epicorafr_installguide_905607a

AFR Installation Guide9.05.607A

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. This document and itscontents, including the viewpoints, dates and functional content expressed herein are believed to be accurate as of itsdate of publication. However, Epicor Software Corporation makes no guarantee, representations or warranties withregard to the enclosed information and specifically disclaims any applicable implied warranties, such as fitness for aparticular purpose, merchantability, satisfactory quality or reasonable skill and care. As each user of Epicor software islikely to be unique in their requirements in the use of such software and their business processes, users of this documentare always advised to discuss the content of this document with their Epicor account manager. All information containedherein is subject to change without notice and changes to this document since printing and other important informationabout the software product are made or published in release notes, and you are urged to obtain the current releasenotes for the software product. We welcome user comments and reserve the right to revise this publication and/ormake improvements or changes to the products or programs described in this publication at any time, without notice.The usage of any Epicor software shall be pursuant to an Epicor end user license agreement and the performance ofany consulting services by Epicor personnel shall be pursuant to Epicor's standard services terms and conditions. Usageof the solution(s) described in this document with other Epicor software or third party products may require the purchaseof licenses for such other products. Where any software is expressed to be compliant with local laws or requirementsin this document, such compliance is not a warranty and is based solely on Epicor's current understanding of such lawsand requirements. All laws and requirements are subject to varying interpretations as well as to change and accordinglyEpicor cannot guarantee that the software will be compliant and up to date with such changes. All statements ofplatform and product compatibility in this document shall be considered individually in relation to the products referredto in the relevant statement, i.e., where any Epicor software is stated to be compatible with one product and alsostated to be compatible with another product, it should not be interpreted that such Epicor software is compatiblewith both of the products running at the same time on the same platform or environment. Additionally platform orproduct compatibility may require the application of Epicor or third-party updates, patches and/or service packs andEpicor has no responsibility for compatibility issues which may be caused by updates, patches and/or service packsreleased by third parties after the date of publication of this document. Epicor® is a registered trademark and/ortrademark of Epicor Software Corporation in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. All othertrademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © Epicor Software Corporation 2011.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent ofEpicor Software Corporation.

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Total pages: 26

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Contents

1 Welcome and Introduction.................................................................................................52 Pre-Installation Steps...........................................................................................................6

2.1 Verify Pre-Requisite Software is Installed.....................................................................................................6

2.2 Export Existing Reports (If Previous Version)................................................................................................6

2.3 Record Configuration Information (If Previous Version)...............................................................................7

2.4 Uninstall AFR (If Previous Version)..............................................................................................................8

2.5 Download Latest Updates from EPICweb...................................................................................................8

3 Install Advanced Financial Reporting.................................................................................93.1 Install AFR Logon Server.............................................................................................................................9

3.2 License Advanced Financial Reporting......................................................................................................10

3.2.1 Request License.............................................................................................................................10

3.2.2 Apply License.................................................................................................................................11

3.3 Install Advanced Financial Reporting........................................................................................................11

3.3.1 Install AFR Client on Workstation...................................................................................................12

3.4 Import Existing Reports (If Previous Version).............................................................................................12

4 Configure Report Designer and Report Viewer..............................................................144.1 Configure Report Designer.......................................................................................................................14

4.2 Test Report Viewer Configuration............................................................................................................15

4.3 Re-configure Report Viewer (If Needed)...................................................................................................15

5 Configure AFR with Epicor 9.05 Application...................................................................165.1 Verify Prerequisite Software Installation....................................................................................................16

5.2 Configure Replication Process for AFR......................................................................................................16

5.3 Configure Epicor Replication Server..........................................................................................................17

5.3.1 Verify Sonic 7.6 Installation............................................................................................................17

5.3.2 Create AFR Database.....................................................................................................................17

5.3.3 Create a Publisher..........................................................................................................................17

5.3.4 Create Subscriber Instance.............................................................................................................17

5.4 Create Startup Schedule..........................................................................................................................18

6 Install Local Language Support........................................................................................206.1 Download Language Pack File..................................................................................................................20

6.2 Install Language Pack File.........................................................................................................................20

6.3 Override Language Settings.....................................................................................................................20

7 Post Installation.................................................................................................................227.1 Upgrade Financial Database (If Previous Version)......................................................................................22

7.2 Import Existing Reports (If Previous Version).............................................................................................22

