A well-configured test environment is essential for ensuring the stability and reliability of your Epicor Kinetic ERP system. Whether testing new processes, validating fixes, or training users, a dedicated test environment allows you to experiment without impacting production data. Implementing best practices when setting up and maintaining your test environment ensures accurate testing, prevents accidental disruptions, and improves overall system integrity.
Below, we outline key recommendations for setting up and managing a test environment effectively.
Updating After a Refresh
When refreshing your test environment with a recent backup, it’s crucial to make key updates to avoid confusion and prevent unintended transactions. Here are some essential steps:
Rename the Company: Update the company name in Company Maintenance within Epicor Kinetic to reflect the backup date. For example, if the refresh was taken from production on November 1, 2024, rename it to “[Company Name] (Data 11/1/2024).” This helps users immediately recognize the test environment’s data context.
Utilize the 'Is Live' Checkbox: Epicor Kinetic includes an Is Live checkbox in Company Maintenance.
When checked, the system routes email reports as usual.
When unchecked, reports can be directed to a test printer to prevent accidental email notifications to customers or vendors.
Set a Distinct Color for the Environment: Assign a unique color for the Company/Site Indicator Context Bar in Company Maintenance to differentiate the test environment visually.
Adjust External Interfaces: If your system integrates with external services, use Company Configuration to redirect them to test endpoints or disable them entirely to prevent data from being sent to live systems.
Configure QuickShip: If using QuickShip, update Workstation Maintenance settings to ensure that the Manifest Web Service URL points to the test instance.
Disable Unnecessary System Agent Schedules: Review scheduled tasks in System Agent and disable any that should not run in the test environment. This prevents unnecessary processes from executing and consuming system resources.
Managing User Access and Security
Maintaining security protocols within test environments is just as important as in production. Proper user management ensures controlled access while allowing testers to perform their roles effectively.
Create User Security Groups: Define separate security groups for test environments. This can be easily managed using DMT (Data Management Tool). Consider:
TestStd – Grants access to most groups except those in Financial Management.
TestFin – Grants full access, including Financial Management.
Adjust SQL Server Settings (For On-Prem Hosting): If your ERP system is hosted on-premises, update the Recovery Model in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio to Simple. This setting helps conserve disk space by reducing unnecessary SQL transaction logs. Additionally, perform a backup post-refresh to create a quick recovery point in case further changes need to be reverted.
Easily Identifying an Environment
Mistakenly working in the wrong environment can lead to data integrity issues. Clearly distinguishing between test and production environments helps users navigate safely.
Use Color Coding: The Company/Site Indicator Context Bar should have a clearly distinguishable color for test environments.
Display Company and Site Information on Screens:
Open any screen in Epicor Kinetic.
Select Actions > Options.
Go to the Global Options tab.
Under the Status Bar tab, check the boxes for:
Company
Site
Click OK.
The company name (including the data backup date) and site will now display on the bottom of every screen.
Final Thoughts
A well-maintained test environment plays a critical role in Epicor Kinetic ERP system stability. By following these best practices, you can ensure that testing activities remain isolated, efficient, and effective, minimizing risk to your production system. Whether implementing updates, validating integrations, or training new users, these strategies help maintain clarity, security, and functionality.
At Mayan Technologies, we specialize in providing expert guidance on Epicor Kinetic ERP implementation, optimization, and system management. Our team helps businesses maximize efficiency while ensuring best practices in test environments and production systems alike. Contact us today to learn how we can support your ERP journey!!
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