FAQ

In the long run, an ERP system streamlines your business processes, improves data accuracy, enhances efficiency, and supports informed decision-making. It also offers scalability to grow with your business and adapt to changing market demands, ultimately leading to improved productivity and profitability.

Common mistakes include not thoroughly understanding your business processes, underestimating the importance of user adoption, overlooking future scalability, and being swayed by vendor biases. It’s crucial to focus on your specific business needs and seek unbiased expert advice throughout the process.

To ensure a cost-effective ERP selection, prioritize your business requirements and avoid overpaying for unnecessary features. Consider the total cost of ownership, including implementation, training, and maintenance costs. Working with an independent consultant can also help identify the most cost-effective solutions tailored to your business needs.

The time to select an ERP system varies based on your business size, complexity, and the thoroughness of your selection process. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The key is to allocate enough time to thoroughly assess your needs, evaluate different options, and make an informed decision without rushing the process.

When selecting an ERP partner, consider their expertise in your industry, their track record with ERP implementations, and their approach to understanding your business needs. A good partner should offer unbiased advice, demonstrate a deep understanding of various ERP solutions, and provide comprehensive support throughout the selection process.

Selecting the right ERP system involves understanding your business needs, budget, and future goals. Start by assessing your business processes, identify the functionalities you need, and consider scalability for future growth. It's also important to research and compare different ERP solutions, looking at their features, compatibility with your existing systems, and user reviews.

At Allari, we focus on simplifying day-to-day IT management through automation, standardization, and proactive service management. Our approach reduces complexity, allowing your team to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives while we handle the operational details.

Clients typically see improvements in operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and increased cost savings. By focusing on continuous improvement and proactive management, we help drive long-term success and position your business for future growth.

Our flexible, on-demand service model allows you to scale up or down as needed. You can adjust the scope of our services to meet current business demands without being tied to long-term contracts, ensuring you pay only for the services you need.

We take care of the time-consuming operational tasks, freeing your team to focus on strategic projects that drive innovation. Our continuous improvement process ensures that your IT environment is always optimized to support new initiatives.

We implement comprehensive security protocols, including proactive maintenance, vulnerability management, and regular assessments, to safeguard your systems. Our security practices adhere to the highest standards, ensuring your IT environment remains secure and compliant with industry regulations.

By focusing on proactive management, automation, and continuous improvement, we identify opportunities to reduce operational costs. Our transparent pay-as-you-go model ensures that you only pay for the services that provide value, helping you optimize your budget over time.

Unlike traditional service providers, we prioritize flexibility, continuous improvement, and outcome-based partnerships. Our commitment to proactive service management and transparent operations ensures that you have full control and visibility over your IT environment.

We regularly review and optimize IT processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement best practices that lead to continuous improvement. Our approach keeps your systems running smoothly and drives operational excellence year after year.

We provide 24/7 coverage across 35+ countries, ensuring that no matter where your business operates, you have access to reliable IT support around the clock. Our global reach enables us to scale alongside your business as it grows.

Our onboarding process is seamless and designed to minimize disruptions. We collaborate closely with your team to assess your IT environment, identify your specific needs, and set up tailored solutions that ensure a smooth transition to our services.

Lean software development adapts lean manufacturing principles to software creation, emphasizing value maximization and waste minimization. Key practices include Kanban workflows, test-driven development (TDD), and developing minimal marketable features (MMF).

• Clearly Define Project Scope and Requirements.
• Research potential vendors thoroughly. Check their portfolios, references, and reviews.
• Choose a vendor whose skills match your project needs. Consider factors like company size, language, time zone, and cultural compatibility.
• Establish preferred communications methods and schedules for updates and feedback.
• Have detailed contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and project documentation.
• Use project management tools to track progress and maintain an organized workflow.
• Ensure the vendor has a strong QA process to deliver high-quality software.
• Make sure your agreement clearly states that your company retains IP rights to the developed software.
• Ensure the vendor provides maintenance and support after deployment.

