Microsoft Dynamics® GP is an ideal solution for organizations that are implementing a business management system today and what’s great is the system will grow with you tomorrow. The product architecture is a key element that makes Microsoft Dynamics GP scalable and ready for your current and future needs:

• Microsoft Dynamics® GP is built upon the trusted, scalable platform of SQL Server 2008.  Whether it’s a few gigabytes or 100’s of terabytes, you can scale from SQL Server 2008 Standard to SQL Server 2008 Enterprise deployed with Fast Track Data Warehouse with Massively Parallel Processing (MPP).
• The reporting and analytics tools for Microsoft Dynamics GP include Report Writer, SmartList, FRx, SQL Reporting Services, Excel Reports, and Crystal Reports.  Integrated technology is used to deliver financial and management analytics with reports, analysis tools and ad hoc queries. The ability to extract and present information in a meaningful way is vital for business management, providing the right information to the right people at the right time in the right format.
• The customization tools that are built into the software and are accessible to all users, and the tools that system administrators can use to customize Microsoft Dynamics GP, such as Modifier, Report Writer, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
• Tools are available for importing and exporting Microsoft Dynamics GP data, such as eConnect, Web Services, and Integration Manager
• Workflow capabilities in Microsoft Dynamics GP control the flow of documents through the accounting system
• Features in Microsoft Dynamics GP provide platform enhancements, such as flexible account numbers, lists, data-driven scrolling windows, security, international support, macro capabilities, named printers, the mail API, and error reporting
• The architecture and features of Business Portal are an extension that provide Web-based access to Microsoft Dynamics GP data
• The additional industry- or market-specific capabilities include multi-dictionary architecture, the trigger system, and available development options

As you can see, the architecture of Microsoft Dynamics GP is complex so your business processes don’t have to be. Specializing in ways to enhance your company’s solutions with Microsoft Dynamics GP in Idaho, Oregon, and Southwest Washington, with clients around the world, Computeration makes your implementation successful by offering experienced project management, data integration, training, and consulting services.

By Gloria Braunschweig with Computeration, a Pacific Northwest Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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The cloud has been called the next logical step in enterprise computing. No longer as much about managing infrastructure, enterprise computing is now more about managing information. It’s about having your storage, your application development environment, your applications, and your security available to you when you need them—all from an information technology grid.

According to an informative and insightful brochure, cloud computing with Microsoft Dynamics® can give you more agility, more freedom, and more choice…let’s see how:

MORE AGILITY:
A cloud model gives you the ability to respond to business demands more effectively and helps ensure employees have on-demand access to critical business information, customers, partners, and each other, using nearly any device, from virtually anywhere.

MORE FREEDOM:
Cloud computing with Microsoft Dynamics gives you the freedom to

• Access the technology you want, where and when you want it.
• Take advantage of the latest technology as a capital expense, or an operational one.
• Focus on running your business—not running IT systems.

Cloud computing gives you the ability to make full use of the same Microsoft technologies you already know and trust, on a pay-as-you-go model.

MORE CHOICE:
You can deploy your solution to fit your requirements today and yet retain the flexibility to migrate to a different model as your needs change. Microsoft Dynamics partners are ready to help you leverage your IT investments into cloud computing.

If you’re interested to learn more about cloud computing for Microsoft Dynamics ERP, download this brochure: Cloud Services, and contact us here at Sikich. We are a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Microsoft Inner Circle member serving St. Louis, MO and the Midwest specializing 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.

By Sikich, a leading St. Louis Microsoft Dynamics GP partner

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With high-tech and on-line businesses continuing to deliver more products and services with greater flexibility, the complexity of recognizing companies’ revenues can impact the profitability and credibility of an organization as well as leaving it exposed to serious regulatory  noncompliance.

Tensoft’s Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solution enables organizations to deal with today’s revenue recognition complexity while increasing profitability, customer satisfaction and investor confidence. Announced this month in a press release, McGladrey has partnered with Tensoft to deliver these solutions to Technology Business.

The partnership is designed to address the needs of technology companies, where regulatory compliance issues present a significant challenge, and complex revenue, billing and contract management needs are ubiquitous. Software publishers, SaaS and hosting providers, game publishers selling through retailers, on-line content subscription providers, and OEMs with embedded software are just a few examples of these types of companies.

