Undertaking the task of identifying and implementing a new construction software package is not an easy thing to do. To be successful, you need to have a complete understanding of your business objectives and how the software fits in to those objectives so that you can develop a plan to meet those objectives.

The purpose of this article is to discuss several elements that are of key importance in getting new software installed and implemented in the fastest and most effective manner possible. By following the advice given here and developing a strategic plan prior to making the switch to new software, you will have a “implementation blueprint” that will give you control over the entire process.

Converting Data

When you install new software, there will inevitably be a time when you’ll need to get all the data off of your old system and put it on to the new system. There are essentially two options for this data conversion: manual conversion and electronic conversions. Ultimately, the choice you make will depend on the services that your vendor offers and how much of your old data you want to transfer over to the new construction software system.

Manual Data Conversion: Converting your data manually is exactly what it sounds like – you, or someone at your company, manually reenter the data in to your new software. Of course, the main disadvantage of doing the data conversion this way is that it is a very time and labor intensive task. It can be helpful to use a team approach and have the entire staff tackle the job at once. In cases where a company decides to move a minimal amount of data over to the new system, manual conversion can be more than adequate as it may not take as much time as it would to move many years worth of data.

One thing that companies that opt for manual data conversion need to be aware of is data entry errors. Working long hours copying data from one system to the other can be very tiring. If there is a deadline on top of that, you are almost asking for mistakes to be made. If you choose to do manual data conversion, you need to ensure that there are quality control procedures in plact to verify the accuracy of your data.

Electronic Data Conversion: Likewise, electronic data conversion is pretty self-explanatory. It involves using some sort of software to transfer the data from your old system to the new one. This is the ideal solution in most cases because it is quick, it requires little more than a “set it and forget it” amount of labor, and generally copies the data as accurately as possible.

If your construction management software vendor offers an electronic data conversion option, you should probably seriously consider it. They should be able to provide you with guidance necessary to retrieve your old data from your system and they should be able to explain how to convert it to the new system.

One thing to be aware of when you use electronic data conversion is the quality of the data and the formatting of that data. You need to understand exactly what your vendor can and cannot do with your old data and the new system before signing on for an electronic conversion.

Electronic data conversion can usually import master files, customer information, job cost history, open invoices, and other common data. However, it does require some technical knowledge to oversee the electronic data conversion. If you do not think you can handle this task, you may want to speak with your vendor to see if they offer technical consultants that can help.

Data Cleanup

When converting data, it is important that you’re only transferring good, clean data to your new system. If you put garbage in to the new system, it’s going to send garbage out. In other words, the performance of your new system will be directly related to the quality of data that you put in to it – both initially and on an ongoing basis. This is true whether you use manual or electronic data conversion. By taking the time to clean up your data before conversion, you have an opportunity to:

* Get all of your data standardized

* Identify and delete duplicate records and find missing records

* Delete unnecessary data

* Reformat data where necessary

* Search for and fix corrupted information

* Test the validity of the data when you export it

Testing

Once you have converted your old data to the new system, you need to test it. This is a crucial step in the overall “data cleanup” operation. Whether data is manually or electronically converted, you need to test the data to ensure that it is accurate and to give yourself a chance to evaluate the critical processes that the construction software tracks and reports on.

It may help to think of testing as a “dry run” for the real deal. Run the same reports using your old software that you run in the new software and make comparisons. Use these opportunities to identify and correct issues to avoid problems after you “go live” with the new software.

You may want to consider hiring temporary help during the conversion process to assist with data entry or to provide the day to day support that is necessary to keep the business running smoothly while you focus on the software conversions.

Training

Once you have installed the new software, training your staff to properly use the software should be your top priority. It cannot be said enough – DO NOT cut corners on training. Having adequate training for your users is the only way that you can ensure that the software provides the long term benefits that you desire.

On-site training will almost always be the best option. It gives end-users the ability to work with real data and get comfortable with the new software in an environment where they will ultimately be using it. It is best to start training on the core modules – job cost, payroll, accounts payable, and so on. Once your users have mastered these modules, you can begin to move on to the more complex things that the new software offers.

Follow up training is equally as important, but can be done using a combination of phone call, online training, and on-site sessions if necessary. Learning how to use the software should be done proactively and not reactively, and ongoing training is the only way to ensure that is accomplished. This growing knowledge of how to best use the software will give your company a competitive advantage over your competition that cannot be matched.

