The financial implications of ERP implementation vary depending on the business, but the tech jargon is pretty universal. We may not be able to help you with the former, but we can certainly shine some light on the latter.

Two tech terms that are currently big in business technology are “cloud computing” and “virtualization”. Sometimes the two are mistakenly used interchangeably, and often times, CFOs approve or deny funding for new technology that uses these terms without fully understanding them. So here is a straightforward explanation:

Virtualization

IT companies love virtualization because it allows them to save physical space, power, and ultimately money. If your company does not have its own data center, virtualization may not directly affect you, but if you subscribe to a service provider that uses it, they will pass the savings on to you.

In the simplest terms, virtualization allows the system administrator to run multiple virtual machines within a single server. Instead of one ERP implementation on a single server, virtualization allows for the possibility of multiple implementations, each running in their own isolated environments and operating systems.

When is server virtualization the right choice? It may be right for your organization when: 

• it’s time to replace your servers
• you’re adding a new application
• you’re seeking improved performance
• you need a Disaster Recovery solution

Cloud Computing

The definition of cloud computing is not quite as precise as virtualization. Essentially, any service, platform, device, or other technology that is hosted off-site by someone else could fall under the umbrella of cloud computing.

In most cases, those who speak of cloud computing are referring to “software as a service”, an implementation model where the software is hosted and maintained by a service provider. The customer can access it from a remote location, on demand, and usually pays for the service on a subscription basis.

 If you are an Alabama company that wants to better understand the business benefits of virtualization and cloud computing, contact Jackson Thornton Technologies at 334-834-7660.

By Jackson Thornton Technologies, Alabama Microsoft Partner providing Accounting Software, Managed IT Services, Virtualization, Collaboration and IT Security. 

A Clear Way to Understand Cloud Computing versus Virtualization is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Cloud deployment can include a single tenant or multi-tenant system.  With single tenant systems, you can customize software to fit your unique business operations.  Often, your Partner can protect your customizations with future upgrades.  With multi-tenant systems, there is some additional efficiency and affordability, but you lose the ability for customizations because the system is shared by many users.  Although your data is securely segregated from one another, the ability to customize or make changes to the software can affect the rest of the tenants.

The scalability and flexibility of the different cloud-computing deployment options will allow you to find the right fit for your business model.  To determine how cloud-computing can make your operations more efficient and can improve your IT bottom line, contact BDO Solutions.

By Jim Krahn with BDO Solutions, Leading Canadian Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM Partner

Know What You Can Accomplish with Configuration: Cloud or On-premises? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Why now rather than later?  Labeling and tagging your inventory items now, even if you aren’t using the ability to scan barcodes, will save you the time and headache later when you decide to move forward with a data capture solution. You don’t need to make a huge dollar investment to do so. By selecting a label design and printing solution, you can start labeling inventory at the point you are receiving it in. Even if you are receiving it the old fashion paper-based way.  There are several label printing solutions available on the market. We tend to recommend and implement the NiceLabel solution. Seagull Scientific’s Bartender is also a good option. Any of the solutions will provide you with the same results. These software packages start at $495. Investment in a desktop label printer can easily be under $500. If you prefer, print labels to your existing laser printer.

By selecting a solution that supports database connectivity, you can easily create a solution that will print your item labels from your Dynamics GP database. A word of caution, you will want to create a view for the data with an RTRIM function on the GP database fields. RTRIM returns the data string after truncating the trailing blanks. In GP, the item number allows for 30 characters. If your item number is only 10, the remaining 20 will be blanks. This makes it difficult not onlyto set up labels, but your item number will not read in barcode format with a barcode reader with trailing blanks. Panatrack has created a set of GP inventory item views. These views include the information generally needed to create your item label. We have one for purchase orders. If you are not lot or serial tracking, this is an ideal option for creating your item labels. Plus you have some validation built into your process. When you receive your inventory, you can label it as you record your receiving. If you are expecting 10 of an item and you have 1 label left over, you are short 1 (and vice-versa). If you serial or lot track, you can set up item label printing against the receiving transactions if those details are captured from the vendor or manufacturer.