“At McGladrey, we understand that technology companies face some of the most stringent regulatory requirements of any industry today, and often grow – and change – so quickly that it can be challenging to set up adequate business processes to address these,” said Stan Mork, managing director – technology services for RSM McGladrey. “By partnering with Tensoft, RSM McGladrey can deliver a scalable solution which meets the specific revenue, billing and contract management needs of these businesses, and can then provide the value-added consulting services that will provide significant strategic advantage.”

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board have issued a proposed Accounting Standards Update, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605):  Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  If adopted, the proposal would create a single revenue recognition standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards that would be applied across various industries and capital markets. The core principle of the draft standard is that an entity should recognize revenue from contracts with customers when it transfers goods or services to the customer in the amount of consideration the entity receives, or expects to receive, from the customer.  The approach required to apply this guidance would be as follows:

• Identify the contract(s) with the customer;
• Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract;
• Determine the transaction price;
• Allocate the transaction price to performance obligations; and
• Recognize revenue when performance obligations are satisfied.

This required approach, together with several other significant items included in the draft standard, are described in a document published by McGladrey & Pullen’s National Accounting Standards Group.  Our summary, FASB Issues Exposure Draft on Revenue Recognition, is also available on the McGladrey & Pullen Web site

Tensoft RCM integrates with Microsoft Dynamics GP through the general ledgers, accounts receivables, and sales order modules.

By: Kathy Davidson, McGladrey – Revenue Recognition Solutions for Technology Companies

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 I’m sure many of you reading this have been told at some point – maybe during elementary school – to get your “head out of the clouds and pay attention.”  They were telling you to be more serious and to come back to reality.  But now that has all changed – there are many reasons today to spend your entire day with your “head in the clouds!” 

Cloud computing is the nomenclature often used to describe internet-based computing or a system of using software applications hosted by another company.  Many companies today are moving towards using hosted business applications, such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, as an alternative to traditional, on-site systems.  This method shifts much of the burden of ongoing software and hardware management from the customer to the solutions provider.  Four big reasons for the shift can be summarized as follows:

1. Minimal initial investment, predictable monthly costs.  A hosted solution does not require you to purchase a new server or upgrade your current server that typically includes the associated costs of an IT staff.  Budget easier with monthly operating expenses replacing capital costs.
2. Seamless upgrades.  The provider can continually add the latest updates and features, thus ensuring the hardware always meet the latest requirements enabling you to upgrade whenever you are ready.
3. Make changes on demand.  Hosted solutions are easily scalable and flexible.
4. Reduced dependence on internal IT resources.  This reduces an organizations IT department’s workload, allowing them to focus on more relevant tasks.

Imagine having your ERP System available from anywhere – beyond the office and conference room but to the coffee shop, your home, your client’s office, or anywhere in the world.  Cost savings and flexibility abound in the cloud!

By Quadis Technologies – Nebraska Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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Customer loyalty – how to gain it, and then how to maintain it.  I suppose that everyone who has ever bought a submarine sandwich, or a cup of coffee, has seen the rewards programs offered by so many commercial establishments:  Buy 10 and get the 11^th “something” for free!  Buy 3 new tires and get 50% off the 4^th tire!  They all follow a similar pattern.  Buy a certain amount and receive a discount on the next purchase.

Microsoft has announced a new program for their loyal Dynamics GP customers!

Announcing:  Re-enrollment Award for Microsoft Dynamics GP customers

Renew your Dynamics service plan and receive up to 20% off your next qualifying license purchase, add new users, purchase new modules or transition to Business Ready Licensing. 

Your discount is based on the tenure of your account, and the number of consecutive years of being current on your Microsoft Dynamics Enhancement Plan.

Discounts are based on consecutive years of Microsoft Dynamics Service plan enrollment.  If your service plan has lapsed, the discount will be based on your most recent re-enrollment date.  Mention Promo code: NA-H1-11-01 to Pat Quimby when you call to discuss your licensing needs.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Offer good only to Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers who are first-party recipients of this notification in the US and Canada.
2. Offer starts on July 5, 2010 and is valid through each customer’s Microsoft Dynamics service plan renewal date or June 30, 2011, whichever is earlier.
3. Offer is also extended to customers with service plan renewal dates between June 25, 2011 and July 4, 2011 if the service plan is renewed on or before June 24, 2011.
4. Discount can be applied to qualifying license purchase at the time of renewal through TMC.
5. Discounts are based on consecutive years of Microsoft Dynamics Service plan enrollment.  If your service plan has lapsed, your discount will be based on your most recent re-enrollment date. For example, if a customer has a tenure of 10 years but has been current on a plan for only 2 consecutive years, then they will be eligible for a 15% discount.
6. Qualifying license purchase includes Microsoft Dynamics ERP purchase of additional users, additional modules and license model transition to Business Ready Licensing.
7. A minimum purchase of $2,500 is required, and the maximum discount on a purchase cannot exceed $5000.
8. Offer available only through participating resellers – reseller prices may vary.
9. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
10. Offer valid to each customer at the time of renewal. Eligibility is restricted to customers current on a service plan. Offer value is in U.S. dollars, before taxes.
11. Offer is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
12. License purchases and applicable discounts are based on standard list price.
13. Limit one discount per customer.

