B&L Information Systems released the latest version of its Odyssey ERP platform for general availability. Along with several improvements to the software, Odyssey 6.1 introduces a modernized Web User Interface (UI).
The Odyssey platform is an enterprise-resource planning product developed specifically for foundries, diecasters, and investment casters, and designed to give everyone in such organizations the necessary information to complete jobs on time and on budget. The platform has modules that meet the specific needs of metalcasting's major functions — manufacturing, sales, inventory, quality control, finance, and data analytics —so information can be shared and received by everyone in the organization.
“Odyssey 6.1 begins a process where we are continually modernizing and improving the user interface and the user experience,” explained the developer’s R&D manager, Brad Clark. “When we released the Odyssey Web UI back in 2016, we knew the nature of modern interfaces was not static. Over the next several releases, we will be not only improving the look and feel but also the underlying Odyssey UI framework, to allow us to stay on the cutting-edge of application development.”
He added that the Odyssey Customer Feedback Forum remains a primary source of industry-specific improvements by B&L’s R&D team. Odyssey 6.1 incorporates "dozens of those customer-driven enhancements,” according to the developer, including:
• Built-in user experience improvements (company-coordinated color schemes, for multi-company users; an improved Data Entry Grid, for quicker and more reliable data input; improved Profile Manager with drag-and-drop capabilities; multi-column sorting);
• Expanded "Capital Projects" features;
• Simplified production reporting by crews; and
• Improved usability for Employee Time Approvals, Purchase Orders, and Purchase Order Receipts functions.
“Part of how Odyssey remains true to its roots as the ERP for metalcasters is that feedback from customers — whether in our on-site training classes, at our users’ conference, or digitally, through the Customer Feedback Forum — is used to align Odyssey to what the industry needs,” Clark explained.
Odyssey 6.1 and all Odyssey release information is available now through Rapid Support. Rapid Support is available directly within Odyssey Web UI or via the B&L customer portal (Customer Login) for customers on Windows UI. Update assistance is free for any customers operating on a maintenance license; Odyssey customers on the B&L Cloud will be contacted with the update schedule.