When creating your item labels, keep in mind that you really don’t need a lot of details recorded on the labels. Avoid putting locations or quantities (unless it is a package quantity that won’t be changed). For items tracked by quantity, the Item Number is really the only thing that would need to be represented as a barcode. You don’t need a separate numbering system representing the “barcode number”. Your GP item number is recommended. If you track by serial or lot number, the serial and lot should also be represented in a barcode. The use of 2D barcodes is becoming more and more popular since you can include the item, serial, or lot in a single bar code. PanatrackerGP software does offer a format for this specifically.

The same is true with assets you want to track. We recommend purchase pre-printed asset labels. Typically the Asset Label ID and your company name is all you really need. The Asset Label ID will represent the asset record in your tracking system. Adding your company information adds security to your assets. Asset tags are typically made from materials that will last as long as your assets. They often are coated to resist scratches, abrasions, chemical and weather.

If you start adding barcodes to your inventory and asset tracking now, you will be in a good position to add the mobile and automated data capture functionality later without much additional setup overhead. Panatrack is a reseller for NiceLabel and BarTender. Visit www.nicelable.com or www.seagullscientific.com for more information on these label design and printing solutions. Panatrack offers consulting services to get you on your way to incorporating barcode technology in your operation. Give us a call for more information! 262-646-3590

by Panatrack

Start with a Small Investment to Add Barcode Technology to GP is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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In fact, I’d like to do my part in reviewing the mistakes made in some of those failures and take a moment to reflect on how we can be sure none of us make the list next year!  Here are some of the key elements that were skipped in those failed ERP implementation projects that contributed to the demise of the atmosphere:

1. Set “Phases” of projects to include mini-rollouts of the software in measureable, controllable chunks of users, divisions, or entities.   Although it is commendable to set your goals high, be sure to prove the concept first with a smaller portion of your entire organization, if it is possible to do so.  If not, at least set up a ‘case study’ in a ‘test environment’ that mirrors live operations so you are not surprised with a catastrophic failure.
2. Set measureable milestones throughout the project, to assess expenditures and schedules.  It may seem that there are only small ‘change orders’ being processed by individuals, but on a large project, the view may be better from above.  Be sure you are including all departments, phases, and modules in your status reviews. 
3. Keep your Mission Statement and Key Customer Benefits in focus.  Don’t lose sight of what you do well within your organization.  If a new system is changing the way you do business, make sure the bottom line still remains keeping your customers coming back!
4. Keep the project team “friendly” and don’t just use meetings to point fingers.  Keeping things truthful is important, but remember that a TEAM will achieve results better than individuals working alone.
5. No matter how straightforward the project seems, create a project plan, assign tasks, and notate milestone dates.  Life happens and sometimes team members change in the midst of projects.  With even the most basic project documentation available, members of the team can step in and complete steps if there are tasks listed and schedules assigned.
6. Sign contracts with rates, license fees, and enhancement plans. Even if you are working with a relative, it is best to have documentation stating the agreed to monetary figures.  Again, who knows when the players will change.
7. Include Summary costs-to-date in review meetings.  It is better to know at the point the costs are going over what is expected instead of arguing over the final figures months later.  There are steps that can be taken, e,g, the customer doing more of the legwork, that can help with cost overruns WHILE or BEFORE they happen.
8. Cross your “t’s” and Dot your “i’s” with any system.  Sometimes we have such faith in software that we don’t look at ANY details, like paystubs, invoices, receipts… It is always a good idea to perform random spot checks of various department documents, just to be sure SOMEONE has checked the details and  confirmed that they are correct!

These may seem like obvious, basic steps that should be taken in any ERP project.  However, these were all factors in contributing to the BIGGEST ERP FAILURES of 2011.   If you want to work with a consulting organization who does not take the obvious for granted, nor skip over the mundane tasks and communication details, contact Collins Computing today.  Why Collins Computing?  Read more to answer that basic question and get the details you need to ensure that we are a match for your organization!

