JD Edwards World software has been around for a very long time and has a loyal and passionate fan base. This software system has served these companies very well and helped support these organizations as they’ve grown over the years. However, as the years pass and the workforce grows older, this system is starting to show its age.
In some (if not many) cases, this RPG-based system is becoming a hindrance to corporate growth rather than an advantage. Also, the green screen system can be a recruiting challenge, both for technical and business folks. JD Edwards World, while a great system, does not receive the newest features from Oracle/JD Edwards. The newest and best software features are being added to JD Edwards EnterpriseOne. Many customers running JDE World have not reviewed the features of EnterpriseOne, or at least haven’t done so recently.
Many companies are starting to look at their options for addressing these concerns with their ERP system. Unfortunately, JDE EnterpriseOne often gets overlooked when World shops start to create their short list for ERP options. This is a mistake. When given a reasonable analysis, migrating to EnterpriseOne has clear advantages over upgrading JDE World or migrating to an entirely new ERP. The newest version of EnterpriseOne has the features, functionality, and flexibility to support most any organizational growth goals.
Oracle has invested heavily into the JDE EnterpriseOne software system and the results are stunning. From a new browser system to graphical reporting to improved application functionality, EnterpriseOne has leaped far ahead of World.
True Browser Application – EnterpriseOne delivers a truly modern browser application that is just what the business community is looking for. The latest version of this, the Alta UI, is even cleaner and more efficient. Also, EnterpriseOne Pages make navigation a snap, and the breadcrumbs improve the overall experience.
Reporting with One View – With One View, EnterpriseOne provides stunning visual and graphical reporting that gives clarity and insight into the underlying JDE data.
Mobile and Tablet Capabilities – EnterpriseOne now natively delivers mobile features and capabilities with 80+ apps already delivered to the App Stores (Apple and Google), with more on the way. EnterpriseOne also runs natively on iPad – try that with World.
Upgraded Applications – EnterpriseOne delivers upgraded and expanded applications that are not available in World. This includes the Accounts Receivable module, Capital Asset Management, and Real Estate Management. In Manufacturing, the Configurator was upgraded as was advanced Time and Labor reporting. In General Ledger, there is the expanded Subledger and Cost Accounting functionality.
New Applications – Oracle/JDE has added many new applications and modules to EnterpriseOne, including:
Third-Party Tools and Integrations – Many new third-party tools and integrations are now available in EnterpriseOne, including CafeOne and Primavera. EnterpriseOne also has a Mobile Application Framework that provides native integration to the core EnterpriseOne application for use in mobile and web applications.
Migrating from World to EnterpriseOne is not a project to be taken lightly. These upgrades are complex and have many moving parts. However, with careful planning and a good implementation partner, these can be done within a reasonable timeline and without a major disruption to the business. One of the keys for success is to determine the strategy for the upgrade. For World customers, it’s common to maintain the IBM i hardware platform, allowing it to remain the backbone of the JDE ERP system. Additionally, the underlying JDE business processes do not change. So, while the underlying technologies change, the business and user community only has to adjust to a new User Interface.
Oracle/JDE has also created some direct migration paths from JDE World to JDE EnterpriseOne.
The bigger challenges for this migration exist in the IT Department. First and most importantly, the IBM i (AS/400) can remain in place. EnterpriseOne is supported on IBM i, Windows, and Linux environments. This means that most of the existing IT Admin functions (backups, DR, etc.) can remain relatively unchanged. The RPG Development team will need to be retooled to the EnterpriseOne development environment. All customizations in EnterpriseOne are done within a specific development environment using a C++-like coding language. We have seen, however, that some companies choose to use RPG as their integration tool for third-party systems.
A big change for World customers is the concept of CNC (Configurable Network Computing). This is JDE’s client server proprietary architecture and methodology that allows EnterpriseOne software to run on a wide variety of hardware, operating systems (OS), and hardware platforms. Highly flexible, the CNC architecture is proprietary and cannot be exported to any other systems, and is at the heart of the EnterpriseOne architecture. It is wise for companies to get a base understanding of CNC before starting a migration project.
Compared to World, EnterpriseOne delivers a plethora of features and upgrades. These features often provide compelling business drivers for the migration to EnterpriseOne. Some of these include:
New Software System – EnterpriseOne provides a fresh and modern software system that is attractive to the workforce and is not a deterrent to recruiting.
Elegant Browser Interface – EnterpriseOne delivers a new and modern browser-based system that has a sleek and elegant User Interface.
Business User Expertise – Business Users already understand how to configure and use the software since EnterpriseOne operates the same as World, just with a different UI.
IBM i (AS/400) – The IBM i can remain as the primary server, retaining IT admin expertise.
Cost Savings – Migrating to EnterpriseOne is significantly less costly than implementing an entirely new ERP system.
Oracle/JDE Focus – EnterpriseOne is the featured and focus software of Oracle/JDE. World is not going away anytime soon, but EnterpriseOne is the target for new applications, integrations, and updates.
JDE World is a great platform and has helped many companies grow over the last few decades. Now, with the new dedication and roadmap from Oracle/JDE, World is going to be around for a very long time. However, there are compelling reasons for World customers to explore EnterpriseOne. It delivers additional features, modules, and capabilities that simply are not, and likely will not be, available in World. Given this, World shops should take the time to review EnterpriseOne to see how these features can support corporate and organization goals. With that information, these companies can then make an informed decision about which platform supports their needs the best.
Not sure where to start or what to do next? Do you want a little help and guidance during the process? Our team is here for you.
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