Finally, it is always a good idea to have on-site training “refreshers” once a year, after software upgrades, and if/when you experience a high employee turnover to ensure that you don’t fall behind.

Continue Your Relationship with Your Vendor

After you go live with the new software you need to make sure that you maintain a relationship with your vendor. Talk to their development team and tell them about ways that the software can be improved. Attend conferences. In short, do anything you can to nurture the relationship you have with your vendor – it will come in handy when you really need it to.

Construction accounting is a complicated thing. The time and money that your company invests in upgrades are commitments to your long term success. Only by having a positive relationship with your vendor can you ensure that you get the most from your software for as long as possible.

See Also : retail accounting software

Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP and MRP application is successor of former Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise. Great Plains Software Dynamics accounting application was introduced in earlier 1990th as the future replacement for Great Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows. GPA as well as earlier Dynamics was available on competitive OS platforms: Windows and Mac. At this time, fall of 2008, it is probably impractical to talk about Great Plains Accounting customizations, as if you are still on GPA, you are probably not looking for business expansion, or if you have such plans, then you should consider migration to Great Plains Dynamics GP. In this small publication we will concentrate on Great Plains programming and modification options, especially on large and midsize software development projects:

1. GP technical consultants and Dex programmers consolidation and specialization. If all you need is field consultant, then you should expect broader expertise from this folk, however it is probably not realistic to expect him to play all the instruments and do deep Great Plains integrations and add-ons. All you expect from this guy is to help you with data fixing and add-on specking out to be transferred to Great Plains Software Development Factory.

2. Great Plains Customization options. Traditionally most if not all of the add-ons were programmed in Great Plains Dexterity, however since the introduction of GP version 9.0 and especially 10.0 some of the programming project, especially in eCommerce scenarios could be written in eConnect. eConnect is tightly related to Great Plains architecture and it doesn’t post Great Plains batches for example as the architecture restriction. To understand GP Dex architecture principles you should read fundamental Dexterity and GPS Dynamics whitepapers. As a work around to enable posting Sales Order Processing and virtually all the batches in Dynamics GP – you should deploy Alba Spectrum Posting Server.

3. Great Plains Customization lifecycle. Each ERP application should accommodate itself to Operating System and computer hardware renovations. In modern time, it is probably fare to way that every two years your Accounting application should be upgraded to the new version, where in our opinion you should skip every second new version, where new versions are coming typically every calendar year. Please, understand here, that Great Plains Dexterity customization was written uniquely and specially for your business and its upgrade should be considered seriously.

4. Direct SQL scripting. We discourage you from taking this route, as you will begin inevitable experiments with business compliance and likely its violations.

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The task is to define and implement new software for design, it is not easy. Success is a good understanding of corporate goals and objectives of the software aims prepare a plan to achieve them.

This book is designed to discuss the key elements of new software that is necessary to have installed and implemented quicklyAnd effectively. In accordance with the advice here, and for software development of a strategic plan to transition to new, you have an implementation plan to monitor the process.

Data Conversion

When you install new software, not necessarily where you need the old system, all information from the system and the introduction of a new one. There are basically two options for dataConversion Conversion: Conversion of manual and electronic. "The preferred option depends on the services offered by the old supplier and how much data can be delivered the final, calculated the system software.

Manual data conversion data conversion looks simple – one from the company, the new data manually for new software. Of course, the worst drawback of this data conversionthis is great and work. Approach can be useful for the team and to all employees for the work must. If a company decides that the minimum amount of data with the new system, a manual switch may be too much, because you can do for a long time for many years to provide data values.

One thing that companies opt for manual processing of data that needs to be aware of errors in data collection. For a long time to copy datafrom one system to another can be very tiring. If it is near, they are almost asking errors. If the manual processing required to ensure that the quality control check plact data.

Electronic Data Conversion: The electronic exchange is very simple. It is to use the software to transfer data from the old to the new system. Itideal solution in most cases because it is quickly needed little more than set and forget "the number of labor and usually exact date back as possible.

If the service provider, management software offers the construction of a choice of electronic data interchange, is likely to be considered seriously. You must be able to the information necessary to retrieve data from the old system and be able to explain how the newSystem.

One thing to keep in mind when using an automatic data processing and data quality and format. You have to understand what the seller can not or do not, the old system and data before the signing of a new electronic exchange.

Electronic Data Conversion can usually get the basic documentation, customer information, history, labor costs, invoices and other common data. But it requires technical expertise to monitor theelectronic data exchange. If you suspect that you may not play this role, please contact the operator if the bid consultants who can help.