In 2023, popular software tech stacks include:
1. MEAN Stack: MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js; efficient for mobile/web app development.
2. MERN Stack: Replaces Angular in MEAN with React; offers strong libraries and extensive documentation for full-stack development.
3. MEVN Stack: Substitutes Angular.js in MEAN with Vue.js; lightweight, easy to use, great for web apps.
4. Ruby on Rails: Favored for quick development of diverse applications, especially with complex business logic on a budget.
5. Flutter: Uses Dart for cross-platform mobile app development, overcoming some limitations of stacks like LAMP or MERN.
6. LAMP Stack: Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP combo; known for performance and flexibility.

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) guides the creation of high-quality software, ensuring it meets customer expectations and is efficient and defect-free. It involves:
Requirement Analysis - Gathering and analyzing stakeholder needs.
Design - Creating system architecture and design documents.
Implementation - Coding based on designs using programming tools.
Testing - Checking for defects and verifying requirement fulfillment.
Deployment - Releasing the software for user access.
Maintenance - Ongoing updates and enhancements.SDLC ensures deliverables for each phase and adopts various models like Waterfall, Agile, Spiral, and DevOps, each with unique approaches.

When choosing a software development company, consider:
Expertise and Technical Skills - Ensure they have proven skills in relevant technologies. Assess their portfolio and case studies for capability.
Project Understanding and Approach - The company should grasp your project goals and present a strategic approach, including project management and communication methods.
Client Reviews and References - Check previous client feedback to evaluate the company's reliability, work quality, and adherence to timelines and budgets.

A full-stack developer provides comprehensive services, including front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), back-end development (using languages like Python, Ruby), database management, version control with Git, API development, UI/UX design, server management, testing and quality assurance, application security, ongoing maintenance, and DevOps practices for automated deployment.

As of April 2023, Oracle pledged long-term support for JD Edwards (JDE) EnterpriseOne and World products under its Applications Unlimited program. The "Continuous Innovation" model for EnterpriseOne ensures ongoing updates within the current release. Oracle extended support for both EnterpriseOne 9.2 and World through at least 2033, with potential further extensions. Note that these timelines may change, so staying updated with Oracle's announcements and consulting their Lifetime Support Policy is advised.

JD Edwards, known for its EnterpriseOne suite, excels in flexibility, industry-specific solutions, and advanced technology. It offers:
Customization - Adapts to diverse business needs with modular options.
Industry-Specific Solutions - Tailored for sectors like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture.
Advanced Tech - Integrates IoT, automation, and mobile solutions.
User-Friendly Interface - Intuitive, customizable design.
Integration Capabilities - Compatible with various systems and platforms.
Scalability - Suitable for growing businesses and global operations.
Oracle Support - Benefits from regular updates and extensive support.

Implementing JD Edwards ERP systems presents challenges like underestimating project scope, employee resistance to change, poor project management, complex data migration, excessive customization, insufficient testing, lack of user training and support, inadequate expertise, and neglecting post-implementation support. To mitigate these, it's crucial to engage in thorough planning, strong change management, robust project management, careful data migration planning, minimal customization, comprehensive testing, detailed user training, involving skilled team members or consultants, and planning for ongoing support and improvement. This approach ensures a smoother, more successful ERP implementation.

Small to Mid-sized Businesses - Typically 6 to 12 months, due to simpler processes and fewer customizations.
Large Enterprises - Often 12 to 24 months or more, due to complex needs, extensive customizations, and larger user bases. Key factors influencing duration include the scope of implementation, business process reengineering, data migration, user training, and project management. Acceleration strategies include leveraging pre-configured solutions, adopting a phased approach, and assembling a skilled project team. Thorough planning and realistic resource allocation are essential for an effective implementation timeline.

JD Edwards cloud services include:
Cloud Hosting - Scalable, reliable infrastructure and platform services (IaaS and PaaS).
Application Management and Support - Continuous monitoring, management, and technical support for JDE applications.
Data Management and Security - Regular backups, disaster recovery, and advanced security.
System Integration - Efficient integration with other systems and API management.
Customization and Upgrades - Tailored application development and consistent updates.
Performance Optimization - Monitoring and resource management.
Consulting and Training - Strategic guidance, best practice implementation, and user training.

