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February 2nd, 2016 by Paul
Over the last few years, installations of Infor CRM have been shifting from On-premise into the operating cost bucket (CAPEX to OPEX). We do see more new deployments launched in the Cloud (SaaS – Software as a Service) than ever before. However, this trend is not universal to all customers because on premise has not gone away. Infor CRM is one of the few solutions available in both On-premise and Cloud. Infor CRM is flexible and with its single tenancy model in the Cloud, a database can be moved either direction. One strong advantage to the On-premise story is that integration is a bit easier behind the firewall. At Simplesoft our deployment pros have installed Infor CRM in many different ways including DMZ, with various proxies, Windows Authentication, and security ports like SSL for encryption and even with front end servers for the load balancing of web servers, etc. Bottom line: We find ways to make the Infor CRM installation work successfully and can think outside the box. Today’s article provides some tips and hints to prepare for a successful On-premise installation. 1. Prepare the hardware platform / provision the servers Starting with the compatibility guide, a customer can get a feel for the hardware needs, operating systems, and database editions and versions for the latest editions of Infor CRM. There are many factors that make up the final configuration recommendations. For example, the number of users can have a huge impact on how many servers are required for high demand setups or even how much data and which technologies need integrated. 2. Download the software needed and have the licenses ready Infor offers a great portal for the management of items like licenses, software, patches, knowledgebase articles, and how to references via documentation. The software and patches can be downloaded from the Xtreme Portal for installation. The exact files and steps will depend on the version of Infor CRM that is needed. We are happy to guide customers in all aspects of the software. 3. Prepare for the configurations Here are few of the basics that need to be prepared before the installation to maximize the results:
These steps will help avoid issues in the installation process. 4. Consider the prerequisites With each version of any software there are various components that, when installed properly, make the general software install go smoother and reduce waiting time.
5. Installation and configuration The installation varies for the version of the software and how many servers are needed for a particular configuration or security requirements. A 200 user setup is different than a 10 user setup. We are experienced at many complex configurations. 6. QA the results Follow the standard Simplesoft quality checks to ensure the software is installed, services running, and features configured properly for optimized results. With any enterprise tool there are potential pitfalls with the preparation and installation steps. With the guidance of Simplesoft Solutions, you can avoid a long deployment cycle and will have your users in the tool faster than without us. Take our tips into consideration for long term success and getting things installed right from the beginning. Mentally, the only players who survive in the pros are the ones able to manage all their responsibilities. If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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December 28th, 2015 by Teri Unger
Microsoft recently released Office (365) 2016 to all eligible users in September of this year. As of the publishing of this article, the compatibility of Office (365) 2016 and Infor CRM (formerly Saleslogix) has NOT been approved (what is called qualified for support). Please refer to the latest Infor CRM Compatibility Guide for all compatibility questions. It is our recommendation that you do not upgrade until Infor has approved compatibility certification as we have already seen some breaking items with the Outlook Integration and launching Outlook from the LAN and WEB client. Even after uninstalling and re-installing to an earlier version of Microsoft Office there have been some issues. If you are currently using a Microsoft 365 product, as Microsoft has the ability to upgrade without a user’s permission based on settings within the 365 package, it is recommended that you review your settings for automatic download of updates to ensure that you do not accidentally upgrade. Microsoft is gearing their products to operate solely from the cloud, as is the Microsoft Office 365 product currently released. This change in direction for the Microsoft Office product has a ripple affect with other programs that integrate closely. Infor CRM is one of them. Rumor mills have been whispering that Microsoft is pushing the cloud applications rather than desktop versions; if the rumor mills are accurate, we may be seeing the last of the desktop versions. While researching the new Office product, I found that the desktop versions for business use are still offered by Microsoft. Office 2016 Professional Plus for enterprise licensing, Office 365 Business, Office 365 Business Premium, and Office 365 Enterprise E3. Although integration with Outlook 2016 has not been tested with the Infor CRM client, both LAN and WEB rely on the actual desktop version of Office to be installed. It is required to trigger the program launch during certain tasks, like generating emails, mail merge, template, etc. For best compatibility, the desktop versions of Office will have a better chance of working with the Infor CRM client’s current design. Infor CRM is aware of the change to the Microsoft Office software and will determine compatibility as they test the changes necessary to utilize the Office 365 platform; desktop and cloud version. Infor is currently working on compatibility with Microsoft Office (365) 2016 and has tentatively set the update to be released with Infor CRM v8.3.0 in February 2016. We will keep you informed as we hear updates. In the meantime, if you a prompted for an update to Microsoft Office (365) 2016 … Don’t Do It… At least not yet anyway! If you have any questions on this issue, please contact support@simplesoft.net If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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December 3rd, 2015 by Teri Unger
This is all shown in a tree view display accessed from the hierarchy icon on the toolbar A visual representation of the hierarchy allows an overview of the connections and allows the user to select and move to a specific account OR contact based on their need. This link enables a user to move between the associated accounts without knowing the exact school(account) name.