Data cleansing

When converting the data for you is more important is that good, clean data on the new system. If one of the garbage of the new system, which sends the junk. In other words, the implementation of the new system directly on the quality of the records to him -early and long term. This is true for the performance data manually or electronically. Time to clean the data before the conversion, you can:

* Take all the standard information
* Detects and removes duplicate and missing documents found
* Remove unnecessary information
* Data-Re-format needed
* Identification and correction of incorrect data
* The accuracy of the information to control and

Analysis

TimeWhen old data transferred to the new system to prove it. This is a major step towards the complete data cleansing. If the data manually or electronically to change, should be scrutinized to ensure his and has the ability to critically evaluate the processes of the software and build relationships.

Can be useful to think of tests "dress rehearsal" and the real deal. Run the report to the old software and new software or make comparisons and running. Take this opportunity to recognize and solve problems in order to avoid problems after the software "go live" with new ones.

We encourage you to hire temporary help at the entrance to consider the conversion of data or to help facilitate the daily support necessary to convert to maintain the orderly functioning of the company and concentrate on software.

Creation

When installing a newSoftware> Training of personnel for the proper use of the software on the order of their importance. It is not said enough – no shortcuts to training. Proper training of the members is the only way to ensure that the software concept is useful in the long you want.

Training facilities, is almost always the best solution. offers users the opportunity with real data, and a beautiful new software environmentare eventually used. It is advisable to start training with the core modules – labor, payroll, accounts payable, and so on. If the user learned form you will start to move to questions, more complex, that the new software.

Training is very important, but it can be equipped with telephone, online training and possibly the industry. To use the software and is in the activeScience non-reactive and continuous learning is the only way to ensure that it is not. This increase in knowledge of the best use of the software company a competitive edge on competitors, the hand can not go hand in.

Finally, it is always good to have a place in education "update" once a year, while the software and in the case of high turnover, not criminals become.

Maintaining relationsSeller

After living in the new software, make sure it has with the supplier. Talk with the developers to tell how the program can be improved. Participating in the conference. In short, what we can to is to foster relations between the streets of an operator – it is very useful when you need it.

Accounting structure is a complex matter. Time and money to invest in a companyCommitment to continue the long term success. Only the positive relationship with the vendor software can offer you the best, if possible.

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Microsoft Great Plains, currently new name in Microsoft Dynamics family is Microsoft Dynamics GP, originally this ERP package was created by Great Plains Software as Great Plains Dynamics in earlier 1990th as Great Plains Dexterity application. Microsoft Great Plains tailored business logic or professional modifications were initially made back in late 1990th in Great Plains Dex, this IDE has it own C-shell based scripting language – sanscript. MRP package at that time had similar customization capabilities: SAP had ABAP, Axapta – Morph X, X++, Navision – C/Side.

When Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software and formed Microsoft Business Solutions, Dexterity core of GP was deemphasized (however it stays and not going anywhere), instead Microsoft BS opened GP objects for Microsoft Visual Studio C# and VB.Net developers via new tool – eConnect. eConnect obviously is not a miracle and it replicates Dex logic in SQL stored procedures – meaning that eConnect is definitely step forward to make Microsoft Great Plains more open MRP platform, but this step is rather evolutional, not a major revolution. Let’s review typical GP modification scenarios

1. eCommerce. GP is now open ERP or accounting backoffice, thanks to eConnect. Good approach in eConnect software development is calling XML web services scenarios. If you have already practiced eConnect e-commerce development, you should come to the dilemma of eCommerce invoices automatic posting. eConnect doesn’t do posting job and it is understandable, as eConnect is build upon Great Plains Dexterity architecture, where posting is left to GP operators

2. EDI or Electronic Document Interchange. Traditionally EDI is considered as fixed length fields standard, new approach is XML data interchange, including XML web services. In the case of Microsoft Great Plains both approaches could be relatively easy realized on MS SQL Server scripting level, where you deploy such statements and constructions as convert and cast to program fixed field length

3. Sales Order Processing module modifications. SOP is one of the most popular custom logic scenarios. If you think about deploying custom logic in GP user workstation, then more likely modification should be programmed in Dexterity. If Dex is too complex, especially if you plan to customize GP in-house, then consider GP Modifier with VBA

4. Modifier with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This tools is related to older Microsoft OLE technologies – customization of Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc

See Also : accounting costs computer software

Microsoft Great Plains, currently new name in Microsoft Dynamics family is Microsoft Dynamics GP, originally this ERP package was created by Great Plains Software as Great Plains Dynamics in earlier 1990th as Great Plains Dexterity application. Microsoft Great Plains tailored business logic or professional modifications were initially made back in late 1990th in Great Plains Dex, this IDE has it own C-shell based scripting language – sanscript. MRP package at that time had similar customization capabilities: SAP had ABAP, Axapta – Morph X, X++, Navision – C/Side.

