Microsoft Dynamics GP version upgrade – overview for consultant

Custom logic could be introduced in the form of Dexterity (integrated module, which you see in your Dynamics.SET file), Modifier (modified GP forms and VBA scripts), Integration Manager (where you can also have VBA alternate logic), plus it can be on the level of SQL stored procedures, eConnect customization (typically coded as web project in MS Visual Studio C# or VB.Net).  Moreover, you should analyze your reporting upgrade needs: Great Plains ReportWriter reports (with some custom elements, in the form of calculated fields); Crystal Reports – these were popular with earlier versions: 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 7.5, later on Microsoft recommended MS SQL Server Reporting Services or SRS.  If you are on legacy db platform: Ctree or Pervasive SQL/Btrieve – you should plan migration from legacy platform to MS SQL Server 2005/2000 or MS SQL Select/MSDE:

• Moving away from legacy DB.  In the case of Pervasive SQL/Ctree, you will need migration tool.  The idea is simple: you install MS Dynamics GP on the MS SQL Server with similar account segmentation as in your old version, then migration tool will establish ODBC connection from your legacy Great Plains workstation to new SQL GP instance and you will migrate first System and then Company information (and repeat second step for every company if required).  You may expect this migration if you are on GP 7.5 or earlier.  Also here we should make it clear that Great Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows is no longer supported Btrieve or Ctree (MAC) application, which require migration tool to upgrade you to Microsoft Dynamics GP, you will need to contact your GP partner on upgrade price (typically you get 40% credit for the modules owned in GPA)
• Dexterity Modifications.  You must have DYNAMICS.DIC (or Extract.DIC) with sanscript source code in it, developed by your former customization partner.  If you don’t have this dictionary, please contact your former dex development company.  If you don’t have this code – nobody can help you upgrade dex mods.  If you do have the source – it should be analyzed by MBS customization partner, who has dex support personnel and preferably is in dex source code program
• Upgrade Technology.  Upgrade follows these steps.  First, it installs new version of Dexterity environment with new DYNAMICS.DIC and dex.exe files, second it upgrades DYNAMICS db tables (simply copying into temp table the table that has new structure in new version), rebuilds the table and copies contents back from temp table, then the same process is done in each company.  With version 9.0 such formerly third party apps as Field Service are included into initial upgrade, so you don’t need to worry
• Modifier/VBA, Business Portal, Crystal Reports and Report Writer will be covered in following Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics GP upgrade articles.

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