Dynamics GP Consulting: Version Upgrade, Customization, Integration

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

Article by Andrew Karasev

Finding the right consulting firm to implement and then support you Corporate ERP, MRP and Accounting application is crucial to the success of the project and its longevity. When you begin looking for the implementation consultants, you may find that each has its own specialization. Some of them might be looking for small and mid-size businesses in the local area and offer generic CPA stile methodology and user training in implementation phase. Others might be serving Nationwide, specializing in industry niches. There are firms with emphasis on technology, carrying Dexterity, eConnect, C# Software Development Factories

Retail Industry and Dynamics GP Integration and Implementation

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

Article by Andrew Karasev

In retail business you typically have dedicated Retail Management System, which supports POS, Barcode and RFID scanning, store purchases and merchandise management. For mid-size retailer you may come to conclusion that RMS doesnt do the whole job for you as it is not designed to be accounting application. This is probably the right conclusion and now it is time to pick Corporate ERP system, which is reasonably simple in its integration with your front end POS and Retail application. In the case of small retailer we recommend you to consider Counterpoint (from Radiant Software), which has preset exports of daily sales (they are exported to General Ledger) and Store Purchasing (go to Accounts Payable). If you are growing and Counterpoint is too simple for your retail business, we recommend you to consider Microsoft RMS. This application has out of the box integration module to GP, plus there are IVS solutions, allowing you integrate RMS with Great Plains Sales Order Processing module (SOP Invoices with Customer deposits). Lets review some details:

1. Counterpoint and Great Plains tandem. This is good option for small retail business, for example deli stores, Asian food, non profit organization, such as national park or forest preserve, Main street retail outlet. There are two options in integrating it to Dynamics GP. First one is DTS package (we believe that they are switching to SSIS packages, introduced in MS SQL Server 2005 and also supported in SQL 2008, DTS package support could be enabled in Legacy section of the SQL Server Management Studio). Second option is in our opinion more flexible as it exports GL and PM transactions into the text file. From this point you can use GP Integration Manager module to import records, where you can apply such integration altering tools, as VBA script, translation and even Advanced ODBC data sources (consider creating SQL View in MS SQL Server, where you are unionizing records from simple text files, or joining your retail application tables directly)

2. MS Retail Management System and GP tandem. This tandem could be recommended to mid-market retailers (however please note that it might be too revolutionary recommend it to nation-wide retail chains, where they have high-end Warehouse Management Systems and Retail Application, sitting in Oracle or MS SQL Clusters, or at least covered by SQL Database Mirroring technology). MS RMS has integration module (programmed in GP Dexterity and distributed as Dexterity chunk file). In the case when you need more control in Great Plains and would like to process Sales Transactions, Inventory Counts, Transfers, Price Lists, Discounts and Sale Promotion campaigns, we recommend you to take a look at Alba Spectrum RMS to GP Integration Module

3. Enabling GP SOP Transaction to play POS role. Typically this is seen as a good option for small retail stores: Landscape Supply, Nurseries, Factory Outlets (where you need strong accounting application to run the factory itself). If you recognize your scenario, we recommend you to look at Compass ISV POS extension to GP

4. Warehouse Management System with Barcode scanning, RFID. If you are running small store we recommend you to get advantage from your POS and Retail application, such as Counterpoint or Microsoft RMS, where basic WMS functionalities are already automated. For example MS RMS has Store Operations module and even Headquarters (where you control all your stores and have functionality to do nationwide or international distribution to your franchisees). If you feel that you need WMS of the higher caliper, you may decide to do your homework to understand what kind of Warehouse Management System could be integrated with your Great Plains Corporate ERP

5. Adding Ecommerce Shopping Cart. Going online and enabling internet sales sounds like natural expansion, but the technology is so diversified, that you need to expose yourself and do self study. In Dynamics GP you have such option as Business Portal and Order Management module, which should be considered if you are in B2B ecommerce model. If you are in B2C ecommerce, and you programmed your ecommerce website internally, we recommend you to consider Integration Management module integration to be setup and scheduled to fire every half an hours or five minutes to provide quasi real time shopping cart integration mode. If you need control directly from your ecommerce web project in Microsoft Visual Studio (C#, VB, C++) consider including eConnect libraries. In the case when you are basing your ecommerce web site in Linux, MySQL database and programming PHP, consider calling GP Web Services (these are in fact abstraction level calling eConnect encrypted SQL Stored Procedures near the core). If you are deploying such popular ecommerce shopping carts as Magento, ASP.Net Storefront we recommend you to look for ISV integration modules, for example eCommerce integration module developed and supported by Alba Spectrum

