April 2019 – Endeavour is aware of an issue caused by a recent update to Adobe Writer / Adobe Professional. This issue is impacting all versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP when creating PDF documents. The issue relates to a new security message that appears when GP attempts to create a PDF document.
The Adobe security message appears BEHIND the main GP interface.
This Adobe security warning affecting Microsoft Dynamics GP is preventing users from interacting with the message. GP may appear to be frozen.
If your organization uses Adobe Professional / Adobe Writer along with Dynamics GP, you will need to make the changes outlined in the Adobe technical article linked below.
Common uses of Adobe Writer and Dynamics GP include the Paystub Emailer add-on from Encore and the Emailer add-on from Binary Stream – to name a few. This issue does not apply to emailing PDF documents via the Dynamics GP Word Template functionality.
If you need additional assistance, or would like to jointly test to see if this issue applies to your Dynamics GP environment, please contact the Endeavour Solutions Support desk by emailing support@endeavoursolutions.ca .
We’re all excited for the Microsoft Business Applications release of Dynamics GP 2018 R2 in Canada. Originally the release was set for later in the year (December), but has been pulled forward to align with the new October 1 2018 release of Dynamics 365 Business Central (Formerly Dynamics NAV 2018).
Some of the new features that GP 2018 R2 include is mention of the new “Inteligent Edge” by Microsoft as a means to syncronize key information from Dynamics GP into the Microsoft Cloud for gaining access to Power BI reports and other Microsoft Power Apps. Microsoft will be using its new Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP, as the front end for these new PowerBI reports as we expect as part of the security of the SQL Server repository of information that is synced.
Some of the new User Requested feature and fixes announced by Microsoft (Thanks Terry Heley)
Financial Enhancements
Exclude items in HITB with zero quantities
Transaction level post to GL
Payroll Pay code start and end dates
Payroll shared maximums for deductions and benefits (federal requirement for 401K)
Monthly and Bimonthly recurring batches
Don’t display inactive checkbooks in Look ups
Payroll check register FICA totals
Don’t allow duplicate check numbers for Bank trx entry, Misc checks and payroll manual checks
-Purchasing Usability Mass update inactive from Navigation List – Inactivate Reactivate Temporary
Add Vendor doc number to Purchase all in one
Checkbook ID defaults on computer check batch
Allow partial purchase on a purchase requisition from a PO
Email PO other template from PO Entry
Display Vendor Hold Status
-Sales Optimization
Print Invoice in Functional from SOP Navigation List
Sales Transaction Workflow
New SmartList for Deposits on Unposted Sales Transactions
Print and email SOP document at the same time
Customer /Combiner retain ship to address
Additional sort options on SOP Item Inquiry
Email customer statements
-Top Feature Requests
Hide Business Analyzer for all users
Increase Dynamics GP password maximum length to 21 characters
Password expiration notification
SmartList Designer Favorites display in Nav List
Web Client with workflow Org Accounts (Mid Year)
Regional Date format in web client (Mid Year)
TWAIN for scanning, doc attach (Mid Year)
Come back again to learn more about GP 2018 R2, once it is released and Endeavour Solutions’ GP upgrade page at www.endeavoursolutions.ca/GPupgrade
Endeavour Solutions: Choice in Microsoft On-Premise or Cloud Applications
Today, companies are relentlessly taking up cloud subscriptions for managing their ERP or CRM systems, thanks to the ease of deployment, maintenance, and cost efficiency that the cloud offers. However, in this flurry to acquire cloud models, companies often lose the sense of urgency to align their business processes with these new systems, resulting in undesired outcomes. “Adding to client frustrations is the fact that licensing of Microsoft’s products has historically been complex and confusing,” mentions Steve Ewing, Director, Endeavour Solutions. “This is where we prove to be effective.” As a top Microsoft Dynamics partner, Endeavour helps organizations across the USA and Canada take a pragmatic approach to driving business success through the use of Microsoft products.
Endeavour has exceptional advisory, project management, configuration and technical integration services and delivers trusted product and service offerings that include Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP, Dynamics 365 CRM, Office 365, Azure, and the new Dynamics 365 Business Central (Cloud-ERP).
“There are organizations that are still not ready to move their core business applications like financial systems to the cloud and are more inclined to cloud-enable only a portion of their systems,” says Terry Sunderland, President and CEO, Endeavour Solutions. Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is a strong fit for such hybrid environments, and leveraging it, Endeavour aims to incrementally support each of their client’s progression to the cloud. “As Microsoft adopts a more clear vision for its mid-market business applications, Endeavour is ready and capable to support our clients with their transition to the cloud, when and if they are ready.”
