Business Intelligence, or “BI” as it’s commonly called, is a popular buzzword in the software industry. But as technology has matured, today’s BI is more than just a buzzword … it’s an affordable necessity for small and medium-sized businesses.
In fact, you have a fantastic set of BI tools that are built right in to your Microsoft Dynamics GP software that can help slice and dice your way to better profitability. First, let’s talk about what BI is exactly.
The Right Information at the Right Time
BI is an umbrella term that describes a variety of tools involved in the process of gathering & organizing data into graphical views and meaningful reports that enable quick and informed decisions. Put simply, BI delivers the right information in the right format to the right person at the right time.
Without the tools that BI offers, it can be difficult to harness the volumes of data in your Microsoft Dynamics GP system in a timely fashion. The resulting “information overload” can delay important business decisions. The ultimate objective of BI is to improve the relevance, timeliness and quality of useful information.
No “Techie” Required
One of the most important aspects of BI tools is that they enable non-technical users (like managers and executives) to create charts, graphs, and meaningful reports that interpret large volumes of data without the need for a technical degree. Too often key decision makers are forced to wait weeks or even months while the data they need is extracted and compiled by the IT department in a report that arrives well “after the fact.”
It’s Not Just for “The Suits”
One of the nice things about BI is that it works great as both a strategic and operational tool. Strategically, managers and owners can analyze trends, gross profit margins, and other key performance indicators. Operationally, departmental personnel can streamline procedures. Consider the example of a collections department that goes through a series of tasks, reports, call logs, customer notes, and possibly information in external spreadsheets to determine which customers are overdue.
Contact us today to learn more about Business Intelligence Reporting for Microsoft Dynamics GP or to schedule an online demo.
In our socially connected 24×7 world, it’s never been more important for you to deliver top-notch customer experiences and service. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 helps your business do just that. With a simple to operate user interface, Dynamics CRM 2013 bridges the gap between marketing, sales, and customer service – helping you deliver consistent customer experiences and grow revenue.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top features of CRM 2013.
Stimulating User Experience
Get in, get done, and get going with a simple, visually stimulating interface. The data is now more organized and easily accessed where and when you need it most. Dynamics CRM 2013 minimizes distractions and improves productivity. Dashboards make reporting a breeze.
Process Excellence & Agility
Guided Processes take the guesswork out of your workflow by helping you determine what to do next. With guided processes you’ll always know where you are in the process, what tasks have been finished, and what projects still have to be completed.
With the ability to easily create new or modify existing business processes, you can adapt your business to market or industry changes custom to your business.
CRM Wherever You Want It
The new Mobile Applications for Windows Tablets, Windows Phone, iPad, iPhone and Android devices keeps you connected to the customer, account, and lead information you need whether in the office or on-the-run.
What’s more? Each new mobile application is touch optimized allowing you to easily update and modify records on the go.
Business Without Borders
Dynamics CRM 2013 gives your team the tools to collaborate and communicate across your business.
Want to learn more? Contact us for more information about Dynamics CRM
(Mail Merge with scrolling detail is seen on the second part of this blog)
Begin with Template (Excel Document)
See example file: Step 1 PriceList_DetailMaintenance.xlsx
Record one iteration of the Steps to create a record within the applicable module
See example file: Step 2 Item Price Detail Maintenance.mac
Hint: Do a Save as on this file and call it something indicating it is the Final version.
3. Copy and Paste the Macro body into a word document
See example file: Step 3 MAC_Word Document for Merge.docx
When pasting in the data this message will pop…click on No
4. The word document will open with the recorded Macro data
5. Click on Mailings
6. Select Start Mail Merge
7. Select Letters
8. Click on Select Recipients
9. Browse to the location on your network where you stored the file and select
10. Throughout the recorded macro you will see the points where input was required this is evident by the words “Type To”
11. Highlight the typed text i.e 841200 being careful to not highlight the single quotes around the text
12. In the header click on Insert Merge Field
13. Select the column name in the excel document that relates to this set of data e.g. Item Number
14. Once you have selected to insert all the relevant column data from the spreadsheet, it is best to preview the result.
15. You should expect to see the appropriate column name replace the actual typed information originally typed.
16. Select Finish and Merge and Edit Individual Letters
17. Select to Merge ALL when the option box appears
18. Click OK
19. MS Word will run the Merge Routine
20. Once complete Save As <xxxxx.mac> and Select the format as .txt
21. Select OK at the file conversion to text window
22. Allow time for the conversion and then close the merged document and you will be prompted to save the original Word Document. Save As <xxxxxWORKING.docx.
23. Open the .txt document and Select All then Copy
24. Paste the data into the Document you created in step 2.
25. Save and Close the final version and you are ready to launch the window in Dynamics GP that you wish to populate 26. Ensure that you place the cursor in the window at the exact same place that you began your macro with.