7.3 Verify Credit Amount Values (If Previous Version).....................................................................................23

7.4 Refresh RDL List (If Previous Version)........................................................................................................23

7.5 Convert RDLs (If Previous Version)............................................................................................................24

7.6 Test Report Formats (If Previous Version)..................................................................................................24

7.7 Install Latest Language Pack (If Previous Version)......................................................................................24

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7.8 Configure Financial Data Security.............................................................................................................25

7.9 Migrate Microsoft Management Reporter and FRx Reports.......................................................................25

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AFR Installation GuideContents

1 Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to the Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting Installation Guide. This document is intended as a startingpoint to install and license Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting (AFR). AFR includes the License Requester Tool,Report Designer, and Report Viewer.

The Report Designer AFR allows creation, management and viewing of reports, including General Ledger reports.Licenses are required to access Advanced Financial Reporting features and functionality.

Use the following graphic to review the installation and configuration process flow:

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2 Pre-Installation Steps

Complete the following steps before you start the Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting installation. Use thesesteps if you are installing AFR for the first time, or if you are upgrading an existing AFR installation.

2.1 Verify Pre-Requisite Software is Installed

Use these steps to verify the necessary software versions are installed.

1. Verify you have SQL 2008 Server installed on a machine which will host the AFR Report Data database.

Important AFR does not support case-sensitive SQL Server. In particular, the Report Designer doesnot support case-sensitive SQL Server. Also, Replication Server does not support an AFR subscriber ona case-sensitive SQL Server.

2. For the Report Server, verify you have the following installed:

• Windows 2008 or Windows 2008 R2

• MS SQL Server 2008 (Standard or Enterprise) with Reporting Services

• Epicor Replication Server 9.05.603 or later

• 3GB of RAM or more

3. For the Logon Server, verify you have the following installed:

• Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 2008 or Windows 2008 R2

4. For the workstation (Report Designer and Report Viewer) verify you have the following installed:

• Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 - Business Intelligence Development Studio (This software is optional; it isused to edit and deploy RDLs on this workstation.)

• Microsoft Report Builder 2.0, available in the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack or from the MicrosoftDownload center. (This software is optional; it has the same functionality as the Microsoft Visual StudioBusiness Intelligence (BI Studio) but includes a Windows-type user interface for easier use. For example,after editing a report, you can just save it, you don't need to also deploy it.)

2.2 Export Existing Reports (If Previous Version)

If you have a previous version of AFR installed, use these steps to export your existing reports from the systemprior to upgrading. You can also export your row sets, column sets, reporting trees, and dictionaries.

Note The RDL (report definition language) files export functionality is only available for reports created inAFR 9.05.607A version or later.

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1. Login to the Report Designer. To do this, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Advanced FinancialReporting > Report Designer.

2. When Report Designer opens, you are prompted to select the Logon Server. Select the server that is licensedand click Connect.

3. Search and select the reports that you want to export. Note that the row sets, column sets, reporting treesand dictionaries attached to these reports are included in the export. To do this:

a. From the File menu, select Search/Open > Reports. Click Search to list the available reports. Selectthe reports you want to export. Click OK.

b. From the File menu, select Export > Reports. Enter the export File Path or click the browse buttonand select the file to export.

c. Select the Include RDLs check box if you want to export the report definition language files along withthe selected reports. Click OK.

4. If you have additional information that you want to export, use these steps to select and export the data.

a. From the File menu, select Search/Open. Select one of the following options:

• Row Sets

• Column Sets

• Reporting Trees

• Dictionaries

b. Click Search to list the available information. Select the data you want to export. Click OK.

c. From the File menu, select Export and select the desired option. Enter the export File Path or click thebrowse button and select the file to export. Click OK.

d. Repeat the above step to select and export the other options, if desired.

5. Exit from the Report Designer.

2.3 Record Configuration Information (If Previous Version)

If you have a previous version of AFR installed, use these steps to record your current configuration information.Configuration information is not retained during the upgrade process.

1. Log into the Report Designer. To do this, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Advanced FinancialReporting > Report Designer.

2. Record your configuration settings.

3. Log into the Report Viewer. To do this, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Advanced FinancialReporting > Report Viewer.

4. Record your configuration settings.

5. Close the Report Designer and Report Viewer programs.

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2.4 Uninstall AFR (If Previous Version)

If you have a previous version installed, use these steps to uninstall Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting.

