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Spotlight | Jennifer Lisser

Jennifer Lisser

Sr. Manufacturing Consultant

This spotlight's recommendations from Jennifer are:

Movie

Movie
Office Space| 1999

Music

In this edition of our Spotlight, we’re proud to feature Jennifer Lisser, Sr. Manufacturing Consultant at Mayan Technologies. With decades of hands-on experience in operations, manufacturing, sales, inventory, and purchase management within Epicor ERP, Jenn brings a wealth of knowledge and a grounded, practical approach to every project she touches.

Before joining Mayan Technologies, Jenn was one of our clients, giving her a unique perspective that allows her to see challenges from both sides of the table. Her deep understanding of business processes, paired with a commitment to helping clients succeed, makes her a trusted partner and a valued leader on our team.

As Jenn begins preparing for retirement, we take this opportunity to reflect on her journey, the insights she’s gained, and the impact she continues to make. From her thoughts on teamwork and consulting to the simple joys that recharge her outside of work, Jenn’s story is one of experience, integrity, and quiet leadership.

Professional

Jenn’s approach to consulting is rooted in clarity, consistency, and a strong commitment to solving real-world challenges. Her background gives her a unique edge, she’s been on the client side, which means she knows firsthand what businesses need from their ERP partners.

Whether she’s working through a system issue or guiding a client through day-to-day operations, Jenn leads with experience and patience. In this section, she shares the insights that have shaped her work, the skills she considers most essential, and what it means to build strong partnerships through technology.

What do you do at Mayan Technologies?

As a Senior Manufacturing Consultant at Mayan Technologies, my focus is primarily in the operations area, working with customers to align their business processes with how those processes should be executed in Epicor. A big part of my role is problem-solving, understanding what clients are trying to accomplish, and then figuring out how to translate that into the system.

It’s not just about knowing Epicor. It’s also about listening, asking the right questions, and understanding the customer’s goals. Once I have that context, I look for the best way to fit their needs into what the software can do. It’s a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills, and I really enjoy that balance.

If you weren’t in ERP consulting, what do you think you would have done instead?

Honestly, I enjoy what I do so much that it’s hard to picture doing anything else. I’ve explored other paths; I started in accounting but knew early on it wasn’t the right fit for me. At one point, I considered becoming a paralegal and even received a scholarship for an engineering program, but the financial side didn’t work out.

Back in high school, I took an aptitude test that suggested I consider law, actuarial work (which I had to look up at the time), or computer science. In a way, I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be. As a business analyst and ERP consultant, I get to use both sides of my brain, the technical and the business, which suits me perfectly. So while I’ve tried other things, I feel like I ultimately landed in the right place.

You’ve worked with Epicor for years, what do you enjoy most about working with this ERP system?

I first started working with Epicor when the company I was with selected it during an ERP evaluation. I was a business analyst at the time, and although I didn’t have a vote, Epicor became the system we implemented, and it’s been part of my professional path ever since.

What’s kept me with Epicor is its flexibility and strong foundation. Most needs can be met using out-of-the-box functionality, and the system’s built-in tools make it easy to tailor the rest. I also appreciate how Epicor actively listens to its users. The Kinetic Ideas portal, where users can suggest and vote on new features, reflects a rare level of responsiveness in enterprise software.

What advice would you give to companies looking to optimize their operations within Epicor?

One of the biggest struggles I see is around data ownership and accuracy. My advice is to take a close look at how you’re capturing data, where it’s coming from, how reliable it is, and whether your team is set up to enter it consistently. Clean, well-maintained data makes a huge difference when it comes to reporting, decision-making, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

It’s also important to focus on process consistency and documentation. When employees are trained properly and understand why accurate data matters, they’re more likely to enter information correctly the first time. That sets the foundation for stronger operations, better visibility, and more meaningful insights into what’s really happening in the business.

How do you ensure smooth and efficient operations for your clients?

When I’m doing an implementation or working with a client to improve their processes, I always try to walk them through Epicor using their own data. While training with a demo database has its place, most clients don’t fully connect the dots until they see how the system works with their real information. That’s when things start to click.