6. Electronic Document Interchange or EDI. If you bought franchise, you might be required to place your inventory replenishment orders via EDI channel (typically precisely structured text or XML file with header, lines and ending record). If franchise network is established, EDI application is part of the deal and you should get it. For the rest of us, EDI order placement in Great Plains could be implemented via precise SQL Select statement. You could also acquire EDI package, where all or most of the interfaces are available (however the price might be higher, comparing to custom SQL programming solution)

7. Some words to international retailers. First of all please check if Dynamics GP is available and localized in your country or region. It is available in most of the English speaking countries, such as UK, Canada, South Africa, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania. Great Plains is available in Arabic version across the Middle East and Northern Africa. The countries of South East Asia, where English is used as the language of business also have the version. GP is also available in South and Central America in Spanish. It is not available in Brazil, where Brazilian Portuguese is spoken

8. Local and Nationwide Support in USA, Canada and Internationally. We can do local implementation in the case of consultant driving only in Chicago, West Michigan, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, CA. We are ready to fly out onsite for initial implementation within USA, Canada. If you are located internationally, we are happy to discuss the implementation options. To give you a good example of our flexibility we are working with the prospects in Afghanistan/Kabul, Paraguay, Canadian mining company trying to implement GP for its newly acquired gold mining facility in Siberia in Russian Federation. We have WMS customers in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Republic of Palau. We also helped to implement RMS in Angola, Ethiopia and Israel. We also discussed Great Plains localization and implementation options with the prospect in Republic of Georgia in Tbilisi. There was a call from Armenian community here in the United States to help with Armenian company expansion to the US. One of our customers in Polish company furniture retail net doing business in Poland, Czech republic and Lithuania

9. For further information, please call us 1-866-304-3265 or email help@efaru.com. We provide service in USA and internationally via web sessions. Local service is available in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Dallas, West Michigan: St Joseph, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Holland, Saugatuck, New Buffalo, Muskegon

About the Author

Andrew Karasev is Great Plains Certified Master, MVP, help@efaru.com 1-866-304-3265, 1-269-605-4904. He is also the initiator of eFaru project http://www.efaru.com and founder of Alba Spectrum information space

Dynamics AX Flexible Implementation with International Aspect

Posted on December 16, 2011 by

Article by Andrew Karasev

Microsoft Dynamics Corporate ERP family of products includes several applications where certain percentage of business functionality is duplicated. Certainly each one has basic accounting features, such as General Ledger, Accounts Receivables and Payables, Inventory. If you are expanding internationally, then AX has certain advantages, as it is targeted to major regions and countries and is localized and translated there to such languages as Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, German to give you just a short list. Former Axapta in our opinion is better fit for larger organization, where you need real three tier ERP technology. It is also recommended in food processing industry, where you need true process manufacturing functionality. If you are also considering GP

Dynamics GP Enabling Barcoding Devices

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

Article by Andrew Karasev

Barcode scanners and RFID readers in integration to GP should be considered in the context of business routine, where you plan label scanning automation. Typical barcode scanning scenarios are turning Great Plains workstation into Point of Sale terminal, and Warehouse Management. There might be unique requirements, for example Fixed Assets selection for depreciation, transfer or retirements where you would like to open several FA forms for scanning. We

Dynamics GP in Warehouse and SCM Operations

Posted on November 16, 2011 by johnsnow

Article by Andrew Karasev

For mid-size companies brand name Warehouse Management System might be too expensive from the software licenses standpoint. Another dilemma here is integration between external WMS and your accounting application. Microsoft Dynamics GP or how it was formerly known Great Plains Dynamics is popular Corporate ERP platform in mid-market niche. If you have it implemented in your organization and now looking for the Warehouse and Supply Chain Management solution we would like to give you some highlights on how to bring its functionality down to the warehouse floor:

1. Distribution modules. Most of the functionality that you expect to deploy in the warehouse is available in such modules as Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control and Purchase Order Processing. Let’s review generic WMS procedures. First of all it is sales order fulfillment as you scan the barcode labels of the items picked from the bins. Sometimes it is referred as allocation. In GP allocation is possible via disabling automatic line allocation in SOP Order or Invoice type by marking Use Separate Fulfillment Process. In this case you can allocate by document or by the whole batch of document. Second typical routine in the warehouse floor is restocking often also referred as replenishment. In Great Plains it is done in Purchase Receipt transaction where you can match the receipt towards purchase order or receive the merchandise without PO. If you are doing requisitions and select the best offer from several alternative suppliers then requisition management module is available in Microsoft Dynamics Business Portal. And finally there are various inventory transfers, adjustment (due to spoilage and other reasons) and cycle stock counting. All these features are available in inventory control module