Our JDE Managed Services offer comprehensive support for JD Edwards ERP systems, covering:

• Application Support - Maintenance and technical help.
• CNC Administration - User and database management.
• Customization - System personalization and upgrades.
• Performance Monitoring - Regular system optimization.
• Backup and Recovery - Data protection strategies.
• Security and Compliance - Robust safeguarding measures.
• Consulting - Strategic business advice.
• Training - End-user education and documentation.
• Integration - Seamless system integration support.
• Analytics - Custom reporting and analysis.

Using a staff augmentation company offers several advantages:

• Specialized Skills - Quickly access experts for specific tasks or projects.
• Workforce Flexibility - Easily adjust team size based on project requirements, without long-term obligations.
• Cost Savings - More affordable than hiring full-time staff for short-term projects.
• Quick Recruitment - Faster hiring process compared to traditional methods.
• Minimal Training Needed - Augmented staff are usually skilled and need little training.
• Lower Risk - Reduced hiring risks with the option to terminate contracts as necessary.
• Administrative Simplicity - HR, payroll, and other administrative duties are managed by the augmentation company.

Staff augmentation can be categorized into several types based on the nature of work, the duration of engagement, and the level of expertise required:

• Short-Term Augmentation:
  Hiring staff for immediate, short-term needs to meet project deadlines or cover temporary absences.
• Long-Term Augmentation:
  Engaging personnel for extended periods, often for long-term projects or ongoing work without a fixed end date.
• Commodity:
  Providing staff that possess non-specialized skills for tasks that don't require specialized training.
• Skill-Based:
  Offering professionals with specific skill sets for specialized tasks, which can be technical or non-technical.
• Highly Skilled Experts:
  Supplying top-level experts with advanced knowledge and experience for complex projects or initiatives. Each type serves different business needs, from filling gaps in a workforce to providing specialized expertise that isn't available in-house.

Staff augmentation has its pros and cons:

Pros

• Flexibility - Easily adjust workforce size based on project requirements.
• Access to Specialized Skills - Quickly acquire specific expertise.
• Cost Efficiency - Often cheaper than hiring full-time employees for short-term needs.
• Control - Direct oversight of the augmented staff.

Cons

• Management Overhead - Requires effective coordination and management.
• Cultural Fit - Augmented staff may not always align with company culture.
• Training Needs - Time and resources may be needed to bring augmented staff up to speed.
• Dependency - Risk of becoming reliant on external resources.

Increasing staff typically means hiring additional full-time or part-time employees, expanding the permanent workforce of the company. In contrast, staff augmentation refers to temporarily adding specialized personnel, usually through a third-party provider, to supplement the existing team for specific projects or needs without expanding the permanent staff. Augmentation is more flexible and often used to address short-term skill gaps or project demands.

Choosing between staff augmentation and outsourcing depends on your specific needs and circumstances: Staff Augmentation is better if you want to retain more control over the project, need specific expertise for a short-term period, or want to supplement your existing team without expanding permanently. Outsourcing is more suitable if you want to delegate an entire project or function to an external team, especially for tasks that are outside your core business expertise, or when you prefer not to manage the additional workforce directly. Evaluate based on control, cost, expertise, project nature, and management overhead.

Nearshore software development provides numerous benefits, including cultural proximity, time zone compatibility, cost efficiency, access to quality talent, ease of accessibility, and risk mitigation. With teams located in neighboring countries or regions, communication and collaboration are enhanced, while overlapping time zones facilitate real-time interaction. This approach offers a balance between cost and quality, leveraging skilled professionals at competitive rates.

"Cloud-native" versus "cloud-ready" applications differ in design and cloud interaction: Cloud-Native: Specifically built for cloud environments. Uses microservices architecture. Highly scalable and resilient. Developed with continuous integration/delivery. Often employs containerization. Cloud-Ready: Traditional applications adapted for the cloud. Typically monolithic architecture. Less scalable and resilient compared to cloud-native. May not follow rapid development cycles. Containerization possible but less optimal. Cloud-native apps are designed for cloud efficiency, while cloud-ready apps are modified to function in the cloud but may not fully exploit its benefits.

