As 2026 approaches, manufacturers face a crucial task of preparing for year-end processes and ensuring their operations are optimized for the year ahead. By following best practices now, companies can set the stage for a smoother transition and a more successful year. This is the perfect time to review your VISUAL ERP system and confirm that your processes, data, and documentation are aligned for maximum efficiency in 2025 

Important Note: Always complete and verify a full system backup before starting any process. Follow proper change management procedures to ensure all departments are aligned on any changes or resets. 

Key Year-End ERP Task for 2026:  

Lot Trace 

• Review retest and expiration dates for lot numbers and move them to the correct locations 

System Administration (ERP Systems) 

• Review windows, IIS, SQL, security, and directories supporting VISUAL 
• Clean up unnecessary files and update documentation 
• Review ERP Contracts for any/all renewal dates

Purchasing 

• Review and update vendor contracts, quotes, and effective dates 
• Assess vendor activity, update status to Phased Out or Inactive if applicable 
• Close out and re-issue blanket purchase orders if needed 
• Review and close old purchase orders 
• Delete empty order headers 
• Reset vendor performance scorecard statistics 

Update Number Sequences 

• Review Sequence numbers for AP checks and update if necessary 
• Typically, AR invoices, AR credit memos, journal entries, cash sets, and manual shipment numbers do not need updating, but review them to confirm 
• Review recurring invoices and update as necessary 

SQL Backups 

• Archive year-end backups (after closing) of all databases for retention and audit purposes 
• Archive year-end reports 

Shipping 

• Review and close out old, completed shipments still in Release status 

Costs 

• If using standard Cost, review and update fixed and variable overhead rates for labor and materials 
• Review, simulate, and update costs, and schedule a year-end cost roll per your processes 
• Perform a VISUAL ERP backup before switching to standard cost 

Financial 

• Set the financial calendar for 2026 
• Run costing utilities and prepare manufacturing journals for year-end processing  
• Print vendor 1099s 
• Complete year-end payroll processing for VISUAL payroll 
• Make backups of all VISUAL databases for closing or auditing purposes 

Manufacturing 

• Update the shop calendar for 2026 
• Prepare and load the next year’s Master Production Schedule (MPS); update planning parameters accordingly 
• Perform and ABC analysis to update item class for cycle counting 
• Prepare and apply cycle counting 
• Review and close old manufacturing orders 
• Delete empty order headers 
• Clear and reconcile the Backflush report 

Why Partner with ICG for Year-End ERP Success 

ICG can be an invaluable partner in helping manufacturers efficiently navigate their VISUAL ERP year-end checklist and ensure a seamless transition into 2026. With ICG’s expertise, manufacturers can: 

• Streamline year-end processes 
• Review and refine ERP workflows 
• Generate insightful reports 
• Implement best practices to boost efficiency 

By leveraging ICG’s support, manufacturers can reduce disruptions, enhance system performance, and build a strong foundation for success in 2026.