2. How about barcode scanning and labels printing. Regarding barcode labels printing there are several options. The first one is modified or custom Report Writer report where you select the font which is not for human but instead for barcode scanner. Good idea is to consider professional reports design tool such as Crystal Reports. Now about barcoding directly in GP user interface. If your barcoding needs are limited in the number of scanned tags per day or per hour then you may use low profile USB or wireless scanner. Such scanners are typically cheap and perform the same function as computer keyboard however a way faster. Why we are talking here about volume limits? Well due to the fact that warehouse worker have to open Dynamics forms and do field switch by clicking keyboard tab button or using computer mice. But what if we have smart scanners or RFID tag readers and would like our workers to be committed just to their forklifts and scanners? In this case Warehouse Management Extensions might be an answer and keep reading

3. Warehouse Management Extensions for Dynamics GP. Modern day scanner in the middle or high price diapasons has internal computer processor and screen for user interface. WMS extension from Alba Spectrum is in fact software which runs on the scanner operating system and communicates with WMS server. Special technology Order Connector sends scanned label directly to SQL tables SOP10100, SOP10200 and others

4. SCM business logic and Great Plains. It is typically programmed in Microsoft Dexterity when you would like modification of the user interface. In the case when all you need to do is integration we recommend you to discuss such integration tools as eConnect or Integration Manager. It is possible to program such functionalities as just in time delivery, truck route optimization and other features

5. Other WMS and SCM options. Please request executive and technical presentations from brand name stand-alone Warehouse Management software vendors. These systems have higher circulation and due to that fact probably lesser vulnerability to software bugs. However the price tag might be exceeding the cost that you already paid for Dynamics software and implementation hours. External Warehouse Management application also requires integration and transaction mapping

6. What is the quintessence? We do recommend thorough homework to avoid over budgeting or other pitfalls down the road

7. For additional information, please feel free to call us 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918 (this number works for international customers) or email us help@albaspectrum.com We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/Skype conferences). Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County and San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

About the Author

Andrew Karasev, http://www.albaspectrum.com Great Plains Dynamics GP and eEnterprise Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and consultant with 15 years and plus experience and expertise. Alba Spectrum, 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com. If you are thinking implement Dynamics GP in challenging environment, we recommend you to give us a call

Warehouse Automation Module for Dynamics GP: Barcoding, RFID with Some International Aspects

Posted on November 1, 2011 by johnsnow

Article by Andrew Karasev

Corporate ERP systems typically do not support Barcoding in its typical scenarios, including scanned batch of documents upload. Instead you would have to do your homework in selecting Warehouse Management System module to handle barcoding operations on the warehouse floor and uploading it to GP Distributions modules: Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control, Purchase Order Processing, Bill or Materials. WMS is pretty popular among mid-size or smaller retailers and distributors, this is why we believe the topic deserves USA nationwide and even International consideration:

1. Why do I need WMS, as far as I know Great Plains already has Inventory transaction, Sales Order Processing and Purchase Order processing documents functionality? Technically you may try to install GP user application on tiny computer, attach generic USB barcode scanner and use this pair in the warehouse. However, if you expect high volume of scans, it might be impractical, as the worker has to complete the document by tabbing, entering required edit fields, drop down lists and only click on the scan button, when only one of few fields are in focus. You also have to have permanent wireless connection for the Netbook. In some scenarios, this method might be feasible, especially when you are scanning only few items and they are high price ticket ones, and when your warehouse worker is trained to use client interface (and probably does scanning once per day during maybe twenty minutes or so). For the rest of us, we need WMS client to be installed directly on the Scanner computer with very simple interface, where you do mostly scanning and simple decision making, such as

Dynamics GP Evaluation Version Installation, Presentation and Functionality Review