When Microsoft purchased Great Plains Software and formed Microsoft Business Solutions, Dexterity core of GP was deemphasized (however it stays and not going anywhere), instead Microsoft BS opened GP objects for Microsoft Visual Studio C# and VB.Net developers via new tool – eConnect. eConnect obviously is not a miracle and it replicates Dex logic in SQL stored procedures – meaning that eConnect is definitely step forward to make Microsoft Great Plains more open MRP platform, but this step is rather evolutional, not a major revolution. Let’s review typical GP modification scenarios

1. eCommerce. GP is now open ERP or accounting backoffice, thanks to eConnect. Good approach in eConnect software development is calling XML web services scenarios. If you have already practiced eConnect e-commerce development, you should come to the dilemma of eCommerce invoices automatic posting. eConnect doesn’t do posting job and it is understandable, as eConnect is build upon Great Plains Dexterity architecture, where posting is left to GP operators

2. EDI or Electronic Document Interchange. Traditionally EDI is considered as fixed length fields standard, new approach is XML data interchange, including XML web services. In the case of Microsoft Great Plains both approaches could be relatively easy realized on MS SQL Server scripting level, where you deploy such statements and constructions as convert and cast to program fixed field length

3. Sales Order Processing module modifications. SOP is one of the most popular custom logic scenarios. If you think about deploying custom logic in GP user workstation, then more likely modification should be programmed in Dexterity. If Dex is too complex, especially if you plan to customize GP in-house, then consider GP Modifier with VBA

4. Modifier with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This tools is related to older Microsoft OLE technologies – customization of Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc

Tags : restaurant accounting software

In-House Payroll System Hardware Options

This week begins the first of a three part series on in-house payroll systems. During this series, the hardware components that comprise this type of system, pros and cons of this type of system, and software options will be examined.

An in-house computerized payroll system is located on company property, and equipment may be owned or leased from a vendor. Businesses have more control over this type of system, and can tailor the security system design to meet individual needs. System operation is performed onsite by company employees including programmers, systems analysts, data entry personnel operators, system administrators, etc., providing more control to the business.

Hardware options are determined by the size of a company, requirements, budget constraints, and the need for dedicated computer systems in certain departments.

Hardware Options:

Mainframe Computers – largest and most powerful computers, used for the entire company. Each department links to the mainframe, sharing the resources (storage and processing) with other departments. In large companies, a separate mainframe may be dedicated to payroll processing, benefits and human resources functions
Minicomputers – smaller and less costly option than mainframe computers. This can be a good option for small to medium sized businesses. Again, departments share the available resources.
Microcomputers or personal computers (PCs) – flexible options from many vendors.

Microcomputer Networks Networks connect computers and applications. PCs are able to communicate with each other in a network, and employees can access applications from their computers. PCs share software programs, and have access to printers, modems, etc.

Local Area Networks (LANs) – In a LAN, computers are physically connected to each other, data is transmitted at high speed short distances, and managed by a main computer or minicomputer.
Wide Area Network (WANs) - In a WAN, data is transmitted over long distances using telephone lines and Internet.

Client/Server Technology Application programs are distributed by running on a personal computer. The data is on a server (mainframe, minicomputer or PC). Payroll, benefits and human resource applications are installed on PCs in the payroll and human resources departments.

Client/server applications may be comprised of a combination of these components: hardware, graphical user interface, file management system, network operating system, and communications protocol.

Data Processing Payroll and human resources data can be processed using two different methods, real-time processing and batch processing. Real-time processing allows the user to have immediate access to the data as updates are made. During batch processing, data is collected, coded in groups for processing, and returned when updates are complete. The user usually does not have access to the data while updates are made.

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Sage ERP X3 and Dynamics AX are both capable ERP software, inclined towards manufacturing units, but to choose one of them one has to go in details for analyzing the options and features these software provide. Sage ERP X3 and Dynamics AX both have different features in their different editions and come with facility of add on tools for more advanced features and working.

