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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Improving processes means automation. Learn why these companies chose to automate their sales tax process to improve quality and reduce risk as well as costs.

Automation for sales tax with Microsoft Dynamics means Avalara’s AvaTax. We already integrate seamlessly with the Microsoft Dynamics applications that you use. Contact your Microsoft Dynamics partner or Avalara today. Visit www.avalara.com or call 1.877.780.4848 to learn more!

Why Automation for Microsoft Dynamics is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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In case you needed any additional encouragement, here are the top 10 reasons to attend Convergence 2012:

10.          This year’s conference is being held in Houston, Texas.  With its southern charm and growing business district, Houston has proven to be a great host for large events and Convergence 2012 will no different.

9.            There are plenty of opportunities to network with Microsoft staff, partners and other Dynamics users throughout the conference

8.            There will be engaging Keynote speakers, featuring senior Microsoft executives discussing the company’s plan and vision

7.            Special events galore:  there are receptions and parties throughout the conference so you can have fun while learning and sharing ideas with your peers

6.            At the Convergence reception, the special musical guest will be Daughtry, feature American Idol season five finalist Chris Daughtry

5.            With an increased global presence, Convergence 2012 will offer exposure to new ideas and people from around the world

4.            The debut of the Convergence Experience Center with sponsors, exhibitors, the bookstore and conference store all in one place

3.            For the first time, sponsor sessions will be featured for a deeper look at the offerings from prominent ISV and business partners

2.            The online session catalog shows hundreds of session descriptions so you easily decide which sessions to attend

1.            Hands-on labs with subject matter experts so you can test drive different products such as Dynamics GP and CRM at your convenience

BroadPoint will be sending several members of our staff to attend the conference, meet with clients, and exchange ideas with other attendees.  We look forward to seeing you there.

by BroadPoint Technologies

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Convergence 2012 is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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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.

Deployment Options: On-Premise, Cloud or Hosted is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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 When a new customer purchases a Microsoft Dynamics ERP system, they are automatically enrolled in a Business Ready Enhancement Plan.  The plan offers many benefits and is an invaluable tool in the first year of software ownership.  With benefits that include access to free online e-learning and technical support incidents, the plan can take an implementation in question and help turn it into a successful project.  Microsoft offers an extensive e-learning catalog that allows new users to browse and select the courses that fit their needs.  Everything from Accounts Payable to Sales Order Processing to Fixed Assets courses are offered for you.  The classes can be taken online or downloaded to your desktop for viewing at a later date.  These courses are a great way for users to become familiar with Dynamics while an implementation is going on.  The technical support incidents are of great value to an end user during year one as inevitably there will be mistakes made that require technical assistance. 

 Another benefit of a current Enhancement Plan is 24/7 access to CustomerSource.  CustomerSource is a secure customer Web site that contains personalized Microsoft product and service information, a searchable technical database, downloads, documentation, discussion boards, the aforementioned unlimited online training, news and other features.  One of the great features from which many of our customers receive exceptional value is the searchable Knowledge Base.  This comprehensive database allows you to enter search criteria and filter by product and module to return specific results to your query.  Searching for answers to technical questions can ultimately save time and consulting dollars when troubleshooting issues. 

 As a partner who cares deeply about the investments our customers make, the greatest value a new customer should recognize is the updates that are available through an Enhancement Plan.  During the term of your Enhancement Plan you are entitled to any upgrades and updates released for your Microsoft Dynamics product.  At the top of the list is new version releases.  A current plan entitles you to these as they become available!  Service packs and hot fixes are created and released at Microsoft’s discretion for recognized issues identified for Microsoft products. Regularly, many hot fixes are combined into a single package (called a service pack), which is made available for installation. Service packs are generally cumulative, meaning that each new service pack contains all the fixes that are included with previous service packs and any new critical security fixes should address specific situations that arise. During the term of your Enhancement Plan you will have access to any service packs and hot fixes released for your Microsoft Dynamics product.

 Another huge benefit to Microsoft Dynamics customers, especially those who use the Payroll functionality, is access to Tax and Regulatory updates.   During the term of your Business Ready Enhancement Plan, you will have access to tax and regulatory releases for the Microsoft Dynamics products.  These updates include Payroll Tax Table updates, and year-end 1099/W-2 updates.  These updates are crucial to keeping your system up to date and compliant with State and Federal Regulations.

 As you can see, an Enhancement Plan brings great value to customers and is a vital part of maintaining your investment!  Associates Solutions, Inc. is a nationally-recognized service and solutions provider that specializes in delivering Microsoft Dynamics Solutions. We are headquartered in the Kansas City metropolitan area, while servicing our clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.  We are proud to offer Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics SL.

By Associate Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics GP, SL partner serving KS MO IA NE

Business Ready Enhancement Plans for Microsoft Dynamics ERP Systems: Yes, they are Worth It! is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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 ERP software is used mostly for financial or supply chain management. Because it manages these important parts of your business, it’s the obvious choice to help your company go green. Business intelligence available within your ERP software gives you the insight needed to make decisions that will help you go green.

