•             Inability to match actual physical inventory receipts with invoicing, which sometimes resulted in vendors accidentally overbilling Amalfi.

•             A daily-snapshot inventory-reporting system that lacked support for process inventory costing.

•             Difficulty deriving booking, billings, and backlog information.

•             Period closings that were extremely time-consuming and cumbersome.

•             Inability to manage finances or consolidations for international operations.

•             No systematic way to prescribe purchase order controls, thresholds, or approvals.

•             Lack of self-service management reporting.

 After considering SAP OnDemand and Oracle 11i and reviewing vendors that attended the Global Semiconductor Alliance 2010 event, Amalfi selected Microsoft Dynamics GP and Tensoft Fabless Semiconductor Manufacturing, an end-to-end solution that specifically addresses the unique needs of this industry.   Amalfi turned to Tensoft as a turnkey provider with the industry knowledge to help them plan for the future, and the implementation expertise to make them meet aggressive go-live goals.  

The company has already saved US$75,000 in duplicate vendor invoicing and realized significant efficiencies.  With the business management software in place, Amalfi has a solution that takes advantage of purchasing controls to support regulatory compliance. In addition, executives, operations employees, and finance managers now have the insight and control they need to help the company reach its growth goals. Joe Whitty, Controller at Amalfi Semiconductor, says, “With Microsoft Dynamics GP, powerful reporting and analytics tools, and productivity applications from a single software company, we can grow our sales and operations based on real insights into the actual needs of customers. If we had it to do all over again, we’d make the same choice.”

Read the full story: http://bit.ly/yiWV3g

by Tensoft, Inc.

Tensoft Customer Amalfi Semiconductor Goes Live on Microsoft Dynamics in Six Weeks is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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1. Mekorma – MICR Check Printing. MICR is the best overall check printing enhancement for Microsoft Dynamics GP. It makes managing multiple checking accounts secure and easy, heightens security and adds convenience to the check signing processes. Mekorma MICR also adds sorting and configuration capabilities, as well as a variety of other features to address common and unusual check printing needs. Mekorma MICR works with Purchasing, U.S. Payroll, Canadian Payroll, and Miscellaneous Checks. View a demo, or sign up for a free trial.
2. FastPath – Config AD. With the “AD” standing for Active Directory, this one is for the IT team, but can also make your Controller or Accounting Manager happy too. It basically moves all of those pesky user maintenance tasks to the IT desk. Administrators no longer need access to Microsoft Dynamics or to use an administrator password to create, change, or delete users. So adding a new user can be done by your IT desk in seconds with a single click. They don’t even need to have Dynamics GP installed on their computer. How sweet is that? Check out a demo here.
3. Experlogix – Parametric Configurator. With bonus points for geekiest name, the configurator tool allows your sales team to quickly customize complex quotes and orders with 100% accuracy, leading to dramatic increases in revenue and profitability. With unique capabilities such as guided selling, rapid line-item creation, and automated bill-of-material generation, Experlogix has the tools you need to maximize your quote-to-order and manufacturing process. View a demo here.
4. Avalara – AvaTax – Sales tax collection and reporting made easy. I have to admit, this is my personal favorite; it really does take one of the most painful processes and makes it simple. AvaTax delivers real-time sales tax calculations based on up-to-date sales and use tax rules. This includes address validation, sourcing rules, product taxability and jurisdiction assignment. It makes compliance simple, with transaction history and on-demand reporting. It also reduces audit risk with cloud-based sales tax services that make it simple to calculate rates, manage exemption certificates, file forms and remit payments.
5. Encore Business Solutions – Advanced Smartlist Tool - A seamless extension to SmartList, the Dynamics GP query tool. With the added power of Advanced SmartList, users can sum columns and insert totals in the query, reducing the need to export data into Excel, saving time and effort. Advanced Smartlist also offers a drag and drop grouping function along with the ability to manipulate data by sorting and filtering information without having to leave the Dynamics GP desktop. Snapshot functionality enables simultaneous views of data for side-by-side comparison and analysis. Learn more, watch a short video or sign up for a free 30-day trial here.

If you would like more information on how these tools can help you do more with ease, call or email us for a data sheet or to attend one of our upcoming free web seminars.