Sage ERP X3 and Dynamics both have features like quoting, CRM, sales analysis, order processing, ordering, purchasing, scheduling/capacity planning, receiving, accounts payable, accounts receivable, BOM, material resource planning and shop management. Sage ERP X3 provides advanced manufacturing features through discrete suite and process suite. Facility to manage warehouses in Sage X3 comes as a loose end utility which can be incorporated on demand whereas Dynamics AX contains option for maintaining multi tier warehouses.

The CRM module of Sage ERP X3 has couple of features which are not present in Dynamics AX or rather they are not featuring as dominantly as in Sage X3 like marketing campaigns and guarantee management. Sage ERP X3 claims to be the most economic ERP solutions but it depends on the requirement of the buyer purchasing it.

Dynamics AX encompasses all the aspects of manufacturing and wholesale distribution company with some advanced features like job monitoring. It has an advanced feature like collaboration, this option works by deploying an enterprise portal which builds connection between customers, employees, vendors and other business partners, this improves work efficiency and makes the business available to all. It also helps in designing work flows to ensure that employees follow the company’s best practices. This improves connectivity and is compatible with latest communication technologies like VoiP.

Sage ERP X3 also support e business by connecting the back office with website and updating the information in real time, this helps in maintaining the web store and removes the hassle of web store inventory management to large extent. This option gives highly secure and personalized e-business solution with freedom of designing and managing the website.

Environment sustainability is another feature of Dynamics AX which is unique and important, this feature enables the users of Dynamics AX to keep a track of their emissions and energy consumptions. The option to input the data of the energy consumed while manufacturing has been incorporated by extending accounts payable and inventory management options which reduces extra pain of data collection. This feature can be used by installing environment sustainability dashboard available in Dynamics AX latest edition.

Another highlight of AX ERP software is its business intelligence and reporting. Dynamics AX with or without performance point server provide the insight to help individuals, teams and management in their decision making. Dynamics AX with Sql Server provide flexible, easy to use and capable to analyze, reporting tool and BI platform to get access to real time data through out the enterprise. This improves quality of accounting and financial reports and makes planning and budgeting easy.

It has more compatibility with other popularly used products like Microsoft excel and office and also it has greater scalability and over all functionality. Sage ERP X3 is cost effective, easy to use and deploy and more focused for mid sized businesses. Both the software provide efficient working and easy user interface.

Friends Link : small business accounting tips payroll accounting software lean manufacturing software

If you remember the XXI century story about Microsoft purchase of Great Plains Software – this is where eEnterprise, that was the last GPS ERP name invention ceased to exist in its MRP name consistency. Great Plains eEnterprise was renamed into Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains Professional, later on in September 2005, Great Plains was renamed into Microsoft Dynamics GP. But anyway, if you or your company had hard time back in earlier 2000, then you might be on Great Plains eEnterprise or Great Plains Dynamics for Microsoft SQL Server versions 6.0 or 7.0. Let’s review eEnterprise upgrade and walk away paths:

1. DB Platform. eEnterprise was available on Microsoft SQL Server only, so more likely you are on Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 or even MS SQL Server 2000. So, considering the fact that high-end version of Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 or 9.0 is available on MS SQL Server 2005 and 2000 only – from DB perspective there are no challenges

2. GP Licenses and MBS Great Plains annual enhancement program status. Well, considering the fact that you are supposedly still on GPS eEnterprise ERP version, chances are high that you lapsed in Microsoft Business Solutions GP annual enhancement program. If our assumption is correct, then you will have to contact you Microsoft VAR to understand your annual enhancement reactivation options. If you have no idea on what we are talking about – call us

3. eEnterprise upgrade scenarios. If you are on Great Plains Software eEnterprise, more likely you have more than 10 Great Plains system manager users and so, you are valuable customer (meaning that you are large or mid-size business from the ERP perspective). If you didn’t downsize in 2001-2004, then your upgrade path is to Microsoft Dynamics GP Professional

4. Microsoft Dynamics C/S+. This is the predecessor of eEnterprise, C/S+ versions were 5.5, 5.0, 4.0 and 3.2. Those days Microsoft SQL platform was in the formation stage, so your version might be MS SQL Server 6.0 or alternative DB platforms: Btrieve or Ctree/Faircom. Your migration path is likely to be to Microsoft Dynamics GP Professional as well. If you are on non Microsoft SQL Server DB platform – you will need to migrate to MS SQL Server. The migration tool is available fro Microsoft Business Solutions, however it is not trivial and we recommend you to deploy GP technical consulting firm to do migration and version upgrade job.

