Are You Leaving JD Edwards Exposed? Here’s What Most Users Miss

Abstract

Native JD Edwards (JDE) security provides strong foundational tools, but many organizations are turning to third-party solutions like All Out Security and Q Software (Pathlock) to enhance compliance, streamline audits, and simplify security management. In this episode of Not Your Grandpa’s JD Edwards, Brian Connor from ERP Suites explains the differences between native and third-party tools, their pros and cons, and why ease of use, compliance reporting, and flexibility often drive companies toward bolt-on solutions.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Security Options in JD Edwards

3. Native JD Edwards Security: Strengths and Limitations

4. Third-Party Tools: All Out Security and Q Software

5. How Third-Party Tools Support Compliance and Audits

6. Implementation and Setup Differences

7. Ongoing Change Control and Maintenance

8. Cost, Training, and Resource Considerations

9. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

10. Practical Differences Between All Out and Q Software

11. Conclusion and Call to Action

1. Introduction

Data security in JD Edwards is more critical than ever. While native security tools are powerful, businesses often struggle with audit readiness and compliance reporting. Brian Connor, Director of JDE Security Practice at ERP Suites, shares insights on native vs. third-party solutions and what companies should consider when designing their security strategy.

2. Security Options in JD Edwards

JDE users have three main options:

• Native JDE Tools – Security Workbench, role assignments, and UTO security.

• Third-Party Tools – All Out Security and Q Software (Pathlock).

• Custom Solutions – Homegrown interfaces built by CNCs or developers.

3. Native JD Edwards Security: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Provides complete coverage for securing access

• Supports role assignments and hierarchy-based control

Limitations:

• Less intuitive for setup and maintenance

• Requires training and familiarity

• Troubleshooting and change management can be time-intensive

4. Third-Party Tools: All Out Security and Q Software

All Out Security:

• Writes directly to native JDE tables

• Fast installation (about an hour)

• Intuitive interface and rapid adoption

Q Software (Pathlock):

• Uses separate Q tables, publishing changes to JDE

• Installation and upgrades are more time-intensive

• Strong compliance reporting but requires more planning

5. How Third-Party Tools Support Compliance and Audits

• Provide push-button audit reports in PDF format (auditor-preferred)

• Simplify segregation of duties (SoD) analysis

• Reduce time spent pulling, formatting, and validating security data

• Enhance transparency for internal and external auditors

6. Implementation and Setup Differences

• All Out Security: Installed and running in about an hour. Minimal extra tables. Simple for training and adoption.

• Q Software: Requires a full-day installation with custom business functions and additional tables. More complex upgrades.

7. Ongoing Change Control and Maintenance

• Native Tools: Require manual, time-consuming updates.

• All Out Security: Provides a “Supergrid” for bulk updates and integrated change control with approval workflows.

• Q Software: Allows testing in external tables before publishing but requires careful synchronization.

8. Cost, Training, and Resource Considerations

• ERP Suites offers fixed-fee pricing for training, installation, and dashboard setup.

• Training typically spans 2–4 days, depending on user experience.

• Companies can choose between full-service implementation or a “train-the-trainer” model for long-term independence.

9. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

• Implementing without a clear plan or strategy

• Expecting one tool to behave like another

• Underestimating training and change management needs

• Failing to document security policies across teams

10. Practical Differences Between All Out and Q Software

• All Out: Faster implementation, easier upgrades, more flexible, integrates directly with JDE.

• Q Software: Strong compliance tools but more complex, requires exclusive use of Q Software for changes.

• Key takeaway: Match the tool to your company’s culture, processes, and priorities.

11. Conclusion and Call to Action

Whether you rely on native JDE tools or adopt third-party solutions, a clear strategy and the right toolset can transform your security management, making compliance audits faster and less stressful.

ERP Suites helps companies evaluate and implement the best-fit security solution for their environment. Visit ERP.Suites.com to connect with Brian and the security team for tailored guidance.

If this episode sparked new ideas for your security strategy, be sure to subscribe, share, and review Not Your Grandpa’s JD Edwards.