Donna Krizik / Crestwood Associates LLC – an Illinois Dynamics Partner
Ph: 847-394-8820 x 43 Email: dkrizik@crestwood.com

5 Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Add-ons Worth a Look is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Most ERP users are painfully aware of this reality. They know their businesses, and they also know when business management software falls short of meeting the demands and achieving the goals laid out in the business plan and vision. The result of this incongruity is often a series of workarounds, self-made patches, and expensive third-party customizations that turn a polished-looking ERP system into a hybrid beast that would make Frankenstein envious.

The study, which surveyed 340 manufacturing executives, found that 67 percent of them required industry-specific functionality, and even those surveyed who did not require it still desired it. Of those 67 percent, they were 12 percent less likely to purchase ERP, presumably because they had trouble finding software that could be customized to fit their industries.

66 percent of the manufacturers who required industry-specific functionality resorted to using multiple applications to carry the load that a single ERP solution was unable to manage. This can lead to other problems down the road, especially if the hodgepodge of software systems were not intended to function together. Future upgrades may very well break compatibility, leaving the company that uses them in a bind.

This is where Dynamics GP with Vicinity Manufacturing comes in. Microsoft Dynamics GP is a solid system for core financials. But when formula-based manufacturing companies need industry specific functionality they don’t have to reinvent the wheel or try to customize from scratch. They can add the Vicinity Manufacturing product. This is a stable, tested add on for Dynamics GP that provides the exact functionality needed by formula based manufacturers.

Vicinity solves the unique challenges of formula-based manufacturing—particularly the chemical, food, and beverage industries—by allowing all users to share data in a centralized system.

Don’t be one of the statistics, be one of the winners. If you looking for industry specific ERP software for formula based manufacturing call Vicinity Manufacturing.

By Vicinity Manufacturing, Microsoft Dynamics and Formula Based Manufacturing – The new standard for formula-based manufacturing software.

Study Confirms Manufacturing ERP Software Users Require Industry-Tailored Functionality is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Making changes to a business critical software program like the ERP system also takes time. This can slow down or even temporarily halt business productivity, which can indirectly cost a company even more money. As a result, many companies would rather find workarounds than actual solutions, even if those workarounds are convoluted and require employees to jump through hoops to get their jobs done correctly. As those workaround pile up, businesses eventually find themselves in a quagmire that is difficult to escape.

Not all businesses have this problem. Those that have chosen ERP systems with customizable features and flexibility to meet industry specific business requirements enjoy the peace of mind of having precisely what they want without having to pay a fortune to get it.  This is the case with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Customers using Microsoft Dynamics GP have a wide range of customization options at their disposal.  Microsoft Dynamics GP is built on the highly flexible SQL platform and has several customization tools available. An experienced Microsoft Dynamics GP partner can find often find ways to adjust the system and stay within a realistic budget.

If you are looking for some specific functionality that is not in the system, you don’t necessarily need to resort to customization. Stay away from that source code. It would likely be much less expensive, and much safer, to choose from one of the hundreds of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partners for Microsoft Dynamics GP. These companies write add on products designed to enhance the system, so that it exactly fits your needs. If you want to do it, chances are someone else has wanted to do it too.

If you are tired of workarounds and want a flexible accounting/ERP system that works the way you want it to, contact us at REACH-Solutions at (501) 664-1180.

By REACH-Solutions, Arkansas Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

More than Half of Midsized Companies Cannot Afford to Change ERP Software – What is the Solution? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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For me, it boils down to four key things that make Convergence a good value:

1) Opportunities to Learn (Sessions) – By attending as many concurrent sessions, deep-dive sessions, user group sessions and hands-on labs as I can, I always leave Convergence with new ideas, solutions to long-standing challenges, and pages of notes.

2) Talking to the Pros (Technical Support Desk) – No, I don’t save up all of my technical support problems for Convergence. But, I always have one or two sticky wickets that I want to run past the pros in person. They’re always helpful and it’s so nice to put a face with a voice when I actually do open a support ticket. (They say the same.)

3) Face-to-Face with Third Party Solutions (Expo Hall) – There are so many third-party tools for Microsoft Dynamics products, it’s nearly impossible to know what they all do, where they fit, and what they look like. As a partner, it’s imperative that we know what is out there for our customers and prospects. And, for customers, the expo is like a wonderland with so many tools and problem solvers all in one (very large) room. I generally plan to visit a few times during the conference focusing on one specific area of the room at a time. Otherwise, it can be very overwhelming.