5. Great Plains Dexterity customizations for eEnterprise. Dex programming was very popular in late 1990th, and this is not a surprise if you have Dex altered Dynamics business logic. Please review you Dynamics.set file to figure out if you have Dexterity custom logic and if so, try to find Dynamics.dic with your Sanscript scripts in not stripped out

6. eEnterprise custom reporting. The most likely you have GP ReportWriter modified reports: SOP Long Invoice or Blank Form, POP Purchase Order. RW is in fact Dexterity module and reports migration and upgrade require Dex architecture expertise and software development experience.

7. Dinosaur versions of Great Plains. GPA for DOS, MS Windows or Macintosh were discontinued to support in earlier XXI Century. If you are still on one of those, you got to consider walk away migration option: to Microsoft Dynamics GP would be the natural way, however you may theoretically migrate to Oracle, Sage, PeopleSoft, JDEdwards, Scala, or other ERP application

8. GP Licenses. You are probably familiar with ERP industry rules – besides initial MRP application purchase you have to be current and pay annual fee for ERP enhancement program. You are lapsed in enhancement program, you should expect re-enrollment fee. The GP re-enrollment fee depends on the number of lapsing years, and in some cases it is more beneficial to do new GP software licenses purchase, please contact your Microsoft Dynamics GP Great Plains reseller for details.

9. Dex Customization upgrade. If you have custom Dex logic in your eEnterprise installation version, you should not assume that modified logic update will be automatic. Typically Dexterity developers and programmers need to be involved to estimate upgrade efforts

10. Crystal Reports and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SRS vs. Great Plains ReportWriter. RW is Microsoft Dexterity module, so you should not expect miracle from Report Writer interface. RW has access to GP Dex reports, stored in Reports.dic file, plus these mentioned reports have Dexterity parameters entry screens in regular GP logic. CR is Dex-independent tool and you should try to base Crystal Reports on SQL Stored Procedures and Views logic. The same should be said about SRS

11. Dexterity sanscript advise. Dex historically deploys cursor base logic in its Sanscript scripting language. This logic might not be optimal for MS SQL Server 2005 and 2000 platforms. Please consider calling MS SQL Server stored procedures from Dex sanscripts directly

12. eConnect programming. Again, eConnect was not available in 1999, eConnect was introduced for eCommerce developers in earlier 2000. eConnect is the set of encrypted stored procedures, assuming that you have already upgraded to GP 7.5, 8.0, 9.0 or 10.0

13. eEnterprise and Great Plains Software Dexterity traces. You should know that Dynamics.dic for eEnterprise is similar to the one for Dynamics for MS SQL Server. Dexterity places the following rules on MS SQL Server DB design: DEX_ROW_ID – this column is use in Dex internal logic, Dex.ini – here you place the instructions to Dexterity to log certain events

14. If Upgrade stalls. Typically this is due to inconsistent Company DB records. First consider check links rescue, however it doesn’t work in 100% of the cases. If you don’t have a luck with check links, then you will have to do manual data repair SQL scripting

15. Most Typical Pitfalls. GP Upgrade process is not easy and this is not because Microsoft Business Solutions has inefficient upgrade path, in the opposite – GP upgrade fails, due to the data inconsistency in your GP tables, typically in Purchase Order Processing: POP10110, POP30110 and IV10200

16. Manufacturing, Project Accounting, Fixed Assets special considerations. These mentioned modules were integrated with Great Plains Dynamics in late 1990th. PA was the result of MatchData purchase, Philippines base Dexterity development partner, GP Manufacturing was Icontrol Purchase, Fixed Assets module is the successor of Forestar FA application for GPS Dynamics.