On the child account, the parent will show as a lookup link and a user can navigate to the parent account easily by clicking the link.
If you have a business model that would benefit from the parent/child architecture, this functionality is a critical tool to link and manage your accounts within the client with one click. This feature not only visually links the data but provides a connection between parent/child ACCOUNTS in the database for powerful rolled up reporting. This functionality is installed automatically with the Windows client but not in the web client. We can help you with the installation to add this functionality to your environment. The software is a free bundle available for v8.0 and above but the install will take a few hours to add to your system. This means that for a very small investment, you can have an outstanding feature connecting all your critical accounts to their subsidiaries. Give us a call or email if you would like additional information at Simplesoft Solutions. If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact us at Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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December 30th, 2014 by Paul
1. “The message received from the server could not be parsed. Common causes for this error are when the response is modified by calls to Response.Write(), response filters, HttpModules, or server trace is enabled.” 2. We’re sorry, you have encountered an error. If applicable, please try again. HTTP Status: Internal Server Error (500). SLX Error ID:SLXDC17E1636ADA2023 3. The following SData diagnosed occurred: Description = Failed Operation. Message=no connection could be made because the target machine refused it. HTTP Status: Internal Server Error (500). SLX Error ID: SLX7B1FODAA87ODO6E3 The procedure for disabling the helper in MS IE 10. Pre-test to confirm the issue: 1. From Start / All programs / Accessories / system tools / Open Internet explorer (no Add-ons). 2. Test logging in to the Web client. 3. NOTE: This will tell you if an add-on is the problem. If it works in No Add-ons mode then follow the next steps. Action to correct the issue: 1. Open Internet Explorer. 2. From the gear control (top right icon) select Manage add-ons. 3. Change the drop down menu to show all add-ons. 4. Locate the Saleslogix desktop integration module helper and disable it. 5. Close out of Internet Explorer. 6. Reopen Internet Explorer. 7. Test the results in the web client. Note: There could be other potential causes for these errors but the above is a reasonable first step to resolution testing. I just became one with my browser software. — Bill Griffith If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Users Group Events.
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October 21st, 2014 by Teri Unger
Last week we had a training session during the Heartland Users Group event that involved implementing a custom sales process and using it to create a custom web dashboard. Infor CRM™ (Saleslogix) allows custom processes to be created with as many tasks for each stage that is required to fulfill the sales process defined by your company. We, at Simplesoft, are not an advocate of a particular sales process, but we do enable you to utilize any sales process by showing you how to use the Saleslogix tools.
Initiate the process by defining your goals for each Stage and Step in the process. Does the sales rep need to send a standard email then follow-up with a phone call 2 days later? You can schedule that in Saleslogix and it takes the guesswork out of the task. Include a template with a rollover activity set up directly in the process. The user just selects the contact; the rest is done for them. What has just happened? You have regulated the communications to the customer. The history is recorded in Saleslogix. Everyone that touches that account knows which contact has received what communication, and what steps are next. In other words, control. If you do not have a user-friendly sales process then your processes are only as good as your salesperson. And this is just ONE step in a sales process. Enter those processes into the Saleslogix tool in the Architect or the LAN client. Create as many as you need to fulfill your sales strategy. Release the Sales Process to users. Here is a sample sales process with Stages and Steps:
Measure and refine. On the other end of the process is measurement. Setting a process in place with specific steps is critical but measuring the success of that process is essential for improving. You can measure the Saleslogix sales process with the Web Dashboards. The web dashboard is a tool that utilizes filters. As you build a dashboard widget you choose filters to either group or define the widget display.
With a custom process you have to create a new filter for the dashboard so that the web client will display it on the dashboard widgets. There are a few steps and we recommend you open the standard (Stages) filter under the Saleslogix Entities to review the settings. Notice: This is not a recommended task for everyone. This is written for experienced developers.
If you are interested in more information on Web Dashboard and Sales Processes, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you. The information included in this blog is not intended to be a complete step-by-step process as each dashboard and sales process is unique to each business. If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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October 14th, 2014 by Teri Unger
SNC Update 03b for Saleslogix v8.1.0 and Web Core Update 03b for Saleslogix v8.1.0. The summary of each are listed below: SNC Update 03b for Saleslogix v8.1.0 This Saleslogix v8.1.0 SNC Update 03b is cumulative, it contains fixes released in previous updates (SNC 01, 02, 03).