27. Select Tools > Macro > Play
28. Select the Macro to Play that you created in step 2
Hint: Do Not minimize the window…this will interrupt the Macro and it will stop running.
Mail Merge Macro with Scrolling Detail Window
Begin with Template (Excel Document)
See example file: Step 1 Price List Maintenance.xlsx
Record a complete iteration of the Steps to create as many lines that will fit into the detail window and stop recording at one line past the scroll. Ensure that your Recording captures up to the point of completing the line and advancing to the next line to continue typing.
See example file: Step 2 Price Sheet Maintenance.mac
Hint: Do aSave as on this file and call it something indicating it is the Final version.
3. Open the Recorded Macro using notepad.
4. Take note that there are fields indicating the line No. Also note that after the 8th record (in my example) the 9th line actually still says 8. Note: In a scrolling window Dynamics GP does not recognize the subsequent lines once the window advances beyond the scroll.
5. Ensure that you add a column into the spreadsheet to accommodate populating the line sequences. Once you have 8 then repeat 8 until the end of the document.
6. Copy and Paste the Macro body into a word document See example file: Step 3 MAC_Word Document for Merge.docx When pasting in the data this message will pop…click on No
7. The word document will open with the recorded Macro data
8. Click on Mailings
9. Select Start Mail Merge
10. Select Letters
11. Click on Select Recipients
12. Browse to the location on your network where you stored the file and select
13. Throughout the recorded macro you will see the points where input was required this is evident by the words “Type To”
14. Highlight the typed text i.e 841200 being careful to not highlight the single quotes around the text
15. In the header click on Insert Merge Field
16. Select the column name in the excel document that relates to this set of data e.g. Item Number
17. Once you have selected to insert all the relevant column data from the spreadsheet, it is best to preview the result.
18. You should expect to see the appropriate column name replace the actual typed information originally typed.
19. Select Finish and Merge and Edit Individual Letters
20. Select to Merge ALL when the option box appears
21. Click OK
22. MS Word will run the Merge Routine
23. Once complete Save As <xxxxx.mac> and Select the format as .txt
24. Select OK at the file conversion to text window
25. Allow time for the conversion and then close the merged document and you will be prompted to save the original Word Document. Save As <xxxxxWORKING.docx.
26. Open the .txt document and Select All then Copy
27. Paste the data into the Document you created in step 2.
28. Save and Close the final version and you are ready to launch the window in Dynamics GP that you wish to populate 29. Ensure that you place the cursor in the window at the exact same place that you began your macro with.
30. Select Tools > Macro > Play
31. Select the Macro to Play that you created in step 2
Hint: Do Not minimize the window…this will interrupt the Macro and it will stop running.
TOP 8 REASONS TO UPGRADE TO VERSION Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013
Upgrading an ERP system is often looked at as time-consuming and disruptive to operations. So it’s no wonder that many customers choose to update their ERP system only when there’s a compelling reason. Every once in a while there comes a new release that’s worth upgrading to, and that’s never been more true than with the 2013 version of Microsoft Dynamics GP.
Here are the top 8 reasons you should consider a move on up to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013.
1. Plays Well With Others
Dynamics GP is now more easy to use than ever. Improved interoperability between other familiar Microsoft products – such as Office or SharePoint – drives productivity and gives your employees faster access to the information they need to get the job done.
2. The Power of Choice
With the innovative Web Client, your employees can work from a coffee shop, home, or even on the road using a PC, tablet, or the mobile device of their choice. Access the information you need anywhere, anytime, and any way you choose.
3. 150+ Feature Enhancements
Building upon its powerful foundation, GP 2013 added over 150 new feature and capability enhancementsto help you streamline all your business processes and get a handle on costs. Optimize purchasing productivity, inventory tracking, speed up shipping and so much more.
4. Better Insight, Better Decisions
Business Intelligencethat’s tailored to you. The new web-based Business Analyzer delivers role-specific data so that you can delegate tasks, anticipate opportunities, and make more informed business decisions.
5. There’s a Template for That
Easily create any report with out-of-the-box SQL Reporting Services, Excel reports, and dozens of new Word templates– including templates for professional invoices, purchase orders, statements and more.
6. Test Out the Cloud
With many deployment options to choose from – on-premise, hosted, or a combination of both – you can mix and match cloud servicesto fit your business and budget. Add new services as your company grows, or move it entirely to the cloud. GP 2013 is designed to sustain your business momentum.
7. Easy Updates
Version 2013 integrates with other Microsoft Services to lower IT costs and free up resourcesby providing centralized maintenance, security and administration. What’s more, you’ll never have to worry about individual desktop upgrades which are handled automatically.
8. Never Fall Behind
The Business Ready Enhancement Plan(BREP) keeps you up-to-date with the latest and most advanced release of your software.
Get All the Details! Download a free copy of the “What’s New” Guide for Microsoft Dynamics GP Version 2013, or contact us to discuss an upgrade.
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.