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

2. Select and remove the following programs:

• Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting

• Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting Logon Server

3. Close Add or Remove Programs.

2.5 Download Latest Updates from EPICweb

Use these steps to download the latest AFR updates from EPICWeb, if available.

Important If AFR updates are available on EPICWeb, you must use those files to install AFR. Updates fromEPICWeb supercede files on the AFR DVD.

1. Log on to EPICWeb and go to the Support website.

Tip You can click this link: https://epicweb.epicor.com/Support/epicor9/Downloads

2. Navigate to Epicor AFR > Version 9.05.600.

3. Download the latest AFR file to your report server. For example, download the AFR_9.05.60x.zip file.

4. Extract the .zip file contents.

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https://epicweb.epicor.com/Support/epicor9/Downloads

3 Install Advanced Financial Reporting

Use the following steps to install Advanced Financial Reporting. The installation process includes installing theAFR Logon Server, licensing AFR, installing AFR from the DVD, and installing any AFR Service Pack updates.

3.1 Install AFR Logon Server

Use these steps to install the AFR Logon Server. This process installs the License Requester Tool.

Important If AFR updates are available on EPICweb, you must use those files to install AFR Logon Server.Updates from EPICweb supercede files on the AFR DVD.

1. Go to the directory where you extracted the AFR*.zip file from EPICweb. Go to the AFRLogonServerdirectory.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file to start the AFR Logon Server install.

3. On the Welcome dialog, click Next.

4. Accept the default destination folder, or click Browse to select a different folder. Select who can use AFRLicense Requester on this computer, Everyone or Just me. Click Next.

5. Define the MS Reporting Services server web connection settings and click Next. To find the specificReporting Services Web Service URL and Report Manager URL information, do the following on theReport Server machine:

a. Navigate to Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2008 > Configurator Tools > ReportingServices Configuration Manager.

b. On the left navigation menu, select the ReportManager URL. This URL is used to view reports in ReportViewer.

c. In the URL section, copy the ReportManager URL. The URL is typically displayed as a blue underlined link.

d. On the left navigation menu, select the Web Service URL. This URL is used to publish reports on MSRS.

e. In the URL section, copy the Web Service URL. The URL is typically displayed as a blue underlined link.

Note During the installation, if the URLs use localhost as the server name, for example, the ReportingServices Web Service URL is set to http://localhost:8080/Reports, the system automatically changeslocalhost to your machine name after you install the AFR Logon Server.

6. To begin the installation, click Next. The files are installed.

7. When complete, click Close. The AFR Logon Server installation wizard closes.

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3.2 License Advanced Financial Reporting

Use these steps to request and apply the license for Advanced Financial Reporting.

Note If you are upgrading from a previous version, your license file is still valid if you are upgrading onthe same server.

3.2.1 Request License

Use the following steps to request a license for Advanced Financial Reporting.

1. Launch the License Requester Tool. To do this, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software > AdvancedFinancial Reporting > License Requester Tool. The dialog looks similar to the following:

2. In the Customer Name field, accept the default value (domain user name), or change it to another valueto identify the company or person making the request.

3. Enter the values for how long you need the license. For example, enter the number of days, months or years.

4. Enter the number of concurrent users for the license for the Report Designer and Report Viewer.

5. Review the information in the text box. Note that this license only applies to the machine where the LicenseRequester Tool is launched.

6. To select the detailed license information, click Copy to Clipboard.

7. Open your email. Create a new email to your Sales Representative. Paste in the information that is in yourclipboard. Click Send to send the email.

Tip Do not expect an automated response from Epicor. Your server license request requires humaninteraction to generate the license and email it back to you. The response time may vary, based onthe situation when the request was received.

8. Click the X in the upper right corner to close the License Requester.

You have successfully requested your license.

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3.2.2 Apply License

Use these steps to apply licenses for Advanced Financial Reporting. This step is usually completed by the customerafter the license file has been received.

1. Verify that you have received an email response from the License Administrator.

2. Open the email from the License Administrator.

3. Save the license file attachment to the AFR Report Logon Server folder. For example, save it in EpicorSoftware/AFR/Logon Server.

4. Start the AFR Logon Server. To do this, navigate to Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools >Services. Right-click on the Epicor AFR Logon Server and select Start.

