Next-generation business platform

THE Epicor iScala (version 3.0) ERP solution, designed by Epicor, is integrated to the company’s Internet Component Environment (ICE) business architecture. This service-oriented architecture is known for delivering next-generation technologies and applications touted as “best in their class” that extend future-proof value to solutions.

For users of the company’s product, the ICE enables enhanced levels of mobility, accessibility and interactivity amongst business applications, giving users a standards-based platform for low-cost integration whilst delivering high-end performance. This integration purportedly brings out unprecedented user productivity and rapid return on investment. It acts as a connector and an application builder, providing businesses access to the latest applications and technical capabilities of the business solution, thus taking advantage of its industry-leading ERP functionality. It also brings together the necessary components to start leveraging the benefits of this new technology, including:

?Business activity queries – enables point-and-click access to the data tables in the iScala for mapping data to other applications with drag-and-drop simplicity.

?Dashboards – an application which lets users easily push out updateable dashboards of user-specific information from the iScala to mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, or any Web browser-enabled device). Support for controlled updates allows organisations to further disseminate the software solution’s new ways of accessing and updating ERP data, whether on-site or remotely.

?Enterprise search – enables consumer-grade, easy information-search capabilities on the new software solution.

The capabilities of the new business platform especially feature enhancements for aftermarket service and sales, as well as for equipment rental and leasing. According to company, these enhancements were designed with on-going consultations with customers to be able to deliver support for the changing requirements in the services and project industries, noting the constant pressure upon companies to find new business models for ensuring long-term viability to remain competitive. Its software solution is thus expected to deliver improvements to existing capabilities supporting the latest industry requirements.

Furthermore, this software solution aims to bring organisations closer to its customers with the Epicor Mobile platform. Users will be able to incorporate new processes, improve access to information and provide more support for decision making, anytime and anywhere. Service technicians can thus work in the field and deliver services to their customers remotely. The platform also allows users of this platform to work on-line or off-line on a variety of mobile devices.

Finally, because the product has also been designed for global business, it is currently available in 105 countries and is continuing to expand its reach, with country-specific functionality (CSF) for Brazil in the new release. According to a recent Gartner, Inc. report, Brazil’s overall IT spending will near US$124 billion in 2013, with IT modernisation at the top of the list of priorities for Brazilian IT leaders. ¹

1Gartner Research, Inc. “Emerging Market Analysis: Brazil’s IT Modernization Brings Opportunities for Providers,” by Luis Anavitarte, April 23, 2013.