Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Version Upgrade season and things to consider

In our opinion version 11.0 has lesser number of Great Plains business logic redesigns (comparing to Dynamics GP 10.0 where the whole User security model was built from scratches).  If you decide to rush to upgrade to 11.0/2010, be sure to discuss service pack dependency with your Dynamics GP Partner or Reseller.  Let’s review Dynamics GP version update highlights and if you do not have your question answered feel free to call or email us:
1. Why do I need to upgrade to Dynamics GP 11.0?  There are noticeable improvements in user interface intuition, now you can have more reports pushed down to Report Writer, or simply estimated and deployed in Microsoft Word templates.  You can now bulk email SOP Invoices to your customers via your email office channel (previously you had to deploy SQL mail or other custom mechanisms)
2. Transition from FRx to SSRS or possibly even Excel reports.  FRx financial reporting is and was very reliable technology to design and maintain P&L, Balance Sheet, and even consolidated versions of these reports.  FRx technology layer and look-and-feel are probably still the same with some improvements, as we remember FRx for Great Plains Dynamics 6.0 and earlier versions
3. Upgrade now vs. waiting.  If you system doesn’t have customizations or add-ons, and you only deploy financial series, upgrade to 2010 is probably the good idea (especially if you organization is in innovations business and you can capitalize on broadcasting your experience with new version of Dynamics GP).  However if you are on the conservative side or depressed with current economic conditions and have difficulties to allocate upgrade budget, this is fine and safe – wait first or even better the second service pack released for Dynamics GP 2010 and then go ahead with upgrade activity
4. Dexterity Customization Upgrade.  Microsoft Dexterity was confirmed on Convergence 2010 in Atlanta to be valid programming environment for Dynamics GP 11.0/2010 and for the future versions.  Please, contact your original Great Plains Dexterity developer or if this person is no longer available, check with your Dynamics GP Reseller if they have access to Dynamics GP Source code program – this is important for reliable Dexterity Sanscript code review to make it compatible with the new version
5. Reports upgrade.  FRx, Report Writer reports needs to be reviewed and included into the upgrade scenario
6. Dynamics GP Add-ons upgrade recommendations.  Here you have to call your Dynamics GP ISV partner and check with them if their Add-on (which is part of your Dynamics GP Business processes) is available for the version 2010 (sometimes you may discover that this provider went out of business, so this call is really recommended to be on the safe page)
7. Upgrading from Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows, Mac 9.5, 9.2, 9.1 or Great Plains Dynamics on Pervasive SQL 2000/Ctree or Btrieve 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, or earlier.  Currently we recommend you traditional migration path which ends up on Dynamics GP 10.0, where you can apply required service pack and go the next level to the version 2010.  Down the road, there might be the situation, when Microsoft Business Solution releases the direct migration tool to the version 11.0
8. To request further help, please call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, in Michigan 1-269-605-0330 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  If you are large wholesaler or distributor, you may expect that some level of WMS or SCM customized business logic should be programmed to automate your unique business processes.  We are available to serve you USA, Canada nationwide, and internationally.  Local service in Chicago, Southern California, Western Michigan, Houston, TX