Epicor background
I led the implementation of Epicor ERP in 2016 at a manufacturing plant (TICO Terminal Tractors) and managed the system until 2026. (The previous ERP was Excel.)
Most of that time, I was the only admin. On any given day, we had 90-100 people log in. The database was hosted on premises, so I managed the server software and did all upgrades.
But most of my time was spent
- Advising users on proper procedure
- Trying to figure out what on earth happened to some transaction
- Creating many BAQs and dashboards
- Creating some BPMs
- Creating and maintaining integrations and “Epicor Functions”
- Transitioning to the Kinetic interface
I like Kinetic – a lot
I spent 7+ years using the “classic” interface, but when Kinetic came along, I jumped on board. I led TICO’s switch to Kinetic – browser only – in January 2024. Meaning we gave up the classic crutch over two years ago. Yes, it has its challenges, but (1) we all are forced into it now, and (2) it truly is a step forward. The ability to work anywhere with just a browser is a blessing… and the norm today. You will not hear me complain about how I miss the classic interface.
Other background
My degree is in Mechanical Engineering. I spent 6 years in the US Army as a helicopter mechanic, and 3 years as a QA inspector. I know what it is like to be the user of a computer system that you didn’t design, and my design approach sympathizes with those workers.
You may notice from this site that I also have a hobbyist interest in web design and I don’t prefer stark tech-looking design. Things should look nice.
I have spent a lot of time on the epiusers.help forum, and owe a lot to the community there.
Skills and experience
I am a proud “low-coder.” You can still accomplish a lot that way.
I have made some very complex BAQs and powerful BPMs and Functions using only the “widgets” supplied by Epicor. As such, I have had minimal issues during upgrades. I like to play by the rules.
I have also leaned heavily into creating phone and browser apps with Microsoft’s PowerApps and Power Automate (Flows). A very simple-to-use “bin movement” app was probably the most successful. (Users preferred it to the official EKW app for inventory movement.)
My background is not programming first. It’s users first.
Some programmers seem to force themselves to learn about Epicor, but I learned Epicor before programming. I am a believer in the system first, with programming as an aid.