In my organization, we have several remote retail stores which each have a few point of sales devices and small network infrastructure. We have had a difficult time finding vendors that specialize in remote hands specifically for when we acquire new locations. We would like to find a partner who could help us with installation and configuration of our point of sales devices and in some cases, potential support of these devices. An additional pro would be if the same partner has network experience for cable runs. With all the retails stores throughout the world, I would think there has to be a market in this area. Does anyone have any success stories or partnerships that you could share here?

recommendations for vendors specializing in remote hands support for installing and configuring point-of-sale devices in retail stores. Ideally, the partner should also have experience in network infrastructure, including cable runs

You
I am having an issue with Salesforce Invoicing. Specifically, Salesforce is invoicing me 30 days prior as opposed to invoicing me the day before the renewal date. Does anyone else have that experience?
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ChatGPT

I don't have real-time information, and I'm not aware of specific instances of this issue with Salesforce invoicing as of my last training data in January 2022. However, I can offer some general guidance on how you might approach and resolve this issue:

Review Contract Terms:

Check the terms of your contract with Salesforce. It's possible that the invoicing terms, including the billing cycle and renewal process, are outlined in the contract.

Contact Support:

Reach out to Salesforce support for assistance. They may be able to provide insights into your specific situation and help you understand why you are being invoiced 30 days prior to the renewal date.

Check Invoice Settings:

Review your Salesforce invoice settings. There may be configurable options related to invoicing and billing cycles that need adjustment.

Billing Agreement:

Ensure that there are no issues with the billing agreement between you and Salesforce. If there have been changes or updates to your account, it might affect the invoicing process.

Account Manager:

If you have an account manager assigned to your Salesforce account, consider reaching out to them. They may be able to provide personalized assistance and address your specific concerns.

Community Forums:

Explore Salesforce community forums or user groups. Other users may have experienced similar issues, and there might be discussions or solutions posted by the community.

Documentation:

Check the official Salesforce documentation for any information regarding invoicing and billing cycles. Salesforce regularly updates its documentation, and you might find relevant information.

Escalate the Issue:

If the issue persists and you're not getting satisfactory assistance, consider escalating the matter within Salesforce support.

Remember, the specifics of your situation might vary, so it's crucial to consult with Salesforce support or your account manager for the most accurate and personalized assistance. If the problem is widespread, checking community forums or reaching out to other users might provide additional insights.

You
Can anyone share their Enterprise Architecture Journey? The ignition steps, the pitfalls, the roles and processes that are needed to implement it?
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ChatGPT

Certainly! The journey towards establishing an Enterprise Architecture (EA) framework can vary based on the organization's size, industry, and specific goals. Here is a general outline of key steps, potential pitfalls, and roles involved in implementing Enterprise Architecture:

Ignition Steps:

Executive Buy-In:

Gain support from top leadership. Make sure executives understand the value and long-term benefits of EA.

Define Purpose and Scope:

Clearly articulate the purpose and scope of your EA initiative. This includes understanding why EA is important for your organization and what areas it will cover.

Establish EA Team:

Assemble a dedicated EA team with a mix of skills, including architects, analysts, and project managers.

Current State Assessment:

Conduct a thorough analysis of the current state of the organization's IT landscape, business processes, and technologies.

Set Goals and Objectives:

Define specific goals and objectives that EA will help achieve. Align these with the overall strategic objectives of the organization.

Select EA Framework:

Choose an EA framework that suits your organization's needs. Common frameworks include TOGAF, Zachman, and others.
Pitfalls to Avoid:

Lack of Executive Support:

Without strong support from top leadership, EA initiatives may face resistance and struggle to gain traction.

Overemphasis on Technology:

EA is not just about IT. It should align business and technology strategies. Overemphasizing technology can lead to a narrow focus.

Insufficient Communication:

Effective communication is crucial. Failure to communicate the value of EA to stakeholders may result in a lack of understanding or support.

Ignoring Cultural Change:

EA often requires a cultural shift. Ignoring the human and cultural aspects of change can hinder adoption.

Not Adapting to Change:

EA should be adaptable. Failing to adjust the EA framework based on organizational changes can render it ineffective.
Roles and Processes:

Roles:

Enterprise Architect:
Leads the EA team and ensures alignment between business goals and IT strategy.
Solution Architect:
Focuses on designing specific solutions within the context of the overall enterprise architecture.
Business Architect:
Aligns business processes and strategies with the EA framework.

Processes:

Strategic Planning:
Align EA with the organization's strategic objectives.
Portfolio Management:
Manage the IT portfolio to ensure alignment with the EA framework.
Governance:
Establish governance processes to ensure compliance with the EA framework.
Continuous Improvement:
Regularly assess and update the EA framework to adapt to changing business needs.

Tooling:

Utilize EA tools for documentation, analysis, and visualization of the architecture.

Training and Awareness:

Conduct training programs to raise awareness and build capabilities within the organization regarding EA concepts and methodologies.

Metrics and Measurement:

Define metrics to measure the success and impact of the EA initiative. Regularly review and adjust based on outcomes.

Remember, every organization is unique, and the EA journey will be influenced by its specific context. Regularly reassess and adapt your approach based on feedback and changing organizational needs.

