1. Compliancy: It’s not a great feeling having the IRS look over your shoulder, threatening the life of your business. No body wants to cut corners or fudge numbers when it comes to your finances, but sometimes you just don’t have access to the information you need. Microsoft Dynamics ERP software ensures you have tracking capabilities and audit trails so you’re never put in a bad situation. You can trust the numbers and have confidence that the IRS won’t find discrepancies.
2. Accurate Financial Positioning: Not knowing where you stand financially can put numerous halts on business. This makes it difficult to make informed business decisions that affect the sustainability of your company. Microsoft Dynamics ERP software helps you see where you stand with easy-to-read and easy-to-analyze dashboards and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports. You’ll no longer be making “Best Guesses” about your business, thus putting you ahead of the competition.
3. Reducing Accounting Overhead: Most companies don’t realize the overhead they acquire within their accounting department because of manual procedures. They figure that’s how it’s always been done and it seems to be working. Many companies are realizing that Microsoft Dynamics ERP cuts down unnecessary overhead because it automates daily accounting tasks and integrates with third party software. It would be wise to run a “what if” scenario of how ERP software can actually save you money, just by cutting back resources.

Every business needs a tool to help manage their finances. This can vary from Excel Spreadsheets to an advanced ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics ERP, but whatever your situation, make sure you have your financial management in check. If you have questions on how Microsoft Dynamics ERP can help you, contact us at Sikich.

By Sikich, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partner based out of Missouri

Three Reasons Why ERP Software is a Must for Financial Management is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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 There are a wide variety of different types of Microsoft Partners that exist in order to meet the different types of needs and requirements for different End-Users. I have put together a list of some questions to ask yourself to ensure you have a Partner that best fits your organization:

 1.       Do the competencies of your Partner align with your business requirements?

Microsoft has a wide range of competencies that a Partner must attain, look at which certifications your Partner has in order to have a better idea of their strengths and fit to your organization’s specific requirements. Be aware of which vertical industries the Partner specializes in, in order to have a clear comprehension of their experience in your industry and if they are considered experts in your field. With your Partner’s expertise, you will be able to work together to align your solution in order to incorporate your industry’s best practices by understanding your needs and offering solutions tailored to your specific industry.

 2.       Does your Partner have the breadth of services that your organization is looking for?

Do your homework and check their customer references. When you speak to references, don’t only ask about the implementation process; ask how proactive they were during and after go-live with your system. Also discuss the frequency of communications, number of training sessions, frequency of User Group activities and informational updates as these are the long term activities that create a mature stable solution.

 3.       Can your Partner suggest different solutions to meet your different organizational challenges?

With the flexibility of the Dynamics product line and integration to Dynamics ISV solutions, there is usually more than one solution that could meet your organization’s requirements. Your partner must take into account the software and services you require and ensure that the proposed solution is fully integrated in line with your goals. The solution should enable you to streamline business processes and increase performance to make the most of your investment.

 4.       What level of involvement are you expecting from your Partner?

Some companies will try to delegate projects in their entirety to the firm implementing the solution. Others will do the exact opposite and actively participate and learn the product in order to try and reduce costs. You need to ask yourself: What type of customer am I? Do I really have the resources to do all the work myself or am I better off to have a Partner involved, helping with training and researching new solutions and updates?

 5.       Why choose one type of Microsoft Certified partner over another?

With a Certified Partner you are guaranteed that they have made a commitment to have several employees that are trained on the Microsoft solutions. These Partners have been tested and validated on their level of professionalism, the quality of their work, and their knowledge as well as implementation of Microsoft Dynamics or the development of add-on solutions.

Once you have decided on a solution that best meets your needs, you also need to be assured that you have found a Partner who will meet your expectations moving forward with regard to your needs for training and providing information on new technologies and product updates. These are all key success factors to protect your investment. By effectively using your system to its full potential and by asking yourself these questions you will be better able to guage your expectations and requirements.

 I strongly suggest that you be open with your Partner from the beginning and ask these questions so that the Partner is aware of your expectations so they will be well informed and able to meet them. This will reduce your chance of being disappointed with the level of service later on. Also, don’t be afraid to make your concerns heard if you feel that your expectations  are not being met. It could happen that your organization’s original needs have changed and so you should make your Partner aware of these changes in order for you to remain informed and up-to-date on your Microsoft solution and to continue to take full advantage of your system.

