started:
Run the Address Validation Report
When beginning the process of integrating A+ with Avalara, it is extremely important to do a comprehensive verification of all existing Customer Bill-To and Ship-To Addresses. The report should be used to correct all invalid addresses in the system.
Maintenance Options
There are some updated Master Files in A+.
In the Item Master Maintenance:
*If the Product ID is left blank, Avalara assumes the item is classified as ‘Tangible Personal Property’ and is therefore taxable. It’s always best to code your items with the best tax code that matches your items or services.
Special Charge Definition Maintenance
Customer Bill-To / Ship-To Maintenance
Tax-Exempt Certification Number
The ‘Tax Exemption Certificate #’ field drives taxability at the customer level. The field should be:
The A+ ‘Tax Body Number’ field is no longer needed for tax calculation. All rates come directly from AvaTax.
Order Processing
Aktion developed, implements, and supports the AvaTax A+ Connector. Contact us to learn more about how the AvaTax A+ Connector can streamline your sales tax process and make manual sales tax calculations a thing of the past today.
Spoiler Alert! FACTS has functionality to communicate set critical information and data. Alerts were not standard in FACTS until v7.8. Before v7.8 users relied on reports, handwritten notes for reminders, shouting across cubicles or just flat out didn’t communicate until there was a problem. Are you looking at a sticky note on your monitor right now reminding you of an out-of-stock item? Alert Control Center (ACC) and Exception Control Center (ECC) help put an end to the sticky note madness.
Alert Control Center (ACC)
The ACC and ECC are very similar, but each are designed for different users.
The ACC is set up for general and administrative system users to receive alerts. You can get to the program a few different ways. Access code ACC or click on the icon in the upper banner.
Review your alerts. When you click on an alert, it will bring you to a program to respond to the alert. As an example, “CrdHold” will bring you to sales order review. When you are done responding to an alert, be sure to close it. Manage your alerts and try to complete them daily.
The ACC allows users with security to use the System Alerts Dashboard. With security, you can get to the System Alerts Dashboard in User Preferences by using “My Alerts”. The system Alerts Dashboard allows users to subscribe themselves and other users to alerts. You can also subscribe to ECC alerts. For each alert, you can define how you want to receive an alert. The choice is either email or within ACC or both. It is recommended to subscribe to your alerts with just ACC and not email. At the point your alerts are manageable, and you prefer email, you can go in here at any time to subscribe via email.
FACTS 9.3 has several new alerts that get into detail of various programs. As an example, you can be alerted if someone changes a field in a File Maintenance. It may be helpful to be alerted if a user changes a customer credit limit or credit terms. Perhaps you want to be alerted if a user changes an item class on an item or you may want to know if someone was in a file maintenance. These alerts are available and can be programmed specifically to information you want to manage.
Exception Control Center (ECC)
The Exception Control Center (ECC) is intended for buyers. Users can get to the program with the ECC access code or in the Purchase Order (PO) module in the PO Entry menu.
It is highly recommended to review your alerts at least daily. If not a few times per day. Some alerts will alert you immediately, whereas others will alert you after the nightly alert miner process. A very common frustration is going into ECC and finding too many alerts to deal with. Users get overwhelmed and end up just ignoring them and may miss out on critical information.
At Aktion, we help FACTS users to both design alerts and help make alerts more manageable. We have 25+ alert enhancements already created and currently in use by our customers. Let us help you get your alerts under control and go from getting too many alerts a day to just a few that truly need your attention. I hope this article has given you better insight into both the ACC and ECCs in FACTS. Feel free to reach out and contact us if you need help getting your alerts back on track or want to learn more about one of our custom alert enhancements.