********** Web Core Update 03b for Saleslogix v8.1.0 This Core update is cumulative, so Web Core Update 03b for Saleslogix 8.1.0 contains fixes released in previous updates (Web Core 01,02,03). Prerequisite: SNC Update 03b is required to have been applied to the environment prior to applying Web Core update 03b to your system. Please be sure to read the documentation thoroughly if you plan to apply these updates to your system.
We recommend and encourage you to review the update documents to keep abreast of all defects and issues that have been corrected. Contact Simplesoft Solutions to discuss an upgrade for Saleslogix, and to review any new features or updates with your version of Saleslogix. If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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October 1st, 2014 by Paul
An administrator writes: Dear Paul, How do I set a user profile for a creating a ticket? When I tried to create a ticket I received the following: I have a user that is having issues with creating a ticket. It says, “(User Name) is no longer available for calls to (Account Name). Please choose a different user” The answer is this–You need to make sure that the user configuration has the ‘Available for calls’ check box set for their user profile. There is two ways to perform that task to allow the user to create a ticket. Windows 1. Login to the administrator. 2. Double-click the user profile. 3. Select the tab for Service/Support. 4. Check the check box for Available for calls. 5. Lastly, have the user retest the creation of a ticket. Web Administration 1. Login to the Web Client as the administrative user. 2. Select Administration on the navigation bar. 3. Double-click the user profile to edit. 3. Select the tab for Service/Support. 4. Check the checkbox for Available for calls. 5. Select the Save icon. 6. Lastly, have the user retest the creation of a ticket. Allowing users to be available for ticket work is just a matter of configuration and is easy to setup. Following these steps will allow you to seamlessly set up a User Profile quickly and easily. Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. — Benjamin Franklin For more Saleslogix tips and tricks, stay tuned to our blog! If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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September 25th, 2014 by Paul
This article is written to help Saleslogix customers to take corrective actions for a known data related issue that applies to the web client only upon Opportunity creation. We have found the issue is not consistent from one implementation to another, but wanted to make this available for immediate impact. When you are planning to move from a v7.5.x Saleslogix to v8.x/v8.1.x, here is a set of proactive steps to ensure one less issue for the users of Saleslogix. Our goal is to always maximize the experience of the end user. Note: This correction helps to avoid an error message while inserting opportunities. The error message description encountered would be like below: We’re sorry, your request could not be completed. When you receive an error in the browser like the one above it is always a good idea to find the matching Windows Event viewer entry for the more complete information on the issue. Once the issue is determined to be the Account Partner Picklist issue then follow the steps below for the potential issue resolution. 1. How to find the records that may need updated. In SQL Server Enterprise Manager, on the Tools menu, click SQL Query Analyzer to run SQL Query Analyzer connected to the Saleslogix database. Note: The SQL can be ran in the Execute SQL in the Administrator as well. 2. Run the following select statement to identify the potential records for correction. select * from sysdba.picklist where text = ‘Account Partner’ Note: If more than one row is returned from the above query, remove the extra listings through Pick list Manager and rerun the previous query. You may need to drop the table owner reference, sysdba.picklist vs. picklist, depending on how the statement is being ran. 3. If duplicate records exist, then open the Saleslogix administrator and go to Manage | Pick lists and remove any duplicate pick lists. Note: If the result set has the itemid as ‘kSYST0000346’, there is nothing more to do. If the Itemid is another value then, save the current itemid value and run the following SQL statements. Maybe copy to a notepad file or similar tool. 4. Run the following update statements, be sure to replace Itemid and PicklistID with the saved ItemID value. update sysdba.Picklist set ItemId = ‘kSYST0000346’ where ItemId = ‘<Retained ItemID>’ update sysdba.Picklist set PicklistId = ‘kSYST0000346’ where PicklistId = ‘<Retained ItemID>’ 5. Verify the results of the changes, by running the SQL statements below. select * from sysdba.picklist where text = ‘kSYST0000346’ select * from sysdba.picklist where PicklistID = ‘kSYST0000346’ Note: The first query should return 1 row, and the second query should return all the values/items from your Account Partner pick list. 6. Validate in the web client that the insert opportunity feature does not produce an error. Ask the user who initially ran into the issue to confirm the problem or business analyst as needed. 7. Communicate the results Let people know the problem was corrected. In the unlikely case the problem persists, contact your Saleslogix implementation partner or Saleslogix support if you have an active business care plan. When you take the time to proactively check and ensure that your end users will not hit data issues it is like fixing a leaky faucet – ultimately it will help you save energy, water, and money. For IT, you are adding value to your environment and helping your systems to run smoothly. The key is to work with a Saleslogix business partner who has the insight and experience to help provide answers and solve problems. I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it’s proactive and there is positive intent behind it. — Quote by Michael J. Fox For more Saleslogix tips and tricks, stay tuned to our blog! If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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September 4th, 2014 by Don