Posted on October 21, 2011 by johnsnow

Article by Andrew Karasev

If you are in the phase of new Corporate ERP selection, business processes mapping and if your company is in the mid-market by its size, we recommend you to review Microsoft Dynamics GP ( formerly this Accounting, MRP and ERP application was known as Great Plains Dynamics, eEnteprise and it had some common features with its earlier DOS, Windows and Mac application Great Plains Accounting). Microsoft Dynamics GP is part of Microsoft Dynamics family together with AX (former Axapta), NAV (former Navision), SL (Solomon), RMS (Microsoft Retail Management System), CRM. Dynamics GP has pretty robust Distribution and Logistics set of modules: Inventory Control, Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing, and others. It also is good fit for mid-size nonprofit organization with Grant Management Module (based on Analytical Accounting) and other modules. Project Accounting module covers Project organization needs with sophisticated budgeting and detailed profit and loss tracking by project slices. For those of you, who is involved in light or heavy production, GP has Manufacturing Suite with good fit for Discrete Manufacturing (if you are in large food and meat processing or another Discrete manufacturing business, please consider Dynamics AX Axapta first, as Microsoft Business Solutions positions AX for process manufacturing). If you in scheduling engineers or technicians service oriented business – consider GP Field Service Suite, also referred as Service Management Suite. OK, let’s now move to probably the question why you are reading this article:

1. Where to download Great Plains Dynamics GP evaluation version? In mid-size and large organizations, where you are Microsoft oriented (versus Java, Oracle, Linux, Unix oriented), you typically have MSDN subscription go to Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys, then Microsoft Dynamics and download current Dynamics GP version 10.0 (as we are writing these lines in September 2009). These CDs are the same as the ones used in production installations, however in production installation you have Dynamics GP registration key, which is valid for your Company name, and usually you have to be on service pack or patch level. If you do not have MSDN subscription, please email us or give us a call, if you are organization – we will give you access to download Dynamics GP CDs from our ftp site

2. Evaluation Period. As you install GP from CDs downloaded in #1 – you will not have Great Plains Registration Key, however you will have evaluation period, normally 60 days (depends on version and current Microsoft Business Solutions policies). We recommend you to work with Lesson Company – Fabrikam (database TWO). If you have Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or 2000 Standard or Enterprise license, great! If you don’t – you can deploy GP evaluation version on MS SQL Server Developer Edition. In Fabrikam you will have access to virtually all GP modules and sample data, at this phase we recommend you to identify the functionality which is absolutely required, plus possibly needed and what is sort of luxury add-ons (as you would like o be conservative in purchasing licenses for something that you may use very rarely or maybe never)

3. Dynamics GP 10.0 evaluation installation known issues. As OEM Dynamics GP CD was issued in the time of Windows XP Service Pack 2, if you are on Service Pack 3, or if you deployed Microsoft Office 2007, you may need to review work around on how to install Dynamics GP 10.0 Workstation, please, review this articles: http://www.albaspectrum.com/news/000001378.html and call us for downloading DexSkipDotNetCheck.mst and skipdotnetcheck.ms

4. Dynamics GP Presentation. If you need Executive demo or technology related presentation, we are more than happy to provide it to you, assuming that you are representing company management team or IT decision making group. If you are university or college student, we recommend you to work with your college IT group first to get access to MSDN and download and install Dynamics GP evaluation – this should be good help for ERP, MRP, EDI, Accounting Application study course. If you are student, please note that at this time, 2009 and 2010 we are not offering internships and summer projects, we apologize for inconvenience, we recommend you to call to Dynamics GP Partners who are publicly owned

5. Situations where we do not recommend Dynamics GP as Corporate ERP. If you are looking for ERP solution for your overseas international subsidiary, please be aware that GP is localized in English speaking countries: USA, Canada (including French Canadian version for Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, UK, South Africa, Pacific, South East Asia (where English is official language of business), and Spanish speaking Latina America: Mexico, Central America, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, plus English and Spanish speaking Caribbean: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, etc. If you are looking for ERP for such regions as Brazil, China, Continental Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Baltic States, Japan, Korea – Dynamics GP is not localized and in case of UNICODE language (hieroglyphs) – you cannot even translate GP screens to local language due to Dynamics GP Dexterity restrictions. If GP is not localized for targeted country, we recommend you first to consider SAP Business One (also referred as SB1) or Dynamics AX, then you should consider other options (such as popular locally coded and supported Accounting packages, in Brazil it is something like Microsiga, in Russia 1C Accounting)

6. How to get help? Please, feel free to call us: 1-866-528-0577, outside of USA: 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com We are very technical and real Dynamics GP Dexterity, SAP Business One SDK programming gurus. We have Great Plains Software Development Factory and could support unlimited Dynamics GP Customization and Programming needs. Plus we speak English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and not only as native speaking sales folks, but as real technical consultants. If you prefer skype: albaspectrum

About the Author

Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum, help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577 http://www.albaspectrum.com Serving ERP and MRP community since 1994, local service in Chicago, Houston, San Diego, Atlanta, Los Angeles. Information portal: http://www.pegasplanet.com