“Modular Monolith" provides an alternative to microservices, suitable for projects that don't need microservices' scale but value simplicity and efficiency. It offers easier complexity management, improved performance without network latency, and streamlined development and deployment. The choice between Modular Monolith and microservices depends on project needs and team skills, balancing simplicity against scalability. Both architectures have their place, influenced by evolving industry trends.

A cloud application is tailored for cloud computing with distinct features:
Accessibility: Anytime, anywhere internet access.
Scalability: Flexible capacity and performance.
Resource Management: Utilizes shared computing resources.
Elasticity: Adapts resource allocation based on demand.
Resilience: High availability and disaster recovery.
Service-Oriented: Built with independently deployable microservices.
Self-Service: User-managed operation.
Pay-Per-Use: Cost-effective, usage-based pricing.
Multi-Tenancy: Multiple users with secure, private access.
API Integration: Seamless service integration.

These qualities ensure cloud applications are flexible, reliable, and optimized for cloud environments.

Virtual machines (VMs) in cloud environments offer:

• Isolation: Secure environments, with issues in one VM not affecting others.
• Resource Optimization: Efficient use of server resources by hosting multiple VMs.
• Flexibility: Compatibility with various operating systems and legacy applications.
• Scalability: Easy scalability for load balancing.
• User Control: Complete control over software environments.
• Consistent Testing: Reliable environments for software testing.
• Cost Savings: Reduced need for physical hardware.
• Disaster Recovery: Quick backup and restoration capabilities.

VMs enhance cloud computing with their flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Transitioning from a monolithic architecture to microservices, known as "strangling" the monolith, involves:

• Identifying Service Boundaries within the monolith for segmentation.
• Starting with a Small Segment as a pilot project
• Developing the Segment as an Independent Microservice.
• Rerouting Traffic from the monolith to the new microservice.
• Iteratively Testing and Expanding to other parts of the application.
• Managing Data and Transactions across services.
• Gradually Decommissioning the monolith.

This process requires careful planning and simultaneous operation of both systems, leading to a more scalable and flexible architecture.

Microservices are small, independent services in a software application, each performing specific functions and communicating via defined protocols. This approach enhances scalability and flexibility but requires complex management. Distributed systems are networks of autonomous computers linked to share resources efficiently. They aim for easy access and scalability, yet face challenges like hardware failures and network latency. Microservices focus on application architecture, while distributed systems concern the overall interconnected infrastructure.

The cost of monolith versus microservices varies:

• Initial Costs: Monoliths are generally cheaper to start, simpler in development and deployment.
• Maintenance and Scaling: Monoliths may become costly to maintain and scale. Microservices, initially more expensive due to complex setup, can be more cost-effective long-term for scaling individual components.
• Infrastructure and Team Expenses: Microservices require more robust infrastructure and skilled teams, increasing costs.
• Monoliths suit smaller projects with lower initial costs, while microservices offer long-term efficiency but higher initial investment.

The choice depends on the project's scale and long-term goals.

The ideal number of microservices per project depends on:

The ideal number of microservices per project depends on:

• Domain Boundaries: Assign each microservice to a specific business function.
• Team Size: Use the "Two Pizza Rule" where a service should be manageable by a small team.
• Complexity: Ensure microservices are simple enough to handle but not overly numerous.
• Scaling Needs: Separate services based on different scaling requirements.
• Data and Security: Isolate data or functions for security or compliance.
• Performance: Consider individual performance needs.

Choosing between monolithic and microservice architectures depends on project size, team expertise, and business needs:

• Monolithic Architecture: Suitable for smaller applications and teams with limited resources. It's simpler to develop, deploy, and test but can be hard to scale.
• Microservice Architecture: Ideal for large, complex applications requiring scalability. It involves multiple teams and is more complex to test and debug but allows easier scaling of individual components.
• For startups or small projects, monolithic is quicker and simpler. For larger applications or enterprises, microservices offer greater flexibility and resilience.

The best choice varies based on the project's unique requirements.