By Abra Lynne Gilman, Collins Computing, Inc.  Gold Certified Microsoft Partner – Count on Collins, Count on Success

Top 10 ERP Software Failures of 2011: Steps to NOT making the list! is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Step 1:  Inception

The birth of a project includes documentation of a need or business requirement, study and research, comparison references, choosing personnel and determining when and where the project will be conducted.

Step 2:  Design

Ideas become plans in this step as resources, finances, timelines, communications, checks and balances, and an overall project roadmap is created.

Step 3:  Execution

The project is done in this step.  Inception meets Design as employees and agents carry out the project, are measured and monitored as they perform, and the desired results are achieved.

Step 4:  Completion

The project is brought to a close in this step, as tasks are finished and staff is released, customer is satisfied and given the opportunity to share project feedback.

Microsoft Dynamics SL empowers your organization to work more effectively as it automates the processes and transactions of project-based businesses.  Contact SSi Consulting when your organization is interested in streamlining the 4 stages of project management.

By Bill Aiton of SSi Consulting, helping project-based companies implement ERP Systems.

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Today, cloud concerns are quickly fading because of a few major developments in the market:

• What’s the “Cloud”? Although some industries have different ideas of what the cloud means for their business, the term and idea is much more widely spread these days than it was just a few years back, making adoption of the concept more acceptable.
• Advanced Data Centers. Data Centers now have their “ducks in a row” when it comes to offering ERP software in the cloud. They have strict access controls and backup plans to ensure that your company isn’t left out to dry if anything unpredictable happens.
• Economic Pressure. Manufacturers are also pressured to do more with less these days and cloud computing makes that possible. By just paying a low monthly subscription fee, small to mid-sized companies can have access to in-depth information that they never had before. They can play with the big guys and proactively plan and streamline their operations.
• Just Keeps Growing. Gartner Group estimates that worldwide end-to-end Cloud Computing Services Model revenue will reach almost $149 billion by 2015. The manufacturing sector is quickly realizing the benefits of cloud computing.

If you’re beginning to see opportunity in the cloud instead of risk and concern, it may be time to do your research and find what cloud computing solution will work best for your manufacturing operation. Feel free to contact us here at Sikich if you have any questions or concerns about ERP in the cloud.

By Sikich, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partner based out of Chicago

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Whatever the reason may be, it’s understandable and inevitable that companies let their ERP solution control their business processes. But then, you’re never really in control…which is an even scarier thought.

With year-end approaching, companies are contemplating their budget spend and what sort of investments can help their bottom line. If this blog speaks to you and you feel “victim to your current ERP Solution”, then I would recommend investing in a new ERP solution for 2012. But don’t go it alone. If you’re one of those companies that feel restricted in time and resources, you’ll want to find an experienced and trusted partner to help you through the process.

By taking control of your ERP solution, you can achieve greater things in the New Year. We are a Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM partner dedicated to helping our clients find solutions that fit their unique business processes. The Microsoft platform works the way your employees work in a familiar user-interface so user adoption is always high. An easy-to-use solution makes it possible to create advanced productivity and efficiency at your organization.

Contact us at Sikich for more information about Microsoft Dynamics ERP and how you can take control of your business instead of falling victim to your solution’s limitations.

By Sikich, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partner based out of Illinois

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To assist in determining the value of implementing new accounting technology, such as a MetaViewer-enabled paperless ERP solution, executives should ask themselves and their technology partners the following questions:

• What is the company’s current cost to process an invoice? How long does it take and what is the dollar value of the man-hours required? Studies show that this cost will be drastically reduced with an automated AP/AR solution.
• How often does the company miss out on discounts that could be claimed by paying invoices by their due date? Collecting these discounts actually can make the accounts payable unit a revenue generator.
• How much time does AP spend answering vendor inquiries because of lost invoices or not being paid on time? With an automated process, staff can immediately determine where in the approval process an invoice is and offer a prompt response. With a portal, vendors can answer many of these questions themselves.
• Will automating AR improve cash flow as a result of implementing workflow procedures or bank wire transfers in place of checks? Will the company get paid more promptly?