5. If the service fails to start, navigate to Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer.In the left pane, click on the Epicor Financial Reporter section. Review any error messages that are listed inthe right pane.

3.3 Install Advanced Financial Reporting

Use these steps to install Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting on your server.

Note If you want to design or view reports from a workstation instead of the server, you must also installAFR on that workstation. Use the "Install AFR Client" section for instructions.

Important If AFR updates are available on EPICweb, you must use those files to install AFR. Updates fromEPICweb supercede files on the AFR DVD.

1. Go to the directory where you extracted the AFR*.zip file from EPICweb. Based on your server environment,select the x64 (64 bit) or x86 (32 bit) directory.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file to start the AFR installation.


4. Accept the default destination folder, or click Browse to select a different folder. Select who can use AFRon this computer, Everyone or Just me. Click Next.

5. To begin the installation, click Next.

6. Enter the installation folder based on the location of where Microsoft SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services)is installed:

a. Select the MS SQL Server Reporting Services instance from drop-down list. This value automaticallypopulates the MS SQL Server Reporting Services installation folder field. If the required instancedoes not display on the list, select <Custom Path> and specify the MS SQL Server Reporting Servicesinstallation folder location on this machine manually.

b. SQL Server BI Development Studio. Specifies the location of the SQL Server Business IntelligenceStudio on this machine. The field is blank if it is not installed.

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7. Click Next.

8. From the list of logon servers found on your local network, select the server to which you want to connect.Click Next.

9. When complete, click Close. The Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting installation wizard closes.

3.3.1 Install AFR Client on Workstation

If you want the ability to design or view reports on a workstation instead of the server, use these steps to installAFR on that workstation. When using Report Designer or Report Viewer on a workstation, the AFR Logon Servermust be running on the SQL Server machine.

Important If AFR updates are available on EPICweb, you must use those files to install AFR. Updates fromEPICweb supercede files on the AFR DVD.

1. Go to the directory where you extracted the AFR*.zip file from EPICweb. Based on your workstationenvironment, select the x64 (64 bit) or x86 (32 bit) directory.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file to start the AFR installation.


4. Accept the default destination folder, or click Browse to select a different folder. Select who can use AFRon this computer, Everyone or Just me. Click Next.

5. To begin the installation, click Next.

6. Enter the installation folder based on the location of where Microsoft SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services)is installed:

a. From the MS SQL Server Reporting Services instance drop-down list, select <none (Don't installAFR Data Extension)> .

b. SQL Server BI Development Studio. Specifies the location of the SQL Server Business IntelligenceStudio. The field is blank if it is not installed.

7. Click Next.

8. From the list of logon servers found on your local network, select the server to which you want to connect.Click Next.

9. When complete, click Close. The Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting installation wizard closes.

3.4 Import Existing Reports (If Previous Version)

Use these steps to import your existing reports, reporting trees, and dictionaries that you exported prior toupgrading.

Note The RDL (report definition language) files import functionality is only available for reports exportedusing the Include RDLs check box from AFR 9.05.607A version or later. If you use this functionality, youshould skip the step in the Post Installation section to refresh and convert RDLs.

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3. To import reports, from the File menu, select Import > Exported AFR Reports. Enter the import File Pathor click the browse button and select the file to import. Select the Include RDLs check box if you want toimport the report definition language files along with the reports. Click OK.

4. If you want to import additional information that is not attached to the reports you just imported, use thesesteps to select and import the data. Additional information can include:

• Row Sets

• Column Sets

• Reporting Trees

• Dictionaries

a. From the File menu, select Import > Exported AFR Reports.

b. Enter the import File Path or click the browse button and select the file to import. Click OK.

c. Repeat the above step to select and import other types of data, if desired.

5. From the File menu, select Save to save the imported reports, row sets, column sets, reporting trees anddictionaries.


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4 Configure Report Designer and Report Viewer

Use the following steps to configure and test the Report Designer and Report Viewer.

4.1 Configure Report Designer

Use these steps to configure the Report Designer.


2. On the Report Definition Logon, enter the connection details to the SQL Server that will host the reportdefinition database. To verify the SQL Server host name, you can open SQL Server Studio and review theinformation.

3. Select a report definition database from the drop-down list. To create a new database, select Create New.Enter the new database name and click Create.

