It used to be that when selecting a business ERP solution, it was rare that any product would remain relevant for too long and it was typically expected that after only five years or so the business would  “outgrow” the solution and began searching for a replacement.  It was unlikely that a particular business software solution would remain applicable beyond that timeframe. 

However, with Dynamics GP (Great Plains) it is very likely that the investment you make today in the software will last far longer than five years.   In fact, I have several current clients who purchased the Great Plains solution over fifteen years ago and it still remains an ideal fit for tracking and reporting on their business processes. There are four primary reasons for this durability: 

Scalable.  From 1 user to 1000, Dynamics GP adapts (scales) easily to however large your business becomes.  Based on the Microsoft SQL database, performance degradation is minimal, even as file sizes expand and future users are added.  I have many clients who initially purchased just a few users and now have over fifty users, with no noticeable decrease in performance. 

Expandable.  Business ready licensing for Dynamics GP provides growing functionality.  With several dozen applications (including financial, distribution, business intelligence, human resources, project costing) it becomes less likely that your business will outgrow the functionality provided. Many businesses initially implement only a fraction of the modules available and then over time, as the business grows and processes become more sophisticated, they then deploy additional modules already licensed. 

Independent.  Does it matter what the operating system (if any) of the future will be?  Great Plains in its early days ran in both DOS and MAC environments.  Then Windows came along and now online versus on premise operating systems are the up and coming trend. But regardless of how users ultimately access and interact with the software, the applicability and functionality of the Dynamics GP software has and will continue to remain relevant. 

Evolving.  The user experience is key when evaluating and utilizing accounting software.  Whether it be by typing, touch or voice, efficiency of data entry and information accessibility are many times the two most important traits when evaluating ERP solutions.  Microsoft is the industry leader when it comes to committing research and development funds towards enhancing and improving the “look and feel” experience of the Dynamics GP product. Every eighteen months or so new releases provide better ways for end users to communicate, navigate and extrapolate business intelligence from the accounting applications. 

This idea that an ERP solution is at best a five year investment is, in my opinion, nonsense.  Dynamics GP has a proven track record of changing with the times, all the while continuing to provide meaningful informaton and usable functionality to its users. And while its legacy, unlike that of Michael Jackson’s, might not endure forever, you can rest assured that your initial investment will continue to be relevant and valuable for many, many years to come. 

By The Knaster Technology Group – Colorado Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Dynamics GP – The Beat Goes On is a post from: ERP Software Blog

Related Posts

1. We Beat Epicor, Prophet21, and SysPro with Microsoft Dynamics® GP
2. How Microsoft Dynamics GP Beat Sage MAS 500

So you can imagine my consternation when last week I broke a bone in my right foot.  How, you might ask?  I wish the response was by participating in one of the above mentioned activities I love so much but in truth I tripped over a shoe coming down the stairs at my house. So I now have a “boot”(similar to a ski boot) that provides stability while allowing me to walk – however these clumsy boots are the reason I gave up skiing (therefore my love for summer sports over winter!)

I mention this as I prepare to leave town to attend the annual AICPA annual technology conference to be held in Las Vegas June 15-17^th.  The purpose of this conference is to expose the attendees to new and exciting technology trends that impact both professionals and clients.  In addition to the keynote speakers and breakout sessions, typically over a hundred vendors display their wares, many who are in the business of selling accounting software solutions  like Dynamics GP.

Since my mobility is now severely constrained , I  won’t be able adhere to my usual modus operandi, which is to zoom by the exhibits, avoiding eye contact and barely giving any particular vendor enough time to even say hello (although I always seem to find time to sample their baskets of candy).

 But the more I think about it, a forced slowing down of my pace is probably a  good thing.  I think we often take for granted the time and effort these show vendors put into a particular conference.  And really, what better way is there to meet and view firsthand different software solutions that may fulfill a need and provide great benefit for your company.

So the next time you attend a trade show, be sure to take the time to speak to vendors who offer industry specific or even generic solutions that can take your business to the next level.  I am sure you will be glad you did and the vendors will certainly be appreciative.  And who knows, you might just end up with something a bit more valuable than a key chain or bouncy ball.

Take time to stop and smell the…software exibitors? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

Related Posts

1. Cash for Clunkers – Time to Trade in Your old ERP software?
2. Reinvesting in Your ERP Systems: Why Now is the Time
3. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year? The Right Software And The Right ERP Partner Can Help!