Exclusions:

1. SQL Runtime Edition and Database licenses.
2. Business Lite Users.
3. Third Party (e.g., ISV) software and functionality.

 By TMC, your Southern California Dynamics GP partner.

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Starting several versions back, Microsoft offered to create an installation ‘template’ or ‘package’ to simplify the installation of subsequent workstation.  With MS Dynamics GP 2010, the ‘package’ has really come of age.  The wizard to configure the ‘package’ now includes virtually every tweak you might need to make if you had to install the workstation from raw media.  As such, the installation process has been reduced from more than twenty steps to around five.

Where does the time and money saving show up?  To start with, the opportunity for errors is reduced 100 fold.  A master set of folder locations, decisions, etc. are programmed into the ‘package,’ eliminating someone from having to ‘remember’ to change, etc.  Secondly, the steps are now so simple that it does not require the most trained IT person to install a client.  With more than twenty options, the decision matrix required some thought. Thirdly, one can start multiple installations simultaneously. From the raw media, you are limited to one installation at a time.  Lastly, Microsoft has made their service packs as easy to install. Therefore, if there are patches that need to be applied to the ‘package’ the installation process only grows by one or two steps, which are of the form…go to and double click…wait.

By Dynamic Business Solutions, Vermont Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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We all know that updating your software and improving your internal processes is important in accomplishing your key business objectives.   But it is much more gratifying when you are able to utilize the software to support a core value of giving back to your community.

This last year, InterDyn – Remington Consulting helped a client in the Life Sciences industry who creates first aid medical supply kits do exactly that by implementing an interconnected Dynamics GP and CRM solution.  The client was having trouble maintaining their outdated manufacturing software, called ADD+ON, which was character based and had no flexibility or integration capabilities that made it nearly impossible to implement business process improvements.  Despite these limitations the company was growing, and they needed a solution that would help them keep up with the innovation in their industry. 

It’s difficult to manage a growing business with so many issues holding you back and consuming valuable time. This life science organization strategized with InterDyn – Remington Consulting and implemented an interconnected Dynamics GP and CRM solutions to streamline and improve business processes, such as:

• Integration of financial and operational systems
• Automation of tasks for improved accuracy and efficiency
• Simplified control and management of inventory
• Improved business intelligence and reporting
• Increased employee productivity and collaboration
• Cutting overhead costs and boosting profitability

Once these business processes were implemented the company was able to focus on more than just their core business and they have recently created a new business model in fundraising.  They provide organizations with first aid kids to sell for fundraising instead of selling the usual candy, popcorn, etc. The Microsoft Dynamics’ solutions have made it possible for them to manage this process, so the company can give back to the medical community!

Companies in the Life Sciences industries must stay ahead of the curve and ensure quality is effectively managed, documents are properly controlled, and products are tracked across the supply chain.InterDyn – Remington Consulting enables life sciences organizations to quickly deploy integrated and cost-effective business applications that address complex business needs.

By InterDyn – Remington Consulting, Microsoft Dynamics GP Healthcare and Life Sciences Partner

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“We’re in the business of cleaning up oil spills,” says Colleen Vance of CISPRI (Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc.). “We’re here for the response, but the prevention part of our business is just as important.”  Vance understands the importance of operating efficiently and consistently. Each of the 10 major oil company co-operative members she serves tracks their prevention and clean-up efforts differently. Vance relies on the flexible chart of accounts provided in Microsoft Dynamics GP to allow her the ability to track their activities not only by company, but by spill. “I can tell you all the costs associated with every one of our responses for as long as we’re keeping detailed history,” says Vance.