With a passionate team that strives for client satisfaction, and a philosophy that revolves around integrity, trust, and accountability, Endeavour has scripted many success stories. For instance, a manufacturing company, after failed attempts to implement an integrated ERP with another partner, was forced to adopt manual processes and Excel sheets. With inaccurate tracking and reporting on inventory and manufacturing data, their direct unit costs were invisible.
Endeavour, as their new partner, not only expanded upon the client’s investment in Microsoft Dynamics ERP but also provided advisory services and training to help them streamline and implement an end-to-end, fully integrated ERP system. As a result, the client gained access to accurate and real-time reporting on their manufacturing operations and unit costs, all without breaking their bank.
As a true partner of its clients, Endeavour works hand in hand with project sponsors to uncover core value drivers looking for areas of optimization and/or automation. The company diligently plugs process, knowledge and capability gaps before deploying its solutions. This approach allows them to accelerate implementations while keeping a focus on user adoption.
As Microsoft adopts a more clear vision for its mid-market business applications, Endeavour is ready and capable to support our clients with their transition to the cloud, when and if they are ready
With thousands of options available via Microsoft and its ecosystem of ISV add-on products, it takes a top partner such as Endeavour to help clients find their ‘best-fit solution’ while avoiding the potentially costly pitfalls associated with choosing the wrong apps or wrong approach.
“We are excited about the commercialization of Microsoft’s new cloud-based D365 Business Central ERP which offers an out of the box integration between ERP, CRM, and Office 365,” says Ewing. Endeavour foresees a strong roadmap for Dynamics GP though sees the new Dynamics 365 Business Central as an increasingly attractive solution for many.
Endeavour’s current efforts are about making it absolutely simple for clients to select, implement, integrate, upgrade and support their Microsoft ERP, CRM or Cloud business systems based on their evolving needs, whether such systems be on-premise, hybrid or in the cloud.
First of all, yes you can have your on-premise server-based software hosted in a Dynamics GP Cloud.
There are a variety of flavours of “Cloud”. The two main ones that we recommend are Public Cloud (Microsoft Azure) or Private Cloud (Endeavour’s Cloud hosting partner).
For today’s insight, lets focus on the Private Cloud, as the Azure public cloud is currently geared more towards technical IT needs.
So, what is the difference between a private cloud and what you may have now?
It depends on what you have now. If your current Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics CRM server-based software is already hosted off-site at a 3rd party data centre, the two may be roughly the same, just a different billing model (per user fee vs a list of monthly service fees) and potentially a different set of support services.
If your current Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics CRM server-based software is hosted in an “IT closet” at your office, there is a good chance that moving to a Private Cloud may be quite a bit different – and well worth considering.
Some of the high level differences between cloud and internal hosting include:
For CRM web clients, the user experience would be roughly the same, though mobile access may be easier to setup via a private cloud.
If you are using the Dynamics GP desktop clients, you will need to RDP (remote desktop) into the server for the private cloud, many clients are already doing this rather than a full direct-connect.
For GP web client and remote access from a home office, this will be easier via a private cloud.
The firewall, anti-virus and other security measures are almost always better in a private cloud.
In terms of Risk, typically the private cloud is a safer bet.
Better disaster recovery, better back-up and better restore times.
Better physical security, better cyber-security and better fire protection.
Often a greater level of IT monitoring and loading of periodic windows and security patches.
Performance may also be better with cloud depending on the specifications and age of your current infrastructure
Does Private Cloud hosting cost more?
The short answer is “Maybe”, (see Endeavour Canadain GP Private Cloud Price)
The long answer is often a resounding “No”, once other costs/risks are considered. The top costs to consider are:
The IT support services that you use to monitor and maintain your IT infrastructure.
The back-up and off-site storage protocols that you have in place.
The ongoing physical security, cyber-security and protection efforts employed.
The level of Risk you are prepared to assume, the consequences and cost of a potential breach (ie Ransomware or theft of customer data)
If your IT team is highly skilled and are backed by a healthy budget, then a private cloud will often cost less, however if your IT team is running on a shoestring budget, or are seen as a sunk cost, then, yes a Private Cloud will be seen as costing more – but may be worth it in terms of reduced risk.
Beware of deals (e-mail SPAM) that are Too Good – To Be True (TG-TBT), as they probably are!
To Good to be True # 1 – Free migration, GP migration with no ISV’s, with free online training.
