Epicor teams up with Open University to provide advanced learning

Epicor will also provide expertise and support to the university’s research network, training its faculty lecturers and running training and seminars for university students.

“Today’s manufacturing industry relies heavily on technology to drive growth. More millennials are entering the workforce, and they are both technology-proficient and digitally literate. Equipping these students with the relevant experience and skills will help organisations to adapt and empower their employees to boost collaboration and innovation,” said Sabby Gill, executive vice president of Epicor International.

Since first collaborating in 2013, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has experienced great teaching value from the Epicor ERP system for its students.

The latest upgrade of Epicor ERP is now integrated into the curriculum for students of the Finance-Banking, Computer Sciences, and Accounting-Auditing faculties, plus the two new faculties of Business Administration and Advanced Studies.

More than 100 students receive hands-on experience with the full range of Epicor ERP modules, which include financial, manufacturing, and distribution processes. Its sales, purchasing, and general ledger modules empower students to apply several theoretical business operations into real business scenarios and prepares them for a career after graduation.

“In business, it is often difficult to visualise or apply theoretical concepts. Subjects such as financial operations and distribution models are not easily taught and having the Epicor ERP system at hand helps students to apply these concepts in a practical and visual manner. This greatly strengthens their ability to explore new business models, test their knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the business world,” explained Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Van Phuc, principal of Ho Chi Minh City Open University. “The Epicor ERP system also encourages a self-learning approach where students are constantly challenged to find the most effective solutions for theoretical scenarios to help increase productivity and satisfaction.”

“When it comes to research and teaching, close collaboration between universities and the industry is essential,” continued Dr Phuc. “As students become familiar with business strategies and modern industrial information systems, they also have the chance to develop pioneering solutions based on research to answer the current needs of the Vietnamese economy. In return, companies can benefit from new ideas and approaches to help them manage complex application environments.”