4. Click OK. The report definition database is created.

5. In Report Designer, go to Tools > Settings.

6. On the RDL dialog, review the Web Service URL. This URL is entered from the URL, reported by the LogonServer at the time the report definition database was created. This URL was defined during the Logon Serverinstallation.

7. Verify the Reporting Services Web Service URL and Report Manager URL and click Next. To find thespecific URL information, do the following on the Report Server machine:

a. Navigate to Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2008 > Configuration Tools > ReportingServices Configuration Manager.

b. On the left navigation menu, select the Web Service URL.

c. In the URL section, copy the ReportManager URL. The URL is typically displayed as a blue underlinedlink.

d. On the left navigation menu, select the Web Service URL.

e. In the URL section, copy the Web Service URL. The URL is typically displayed as a blue underlined link.

f. Click Test Connection to test that the URL is valid.

8. Review and change, if necessary, the default Data Source Name.

9. Specify the connection details to the Report Data database.

Note When using AFR with the Epicor 9 application, this is the target database for a Financial Reportingsubscriber in the Epicor Replication Server.

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10. On the Preview dialog, select a report Database from the drop-down list, select to create a new reportdatabase. Click OK. Specify the connection details to the same database.

4.2 Test Report Viewer Configuration

Use these steps to test the Report Viewer configuration.

1. To test the configuration, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Advanced Financial Reporting> Report Viewer.

2. Verify that the URL that displays is correct. For example, the SQL Server Reporting Services home page.

3. If an error is displayed or if the displayed page is different from the expected page which opens when youuse the SQL Server Report Manager URL link in the Reporting Services Configuration Manager, use the stepsin the following section to re-configure the Report Viewer.

4.3 Re-configure Report Viewer (If Needed)

Use these steps to re-configure the Report Viewer if an error displayed when you tested the configuration.

1. Go to the location where AFR Logon Server is installed. For example, go to C:\Program Files\EpicorSoftware\AFR\Logon Server.

2. Using a text editor, open the file: Epicor.AFR.LogonServer.WinService.exe.config

3. In the file, locate the [ReportManagerURL] line.

4. Edit the specific URL information. To find the specific URL information, do the following:

a. Navigate to Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2008 > Configurator Tools > ReportingServices Configuration Manager.

b. On the left navigation menu, select the ReportManager URL.

c. In the URL section, review the ReportManager URL. The URL is typically displayed as a blue underlinedlink.

d. Copy the URL text and paste it between the "[ ]" of the ReportManager URL line in the configurationfile.

5. Save the configuration file.

6. Restart the Epicor AFR Logon Service.

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5 Configure AFR with Epicor 9.05 Application

AFR is designed to work with different ERP systems, such as Epicor 9.05, Enterprise, or iScala. Use this section toconfigure AFR to use the Epicor 9.05 application.

During the replication process, financial data is published to the AFR database. Note that the AFR database canonly reside on a system with SQL 2008 or higher. The data is exported from the ERP database in real time andinserted into the AFR database where it is immediately available for reporting. Since the schema of the AFRdatabase is optimized for reporting performance, the data is transformed from the source database schema intothe target AFR schema. This data transformation is supported using the Financial Reporting Subscriber plug-in.

Be sure to keep the AFR database and your ERP database as separate databases. For example, if you already havea SQL Server configured on your machine, you can replicate the AFR data onto the same SQL Server instancethat is used by the ERP software. You can also replicate onto another SQL Server instance; or onto a differentSQL Server installation on a different machine. With either of these configurations, be sure that the AFR databaseand ERP database are separate.

Tip In addition to the following steps, you can also refer to the Replication Server Configuration Guidefor details on how to assign replication profiles, create instances, and initialize tables.

5.1 Verify Prerequisite Software Installation

Use these steps to verify the necessary Epicor 9 software versions are installed.

1. Verify you have the Epicor 9 application installed. Use the Epicor 9 Installation Guide for instructions.

2. Verify you have the Epicor Replication Server 9 application installed. The Epicor Replication Server may beinstalled on the report server, or a different server.

5.2 Configure Replication Process for AFR

Use these steps to configure the Replication process on the Epicor application.

1. In your Epicor application, navigate to System Management > Replication > Replication SystemMaintenance.

2. Link the zAFR replication profile to each company you want to be able to report on the data. To do this:

a. From the tree view, select the company for which you want to assign this profile.

b. From the Available Profiles list, select the zAFR profile. Click the Add (right-arrow) to add the profile tothe Selected Profiles for this company.

c. Click the Save icon in the toolbar.

d. Repeat the above steps to add the zAFR to other companies, if desired.