17. Intellisol Advanced Purchase Order Processing and Project Accounting upgrade to GP PO Processing. To have you informed, Intellisol International, Australian based company tried to relocate to Fargo, ND in 1998. Then GPS negotiated with MatchData and Icontrol to purchase and incorporate their respective modules over Intellisol PA and Advanced POP. Intellisol APOP upgrade path is still available to GP 7.5, please contact us for further details

18. Mekorma Modules, This Los Angeles based software vendor was famous in GP secured check printing. Please contact Mekorma if your new intended for upgrade version of Mekorma GP is available

19. Local and State Tax calculation and filing partners, such as Avalara. Alba Spectrum initially helped Alalara to develop Avatax GP 7.0 and 7.5, later on Avalara decided to outsource Avatax development to India Great Plains Dexterity developers, where Alba Spectrum provided Avalara with Dex source code

20. French Canadian and European Dynamics GP ERP market. While French Canadian GP version 10.0 as well as Latin American Spanish version, German GP 10.0 version is scheduled to be phased out – in Germany and many of European countries Microsoft Axapta and Navision will be supported instead

If you like us to help you with GP upgrade, integration, software licenses, reporting, please give us a call

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If your company deploys Microsoft Great Plains as corporate ERP, at some day you will come to this IT routine on how to migrate your accounting/MRP system from one physical computer to another. As IT person you may or may not have a lot of GP architecture knowledge, this is why we would like here to orient you in this subject of transferring. We would like to stress here, that this routine of transfer typically is something that should be done by professional consultant, so you do not have us responsible for consequences if you have complications: customization, reports modification, complex integrations to name a few

o Great Plains Architecture. Microsoft Dynamics GP is MS SQL Server based application. GP workstation connects to SQL database via ODBC, this means that when migration is done, you should update ODBC connection settings to point out to new SQL Server

o GP Security Model. This is the most important part in understanding the migration scenario. Great Plains initially targeting multiple database platforms: Pervasive SQL/Btrieve, Ctree/Faircom, and MS SQL Server plus several networking platforms, such as MS Windows, Novell and Macintosh – and by doing so – it doesn’t use Windows Domain logins or even SQL Server logins. Instead it uses it own security model, built in DYNAMICS database. GP security model realization for MS SQL Server platform utilizes MS SQL Server logins (stored in master database) and grants them access to DYNAMICS and each company databases. Additional complication here is this – GP user password (as you enter it in GP interface when you login) is actually encrypted for your user login in MS SQL Server – this is why you can not just use your GP user login to register GP SQL Server in MS SQL Server Enterprise Manager

o Installing GP on the new Server. When you are done with SQL installation (don’t alter sorting options), you will need to install Microsoft Dynamics GP with empty companies with the same companies databases ID (where you used similar GP account structure segmenting – this is technically not required, but will make your life easier, if something goes wrong)

o Now security transfer surgery. If you feel that you are very strong with DTS – you may use this tool. If you are not at this level of SQL DB administration, please login to GP customer source and find current techknowledge on users logins transfer from one SQL server to another.

Visit : dynamics gp technology partner

The debate on Sage ERP X3 vs Dynamics AX makes taking a decision very difficult because they are both competitive, manufacturing oriented and capable of providing effective business solutions. In order to find out which one is most suitable for a certain company, one needs to make an in depth analysis of the features and options the software provides.

Sage ERP X3 vs Dynamics AX is a very close competition from the point of view of the features. They both offer similar solutions for every business process involved in a manufacturing company. CRM, BOM, order management, sales management, material planning, shop management, accounts payable or accounts receivable are just a few features both products have. A difference between them can be noticed when it comes to managing warehouses, because this option is better defined in Dynamics AX. On the other hand, Sage ERP X3 is in advantage when it comes to the CRM module because it has a few extra features than its “competitor”.

Dynamics AX covers every aspect involved in manufacturing and distributing products. It even has an option that allows the user to develop a portal of the company that brings together customers, employees, suppliers and other interested parties in order to improve communication and collaboration. Another feature that is not found in Sage ERP X3 is the environmental management. This means that using this software will allow the company to monitor their consumption of energy and emissions. Dynamics AX also has a reporting component which assists the management decision, offering guidance in making the best business choices. Besides all these, it is popular software because it is compatible with other widely used Microsoft products.

Sage ERP X3 vs Dynamics AX might seem like a very balanced debate and the costs of software might help someone take a decision easier. The first product claims to be the most affordable available on the market and to deliver maximum functionality at low operational costs. It also provides tools that will help the management take the best decisions in what concerns business aspects and it has access options that ensure employees, customers and suppliers can easily access information, either online or through client-server operation. All the hard work involved in keeping the web store inventory is eliminated due to the fact that Sage ERP X3 provides support for e-business. This also allows a better management of the company’s website and a better web design.

Deciding between Sage ERP X3 vs Dynamics AX can only be done after considering the particularities of the company, since they both have features that differ so slightly.

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