2017: YEAR IN REVIEW
In terms of events, in May 2017, Epicor hosted the annual customer summit where it shared its regional strategy and product roadmap with its customer base. In August 2017, Epicor hosted its International Partner Conference in Dubai—bringing together partners from across the globe, excluding the Americas. Finally, in October 2017, Epicor participated at GITEX. At this year’s event, Epicor were joined by four key partners, RheinBrücke, Knowledge Web, Cork Infotech and Index Infotech.
Key recent customer wins include SIDDCO Group and Emirates Metallic Industries Corporation in the UAE, Havelock AHI in Bahrain, Ocean Fresh Fish and Siniora Food Industries in Jordan, and Abu Qafrh Holding in Saudi Arabia. In June 2017, Epicor announced that its international channel partner, RheinBrücke, has signed a partnership agreement with SmartWorld, to provide businesses in Dubai South with access to cloud ERP solutions, helping them to better manage their business, automate processes, improve operational efficiency, and set their organisation on course for growth.
“The January 2018 introduction of VAT in the region has been a key driver for both existing and potential customers to adopt new business solutions as they look to automate their business processes and gain better control of their business,” says Monzer Tohme, Regional Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Epicor.
Customers with legacy ERP solutions, particularly in the manufacturing, hospitality and service sectors, are looking to leverage next-generation technology to address the full business spectrum. Another driver is the ongoing adoption of cloud solutions by enterprises in the region, as they look to capitalise on the improved total cost of ownership that the cloud model allows.
Probably the biggest challenge is the lack of key skills in the IT sector. To this end, one of the key priorities should be changing training methods and introducing learning tracks, in schools and universities, for emerging technologies. Technology is evolving at breakneck speed and Epicor need to empower the new generation with the knowledge they will need to be successful in their careers.
In terms of products, Epicor announced three significant enhancements to its portfolio:
Epicor ERP
Launched in May 2017, the latest version of Epicor ERP builds on the strengths of its cloud-first architecture, and provides new capabilities to support operational excellence, improved visibility, and revenue expansion. Key features include a dedicated tenancy cloud option, offering greater flexibility and control, international financial and compliance capabilities, and new data analytics for improved decision making.
Epicor iScala for hospitality
Launched in May 2017, Epicor iScala for Hospitality is a back-office solution for restaurants, hotels, and resorts. The solution is designed to enable its users to meet the unique needs of the hospitality industry. It enables companies to streamline by efficiently integrating operations, room reservations, and food and beverage, to event sales, human resources, and finance, on a single platform.
Epicor HCM
Released in September 2017, the latest version of Epicor HCM is a comprehensive, configurable human resource information system that empowers users by automating HR processes. New features and capabilities in Epicor HCM now include a fully reimagined user interface, a new mobile application, expanded government compliance, and usability enhancements. Epicor HCM features a consumer-inspired navigational and visual structure that speeds task completion and creates a pleasant user experience for employee effectiveness and satisfaction.
Key takeaways
- The January 2018 introduction of VAT in the region has been a key driver for both existing and potential customers to adopt new business solutions.
- Customers with legacy ERP solutions, particularly in the manufacturing, hospitality and service sectors, are looking to leverage next-generation technology to address the full business spectrum.
- Another driver is the ongoing adoption of cloud solutions by enterprises in the region, as they look to capitalise on the improved total cost of ownership that the cloud model allows.
- Probably the biggest challenge is the lack of key skills in the IT sector.
- One of the key priorities should be changing training methods and introducing learning tracks, in schools and universities, for emerging technologies.