In a tough economy, it is more important than ever to make sure your information technology investments are paying off and are in synch with your business operations. Sometimes small changes can bring big boosts in productivity and performance. Here are some practical illustrations of how we have helped our Microsoft Dynamics GP customers use simple, innovative ways of addressing new requirements with current tools to maximize the value–and extend the useful life of their Microsoft Dynamics GP system.
Automation. Eliminating Excel Spreadsheets
Case in point: A Microsoft Dynamics GP client sells various magazine subscriptions and has special rules to recognize revenue in their financial statements. This client was using a 200‐tab Excel spreadsheet to keep track of all the sales and cancellations to determine the amount of revenue earned each month. As more magazines were sold, the client began having problems with using Excel to track this information:
- incorrect formulas being copied and pasted from spreadsheet to spreadsheet
- more time was needed to update these tabs
- in the entire month end close process, increasing data inaccuracy was becoming more common
Solution: Sikich reviewed the existing client operations and came up with an automated solution that:
- replaced Excel with a systematic & integrated process
- reduced the monthly close process
- eliminated any duplicate entry & data inaccuracy issues
- streamlined the revenue recognition process generated journal entries systematically within Microsoft Dynamics GP
Integration. Processing Web Orders
Case in point: A Microsoft Dynamics GP client makes use of a customer portal to accept orders placed on the Web. All orders placed through the portal need to go through a thorough review to ensure the validity of the request and adherence to regulatory requirements. Once the end user places the order, an email is sent to internal staff to initiate the review process. The order is then either authorized or rejected and entered into Microsoft Dynamics GP. This process proved to be problematic and inefficient due to:
- manual review of each Web order was time consuming
- unnecessary follow up with clients when paperwork or authorizations were misplaced
- duplicate data entry from the Web to Microsoft Dynamics GP
- outdated technology deterred larger clients from ordering in mass quantities
Solution: Sikich reviewed the existing client operations and developed an integrated solution that:
- interfaced the Web portal directly with Microsoft Dynamics GP
- applied the regulatory regulations through systematic means
- eliminated duplicate data entry
- simplified the overall business process
Development. Enhancing Microsoft Dynamics GP
Case in point: A Microsoft Dynamics GP client makes use of the core intercompany functionality within the system. This was working well in all aspects with one exception. The intercompany module does not handle customer cash receipts. This client has one centralized company that handles all cash receipts from customers, even though each independent company issues customer invoices. This client needed the ability to enter the cash into the master company but reduce the client’s AR at the individual company level. Some of the problems that were experienced included:
- existing intercompany module lacked this functionality
- manually entering in cash receipts throughout multiple databases
- discrepancies on customer’s aging reports
- inefficient use of system through duplicated efforts
Solution: Sikich reviewed the existing client operations and developed a solution that:
- centralized all cash receipt data entry
- applied all payments received in master company systematically across all companies
- created edit reports for cash applications
- created a simple user interface to capture pertinent information
- streamlined the entire cash receipt process quickly
Sikich has a long track record of helping our clients maximize the value—and extend the useful life—of their current systems by making small changes that bring big boosts in performance and productivity and using simple, innovative ways of addressing new requirements with current tools. If you think we might be able to help you increase efficiency in your business processes, contact Sikich. We are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner serving Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO and Indianapolis, IN. We specialize in the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and Microsoft Dynamics CRM. We work with over 4000 throughout the Midwest in a variety of industries with a focus on manufacturing and distribution, professional services, education , not-for-profit and multi-site international organizations. Follow Sikich on Twitter at @Sikich_Tech
By Jim Drumm with Sikich, a leading Microsoft Dynamics GP partner in Missouri
 |
Related Posts
- Make the Investment in Your ERP / Databases and Gain the Rewards
- Five Business Benefits of ERP for Small to Mid-size Enterprises
- Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 – the Performance Results are In!
- Got Search Overload? 5 Tips on Navigating the ERP Selection Process
- Microsoft “Give Me 5″ Offer Keeps on Giving
