Connectivity solutions are designed to assist customers in extracting the most value from their enterprise software suite by enhancing a traditional ERP feature set.
Connectivity solutions are built to support specific collaborative processes within the enterprise, seamlessly connecting different business entities, applications or users so that employees can focus on value-added activities and faster exception handling by allowing the automation of mundane tasks and eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Tiaan Grobbelaar, general manager at Epicor Scala Africa, begins: "Effective connectivity solutions should not just start with your enterprise software, it should range from the interconnection of a global distributed network complete with automated business processes, and a central point of management through to providing the link with other software applications which may be installed on your infrastructure providing you with higher levels of flexibility and transparency."
Connectivity solutions also need to be built using open industry standards to ensure that businesses can deploy solutions they need now and still be assured that their investment will remain applicable in the foreseeable future. Through the extensive use of XML, electronic document transfer and transaction-based processing techniques, iScala connectivity solutions can be integrated into almost any existing environment while maintaining their trademark reliability and high levels of ease of use.
This environment is built within the Microsoft DNA architecture model, and runs on the reliable COM+ platform which prevents any interrupted transactions or partially updated databases by automatically rolling back any program or process which fails to fully execute. Not only does this platform ensure that customers using Scala connectivity solutions can be assured of having the most robust enterprise environment possible, it also ensures the platform is highly scalable.
Connectivity solutions deployed on the iScala Enterprise Server environment can also communicate with IBM MQ series message queues right out the box. Pre-defined processes encapsulate the most common workflow scenarios.
Although the XML-based based documents provide immediate, trouble-free integration with other iScala systems as well as most common applications, in some instances the customer may need to connect to additional elements of the infrastructure which may not support this comparatively modern standard. This task can be easily achieved through the built-in Data Mapping tool, or using middleware solutions like Microsoft BizTalk Server.
Specific XML connectivity solutions exist to integrate directly with the technology employed in the daily operations of a modern enterprise, such as RFID tagging and barcode systems as well as support for solutions like Microsoft Portal Server. These solutions allow for the building of an architecture which is consistent and seamless from the warehouse floor through to executive level without resorting to costly, time-consuming integration consultants and software developers.
"iScala itself does not produce any middleware, but have made sure that its solutions can be easily integrated into middleware platforms to simplify the traditionally complex connections between applications and middleware, and adaptors are available to easily add full support for legacy and proprietary applications through the middleware being used which can be combined to ensure that we are able to provide a complete, end-to-end enterprise solution," explains Grobbelaar.
Through Scala connectivity solutions Epicor is liberated to provide a complete, end to end enterprise solution whatever the existing customer IT landscape, extending the capabilities of existing iScala platforms and facilitating tight-knit collaboration between disparate business units even if using legacy or proprietary applications, thereby driving real business value throughout its customers' enterprise environment and ensuring they enjoy a rapid ROI in every case.
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For 20 years, Epicor has been a recognised leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) software solutions to midmarket companies around the world.
With the acquisition of Scala, Epicor is a global leader in the midmarket serving over 20 000 customers in over 140 countries. Epicor leverages innovative technologies like Web services in developing end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, enterprise service automation, and hospitality that enable companies to immediately drive efficiency throughout business operations and build competitive advantage.
With the scalability and flexibility to support long-term growth, Epicor's solutions are complemented by a full range of services, providing a single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership. Epicor's worldwide headquarters are located in Irvine, California with offices and affiliates around the world. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.epicor.com/.
Scala Africa
Scala Epicor is represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, which provides sales, consulting and implementation skills to a customer base of more than 400 companies in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Headquartered in Johannesburg and with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Scala Africa (Pty) Ltd, is a truly pan-African concern that offers integrated, collaborative ERP solutions to businesses across the continent. Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.net or www.epicor.com for press information including press releases, information and product information.
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