Epicor is a robust and comprehensive ERP system that offers a variety of tools to help businesses optimize their operations. However, for new users, the sheer complexity of the system can be overwhelming. Proper training is essential to help users navigate the platform efficiently and utilize its capabilities to their full potential. In this blog, we’ll provide 7 essential Epicor training tips for new users to help them get started and navigate the system with ease.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the User Interface (UI)
The first step in mastering Epicor is getting comfortable with its user interface. Epicor’s UI is designed to be flexible and user-friendly, but for new users, it can take some time to get used to. Understanding the layout and how to access different modules and features is essential for a smooth experience.
Tips to get comfortable with the Epicor UI:
Explore the Dashboard: The Epicor dashboard gives you an overview of critical data and quick links to commonly used features. Take the time to explore the dashboard and understand how it can streamline your tasks.
Understand Navigation: Familiarize yourself with the navigation menus and how to access various modules, such as finance, manufacturing, and inventory. Knowing how to quickly find the tools you need will save you time.
Customize Your Workspace: Epicor allows users to customize their workspace to suit their specific needs. As a new user, take advantage of this feature by setting up your workspace for easy access to the tools and reports you use most often.
At Epicforce Tech, we recommend starting with basic navigation training and gradually building your familiarity with the platform’s layout to become more efficient.
2. Take Advantage of Epicor’s Help Features
Epicor provides several built-in help features that can assist new users in understanding how to use the system effectively. These resources offer a wealth of knowledge that can be extremely valuable when you’re just getting started.
Key help features to use:
Contextual Help: Most Epicor modules feature built-in help that is specific to the screen you’re on. If you’re unsure about how to use a particular function or field, you can click on the help icon for relevant instructions.
Epicor Documentation: Epicor provides extensive user manuals and documentation that cover a wide range of topics, from basic navigation to advanced features. As a new user, make it a habit to consult these resources when needed.
Training Videos and Tutorials: Epicor also offers video tutorials for new users. These videos can be incredibly helpful in demonstrating how to perform specific tasks within the system.
By making use of these resources, new users can find quick answers to their questions and avoid getting stuck while using the system.
3. Master the Core Modules First
Epicor offers a wide range of modules that cover various aspects of business operations, including finance, production, and supply chain management. For new users, it’s important to master the core modules first before expanding into more advanced features.
Essential core modules to focus on:
Finance and Accounting: Understanding how to navigate the finance module is crucial for tracking company financials, managing accounts payable and receivable, and generating reports.
Inventory and Supply Chain Management: This module is essential for businesses that manage physical goods. Training on inventory tracking, order management, and supply chain processes will help users optimize their operations.
Manufacturing and Production: For businesses in the manufacturing sector, understanding the manufacturing module is vital for streamlining production processes, managing work orders, and tracking material requirements.
Once you have a firm grasp on the core modules, you can explore more advanced features such as business intelligence, CRM, and HR modules. At Epicforce Tech, we recommend focusing on these foundational modules first to ensure that new users are equipped with the tools they need for their everyday tasks.
4. Leverage Epicor’s Reporting and Analytics Tools
Epicor’s powerful reporting and analytics tools are some of the most valuable features of the system. As a new user, understanding how to create and interpret reports can provide valuable insights into your business and help you make data-driven decisions.
Tips for using reporting tools effectively:
Learn to Use BAQs (Business Activity Queries): BAQs are a great way to pull specific data from the system and create custom reports. New users should start by learning how to build simple queries and gradually advance to more complex reports as they become more familiar with the system.
Utilize Dashboards: Epicor dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) and other important data. Understanding how to customize and use dashboards will help users quickly access the data they need for decision-making.
Schedule Regular Reports: Epicor allows users to schedule reports to be automatically generated and sent to their inboxes. As a new user, learning how to set up scheduled reports can save time and ensure that you’re always up to date with important business metrics.
By mastering Epicor’s reporting and analytics tools, new users can make more informed decisions and improve overall business performance.
5. Understand Data Entry Best Practices
Efficient data entry is essential for maintaining accurate records in Epicor. New users should be trained on best practices for entering and updating data to avoid errors that could lead to inaccurate reports and inefficient workflows.
Tips for efficient data entry:
Use Standardized Data Formats: Ensure that data is entered in a standardized format to avoid inconsistencies. For example, ensure that all date fields are filled in the same way (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY).
Double-Check Data Before Saving: Encourage users to double-check their entries for accuracy before saving them in the system. This can help prevent errors and reduce the need for later corrections.
Utilize Data Validation Tools: Epicor includes validation rules to prevent incorrect data from being entered. Make sure new users are aware of these rules and how to use them to improve the quality of their data.
Good data entry practices lead to more accurate reporting and smoother business operations, making it an essential skill for new Epicor users.
6. Practice Using Epicor in a Test Environment
Before diving into live production data, new users should practice using Epicor in a test environment. A test environment allows users to experiment with different features and workflows without the risk of affecting real data.
Benefits of using a test environment:
Hands-On Practice: Users can practice navigating the system and performing tasks without the pressure of working with live data.
Error-Free Learning: Since a test environment doesn’t affect production data, users can make mistakes and learn from them without the risk of disrupting business operations.
Simulate Business Scenarios: New users can simulate business scenarios in the test environment to better understand how Epicor will be used in their day-to-day tasks.
Training in a test environment is an effective way for new users to build their confidence and familiarity with the system before they start working with live data.
7. Seek Help from Experienced Users or Support Teams
As a new user, it’s normal to encounter challenges and have questions about using Epicor. Don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced users or your company’s support team.
How to get help:
Ask Experienced Colleagues: Reach out to coworkers who have experience with Epicor. They can offer valuable tips, shortcuts, and insights that will help you become more proficient in using the system.
Use Epicor’s Support Services: Epicor offers support services to help users resolve issues and answer questions. If you’re struggling with a particular feature or function, don’t hesitate to reach out to Epicor’s support team for assistance.
Join Online Forums and Communities: There are many online forums and communities where Epicor users share their experiences and solutions. Joining these groups can help you connect with others who may have faced similar challenges.
By seeking help when needed, new users can quickly overcome obstacles and continue learning how to use Epicor more effectively.
Conclusion
Proper training is the key to navigating Epicor with ease and ensuring that users can take full advantage of its powerful features. By following these 7 training tips, new users will be able to navigate the system confidently, improve data management practices, and generate accurate reports. At Epicforce Tech, we provide expert training to help businesses optimize their use of Epicor and ensure that new users are fully equipped to succeed.
If you need assistance with Epicor training or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at:
? (888) 280-5585
? info@epicforcetech.com
With the right training, new users can navigate Epicor with ease, contributing to improved productivity and better business outcomes.