When considering the integration of an automation solution with an ERP system, executives should consider these questions:

• What processes should be automated? Which processes for their company’s operations will provide the greatest return if they are automated?
• What is the implementation time frame? How long will it take to set up a beta system to test new processes?
• How will the implementation be coordinated with the banks? The ERP system the company selects should have a module compatible with that of the company’s bank so that custom programming can be avoided.
• How well does the ERP system integrate with the company’s point-of-sale and/or line-of-business systems?
• How well does the system handle currency when purchases are made from foreign suppliers?

Only by asking the right questions can an executive confidently lead his or her organization through a successful technology implementation. In our next post, we will look closely at some best practices we have gleaned over the years from working with our customers as they implement accounting automation technology that integrates with ERP solutions.

-Nick Sprau, Metafile Information Systems

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Let’s take a look at Sales Order Processing (SOP), one of the 11 report models available.  Using the SOP report model allows you to bypass linking together a dozen tables and views to create a comprehensive dataset.  The report model gathers all of the required information for you so it is much easier and more time effective.  There are no complex queries or stored procedures involved.

How to create an SSRS Report in Microsoft Dynamics GP with the Report Model
Simply open Report Builder 3.0, and select the “New Dataset” option.  (Please note that SQL Server 2008 R2 is required.  There is no backwards compatibility.)  Choose “Browse other data sources…” and navigate to the correct database directory underneath “Report Models” on the report server.  Select dbname_SalesOrderProcessing, and click ”open”.  You will be presented with a spreadsheet and two list boxes on the left-hand side of the screen. The top box contains entities and the bottom box contains fields.

The data available within this report model spans many tables and could normally take hours or days to replicate based on the skill level of the developer involved. But there is no need to waste that much time.  Microsoft Dynamics GP’s report models lets you skip past the query writing altogether. Simply drag and drop an entity or a set of fields into the spreadsheet header, and then pat yourself on the back for the speedy construction of a new SSRS report!

By Jason Wojtyna, Microsoft Dynamics GP Consultant, The Resource Group – Seattle, Washington Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Report Models in Microsoft Dynamics GP Helps You Get at Your Business Data Fast is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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The data generated when using comprehensive business intelligence software such as Microsoft Dynamics® ERP is critically important and you want to protect it from hackers, competitors, and from other disasters.  You need to somehow ensure its physical safety, accessibility, and integrity whether your data is onsite or in the cloud.  With onsite security, you trust your IT department to install firewalls, password and encryption coding, and maintain the hardware.  It’s reassuring to walk into the server room and see that your hardware is safe, has secured personnel access, and when something breaks down, your IT staff can walk down the hall to fix it.

When using Microsoft Dynamics ERP in the cloud, instead of your IT department, you are using your software or cloud vendor or even Microsoft to protect your data.  Your cloud vendor will also install firewall protection, use encryption during transmission and within the software application, and will also install heavy security around their server room.  Oftentimes, the cloud vendor will have more thorough security measures around their server room than you might find in a normal office building because they are responsible for such important data.

You can use Microsoft Dynamics ERP onsite with your own servers and hardware, with cloud computing managed by your software vendor or cloud provider, or a combination of both.  You can have a private cloud, public cloud, or use the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environment.  No matter where your data originates, where it’s stored, or how it’s transmitted, you will want to work with your IT department and software vendor to institute security measures that will keep your data protected.  As an added precaution, you can contract a third party to audit your IT security systems.

There are many benefits to using Microsoft Dynamics ERP in the cloud and the security measures that you might undertake onsite and in the cloud are often very similar.  The main difference is that security is either organized by your own IT department or by your software or cloud vendor.  Some experts suggest that, in many cases, the vendor security processes are more rigid, are highly documented, and are likely safer than your own office security.  Contact Sikich for more information about Microsoft Dynamics ERP and cloud computing.  We can help you find a solution that will protect your data and set your mind at ease.

By Sikich, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Partner based out of Chicago

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