Customizing Epicor Kinetic Mobile Warehouse (EKMW) & MES

Overview

Epicor Kinetic Mobile Warehouse (EKMW) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) provide manufacturers with mobile-first tools for warehouse operations, inventory transactions, shop floor reporting, and production activities. As organizations adopt Kinetic, many look for ways to customize these applications to better match their operational workflows. For technical discussions and answers, visit the EpiUsers

Unlike traditional Epicor client customizations, EKMW and MES require a different approach. Successful customizations typically focus on configuration, BPM automation, Epicor Functions, custom fields, security controls, and workflow optimization rather than direct screen modifications.

Understanding EKMW Customization Options

Epicor Kinetic Warehouse offers extensive configuration capabilities including scan validation, sorting rules, workflow automation, barcode processing, and role-based settings. Many business requirements can be achieved through configuration before custom development is considered.

Organizations can customize warehouse processes such as:

• Receiving workflows
• Material issue and return transactions
• Picking and packing processes
• PCID handling
• Inventory movement rules
• Barcode validation logic

Using BPMs with EKMW and MES

One of the most effective customization techniques is leveraging Epicor BPMs behind mobile transactions. When warehouse users scan inventory, receive material, complete jobs, or report production, BPM workflows can automatically validate data, enforce business rules, and trigger notifications.

Common examples include preventing incorrect warehouse transactions, validating lot numbers, enforcing quality requirements, and automatically generating alerts when exceptions occur.

Custom Fields and Mobile Workflows

Epicor users have reported successfully extending certain EKMW screens using supported custom field mechanisms tied to underlying database tables. These custom fields can then be leveraged by BPMs and business logic to support organization-specific requirements without modifying the application itself.

MES Customization Best Practices

MES customizations should focus on simplifying the operator experience. Shop floor users often require fast access to only the functions relevant to their role.

• Restrict unnecessary menu options.
• Automate repetitive data entry.
• Use barcode scanning whenever possible.
• Implement role-based security.
• Reduce the number of screens required to complete transactions.

A streamlined MES experience can improve adoption, reduce training requirements, and increase production reporting accuracy.

Performance and Upgrade Considerations

When customizing EKMW and MES, prioritize supported Epicor tools such as BPMs, Epicor Functions, security configuration, and application settings. Avoid solutions that depend on unsupported modifications, as these can create upgrade challenges and increase maintenance costs.

Before deploying changes to production, test all mobile workflows thoroughly using representative devices and user accounts to ensure consistent behavior across warehouse and manufacturing operations.