I guide them through each step, take detailed notes, and address questions along the way. Once we’ve built out a consistent process, I provide clear documentation and step-by-step instructions they can use to train their teams and keep things running smoothly. It’s all about creating something practical and repeatable that supports long-term success.

How did you get started in the industry? What originally drew you into the world of ERP consulting?

I started my career in accounting, working in accounts payable, general ledger, and contract accounting. But it didn’t take long to realize that moving up would require becoming a CPA, a path I wasn’t passionate about. Around that time, I was also supporting our 139 branch offices with budgeting and coordination, which gave me a taste of problem-solving beyond spreadsheets. One day, someone from IT said, “We could really use someone like you,” and that opened a new door.

I transitioned into IT, doing support and customer advocacy, and later worked with someone who bridged business needs and technical solutions. From there, I built a supplier portal at another company, stepped in as a business analyst, and eventually led my first ERP conversion to Epicor Vantage. It just clicked, I always say it’s funny that I’m finally doing what I wanted to do when I grew up.

Before joining Mayan Technologies, you were one of its clients, how did that experience shape your perspective as a consultant?

Having been on the client side for many years, I know how valuable it is to work with a consultant who’s not only knowledgeable but also dependable. During my time as a customer, I worked with several firms, but what stood out about Mayan was the consistency and work ethic across the team. That level of professionalism really left an impression on me.

Transitioning into consulting was a big shift; unlike being embedded in one organization, you’re constantly adapting to new environments. It’s challenged me in the best way, helping me grow and broaden my perspective across industries. One thing that really helped prepare me was my time in Epicor user groups, especially moderating manufacturing and operations sessions. Hearing real-world challenges from others gave me insight into the variety of ways businesses operate, which has proved invaluable at Mayan.

What are the most common challenges clients face with Epicor, and how do you help them overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges clients face is data, getting accurate information into Epicor, and knowing how to pull meaningful insights from it. Many come from older, heavily customized systems and are used to handling things like returns or labor tracking outside of the ERP.

A big part of my role is helping them see the value of using Epicor end-to-end. It might mean entering a bit more data upfront, but the payoff is huge: real production standards, cost visibility, better forecasting, etc.

Another common issue is around scheduling. Clients often have the perception that they can turn around a product in five days, but in reality, it’s always running late. By working with them to adjust lead times and better align their processes with what the system can track, we can help them make more informed promises to their customers. It’s all about using Epicor to reflect what’s really happening on the shop floor, then leveraging that information to improve planning, delivery, and decision-making.

You have a very unique vantage point; having worked as a user and now as a consultant, what would you suggest for a company to evaluate when selecting a new Epicor implementation provider?

It really comes down to finding the right fit. Choosing an implementation partner is like hiring for a critical role, you want someone who asks thoughtful questions about your business, not just someone who tells you how the software works. A strong consultant should understand your goals before diving into screens and features.

Transparency is just as important. If there’s no documentation or knowledge sharing, that’s a red flag. Your team should walk away empowered, not dependent.

And finally, consider continuity. If you’re working with an independent consultant and they become unavailable, your project could stall. One of the benefits of partnering with a firm like Mayan is having access to a broader team. If I’m on vacation or tied up with another project, there’s a team of qualified consultants who can step in and keep things moving. That level of support can make all the difference.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of ERP consultants?

Focus on what the customer is trying to achieve before you even think about the software. It’s easy to jump straight into system functionality, but the real value comes from understanding the business goals first. Once you know what success looks like for the client, then you can figure out how the software fits into that picture.

What’s something you hope people remember about working with you?

I hope people remember me as someone who truly listens. While I bring years of experience and a solid understanding of best practices, I know that what works in one situation might not work in another. I always try to meet people where they are and work together to find the right solution for their specific needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Over time, I’ve been told that what stands out is my ability to explain complex topics in a clear, relatable way, my willingness to pause and support others when they need help, and the depth of my knowledge across both the functional and technical sides of Epicor. I take pride in continuously improving processes and being someone others can rely on for guidance, problem-solving, or simply thinking through a challenge together.