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5.3 Configure Epicor Replication Server

Use these steps to configure the Replication subscriber using the Replication Management Console.

5.3.1 Verify Sonic 7.6 Installation

Use these steps to verify that Sonic 7.6 is installed properly.

1. Navigate to Start > Programs > Progress > Sonic 7.6.

2. Use the corresponding shortcuts to start Sonic. For example, use the Start Domain Manager and Containershortcuts.

Tip If Sonic is configured to run as a service, navigate to Start > Control Panel > AdministrativeTools > Services. Verify that the service is started.

5.3.2 Create AFR Database

Use these steps to create the AFR database.

1. Navigate to Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Database Replication > Management Console.

2. Create the AFR database. To do this:

a. Expand the [ServerName]\Subscribers node.

b. Right-click on the Financial Reporting node and select Add target DB.

c. On the General tab, enter the database name. For example, AFR.

d. On the DB Connection tab, define the SQL Server connection information to the AFR database. ClickOK. If the database does not exist, you are prompted to create the database.

5.3.3 Create a Publisher

Use these steps to create a publisher.

1. Open the Management Console.

2. Use the application help available in Replication Server for details on creating a publisher.

5.3.4 Create Subscriber Instance

Use these steps to create the subscriber instance for the AFR database.

1. Expand the [ServerName]\Publishers\Publisher node.

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2. Right-click on the Subscribers instances node and select Add Subscriber Instance. The Add Subscriberproperties dialog may look similar to the following:

a. Enter a Name for the subscriber instance.

b. From the drop-down menu, select AFR as the Target DB.

c. Select the Start Automatically check box if you want the instance to automatically start.

d. Click OK.

3. Start the subscriber instance. To do this, right-click on the subscriber instance and select Start. The statusdisplays as "Running."

4. Initialize all tables for this instance.

5. Verify that AFR points to the correct report database. To do this:

a. Navigate to Start > Programs > Epicor Software > Advanced Financial Reporter > Report Designer.

b. Use the drop-down menu to select your Report Definition database. Click OK.

c. Go to Tools - Settings.

d. On the RDL tab, verify that the Report data Database is pointing to the database that was created inthe previous steps. For example, AFR. Click OK

e. On the Preview tab, verify that the Report data Database is pointing to the database that was createdin the previous steps. For example, AFR. Click OK.

5.4 Create Startup Schedule

Use these steps to create the Startup schedule for the replication processes.

1. In your Epicor application, navigate to System Management > Replication > Replication Agent Process.

2. Enter the Log Filename to the path where the agent log files will be created.

3. Click the Submit icon.

4. Close the Replication agent process.

5. From the main menu, navigate to System Management > Replication > Replication Log Reader Process.

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6. Enter the Log Filename to the path where the reader log files will be created.

7. Click the Submit icon.

8. Close the Replication Log Reader process.

9. From the main menu, navigate to System Management > Utilities > System Agent.

10. Review the Daily Start Up tasks. Verify that the following two tasks are listed:

• Replication Agent Process

• Replication Log Reader Process

11. Select the Replication Agent Process task. On the Detail sheet, verify that the settings are correct for theTask AppServer and System AppServer.

12. Restart the Process and TaskAgent AppServers so that the tasks are run.

Note You can monitor task activity using the System Monitor. To do this, navigate to SystemManagement > Utilities > System Monitor. Review the Active tasks.

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6 Install Local Language Support

Epicor AFR is delivered with English as the default language. Other languages are available for installation usinglocal language packs. Use this section to install local language support for AFR, if desired. The process includesdownloading and installing the language pack into the environment so that it can be accessed by Epicor AFR.

6.1 Download Language Pack File

Use these steps to download the latest language pack file from EPICweb onto your machine.

1. Log onto EPICweb and go to the Support website.

Note You can click this link: https://epicweb.epicor.com/Support/epicor9/Downloads.

2. Navigate to Epicor AFR > Version 9.05.600.

3. Download the latest AFR language pack file to your report server. For example, downloadAFR_LanguagePack*.zip file.

6.2 Install Language Pack File

Use these steps to install the language pack file into the environment to be accessed by AFR.

