Inform ERP is proof of our continued commitment to helping distributors act on their data, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve.
The 25.3.0 feature release introduces a major leap forward in custom reporting capabilities through the Advanced Report Writer (ARW) API. This upgrade is built for modern distributors who want flexible, tailored access to their ERP data with few limitations.
Unlocking the Power of the ARW API
The newly introduced Advanced Report Writer (ARW) API brought a new level of flexibility to Inform ERP’s reporting. It gives external systems programmatic access to report data that was previously confined within the platform. While report scheduling and exports have long existed, this API opens up Inform ERP’s data for real-time integration. It enables seamless data sharing across BI tools, third-party systems, and custom applications.
This latest enhancement makes the tool more precise, customizable, and user-friendly. The API ensures you can generate the exact data you need, when you need it, without workarounds or manual cleanup.
Fine-Tune Your Reporting Criteria
With the new “API Enabled” checkbox in the Criteria grid, users can identify which report filters can be changed dynamically through the API. This doesn’t mean full access to raw database data. It means that within a pre-built report, the API can now request different values for approved filters.
For example, let’s say you’ve created a customer sales report with a product type filter. You can now allow that filter to be changed via API. This means an external system could pull sales data for just one product type, like “bleach,” on the fly.
Full Access to Fields with GetReport
The GetReport endpoint allows API users – typically third-party tools or external systems – to retrieve a list of available filters and their possible values before executing the report. This makes it easier to construct valid queries and ensures only meaningful, authorized data is returned.
Filtered Execution with RunReport
New functionality now lets API users retrieve settable filter criteria – including Operator and Value – through the GetReport endpoint before executing the report. This makes it easier to construct valid queries, ensure the right filters are in place, and avoid errors. Once those parameters are defined, the RunReport endpoint can then be used to generate and return the final report data based on those specifications.
Why It Matters:
- Developers gain fine-grained control for integrations and automation.
- Analysts unlock more meaningful insights without manual cleanup.
- Businesses reduce time-to-decision by removing reporting roadblocks.
These ARW API upgrades deliver what today’s distributors need: fast, relevant, actionable data on your terms.
Other 25.3.0 Highlights Worth Noting
While ARW enhancements steal the show, this release also introduces key updates that make day-to-day operations smoother:
- Custom Forms – Define and apply custom-designed layouts by document type (invoices, POs, sales orders, etc.) for improved professionalism and efficiency. These forms are customer-facing, so they shape how your business presents itself in every transaction.
- Parcel Pending Integration Enhancements – Add .PNG signatures, status updates for expired parcels, and new order reference capabilities like the Backorder Release Number. These enhancements make parcel tracking more accurate and responsive.
- NOTE: If your organization hasn’t implemented Parcel Pending, this integration helps manage secure parcel pickups, typically used in environments like will-call lockers or smart package stations.
The Quiet but Critical Enhancements of 25.3.1
Inform ERP 25.3.1 is a maintenance release that delivers targeted fixes to restore expected behavior in core business workflows. Its key improvements include:
- Tax Compliance Enhancements – Avalara API calls now clearly identify Inform ERP and apply location-based tax rules, reducing audit risk.
- Pricing Logic Stability – Users can confidently clear product-level price overrides without disrupting broader pricing group logic.
- Warehouse Workflow Recovery – RF scanners now correctly backorder unpicked items during order confirmation.
These improve the reliability and predictability of daily operations for teams who depend on automated pricing, tax, and fulfillment logic.
Better Data, Better Decisions
Inform ERP continues to evolve into a more intelligent, secure, and user-driven platform from the reporting power of 25.3.0 and the improvements of 25.3.1. These updates are a major step forward for teams relying on Inform ERP’s insights to run lean and grow smart.