In simple case - you have just one office where you install the server and user workstations, however if you have multiple offices, you have two (or more) options, usually: either VPN connection to your central location, or Remote Desktop connection to your GP application server
2. Initial Data Setup. Here you can try to do just initial balances in your General Ledger and master records import: customers, vendors, employees, addresses, GL accounts. We recommend you first to consider simple initial balances only and keep your old accounting application for historical data lookup. In some cases you have to do more complex data conversion with history migration
3. Data conversion. Here you export your historical AR, AP, Payroll, GL data from your legacy accounting system, then sort of massage it in Excel and import into GP via Integration Manager or via direct SQL insert method. IM is preferred method, in some cases Integration Manager doesn't have connectors to help you, especially when you are deploying add-ons or third party ISV modules - if ISV doesn't have integration option, then you deploy SQL stored procedures and scripts
4. User Training. When you implement GP in your organization, the implementation is typically very specific and common ERP training may be too generic to help you work out your data entry and transactions approval and posting procedures. You can send your key employees for customer training in generic GP navigation and probably IT support, and we recommend you to hire your GP implementation partner (MBS VAR) to train your users more precisely, having your business processes addressed
Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is very popular ERP/MRP applications in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, South Africa, Latin America. Considering high number of new Microsoft Great Plains partners and the desire to subcontract occasional customization, integration and reporting projects, we would like to advise you on Microsoft Great Plains subcontracting guidelines, based on our experience in dealing with Great Plains VARs
Candidates for subcontracting:
o Great Plains Dexterity customizations - Dexterity was and still is the IDE and programming language of Great Plains, especially workstation thick interface. However since Microsoft bought Great Plains Software and formed Microsoft Great Plains Business Solutions, later renamed into Microsoft Business Solutions - Dexterity became the candidate to be replaced by C# or VB.Net. The plans are the plans, but the realities of Microsoft Great Plains customization signals that Dexterity will stay another 5-7 years as IDE. However I agree with the strategy that if you are new GP reseller you don't want to hire Dexterity programmer
o SQL Integration. We see more and more requests for Great Plains integrations with web eCommerce applications, industry specific databases: Freight Forwarding, Distribution, Logistics, Beverages, Jewelry, Furniture, Consignment. Healthcare, etc. The dilemma for the programmer is - should I know all the details of Great Plains table structure model and document workflow - or probably purchase the set of SQL stored procs to help me.
If you use IT subcontractors - these folks should be trained on installing new Great Plains workstations (or you should insist on working via terminal server/Citrix)
o Remote Support. The best scenario is VPN with remote desktop access (Windows XP Pro or Windows 2000 Pro). VPN will allow SQL Enterprise manager connect over the secured VPN connection. Great Plains Support - Web Sessions and Remote Access Technology, The Apple iPad Offers an Amazing Array of Functionality, Great Plains Support - Web Sessions and Remote Access Technology, USA VPN Only With PerfectVPN.NET & SeekVPN.COM, Great Plains Support - Web Sessions and Remote Access Technology, The Apple iPad Offers an Amazing Array of Functionality, USA VPN Only With PerfectVPN.NET & SeekVPN.COM, USA VPN Only With PerfectVPN.NET & SeekVPN.COM, Great Plains Support - Web Sessions and Remote Access Technology, Great Plains Support - Web Sessions and Remote Access Technology