Microsoft Dynamics GP was also formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics, eEnteprise (its predecessor Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac was different in its business logic, however you can still recognize some familiarity, so it might be natural to migrate from GPA to Dynamics GP). Corporate ERP implementation and its following support are different in their core requirements, so you have to make your homework to decide if you would like your original Dynamics GP implementation partner to continue your ongoing Great Plains support.
Accounting system implementation typically requires proficiency in two disciplines: ERP functional consulting and ERP technology (programming,
consulting, troubleshooting, data conversion, customization, integration, reporting, etc.). Let's try to come through typical Corporate ERP partner selection recommendations with emphasis on Microsoft Dynamics GP:
1. Corporate ERP Selection Phase. Here you have to pick the application which fits your industry and suggested business requirements (80% fit would be good pick, we recommend you to be conservative and do not over-trust ERP sales people who are overpromising). If you are generic business with simple AR, AP, GL, Payroll (if any) and reasonably straight forward Inventory management expectations - probably every mid-market ERP application would qualify. If this is your situation, we recommend you to dig deeper and try to speculate about future requirements (Barcoding and Warehouse Management automation, eCommerce, EDI integrations, industry compliance reporting, cross platform integration: Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server, Lotus Notes Domino, etc.). If you make a brain storm internally with your ERP selection decision making team - the final result should be more reliable to be success
2. Corporate ERP implementation phase. Here you should expect highest level of your IT and ERP internal implementation team involvement. We do not want to overemphasize XX century business consulting theories, where team spirit, business processes redesign were iconized. Accounting system implementation phase typically requires your Corporate ERP consultant to be familiar with your business processes and be very efficient in user training. Regarding Dynamics GP implementation specifics, your should expect your consultant to be very good in such financial reporting tools as FRX Reporting, Dynamics GP Report Writer (to design perfect SOP Invoice form with your Corporate Logo). You should also expect reasonable familiarity with GP Integration Manager to secure GL Chart of Accounts migration, GL beginning period balances transfer (plus limited migration goals for Customers, Vendors and some historical transaction)
3. Corporate ERP Support Phase. Here you may decide to pursue one of the long term strategies and Corporate ERP developing goals: Electronic Document Interchange (abbreviated as EDI) integration, Great Plains Customization (typically programmed in Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect or Extender). At this phase generic support is typically less challenging (batch recovery, repairing failed AP or AR posting trails, Integration Manager integration errors understanding and work around, printing 1099 or W2 forms, advanced FRX reports, including reporting trees techniques and consolidated Balance Sheet, P&L, Statement of Cash Flow). Again, you may be too optimistic to expect your initial Dynamics GP Partner to be proficient in GP modifications, programming, advanced integrations and reporting
4. Local versus remote support. Modern remote support technologies, such as Web Sessions, free phone conferences (skype, for example), make remote support very efficient. Of course - you cannot shake your remote Dynamics GP consultant hand, but maybe this is something you may consider to sacrifice in order to get quasi real time support (where remote consultant could call our or web conference you in virtually in few minutes from the request, comparing to local support delay - your local consultant should schedule visit onsite and drive out to your location). Obviously you should make your final decision, but in our opinion, there is very little reasoning for sticking to local support, especially when you have challenging goals for your Corporate ERP development
5. Complicated Cases. We saw numerous scenarios, when Customer tried to over trust local Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner, especially in complex Great Plains customization, reporting, data conversion, ecommerce programming cases. Again, you are in the free Corporate ERP consulting market, and your local partner might be specializing in initial ERP licenses sales, and initial implementation. If you are challenging your local partner to do complex customization for Microsoft Dynamics GP - your provider might have to appeal to nationwide Dynamics GP Dexterity Partners
6. Microsoft Dynamics GP VAR of record with Microsoft Business Solutions. Mid-size Corporate ERP application requires years of experience and dedication (typically verified through Certification exams). MBS requires you to be with one Dynamics GP partner at the time. Technically - you may establish the tender and pick the best candidate for the job. But, there is only one Dynamics GP Partner, who can see your records and broke for you in front of Microsoft Business Solutions
7. Feel free to call us: 1-866-528-0577, or email us help@albaspectrum.com