 Let’s say you’re trying to decide where to cut corners. How can you make an accurate decision without insight into your sales and operations? With ERP software, you can see if one product or services sells better than the rest, helping you optimize on that profitability. You can also take a look internally to see what kind of issues each of your departments run into on a daily basis. If you can proactively eliminate obstacles by just running some analysis, the more sustainable your operations become and the better chance your company has at going green.

 If you house hardcopy files of your financial documents, it takes up space in your office and it’s extremely difficult to manage or even find information. ERP software helps you keep this financial information on your computer in a safe and secure place. It’s also much easier to file, manage, and track to ensure compliance. While increasing your efficiency, you are saving the trees without the need to print loads and loads of paper.

 Whether you want to attain a greener workplace or simply just do more with less in the New Year, Microsoft Dynamics GP may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Contact us here at Cargas Systems for more information.

 By Julie Fuller with Cargas Systems, Delaware Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Leverage Business Intelligence with Microsoft Dynamics GP for a Greener Workplace is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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35 Questions Every CFO Needs to Ask About ERP Software in the Cloud

This simple, easy-to-follow white paper will  help you compare the benefits and risks of ERP/financial management software in  the cloud.

In the white paper, you will learn about:

• Cloud definitions
• Potential benefits of Cloud ERP
• Common concerns of Cloud ERP
• Compliance considerations for Cloud ERP
• Licensing questions for Cloud ERP
• Sample cost comparison for Cloud ERP vs.  on-premise ERP
• Business challenges and deployment options for  Cloud ERP

In addition to the information above, the white paper also  includes nine informative graphs and a sample comparison chart providing a  simplified 5-year model to evaluate the cost of various ERP deployment options  including on-premise, on demand and hosted deployment.

Download the white paper today and find out all you need to know about ERP in the  Cloud.

And contact BroadPoint, the largest Microsoft Dynamics GP reseller in the mid-Atlantic,  at skane@broadpoint.net or 301-634-2404 for more information on what deployment model will work best for your organization.

Broad Point Technologies, Virginia Microsoft Dynamics partner

Is Your Organization Ready for ERP in the Cloud? is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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Comprehensive business management software such as Microsoft Dynamics® GP connects all of the important aspects of your company into a single software platform.  You can enter and monitor financials, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing, and other business operations in a single application.  Since Microsoft Dynamics GP resembles other popular Microsoft software, your employees will find it easy to use, with minimal training.  Automating and streamlining much of the common daily data entry will save time across the company, allowing employees to focus on other important tasks.

Microsoft Dynamics GP uses RoleTailored pages and graphical dashboards customized to employees’ responsibilities and preferences.  Limiting extraneous information on their computers, employees can focus on their specific tasks and enter data quickly and easily.  When it is time to search for information or print off reports, choose from over 200 Excel reports, charts, and graphs or customize reports to analyze the data that is most important to you.  Getting rid of disparate spreadsheets and calculators will save more time in finding information, so that you can spend time analyzing data to make the important decisions that make your business successful.

Regional or global businesses can log onto Microsoft Dynamics GP using secured, portal access from any location.  Whether traveling to clients or conferences, employees can still access their data and keep their projects rolling.  Having important business data in a single application makes it easier for employees to work together whether in the office or in the field.

Wouldn’t we all like to leave the office at a reasonable time with our work neatly moved from the inbox to the outbox?  Microsoft Dynamics GP can help you get closer to that goal with a powerful, yet easy to use, software that can streamline operations across the board.  Contact Rimrock for more information about how Microsoft Dynamics GP can lighten your load.

By Rimrock Corporation, Toronto Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Lighten the Load with ERP Software is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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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

Don’t Fall Victim to Your ERP Solution: Invest in More Flexibility this New Year is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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• Jumpstarts my business- An ERP solution should jumpstart a business, not hold it back. If you feel limited with what you can do because of your ERP solution, then it’s a major sign that you’re ready for a change of pace. ERP solutions should scale with your growing business and meet your needs now and into the future. Similar to my latte, my ERP solution gives me the little boost I need to get going in the right direction.
• Energizes my team- In addition to jumpstarting business processes, an ERP solution should energize your team, not frustrate them. User adoption can be a huge issue at companies with an outdated ERP solution. The solution ends up causing more headaches than helping, resulting in employees opting out of using it at all. When this happens, no one is on the same page and most everyone is dealing with time-consuming and manual processes. Similar to my latte, my ERP solution gives my employees the energy they need because they don’t have to seek manual workarounds and it’s easy to find the information they need.
• Enhanced productivity- The right ERP solution jumpstarts, energizes, and revitalizes the workplace and a huge benefit of this is enhanced productivity. With people working together, fueled by the real-time and accurate information provided by their ERP solution, productive things happen. Tasks become more efficient, teams become more effective, and team leaders/managers become more proactive. Similar to my latte, my ERP solution gives me the tools to be more productive with my time.

All this talk about lattes is making me want one more. If all this talk about an ERP solution is making you want to change out your current situation, feel free to contact us at Cargas Systems. We are a Microsoft Dynamics® GP Partner and would be happy to answer your questions.

By Julie Fuller with Cargas Systems, Delaware Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

How an ERP Solution is Like my Morning Latte is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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