Preferences + Stats

Years of Experience -

15+

ERP Expertise -

Epicor Kinetic, Epicor ERP

Areas of Expertise -

Project Management
Functional Analysis and Design
Technical Analysis and Design
User training and support
Implementation Leadership

Certifications -

Epicor Kinetic Sales Management
Epicor Kinetic Production Management
Epicor Kinetic Purchasing Management
Epicor Kinetic Inventory Management
Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) from ASCM

Personal

Jenn’s professional experience runs deep, but what makes her truly stand out is her grounded perspective and genuine nature, qualities that show up just as much in her personal life as they do with clients. Whether she’s sharing a laugh with her husband, enjoying a quiet moment with her cat, or reflecting on how far she’s come, Jenn’s approach to life is thoughtful, steady, and full of heart.
Here’s a closer look at what matters most to her beyond the day-to-day work.

Could you tell us about your family?

I’ve been married for 37 years; we just celebrated the anniversary. I have one daughter who’s married, and they live right next door with my granddaughter, which is incredibly special to me. It’s a small family, but we’re very close, and I truly cherish that.

What’s one lesson from your career that has also applied to your personal life?

Very early in my career, I had a boss who told me, “I’m not doing my job unless I’m teaching you how to do mine.” That stuck with me, and it’s shaped how I approach both work and life ever since. It’s why I appreciate things like the Spotlight series and video knowledge-sharing at Mayan. To me, sharing what you know is essential.

When people hold onto information to protect their role, they’re limiting everyone, including themselves. But when you teach others, whether it’s in your personal life, with your family, or in business, you open the door for growth, not just for them but for yourself as well.

Who has been one of the biggest influences in your life, and why?

It’s hard to name just one person—different people have influenced me at different points in my life. Professionally, I learned a lot from the leader of our Epicor user group before he retired. When he stepped away and left me in charge, it challenged me to lead with the same level of organization and attention to detail he modeled.

On a personal level, two women I studied with when I returned to college helped me recognize I deserved to be treated with respect. Their support gave me the courage to set better boundaries—not just in relationships but across all areas of life. That shift also made me more self-aware and helped me respond to challenges with more clarity and calm.

What has been one of your proudest personal accomplishments?

One of my proudest moments was paying for a trip to Europe entirely from our vacation account. It might sound simple, but it meant a lot to us. My husband and I got married young, and like many couples starting out, we weren’t in the most financially stable place.

Being able to take that trip knowing it was fully planned, saved for, and paid in full without using credit was a milestone. It wasn’t just about the travel itself; it was a reminder of how far we’d come and a symbol of the stability and balance we’ve worked hard to build together.

What’s a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, and why?

One of our dream trips is a plane, train, and automobile-style journey through Europe, a 28-day adventure that covers England, Scotland, and Ireland. We’ve had our eye on it for a while and are saving it for retirement.

The itinerary includes everything from scenic train rides (which my husband, a train enthusiast, is especially excited about) to a cruise, a stagecoach ride to the top of a mountain, and even a stay in a castle. It’s the kind of trip that mixes history, exploration and a little bit of magic, and it’s at the very top of our list.

How has becoming a grandmother changed your perspective on work-life balance?

Becoming a grandmother has truly shifted how I approach my time and priorities. Our daughter’s family lives next door, and every Tuesday, when I’m in town, they come over for dinner. I always make sure I’m ready when my granddaughter rings the doorbell at 5:00 PM, and I put my phone away so I can be fully present.

Before she came into our lives, I felt like I needed to be available around the clock. Now I realize it’s okay to step away, and coworkers and clients are usually very understanding if I don’t respond right away. It’s helped me set healthier boundaries and appreciate being in the moment.

Can you share a significant life lesson you've learned and how it has impacted you?

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I ever received was simple: pay yourself. About 20 years ago, my husband and I started automatically transferring a bit of money from our checking account into a separate account labeled “Vacation.” Anytime we got a raise or promotion, we’d increase that amount just a little. Over time, it really added up, and it’s allowed us to travel often without the stress of dipping into savings or using credit.

That mindset of prioritizing experiences paid off in other ways too. During COVID, when travel wasn’t really an option, we used those funds to remodel our basement into a bar, lounge, and game room, complete with a popcorn wall, thanks to my husband. And for our 30th wedding anniversary, we took a 10-day European cruise, all paid for from that vacation account. It’s a small habit that’s brought a lot of joy and freedom into our lives.

What’s an interest or hobby of yours you enjoy during your free time?