1. On your report server, go to the location where you downloaded the Epicor AFR language pack file.

2. Extract the Epicor AFR language pack file into the LangPack folder where your Epicor application is installed.For example, extract the file to C:\Program Files\Epicor Software\AFR\LangPack. This folder is created whenthe Report Designer or Viewer is started for the first time.

3. Go to the folder. Verify the language file for your specific language and culture is listed. The language filecontains the translated text strings.

6.3 Override Language Settings

When Epicor AFR is launched, it uses the Regional Settings, including language, as defined for your server. If youwant to override your regional settings, use the following steps to add the "-l" parameter. This parameter forcesEpicor AFR to launch using a specific language pack. When no "-l" parameter is specified, Epicor AFR uses thelanguage as specified by your regional settings.

1. Navigate to the AFR installation folder. For example, in a standard environment go to C:\Program Files\EpicorSoftware\AFR.

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https://epicweb.epicor.com/Support/epicor9/Downloads

2. Right-click the Epicor.AFR.Designer.exe and select Create Shortcut.

3. Right-click the Epicor.AFR.ReportViewer.exe and select Create Shortcut.

4. Right-click the Epicor.AFR.DataSecurity.exe and select Create Shortcut.

5. Right-click the Report Designer shortcut and select Properties. In the Target path, add the '-l <language>'parameter, where <language> is the language abbreviation which corresponds to the language pack. Forexample: “C:\Program Files\Epicor Software\AFR\Epicor.AFR.Designer.exe” -l fr-FR

6. Right-click the Report Viewer shortcut and select Properties. In the Target path, add the '-l <language>'parameter, where <language> is the language abbreviation which corresponds to the language pack. Forexample: “C:\Program Files\Epicor Software\AFR\Epicor.AFR.ReportViewer.exe” -l fr-FR

7. Right-click the Data Security Manager shortcut and select Properties. In the Target path, add the '-l<language>' parameter, where <language> is the language abbreviation which corresponds to the languagepack. For example: “C:\Program Files\Epicor Software\AFR\Epicor.AFR.DataSecurity.exe” -l fr-FR

8. Drag and drop both shortcuts onto the Start menu.

9. To test the files, do the following:

a. Open AFR Report Designer or Report Viewer using the new shortcuts. The localized language file isautomatically loaded.

b. Verify that all the user interface labels and captions are in local language.

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7 Post Installation

If you had a previous version of AFR installed, use these steps after upgrading to the latest version.

7.1 Upgrade Financial Database (If Previous Version)

When you use an AFR Financial Database created in AFR version earlier than 9.05.607A , you need to upgradeit to the current version. Use these steps to upgrade an earlier version financial database.

1. Login to the AFR Financial Data Security Manager. To do this, select Start > Programs > Epicor Software> Advanced Financial Reporting > AFR Financial Data Security Manager.

2. In the AFR Financial Data Security Manager window, click the Connect DB button.

3. In the Log on to Report Data DB window, select the name of the existing Database.

Note If you attempt to connect to a financial database with a version earlier than 9.05.607A, theapplication prompts you to upgrade the database.

4. Click Yes to upgrade the database to the current AFR version.

Once upgraded, the AFR Financial Data Security system connects to the database.

Note If the Financial Database version you import is earlier than 9.05.603, the signs of the CreditAmount values in fiscal periods are reversed after upgrade. If the reports use periods instead of dates,you may need to revise them.

7.2 Import Existing Reports (If Previous Version)

Use these steps to import your existing reports, reporting trees, and dictionaries that you exported prior toupgrading.

Note The RDL (report definition language) files import functionality is only available for reports exportedusing the Include RDLs check box from AFR 9.05.607A version or later. If you use this functionality, youshould skip the step in the Post Installation section to refresh and convert RDLs.



3. To import reports, from the File menu, select Import > Exported AFR Reports. Enter the import File Pathor click the browse button and select the file to import. Select the Include RDLs check box if you want toimport the report definition language files along with the reports. Click OK.

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4. If you want to import additional information that is not attached to the reports you just imported, use thesesteps to select and import the data. Additional information can include:

• Row Sets

• Column Sets

• Reporting Trees

• Dictionaries

a. From the File menu, select Import > Exported AFR Reports.

b. Enter the import File Path or click the browse button and select the file to import. Click OK.

c. Repeat the above step to select and import other types of data, if desired.