You
as anyone in this community implemented a truly "Composable PIM" in their organization by using best of breed products for various elements of PIM architecture such as vendor portal, core MDM engine, data quality tools, integration tools etc.? We are currently evaluating various options for our PIM (Product Information Management) / PMDM (Product Master Data Management) use cases
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ChatGPT

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific information on whether any individuals in this community have implemented a "Composable PIM" in their organization using best-of-breed products for various elements of PIM architecture. The implementation of Product Information Management (PIM) or Product Master Data Management (PMDM) systems can vary widely across different organizations, and the landscape of available solutions may change over time.

To gather insights and experiences from the community regarding Composable PIM implementations, you may consider the following steps:

Community Forums and Groups:

Explore industry-specific forums, user groups, or communities related to PIM, MDM, or e-commerce. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, or specialized forums often have discussions about real-world implementations.

Conferences and Events:

Attend industry conferences, webinars, or events where professionals share their experiences and insights. Networking at these events can provide valuable contacts for further discussions.

Consult with Vendors:

Engage with PIM and MDM solution providers directly. They may be able to share case studies or connect you with organizations that have implemented similar solutions.

Case Studies and Whitepapers:

Look for case studies and whitepapers from PIM and MDM vendors. These documents often provide details about successful implementations and the technologies used.

Consult with Experts:

Reach out to consultants or experts in the field of PIM and MDM. They may have insights into successful implementations and can provide guidance based on your specific use cases.

Online Platforms:

Check online platforms where professionals share their experiences, such as blogs or knowledge-sharing platforms. These may offer practical insights into the challenges and successes of Composable PIM implementations.

Evaluate Solution Providers:

During your evaluation process, engage with potential solution providers. Request demonstrations, references, and case studies to understand how their solutions have been implemented in real-world scenarios.

When evaluating various options for your PIM/PMDM use cases, consider factors such as scalability, flexibility, ease of integration, and the specific requirements of your organization. Keep in mind that technology landscapes evolve, so staying informed about the latest developments in PIM and MDM solutions is essential.

You
We are about to integrate Lookout MES with Intune. If you have done this, did you or your engineering teams have any concerns with the permission scopes that Lookout requires? For example, User_Impersonation is required, and group.read.all is required instead of group.member.read.all.'
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As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific information about the integration of Lookout MES with Intune and the associated permission scopes. The details of integration requirements, including permission scopes, may be subject to updates and changes by Lookout or Microsoft.

However, I can provide some general guidance on dealing with permission scopes in integrations:

User_Impersonation:

This permission scope often indicates that the application needs the ability to act on behalf of a user. In the context of Lookout MES integrating with Intune, it might imply that Lookout needs to perform actions or access resources on behalf of users within the Intune environment.

group.read.all vs. group.member.read.all:

These scopes are related to accessing information about groups in Microsoft Graph API. group.read.all typically grants read access to group information, while group.member.read.all grants read access to the members of groups. The specific requirements will depend on the functionality that Lookout MES needs in terms of accessing and managing groups within Intune.

Considerations:

Review Documentation: Always refer to the official documentation provided by both Lookout MES and Microsoft Intune. This documentation should detail the necessary permissions and scopes for the integration.

Security Concerns: Understand the implications of the required permissions. Ensure that the granted permissions align with the principle of least privilege, meaning that applications should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their functions.

Testing: Before deploying the integration in a production environment, conduct thorough testing in a controlled environment. This allows you to identify any issues or concerns related to permissions before impacting live systems.

Feedback and Support: If you have concerns or questions about specific permission scopes, it's advisable to reach out to the support teams of Lookout and Microsoft. They can provide clarification on the purpose of each scope and guide you through any potential concerns.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Lookout and Microsoft for any changes to integration requirements, including permission scopes. Software and API specifications can evolve, and staying informed ensures that your integration remains compliant and secure.

Always prioritize the security and privacy aspects of your integrations, and follow best practices for managing permissions and access control in your environment.

You
In my organization, we have several remote retail stores which each have a few point of sales devices and small network infrastructure. We have had a difficult time finding vendors that specialize in remote hands specifically for when we acquire new locations. We would like to find a partner who could help us with installation and configuration of our point of sales devices and in some cases, potential support of these devices. An additional pro would be if the same partner has network experience for cable runs. With all the retails stores throughout the world, I would think there has to be a market in this area. Does anyone have any success stories or partnerships that you could share here?
ChatGPT
ChatGPT

While I don't have specific information on particular vendors or partnerships, I can offer some general advice on finding suitable partners for your needs based on your description. Many organizations with multiple retail locations face similar challenges, and there are several strategies you can employ:

Managed Service Providers (MSPs):

Consider engaging with Managed Service Providers that specialize in providing remote hands services. MSPs often have expertise in installing and configuring various IT infrastructure components, including point-of-sale devices. They may also offer network services, such as cable runs and configuration.

Local IT Service Providers:

Look for local IT service providers near each retail location. Local providers can offer quicker response times and may be more familiar with regional regulations and requirements.

Networking Partners:

Collaborate with networking companies that offer both point-of-sale and network infrastructure services. Some companies specialize in end-to-end solutions, making them ideal for organizations with diverse needs.

Retail Technology Partnerships:

Explore partnerships with technology vendors that specialize in retail solutions. Some vendors may have partnerships or recommended service providers for the installation and support of their products.

Field Service Management Platforms:

Platforms that connect businesses with field service professionals could be useful. These platforms often have a network of technicians who can provide on-site support for various IT needs.

Try Orange Business Service or Logicalis as they have global presence and provides similar type of services. We have used them for hot hands for remote location.