Infor’s October Product Release is just around the corner! These semi-annual product releases unlock new features and functionality for customers around the world. At Doppio Group, we take a proactive approach by reviewing the upcoming enhancements and changes, analyzing the impact to our clients, and planning with them to smoothly navigate the release.
Let’s dive into the most critical changes coming in October 2024 and provide insights on how to manage them effectively.
Our Panelists
Akhil Bansal
Athar Hussain
Morgan Dammann
MMS200MI API Transactions: The All-Field Mode Update
One of the most significant changes involves the introduction of a new field mode for MMS200MI API transactions, particularly affecting the Get Item APIs. These APIs are extensively used for retrieving item-related data across various integrations.
The new field, ALFM (All Fields Mode), controls the output fields in the data returned by these APIs. By default, ALFM is set to zero, meaning many output fields will not return data unless explicitly requested by setting ALFM to one.
As Akhil from Doppio Group explains: “this change will affect MMS200MI API transactions which are GetItmBasic, GetItmWhsBasic, GetItmWhsBal, GetSumWhsBal, and GetItmFac and the change has been implemented to improve runtime performance of these APIs.”
- Review current integrations using the affected APIs.
- Update the ALFM field to one if any integrations rely on data from the skipped fields.
- Test integrations thoroughly to ensure they function correctly after the change.
CFT Client and Grid Versions: Critical Compatibility Updates
Infor is updating the CFT (Cloud File Transfer) client with significant changes to the grid versions it supports. Akhil notes that “from the maintenance window in October 2024 and onwards, the earliest supported grid version used in CFT client installations will be 2.0.20240117_115638”.
Additionally, the CFT client will no longer support Java 8 as a runtime environment, leaving Java 17 as the only supported option.
- Determine if your grid version or Java environment is outdated and plan for an upgrade.
- Consider moving to cloud storage if upgrading isn’t feasible.
- Refer to the relevant Infor articles (20039921 for grid upgrades and 2280528 for cloud storage options) for detailed guidance.
Archiving Programs: Automatic Deletion of Data Older Than Two Months
Infor’s changes to the archiving programs, MNS906 and CMS330, will automatically delete data older than two months. Akhil explains the impact: “MS906 is used to delete the output files and CMS330 is used to delete the log files like web service log, error logs, API error logs, event logs, or the batch order error logs etc. Once this change is enabled, all the logs older than two months will be automatically deleted”.
- Establish archiving protocols in MNS906 and CMS330 to preserve necessary logs.
- Regularly review and update archiving settings to align with business requirements.
- Ensure that any critical logs are backed up before the change is implemented.
Standard Layout for Purchase Order Documents
Changes to the standard layout for purchase order documents (PPS601PF and PPS608PF) are also on the way. Akhil describes the update saying: “After the change, purchase order documents printed with document variant set to 10 or 20 will have all the purchase order lines organized in one single sub document section.”
This change is designed to correct errors in the previous layout where incorrect manufacturer labels and names were sometimes printed.
- Review current XML document layouts for PPS601PF and PPS608PF.
- Test printed documents after the change to ensure correct formatting.
- Make necessary adjustments to customized layouts in IDM or other output applications.
Statement of Account Enhancements: Introducing ARS640
Infor has introduced a new program, ARS640, which replaces the previous ARS140 for creating Statements of Account. Athar highlights these improvements: “Using ARS640 we can enable scheduling of the job as a monthly requirement and we can also automate processes which were not possible earlier through ARS140.”
- Familiarize yourself with the new ARS640 program and its capabilities.
- Close any open Statements of Account in ARS140 before activation.
- Utilize the new APIs provided to streamline and automate your accounting processes.
Cash Discount Adjustments in Bank Confirmations
Another notable change affects how cash discounts are handled during bank confirmations. Athar explains that “cash discount would be adjusted and recalculated at the time of the bank confirmation, based on the number of payment days.” This change eliminates the need for manual adjustments but requires businesses to adjust their processes accordingly.
- Review and update configurations to ensure they align with the new cash discount calculations.
- Adjust processes to create and confirm statements within the appropriate timeframes.
- Train relevant staff on the updated procedures to avoid discrepancies.
Another notable change affects how cash discounts are handled during bank confirmations in ABS100 instead of APS130 if Bank confirmation (BAFE) is set to 3-Yes, electronic by ABS” for applicable AP Payment Method (CRS071). Athar explains that “Cash discount would be adjusted and recalculated in ABS188 at the time of bank confirmation in ABS100, based on the number of discount days as per Cash discount term. If the payment is manually allocated in (ABS100), the cash discount amount and the paid amount displayed in ‘Suppl Payment. Enter Manual’ (APS120) and ‘Payment Received. Record’ (ARS110) are retrieved from (APS188), but the amounts can be changed.” The existing process of payment proposal creation in APS130 and electronic bank confirmation in APS187 and ABS100 needs to be aligned accordingly to have correct cash discount based on number of days in Cash discount term.
Delivery Method and Terms Standardization
Infor is standardizing the process for assigning delivery methods and terms to purchase orders. Previously, it was possible to have multiple delivery methods and terms for a single delivery note, which could lead to errors. The update enforces a single set of methods and terms for each purchase order line, improving data accuracy and reducing errors.
Athar describes that “Infor has made a good change to have a unique and streamlined process with a single set of delivery methods for each purchase order line.”
- Review current processes for creating delivery notes and ensure they align with the new standards.
- Test the updated process in M3 to confirm that it functions correctly.
- Train staff on the new requirements to minimize errors in purchase orders.
Item Category Validation: Aligning Item Categories & Item Types
Infor has made changes to how item categories are validated in the MMS200MI API. Athar explains that “if the item category that is going to be added or updated in item master MMS001, it should be connected to the item type.”
- Review all transactions using the MMS200MI API to ensure they comply with the new validation rules.
- Update APIs and other integrations as necessary to prevent errors.
- Test item uploads and updates to confirm that they function correctly under the new rules.
Wrap Up
The upcoming changes from Infor M3 present both challenges and opportunities for businesses. By proactively reviewing and adjusting your processes, you can minimize disruption and take full advantage of the improvements offered by this release.
At Doppio Group, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and ensure that your systems continue to run smoothly. Together, we can make these transitions as seamless as possible, keeping your business on track for success. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@doppiogroup.com.