Modernizing an old system or application involves:Assessment and Planning: Evaluate the current system's architecture, performance, and security.Define modernization objectives, considering budget, operational limits, and risks like data loss or downtime.Modernization Strategy
Options include:
Rehosting - Minimal changes, often to the cloud.
Refactoring/Rewriting - Align with modern architectures.
Replatforming - Adapt to a new platform, optimizing features.
Replacing - Implement a new solution.
Technology Selection - Choose suitable technologies and platforms.
Migration Plan - Outline detailed migration steps.
Development and Testing - Implement and test for functionality and compatibility.
Data Migration - Transfer data ensuring integrity.
Deployment - Deploy in production, with rollback strategies.
Training and Support - Train users, provide ongoing support.
Continuous Improvement - Regular updates based on feedback and new technologies.

Choosing the best application modernization technique depends on your organization's specific needs and existing infrastructure. Popular methods include:
Rehosting (Lift-and-Shift) - Move applications to a new environment, typically the cloud, without major changes. Ideal for quick migrations, reducing costs, or improving scalability.
Refactoring - Optimize existing code without altering functionality, useful for enhancing performance or maintainability.
Rearchitecting - Major architectural changes to improve scalability or performance, often shifting to microservices.
Rebuilding - Rewrite the application entirely for modern features or technologies.
Replacing - Substitute with a new application or commercial solution when current ones are inadequate.
Containerization - Encapsulate in containers for enhanced portability and scalability. Using Platform as a Service (PaaS): Develop and manage applications on cloud platforms for rapid deployment.

Digital transformation presents several challenges:
Cultural Resistance - Overcoming employee and management apprehension towards new digital methods.
Lack of Clear Strategy - Need for a cohesive digital strategy aligned with business goals.
Budget Constraints - Significant investment needs and complex ROI justification.
Talent Gap - Recruiting and retaining digital experts in a competitive market.
Technological Complexity - Choosing and integrating new technologies with legacy systems.
Data Management - Handling data collection, analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Cybersecurity Risks - Balancing security with agility and user experience.
Scaling and Sustainability - Expanding digital initiatives effectively and sustainably.
Change Management - Managing transition smoothly, including stakeholder alignment.
Rapid Technological Change - Keeping pace with evolving digital landscapes.
Regulatory Compliance - Navigating complex legal and regulatory environments.oyment.

The 7Rs of cloud application modernization are strategies for updating or migrating legacy applications to the cloud:
Rehost (Lift and Shift) - Move applications to the cloud unchanged.
Refactor (Repackage) - Make minimal changes for cloud compatibility.
Rearchitect (Redesign) - Overhaul architecture for cloud-native features.
Rebuild (Rewrite) - Completely rewrite using cloud-native technologies.
Replace (Drop and Shop) - Substitute with a cloud-native app, often SaaS.
Retain (Revisit) - Keep in the current environment, with future reassessment.
Retire (Remove) - Decommission obsolete applications.

Application modernization is the process of updating older software to new computing methods, including contemporary frameworks and infrastructure. It typically involves:
Replatforming - Migrating an app to a new platform, like the cloud, enhancing performance without changing its architecture.
Refactoring - Optimizing existing code to improve performance and maintainability, keeping the same external behavior.
Rearchitecting - Overhauling the app's architecture for greater modularity, like shifting to microservices.
Rebuilding - Redesigning the app from scratch while maintaining its original purpose.
Replacing - Switching out outdated software with new solutions that better meet current business needs and technological standards.

The optimal automated toolset for legacy modernization varies based on project specifics, existing tech, future goals, and budget. Key tools include:
Cloud Migration - AWS Migration Tools, Azure Migrate, Google Cloud Migrate.
Containerization/Orchestration - Docker, Kubernetes, Red Hat's OpenShift.
Refactoring/Replatforming - RefactoriX, mLogica STAR*M, VMware Tanzu.
Code Analysis/Assessment - CAST Software, SonarQube. CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, CircleCI.
Database Modernization - AWS Schema Conversion Tool, Oracle SQL Developer.
Legacy Integration - Dell Boomi, MuleSoft Anypoint.
Monitoring/Performance - New Relic, Datadog. Low-Code Platforms: OutSystems, Mendix.