By JOVACO Solutions, your Quebec-based Microsoft Gold Certified Partner

How to Choose the Right Microsoft Partner for Your Organization is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Watkins relies on the Microsoft Dynamics ERP system to provide a solid foundation for efficient operations. “Automation is one of the biggest things Microsoft Dynamics GP provides for us,” says Watkins. “If we were on a paper-based system, we literally couldn’t keep up with the people we have.”

Watkins and his staff of 13 enjoy the time-saving benefits of Microsoft Dynamics GP’s role-based interface. “We have everybody set up on the roles-based system and we all use our customized home pages to help save time and streamline processes.”

Another critical process for Community Mental Health is managing their cash flow. “We use the Cash Flow Management module to understand where we are from a cash-flow standpoint on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis,” says Watkins. “I appreciate the solid framework Microsoft Dynamics GP provides for internal controls. Obviously, you can choose not to take advantage of those, but we certainly do.”

Ensuring the financial health of his organization is a top priority for Watkins. “I’m most proud of the good we do for the community,” says Watkins, “especially the underprivileged people we reach out to who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford our services.”

Being driven to provide excellent service is a quality Watkins appreciates in business partners. “Arctic Information Technology is truly a partner to us,” says Watkins. “I’ve worked with many IT consultancies around the country throughout my career. I find Arctic IT to be one of the most responsive I’ve ever worked with.”

Anchorage Community Mental Health Services (http://www.acmhs.com/) has helped people in Anchorage, Alaska, and surrounding communities discover new beginnings in their lives for over 30 years. A client of Arctic Information Technology, they have used Microsoft Dynamics GP for several years.

 By: Arctic Information Technology, Inc., Alaska Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Anchorage, Alaska  - Your Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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 Microsoft offers four ERP solutions:  AX, GP, NAV and SL.  Microsoft Dynamics GP is an option for the small to midsize company whose functionality requirements  may include: Financial Management, Business Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources & Payroll Management, Manufacturing, Project Managemen,t and Service Management.     Microsoft Dynamics GP offers this out of the box functionality and allows the user to be up and running quickly so you can improve your financials and streamline operations.   

 If you would like to see how Microsoft Dynamics GP can work for your company,  DFC Consultants provides a free Business Analysis Meeting to understand your business’s need and requirements in order determine if the solution is a fit and if so, we can prepare a demo specifically for you.   And for a limited time, receive up to an 85% discount on 5-users of qualifying Microsoft Dynamics ERP Products!  Contact DFC Consultants at 800-277-5561 or email sales@dfcconsultants.com  to learn more about the Give Me 5 offer. 

 Since 1989, DFC has been providing accounting software solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, training, and support in our offices in Fargo, Bismarck and Dickinson, North Dakota. Our passion is to assist clients in meeting their goals with professional services and powerful business solutions. 

 By Vanessa Veflin, North Dakota ERP Solution Provider

What is ERP? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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In the worst scenario, the ERP software system you used and loved is “transitioned” or phased out in favor of the system the vendor’s new owner developed and prefers. In that scenario, you are pretty much forced into a corner where you must either adopt their new system, hang on to your old one long past its life expectancy, or begin shopping for a completely new ERP solution.

In less extreme scenarios, you may just have to get acquainted with a new vendor, new customer service reps, and maybe even new branding. Ultimately, in this situation it is possible to survive.

Is there a way to avoid this waiting game in the first place? You should include “vendor stability” as part of your ERP selection process. Look at annual reports, read industry analyst opinions and ask for stats.

When evaluating Microsoft Dynamics GP you can feel confident that Microsoft is a stable vendor you can trust to be around for the long term. My research shows that in 2009 Microsoft spent over $8 billion on R&D (research and development). And in 2010, even in uncertain financial times when others were tightening their belt, Microsoft increased R&D funds to $9.5 billion.

Curious if Microsoft might tire of the ERP business? Check out this article: Microsoft Going to Sell Its Dynamics ERP Business? The answer is NO!

And check out the Microsoft Dynamics GP Statement of Direction Released December 2011. It outlines the product strategy and roadmap for Dynamics GP all the way out to 2016. Dynamics ERP is here to stay.

By CAL Business Solutions, a stable vendor of Microsoft Dynamics GP in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Southern New England

Why You Should Include Vendor Stability in your ERP Software Selection Criteria is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Three key ingredients that the perfect ERP vendor should be known for include:

1. Long-term customer relationships,
2. Great ongoing service,
3. A network of local implementers that will be there to support you after the sale.