Migration excluding ISV’s (3rd party products) is of little use as most rely on ISV products.
Free online training is on CustomerSource. Endeavour has many free recorded webinars.
Training and support for your business processes and specific configuration is better via Endeavour Support.
To Good to be True # 2 – Low cost introductory Azure hosting. Our technical team has looked extensively at this.
When 24×7 performance and various consumption fee’s add up, costs are double the introductory fees.
Dynamics GP needs additional server(s) power and memory for remote desktop, for MR and for some of the more complex modules and ISV’s.
To Good to be True # 3 – Dynamics GP in the Cloud as an all-in subscription with no software maintenance.
This is smoke and mirrors unless you are 100% vanilla GP with no ISV and no significant configurations.
This scenario is essentially a net new implementation with high costs to configure to your needs, which I assume are already being met. (if you need help contact support)
With current Microsoft prices, moving from a perpetual concurrent user license to a per-named-user subscription license will cost more in the long run.
The Answer is: Embrace the Endeavour Private Cloud, for those clients where Cloud is a good fit.
News on the new Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 new features.
We’re trilled to be one of the first to provide a more in-depth overview on the new features within Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 ERP. With a scheduled release date of December 1, 2017, Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP has a great looking future with a detailed GP roadmap (Great Plains) and continual investments from Microsoft for this strong mid-market ERP system. Since Dynamics GP is a mature application, you will see now, and into the future, more and more focus on User Experience and user requested functions, rather than major releases of new modules or other core functions and capabilities. We believe that this is a “great thing to see” in an ERP, where stability, flexibility and scalability are important. Learn more about Endeavour Solutions for Microsoft Dynamics GP consulting and support in Canada and USA at GP Upgrade.
Top Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 new features
Dynamics GP 2018 Additional User Requested Functions
SmartList Favourites with unique password protection. Great for sharing as read-only.
Checks and Cheques have been renamed as Payments as seen in Payables Transaction windows. This reflects the common term for ETF vs Cheque.
Copy user access settings and security across AA dimension codes. Therefore saving time on setting up new users.
A variety of new Sort functions for the Receivables Transaction Inquiry window – by Type, document number, amount, amount remaining, document date, etc.
Ability to Print and Email a single statement from the customer card as seen to the right.
Ability to print Purchase Requisition.
User experience updates to the Dynamics GP web client including ‘type ahead auto-complete’. Great for cloud-hosted users.
Additional sorting options for Bank Reconciliations. Therefore saving time in monthly bank rec.
Even greater integration and accelerators for Power BI with the new GP 2018 Power BI Content Pack. (coming soon)
Dynamics GP 2018 Workflow v 4.0
New workflow approvals for General Ledger Accounts and Purchase Invoice
Workflow now exists for almost all areas including batch approvals for Purchasing, Payroll, Project, Payables, Sales, System Security and Vendor management.
Ability to copy workflow steps and settings.
Additional fields for PO and Payables transaction workflow.
Reminder e-mails for Workflow to help keep approvals on task.
Dynamics GP 2018 Improved DocAttach (Document Attachment)
Add, View and Modify attachments on most master record windows, inquiry windows and transaction entry windows.
Document Attach icon is now shown within the Ribbon on most transaction and inquiry screens including:
GP Document Attachment on Receivables Entry
Document Attachment in General Ledger Entry
Document Attachment on Employee Inquiry
GP Display Vendor notes on Vendor Inquiry
Display Customer notes on Customer Inquiry
Project Notes screens in Project Inquiry and PA Project Inquiry
Document Attach in Asset General Information (FA) (Fixed Assets).
Endeavour Solutions has been working with Microsoft Dynamics GP Canada for over 28-years to advise and help progressive organizations improve their business processes, operational efficiency and overall performance by leveraging the power of Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP. Underpinning each project is our belief that a strong ERP or CRM is only as good at the data within it. Based on this concept, our team at Endeavour strives to ask “why” and “how” to uncover the true processes and business insights that will help drive innovation within your business. Meet our team www.endeavoursolutions.ca/about-us
Endeavour Solutions Canada is aMicrosoft Gold ERP and Microsoft Silver Cloud & CRM Partner focusing on development, implementation, upgrades, support and training for Dynamics GP ERP and Dynamics 365 CRM as well as Office 365 and Microsoft Power BI.
Deciding to leave Dynamics GP is bittersweet. Our team at GP Support North will miss you, however, our Business Central migration and support team at Endeavour Solutions is eager to help you succeed.
