It’s Probably Been a Difficult Search
About 10 years ago, Windows Mobile was selected as the platform for the Epicor mobile application. The platform was a logical, even ideal choice at the time, as Windows Mobile was fresh and put the Windows operating system — popular for most large-scale enterprise business applications — into people’s hands via the Windows Phone.
If you think back to that time, there were a few more players in the mobile space than there are today. For example, Blackberry was still a contender in the battle for your palm space (which reminds me…so was Palm). iOS and Android weren’t really new anymore, but they were still young — and competition in the mobile industry was really starting to pick up.
Fast forward to today. As you probably already know, there are far fewer options in the smartphone industry. A few years ago, Blackberry stopped manufacturing devices and has been phasing out its app store and support. Palm is still pushing forward with the release of a new device that’s not meant to be your main device. And in Q4 of 2017, Microsoft announced the end of Windows Mobile with a phase-out plan over the next few years.
Unfortunately, this means that the Epicor mobile app for Windows Mobile is no longer an option for organizations with remote workforces. Those users are now in need of a new Epicor mobile solution to continue their field sales and service functions. While this presents a challenge for organizations that previously used the app, it also presents an opportunity — one that’s more flexible, cost-efficient, and expedient than ever before.
A Solution to Fill the Epicor Mobile Gap
If your organization is using Epicor, or if you’re an Epicor reseller, you’ve probably been on the hunt for a new mobile solution for some time. The idea of developing your own solution may have come up, too. This is where Bezlio comes into play — and takes a significant amount of work off your hands (more on this shortly).
Previously, the Epicor mobile app was limited to the development boundaries of the Windows Mobile OS. Windows has been the platform for business for decades — on desktop devices. But a mobile solution requires a bit more framework, which means some restrictions. Just as with iOS and Android, there are some limitations and requirements as to what you can do. Apps must allow certain UI standards and functions and must use features that the OS also uses. And of course, security must be maintained at all times.
But previously, all of this was limited to Windows Mobile only. That was the platform, and whatever it allowed you to do in terms of app development was all that you could do. But for an ERP such as Epicor, users need flexibility. This is particularly true for businesses with a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, where employees may be using separate iPhones and Android devices. So, how can Bezlio support those looking for a new Epicor mobile solution?
Development Flexibility
Bezlio is a low/no code development platform created specifically for ERPs like Epicor. Whereas the previous app required an understanding of Windows Mobile development, our simple drag-and-drop interface allows you to build the app you actually need — and on any iOS or Android device. As these two systems dominate the current smartphone market, they’re the platforms you’ll want to be developing for, especially with a BYOD policy.
Ease of development isn’t the end of its flexibility, though. Bezlio can be quickly set up, with our support or without, in as little as one day. You’ve already undergone the task of implementing Epicor, which probably took more than one day! Why spend more time than needed building out an Epicor mobile solution for field teams?
Complete Customization
Low/no code doesn’t mean customization isn’t an option. Bezlio can integrate with a number of ERPs beyond Epicor as well as CRM systems, eCommerce platforms, and other database systems. However you use Bezlio, you can easily create any dashboard, analytics, or data visualization to help your Epicor mobile users access the data they need easily. And with just a bit of coding, you can create your own visualizations for any specific data needs.
Advanced Security
Bezlio uses a secure token-based system for retrieving information from behind your database and routing it through the cloud (emphasis on routing — not storing) to the end user’s device. All requests are authenticated, so only authorized users can access data in your Epicor mobile app. No firewall ports are required, and admins can control access at an extremely granular level. And all data transfers feature AES256-level encryption.
Field-Focused Functionality
With field service, information is critical. Field teams must be able to view customer information immediately and update it from where they are. Bezlio provides complete read/write access to Epicor from the field with full offline support, so not a single detail is ever missed. If your business uses a dispatcher for logistics, Bezlio provides geolocation data so dispatchers know where field personnel are and can route them efficiently. Field teams can also track time, view work by priority, get directions to customers, generate invoices, capture signatures, and more — all from a single app that keeps track of everything within Epicor.
Ready to Take Epicor Mobile?
Bezlio is the natural successor to the Windows Mobile app that served so many Epicor users for so long. If you’ve been hunting for an Epicor mobile solution, we’d love to show you firsthand how Bezlio can bring your search to a close — and open the door to a faster, more productive, and more customizable mobile work experience for your field service teams.
Get a personal 1:1 demo today.
ADAM ELLIS, CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Adam Ellis is the Chief Executive Officer of Bezlio and one of four co-founders. Adam is a lifelong entrepreneur and has extensive ERP and mobile software knowledge through his consulting and management experience. He has a passion for exploring innovative ideas and how they can change the status quo. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn to learn more about his involvement in the ERP space.