The big question should be “What is the vendor’s customer churn rate & reputation for service after the sale?”

This question should be asked ahead of the sale, and should include BOTH the Vendor of the Software AND the Consulting Partner you have chosen to assist you in your implementation.  You never want to experience a post-sale depression mode.  This is the time for excitement, progress, and fantastic results!  Instead, you could be stuck only knowing the basics about the software, not be privy to tax rule changes, or even be stuck with additional locations or implementation changes you need that the vendor can’t handle.  So, here are follow-up questions to the one above:

• How is customer support handled?  Is support available through the qualified reseller? What are the travel charges for on-site assistance?
• Is the vendor’s ERP solution well-known in your country and industry? Will they continue to be a ‘player’ in the industry based on customer satisfaction?
• Does the vendor or their reselling partner offer a full range of customer support skills and capabilities? Expertise with the specific ERP solution you’re evaluating is essential, of course. But could the vendor’s support team also help you with customer relationship management, productivity software, and other applications you want to integrate with your ERP? How about their experience with both on-premises and cloud-based ERP solutions, or a hybrid solution involving both approaches?

For more questions you should ask, contact Collins Computing directly – or download one of our white papers on questions potential customers should ask, or why Collins may complete the Vendor/Partner/Customer equation for you!

By Abra Gilman, Collins Computing – “Count on Collins, Count on Success”.

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Integration proves to be a huge benefit for our clients, and The TM Group is excited to be working with a paperless solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Microsoft Dynamics SL. MetaViewer Paperless ERP for Microsoft Dynamics can offer franchises automation they never thought possible, eliminating manual processes and connecting the once disconnected accounting workflow. Without the need for document storage, filing, and management, franchises can realize a number of time savings benefits:

• Automated Accounts Payable. With electronic copies of invoices, franchises can send invoices in just 5 days that once took 30 days to get out. This streamline process rapidly increases ROI and cash flow.
• Full Workflow Capabilities. Workflow available in MetaViewer helps franchises save time with approvals and produce real-time, accurate accounting records.
• Advanced Scanning and Email Capture. Franchises can centralize payment processes, eliminate data entry and shipping costs, increase payment time, and obtain real-time reporting by just managing their documents electronically.
• Effective Human Resource Management. Franchises manage a high number of employees at multiple locations and turnover is often high. By managing HR documentation with MetaViewer, corporate locations can easily find and retrieve important employee information at any time instead of spending hours searching for the right documents.

Metafile has been providing scanning, document management and workflow for financial automation solutions in the wholesale/distribution and retail industries for more than 30 years. More than 15,000 financial professionals worldwide efficiently process paperless transactions with the MetaViewer Paperless AP, Paperless AR and Paperless HR solutions. We here at The TM Group are proud to announce this add-on solution as part of our offering. For more information on how  MetaViewer can increase your competitive strategy and streamline your Accounts Payable, Receivables, and Human Resource processes, please plan to attend an informative webinar on February 1, 2012 at 10am EST – Paperless AP Automation for Franchises: Learn About Metaviewer & Microsoft Dynamics or contact us at The TM Group for more information at andreed@tmgroupinc.com.

By The TM Group, Michigan Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Partner for Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and SharePoint

Paperless Automation and ERP Integration Create a Competitive and Cost Savings Advantage for the Franchise Industry is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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1. Improve in multiple accounting management areas. Obviously, the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2012 will improve GP to a whole new level. This launch will include improvements to fixed assets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation and more. Although the version will launch in 2012, it will be later, so will affect your business in 2013. Nevertheless, something great to look forward to.
2. Turn the heat up on the cloud. The cloud was hot in 2011, and it will continue to be hot in 2012 for Microsoft Dynamics GP. Microsoft is committed to offering ERP solutions in the cloud so companies of all sizes and growth stages can benefit from the advanced business functionality.
3. Provide even better business intelligence features. Reporting is top of mind for the majority, if not all organizations when their ERP solution is involved. If you can’t see or analyze the information it’s gathering, then it’s not really improving your business. Because everyone wants better and streamlined reporting, there may be more than your company needs, but Microsoft has covered the bases on this one.

I’m confident Microsoft Dynamics GP will keep its 2012 New Year resolutions as Microsoft’s roadmap is pretty clear on the three points above. If you would like more information about Microsoft Dynamics GP, please contact us at Rimrock Corporation.