Spending time with my granddaughter is one of my absolute favorite things. She lives right next door, so we get to see each other often, our go-to game right now is “Keepy Uppy” with balloons. She’s four, full of energy, and brings a whole new level of joy and playfulness to everyday life.

I also make it a point to work out in the mornings. Lately, I’ve been using VR games like Beat Saber, it’s like dancing with lightsabers, and it’s a surprisingly fun and effective way to stay active. It helps me clear my head, manage stress, and start the day feeling energized.

Travel has always been a shared passion between my husband and me. We take trips whenever we get the chance, whether it's a quick weekend getaway or something we’ve planned for months. I’m also an avid reader. I usually have a book going on my tablet, and I try to finish one every couple of weeks. And after more than 20 years of friendship with our neighbors, we still get together regularly for card nights filled with Sheepshead, Pinochle, or whatever board game we’re in the mood for. It’s those simple, consistent moments that bring a lot of joy to my downtime.

What’s a family tradition or experience that holds special meaning for you?

One tradition that means a lot to us is taking a family trip in the fall. We missed it last year, which was a little disappointing, but we’ve made it a priority in recent years, especially now with our granddaughter in the mix.

We’ve gone up north for a long weekend, spent time in Florida, and just made the effort to unplug and be present with each other. Whether it’s four days or a full week, that dedicated time away from everything else has become something we all really value. It’s simple, but it’s one of our favorite ways to stay connected as a family.

What’s something about you that your colleagues might not know?

Most people are surprised to learn that my husband and I were married in a cemetery. It sounds odd at first, and we always laugh at the reactions we get, but there’s more to the story.

At the time, I worked as a sales administrator running contests at the cemetery. The cemetery had a chapel on the grounds with incredible architecture, marble floors, mahogany details, and over $3 million in artwork.

We were young, and the chapel was offered to us at no cost. It was so beautiful, you’d never know where it was unless we told you. The photos look like they were taken in a grand historic venue. We still laugh about it, but it’s a unique memory that made our wedding day even more special.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self not to let frustration get the best of you, it’s rarely worth it. Things have a way of working out, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. So take a breath, don’t sweat every bump in the road, and trust that it’ll be okay. Because more often than not, it really will be.

I’m doing what I always wanted to do when I grew up—it just took a few unexpected turns to get here.

Tips from Our Experts

We have the privilege of working with incredibly knowledgeable consultants—and Jenn is no exception. Here are a few of Jenn’s expert tips for making the most of Epicor’s tools and ongoing enhancements:

Revisit What You May Have Missed – Epicor has powerful tools that often go unused after initial setup. A few worth exploring include:

Production Planner Workbench – Spot shortages and prioritize jobs with full material availability.
Min/Max Safety Workbench – Analyze inventory trends and optimize stocking levels.
Production Yield Recalculation – Auto-adjust job quantities to improve supply planning.
Automated Production Kanban – Streamline job creation and transactions in one step.

Take Advantage of Feature Spotlight videos – Epicor is always evolving. The Feature Spotlight videos in the Epicor Learning Center are a great way to stay informed on new tools and functionality that can improve your processes.

Put Your Test Environment to Work – Before introducing a new feature or making a process change, try it out in your test environment first. It’s the safest way to explore improvements and understand the impact before rolling anything out.

Did You Know?

Here are three things you probably didn't know about Jenn:

Jenn enjoys theater, and has season tickets to local theater there.

Her daughter was a year old when she went back to get her 4-year bachelors degree in Arts.

For almost 15 years, she worked weekends with her husband timing races.

Gallery

Outside of her role as a Senior Consultant, Jenn treasures moments spent with her family and traveling with her husband and close friends. In this gallery, she shares a few glimpses into those special memories,from getaways to family time,that bring joy and balance to her life beyond work.

Thank you for reading this month's Spotlight article. In each edition, we shine a light on our team members, giving you an inside look at their roles at Mayan Technologies and the impact they have on our success. If you enjoyed learning more about Jenn, be sure to check out our other Spotlight articles featuring the talented members of our team. Each edition offers a unique look into the people who make Mayan Technologies what it is today.

Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to highlight the people who bring their unique skills and perspectives to Mayan Technologies.