Dear Saleslogix/Simplesoft Valued Customer,
I want to communicate to all our customers that we at Simplesoft Solutions, with 20 years in the market, will continue to sell, service, and customize the Saleslogix solution and associated third-party solutions. I have seen Saleslogix grow and become the strong platform that would make it worthy of Infor’s interest and am excited about the resources a company the size of Infor can bring to Saleslogix. As a Saleslogix Business Partner Advisory Council member, I have been in communication with the executive leadership at Saleslogix regarding the transition and will be working closely with Infor in the coming weeks. Headquartered in New York, Infor is fundamentally changing the way information is published and consumed in the enterprise, helping 70,000 customers in more than 200 countries and territories improve operations, drive growth, and quickly adapt to changes in business demands. To learn more about Infor, please visit www.infor.com. I know the change in ownership will accelerate product innovations and the release of new features already outlined in the Saleslogix product roadmap. In the original announcement, Lorcan stated, “Infor plans to make significant investments in Saleslogix, including increased scalability, refreshed user interface with Infor’s leading UX designs, and added industry-specific functionality that unifies front and back-office data and processes”. Since the announcement, Saleslogix has confirmed all existing sales, technical, and support staff are being retained and they will be maintaining their Scottsdale, Arizona, headquarters of Saleslogix. In addition, Infor immediately authorized the hire of ten additional Saleslogix development staff, confirming their commitment to the roadmap and accelerated timeline. In the coming months, the Saleslogix name will change to Infor CRM and again I see that as a strong indicator of their intent to not only offer it as a stand-alone solution but make Saleslogix the flagship CRM solution integrated with their various ERP solutions. The overall direction adopted by Swiftpage for Saleslogix in the last 12 months which they have called “Your CRM Inside” matches the core strategy of Infor. Infor has three fundamental elements to their strategy which are 1. Architecture of the Internet, 2. Micro Vertical Suites, and 3. Beauty. Infor wants to “create experiences people love.” The recent releases of Saleslogix Xbar, Gmail Integration, Mobile v3.0, and Outlook Sync show the focus on user experience and being able to work the way the user prefers. Swiftpage has made Saleslogix even more integration ready with SData and their Integration Contract with other applications. Infor’s ION product will expand the integration of Saleslogix with their ERP solutions as well as other vendors. Everyone at Simplesoft is excited about what the future holds for Infor CRM. I welcome your comments and questions. Again, I will keep you informed of any other pertinent information as it becomes available. Thank you. Sincerely, Don Donald W. Menrisky FAQs Q: Who do I call for Saleslogix product support in the future? Q: How does this affect the product direction and future growth? Q: Doesn’t Infor already have a CRM solution? Q: What has Infor said about the branding or naming of Saleslogix? Q: How will the licensing or business care pricing change? If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Also, if you would like to learn more tips, or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about, please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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September 3rd, 2014 by Teri Unger
Swiftpage has released new updates for Saleslogix v8.1.0, SNC 03 and Web Core Update 03. These updates address reported defects and should be evaluated for application to your environment. Here are the update High Points:
************
SNC Update 03 for Saleslogix v8.1.0 This Saleslogix v8.1.0 SNC Update 03 is cumulative, it contains fixes released in previous updates (SNC 01, 02). The summary of the new fixes are listed below:
************ Web Core updates are cumulative, so Web Core Update 03 for Saleslogix 8.1.0 contains fixes released in previous updates (Web Core 01, 02). Prerequisite: Saleslogix v8.1.0 SNC Update 03 is required to have been applied to the environment prior to applying Web Core Update 03 to your system. Please be sure to read the documentation thoroughly if you plan to apply these updates to your system. The summary of the new fixes are listed below:
We recommend and encourage you to review the update documents to keep abreast of all defects and issues that have been corrected. Contact Simplesoft Solutions to discuss an upgrade for Saleslogix, and to review any new features or updates with your version of Saleslogix. If you would like to discuss upgrading your system, or to see a free demonstration, please contact Simplesoft Solutions. Also, if you would like to learn more tips, or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about, please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. Remember to check our CALENDAR and register for free training, demo sessions, and the Heartland Saleslogix Users Group Events.
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