5. From the File menu, select Save to save the imported reports, row sets, column sets, reporting trees anddictionaries.


7.3 Verify Credit Amount Values (If Previous Version)

If you used FromPeriod / ToPeriod parameters in a report, you must use these steps to verify that your CreditAmount values are accurate. In AFR versions prior to 9.05.603, Credit Amount values were negative values, andwith AFR version 9.05.603 and higher, the Credit Amount values are positive values. The CreditAmount field isin the GLPeriodBalEx table.

Note If you used the FromDate / ToDate parameters in a report, your Credit Amount values are correctand you do not need to use the following steps to verify your values.

1. Open the AFR Report Designer.

2. Select the column set that is used in a period based report.

3. Locate the columns which have 'CreditAmount' keyword in the expression.

4. Change 'CreditAmount' to 'CreditAmount * (-1)'.

5. Save the column set.

7.4 Refresh RDL List (If Previous Version)

Use the Refresh RDL List option to refresh the list of Report Definition Language (RDL) files for the current report.

1. Open Report Designer.

2. Select a report node or an RDL node on the main tree view.

3. From the Actions menu, select Refresh RDL list.

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When you select this action, you activate a search of all RDLs saved to the \AFR folder that reference thecurrent report.

Note The \AFR folder is located on the server where Microsoft SQL Reporting Services is installed.

7.5 Convert RDLs (If Previous Version)

Use the Convert RDLs option to take the Report Definition Language (RDL) files previously customized by usersand transform them to the new version of AFR.

1. Open Report Designer.

2. Select a report node or an RDL node on the main tree view.

3. From the Actions menu, select Convert RDLs.

Note The conversion process backs up the RDL by copying the original file to the /AFR.bak folderlocated on the server where Microsoft SQL Reporting Services is installed.

7.6 Test Report Formats (If Previous Version)

Use these steps to test that the reports you exported and then imported are valid.


2. Verify your reports open correctly.

7.7 Install Latest Language Pack (If Previous Version)

Use these steps to download and install the latest language pack file for this release.

1. Use the steps in the previous section "Install Local Language Support" to install the latest language pack.The steps to complete include:

• Download Language Pack File

• Install Language Pack File

• Override Language Settings

2. To test the files, do the following:

a. Open AFR Report Designer or Report Viewer using the new shortcuts. The localized language file isautomatically loaded.

b. Verify that all the user interface labels and captions are in local language.

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7.8 Configure Financial Data Security

Use these steps to configure the AFR Financial Data Security. Configuration includes authorizing certain users oruser groups to access restricted portions of financial data.

AFR Financial Data Security Manager is a standalone program with a set of functional features for restrictingunauthorized access to confidential company financial data that is stored in the AFR financial databases.

1. Open the AFR Financial Data Security Manager. To do this, navigate to Start > Programs > Epicor Software> Advanced Financial Reporting > AFR Financial Data Security Manager

2. Select the Activate AFR Financial Data Security check box to apply data security restrictions to yourfinancial database.

3. Review the AFR Financial Data Security application help for more detailed information.

7.9 Migrate Microsoft Management Reporter and FRx Reports

Use these steps to migrate any existing Microsoft Management Reporter and FRx reports into AFR.

1. Review the help topics within the AFR application for instructions on importing your Microsoft ManagementReporter and FRx reports into AFR. The help topics include:

• Epicor Financial Report Designer > File Menu > Import > Import Management Reporter DB

• Epicor Financial Report Designer > File Menu > Import > Import FRx DB

2. For additional technical details on how your Microsoft Management Reporter reports are mapped in AFR,review the "EpicorAFR_MMRConversion" document. To access the document:

a. Log on to EPICweb and go to the Customer Portal Page. Navigate to Documentation > Epicor 9.

Note You can use this link: https://epicweb.epicor.com/doc/Pages/Epicor9.aspx

b. In the Cross Brands Solutions Library navigate to Epicor Advanced Financial Reporting > Release9.05.60x

c. Select and download the "EpicorAFR_MMRConversion" document to your workstation.

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https://epicweb.epicor.com/doc/Pages/Epicor9.aspx

Additional information is available at the Education andDocumentation areas of the EPICweb Customer Portal. To access

this site, you need a Site ID and an EPICweb account. To create anaccount, go to http://support.epicor.com.

http://support.epicor.com

epicorafr_installguide_905607a

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