Andrew Karasev

Great Plains VAR, consulting and development partner selection

If you are in process of identifying requirements for the next generation ERP, MRP or accounting system and you are thinking to check out and get presentation in Microsoft Dynamics GP, then you should select local, regional or nationwide GP reseller. 

GP software licenses are sold through VAR channel and following software installation, data conversion, user training, modifications, system setup, integration and reporting are normally done by the same GP implementation partner.  Let’s review GP implementation phases:

1.       GP software business processes mapping.  Here part of the work could be done by your GP reseller in the sales phase, however if you plan precise mapping, then this work has a value and could be outsourced to another company, to internal programmers or IT and so, it is typically outside of the sales scope

2.       Software license purchase.  When you are confident in GP, next step is user licenses purchase.  If you need software financing, you can request it through your VAR – Microsoft provides financing for the software itself and implementation part, if you need it

3.       Installation and Data conversion.  Installation is straight forward, however requires some SQL server and domain security familiarity.  If you are installing Integration Manager with eConnect connectors, then you should be administrator with the rights to assign or create new domain or local computer account with access to Dynamics databases.  Data conversion in turn is typically IM routine

4.       GP customization and software development.  It is common, when you deploy standard modules: GL, SOP, POP, AR, AP, Payroll, Inventory Control, Manufacturing, plus you purchase third party add-ons (modules created and supported by independent ISV GP partners), as well as create your own custom code in Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect or SQL Stored Procedures

5.       Going into production with GP.  This step maybe tried in parallel with legacy accounting, sometimes in phases and sometimes you do complete switch.  It is always recommended to keep old ERP for data inquiry and lookup

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