4) Networking – Meeting with customers, other partners, Microsoft representatives, third party solution providers is almost a full time job at Convergence. Opportunities abound – from one-on-one meetings to all-night parties.

My best advice to those attending is to bring your best walking shoes, dress comfortably, and get plenty of rest before you come. You won’t get any while you’re there.

By AIM Technologies – Microsoft Partner – Gold ERP – Louisiana

Four Reasons to Attend Microsoft Convergence 2012 (Whether you’re a Customer or a Partner) is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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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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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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Luckily for you, in addition to the strong functionality that comes with Dynamics GP, you have access to a community of hundreds of Microsoft certified ISV’s (Independent Software Vendors) who develop add on products that provide additional features and functionality to satisfy your unique business needs.

Investor Relationship Manager, a Dynamics GP add on solution, allows users to distribute investments to multipleshare classes, track investors and their needs, print customizable share certificate documents, and ensures timely delivery of accurate information to their shareholders. 

Feature Overview:

• Manage investment securities and share prices
• Calculate dividends and track dividend distribution histories
• Provide powerful and flexible investment and ROI analysis
• Process investment transactions such as sales, splits, buybacks and dividend payments to shareholders
• Create and track shareholder records leveraging functionality within Microsoft Dynamics GP
• Create investment classes to handle preferred and common shares and their distributions
• Establish different distribution periods for each company  (i.e. monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Analyze share class historical data (i.e. detail, summary, cumulative)
• Reduce administrative costs by managing investments and obligations internally eliminating the need to outsource

You’ve made the investment in a top notch Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, Dynamics GP, and the reality is that you can’t afford not to maximize the functionally available to you.  Employees expect it, shareholders demand it, and customers value it.

You can learn more now by watching a short Investor Relationship Manager demo movie or by contacting sales@encorebusiness.com.

By Encore Business Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics GP ISV

Manage, Monitor, and Coordinate Your Third Party Investors in Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Tensoft HTD allows customers to “go beyond” Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010, allowing them to fully leverage the extensive data captured by Microsoft Dynamics GP, then organize and analyze this information to gain insight and uncover important trends. It allows companies to gain a transparent and detailed financial overview of all business operations in real-time, providing up-to-date data for making confident business decisions with easy to use analytical tools. The product’s drilldown functional dashboards, charts, and warning indicators improve visibility and transparency throughout a business organization.

The secret ingredient of this innovative product? A unique datawarehouse, which allows Tensoft HTD to pull data beyond what exists at any one point in time, so comparisons can be made between right now, and any other time.  This provides powerful business intelligence that goes beyond the attractive graphical display and into the realm of a truly indispensible planning tool.

by Tensoft, Inc

Tensoft’s Advanced Dashboard and Analytics Solution for Microsoft Dynamics GP Named Top 15 Add-on is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Whether a business is a giant like Wal-Mart, or a smaller retailer with niche products, selling online can help a company reach a larger customer base not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. In addition, by having a front end e-commerce site interface dynamically with your ERP accounting system, it also allows customers and employees greater access to have real-time order information and inventory availability.  Customer service staff can easily submit new orders, provide status about customers’ existing orders placed online, view inventory levels, and check customer accounts.

Azox has helped many online retailers big and small expand their sales channels online and improve their back-office efficiency with integrated e-commerce sites.

Check out some of our customer’s who’ve had great success with our integrated e-commerce solutions and while you’re visiting, be sure to take advantage of some of their great holiday offers as highlighted below.

• Dr.Hauschka has been a leading natural skin care brand for over 40 years, producing cosmetics that are certified natural.
• Deal – Free UPS Ground Shipping, no minimum purchase, 3 free product samples with purchase

• Del Sol is the largest provider of apparel that changes color in the sun.
• Deal – 50-75% off Women Crew T’s & Scoop T’s, Select Men’s Crew Tees, 50-75% Off Infant/Toddler Apparel, 65% off Fleece Jackets

By Azox Inc., – E-Commerce for Microsoft Dynamics GP

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