By Rimrock Corporation, Toronto Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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At a high level, here is some information to hopefully help the typical end-user in what all the hype is about.

On-Premise

Your Dynamics GP reseller or IT company should evaluate your current IT infrastructure to determine if it is suitable for the Dynamics GP and associated products deployment. Network speed and health are critical to end-user adoption of a new system.  If it is slow, then the software is blamed.  CIS can recommend upgrades if needed to ensure a secure and fast software experience. 

• Do you have an investment already in server and network environment?
• Do you have regulatory requirements that require your data to be onsite?
• If you have poor Internet or problems with Internet, the on-premise might be your best option.  However, this can sometimes be corrected with the right vendor.

Cloud (SaaS)

Cloud ERP deployments can be a good option if the long term costs are not a lot higher than buying the software out right.  Keep in mind that with the Cloud you are renting the software and do not own it.  Things we help you consider are:

• Do you have a redundant Internet source? If your Internet is down, then processing on the Cloud application will stop.
• Over a 3 year period will you be paying more for this rental than deploying on-premise or hosted?  Keep in mind though network servers are usually obsolete after 3 – 4 years.
• Would you benefit from an on-premise server to install other programs for your business? 
• As always, check with your auditors about off site data.  Some regulatory agencies do not allow for data to be off-site regardless of the security that is in place. 
• Some Cloud providers state that you can get updates to your software at anytime, including upgrades.  This would concern me if I were a business owner.  I would not want a provider to update my software anytime that there is an update.  Your system should never be ‘upgraded’ without a test system setup first and that you the end-user has thoroughly tested your business processing and data.  I may change my mind in the future, but for now that is my recommendation.

These are just a few of considerations.  To find out more, please read this whitepaper that CIS and the ERP Software Blog published: 35 Questions Every CFO Needs to Ask About ERP Software In the Cloud.

Hosted

Hosted deployments give you the best of both worlds; you own the software, but with less of a hardware investment. 

Cloud and hosted options both require a very good Internet source.  Software is usually ran through a Terminal Server and accessed through Remote Desktop.  This can reduce your workstation costs since the software is not actually running on the desktop.  However, you can also have an on-premise deployment with a Terminal Server. 

Hosting providers such as CIS ensure your data is secure and is available from more than one hosting facility in the event of a disaster.  Redundant backups make sure you are not at risk for data loss. 

Keep in mind that most ERP vendors say that they are in the cloud but in reality the software is still accessed through a terminal server since most are not truly web enabled yet…

CIS also wrote a very good article that you might find helpful: The Difference Between Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool

The Microsoft Dynamics Quick Quote Tool is intended to give accounting software buyers in the beginning stages of research a quick and easy way to estimate the costs of ERP software, including the hosted option to determine if it makes sense to continue the evaluation process. To receive a complete and accurate price for the total cost of an ERP project we recommend that you work with an ERP software expert such as CIS.

By Nancy Phillippi with Custom Information Services (CIS), Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner based out of North Texas.  Your feedback and comments are welcome.  Contact Nancy at nphillippi@customis.com or by phone at 817-640-0016 x 109.

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Your competitors are investing, can you keep up?

For the 2^nd year in a row, CIO Magazine notes that nearly 50% of companies say their IT budgets will increase in the coming year. Half of that was predicted to go to application software. This means that a number of businesses are getting more streamlined and leaner when it comes to their ERP needs. If your competition is increasing their efficiencies, are you going to be able to keep up?

Businesses are still sitting on record amounts of cash

2010 saw an all time record jump in corporate cash on hand, raising the level to a record 1.84 Trillion Dollars. Despite that record, cash on hand still increased in 2011. With interest rates so low, businesses have nowhere to earn interest on that money. As the recovery gains steam, businesses are starting to re-invest that money in themselves in the form of increased purchasing. That is translating to increased demand – are your systems ready to handle that demand?

Deals on software are still out there

2010 saw deals out there for software that may never be seen again – including offers to give away licenses. But even with the economy picking up, there are still aggressive offers out there, as evidenced by Microsoft’s recent promotion.  Now is a great time to find bargains.

While it may have made sense during slow times to “get more done with less” and put off ERP upgrades, there are many compelling reasons to act now and upgrade. Contact Intellitec Solutions today to see if Microsoft Dynamics GP may be the right fit for you.

By Intellitec Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner serving Pennsylvania

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