Microsoft Dynamics GP in our opinion should be considered as reliable and robust platform for implementing tailored ERP system for contemporary unique businesses. This is different from standard CPA type of implementation, when MRP partner just enters beginning balances into GP GL, AP, AR, IV and Payroll modules, trains users, modifies Sales Invoice form and let you go life with standard GP logic
Here we would like to give you highlight on how to implement unique business processes
Customization. This is very helpful and at the same time modification requires experience in GP software development. You should become completely satisfied with GP developers design architecture – especially its version upgradeability. You should be aware that Microsoft from time to time changes development paradigms: from asp to .Net/aspx, from VBA to other options such as web services, C#. Also you should know what is Microsoft Dexterity customization perspective is – looks like Microsoft was trying to deemphasize dex in 2003-2004 and then in 2005 Dexterity was back on scene as architecture of GP
Reporting. Here you should consider two powerful reporting tools (beyond Microsoft Dynamics GP ReportWriter): MS SQL Server Reporting Services and Crystal Reports. With Microsoft Great Plains version 7.0 Crystal Reports was the tool of choice. However things changed with version 9.0, when Microsoft introduced interface with MS SQL Server Reporting Services – this meant the end of Crystal Reports dominance. If you have legacy Crystal Reports form your GP installation, you may consider keeping and upgrading Crystal Reports and have them being run outside of GP interface, and at the same time targeting GP database
Integration. GP Integration Manager was and still is the end-user integration tool, which may be extended by VBA scripting and fields translation: in Excel you can create translation table and import into GP IM integration. At the same time, as Microsoft opens GP for MS Visual Studio C#/VB developers – eConnect comes on the scenes as professional integration tool. You can consider Alba Spectrum posting server to extend eConnect power – in automatic posting from your VS C# custom code, combining eConnect and posting server
Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum http://www.albaspectrum.comhelp@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, servicing GP customers USA and Canada nationwide: Ontario, Quebec, New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Idaho, Nebraska. Local service is available in Chicago metro: Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, Lombard, Wheaton, Westmont, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Batavia, St. Charles, Elgin, Joliet, Morris, Plainfield, Lemont, Seneca, Kankakee, Braidwood, DeKalb, Rochelle, Marseilles, Pontiac, Warrenville, Darien, Woodridge, Hinsdale, Plano, Crystal Lake, Schaumburg. Reasonable travel to Rockford, Milwaukee, Gurnee, Springfield, Bloomington, Normal, Peoria, Vandalia