With only a part-time Accounts Payable assistant to help her, Vance also appreciates the ease of use Microsoft Dynamics GP offers. “The system is very easy and user-friendly. Every time we upgrade to a new version, we get more great features. The latest feature we really like is the customizable desktop. I love that I get task reminders in my Outlook in-box and can print all my reports with just one click.”

Because CISPRI is so focused on being responsive, they truly appreciate responsiveness in their business partners. “I’ve had the best luck with Arctic IT folks,” says Vance. “We’re a unique company. Our network is set up a little strangely. There’s nothing I can stump them with.”  She appreciates the fact she gets ready answers to questions that arise from time to time. She also appreciates the local training they provide. “I participate in their year-end closing training every year because there’s always something different I can learn,” says Vance.

As CISPRI is to the oil companies, Arctic IT is to CISPRI. “They send people down for a day or so every summer to help us get more value out of our system and make those small tweaks that help us save more time,” says Vance. “They’re an absolute pleasure to work with. We have a lot of fun when they come to visit us out here in the middle of nowhere.”

CISPRI (Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc.) is an oil spill prevention and clean up co-operative funded by the 10 major oil companies operating in Alaska. A client of Arctic Information Technology, they have used Microsoft Dynamics GP for several years.

by Arctic IT, Alaska Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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Selecting the right ERP software is only part of the equation to having a successful implementation. Once you have selected Microsoft Dynamics GP as the best ERP solution for your company, selecting the right Dynamics implementation partner is critical. The right partner has a huge impact on the success of a Dynamics Implementation. One important factor to consider when selecting a Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner is whether or not that partner uses a standard implementation methodology.

Following a standard implementation methodology for ERP implementations has a significant effect on the success of that project. Microsoft feels so strongly about this that partners will soon be required to pass exams showing proficiency in using a standard implementation methodology to achieve the Microsoft ERP competency.

As you meet with Dynamics partners and make a selection as to who will be the best fit for your organization, make sure each one clearly explains their implementation methodology to you. Many partners are using Sure Step, which is Microsoft’s recommended implementation methodology.  While I also recommend Sure Step,  the important factor is choosing a partner with a standard they follow, who can demonstrate a successful track record.

JourneyTEAM – Utah Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner 

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There are different benefits you can consider when it comes to purchasing an ERP software solution like Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and the additional technology for your organization’s operational efficiency.  Are you familiar with the term ‘one stop shop’? 

In this case (and for the purpose of this article) the term ‘one stop shop’ refers to a solution provider who delivers not only the business management solution but also provides the hardware, implementation, initial and ongoing training, consultation, and support.  Using a ‘one stop shop’ to deliver and meet all of your technology requirements right from the beginning is a benefit to you, as you will save time and money and gain increased functionality. 

Let me show you how…..

Before I get into the benefits of working with one solution vendor to fulfill your technology requirements, let’s add to this argument and state that it’s also important to select a reseller that has experience serving your industry and the proper resources, infrastructure, skills, and knowledge to help further your success today and beyond. 

Partnering with an experienced accounting/financial solution provider to conduct research for you eliminates the need to spend extra time and energy on becoming an expert yourself.  Relying upon accounting/finance software specialists to explain how various components work together in an efficient way allows you to concentrate on other critical operations and the end results. 

As well, you will benefit by saving time on implementation requirements and the number of vendors you need to contact for service and support. 

Software implementation can be rather time consuming and costly.  Using proven systems that are fully integrated will help you to save money by avoiding high costs associated with customization. 

A reputable vendor will have the knowledge of which modules work best together, thereby reducing any additional unexpected costs.  Implementing a fully integrated solution like Microsoft Dynamics will allow you to experience a faster implementation time and thus less cost.  Ask yourself:  is the time and energy you spend on ‘reinventing the wheel’ really worth the cost? 

Additionally, a fully integrated business management solution will provide you with increased functionality that will invariably reduce data entry and costly errors, increase productivity, and improve access to real-time information.  Dealing with one vendor who has the skills and resources to handle such a role will not only make it very convenient for you, but will also provide you with a better understanding of how the whole process works.

Lastly,  partnering with an experienced Microsoft Dynamics GP reseller who understands your industry and your unique business requirements will not only empower your staff but also will result in fewer headaches and smoother business processes.

By Encore Business Solutions, Winnipeg/Manitoba, Canada Microsoft Dynamics ERP software Experts.

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