Microsoft Dynamics GP

It’s October 1, 2008. Do you know where your QuickBooks® accounting software is? According to a BusinessWire news release, they’re now at version 2009.

The release points out a variety of new features designed to improve online accounting services and communications. It also talks about “small businesses” finding more ways to get ahead and make more money using the newest QuickBooks upgrade.

I don’t doubt that this QuickBooks upgrade is more full-featured. I can see where the new bells and whistles will speak to some needs of small business owners.

What I didn’t see, in the news release anyway, is discussion of QuickBooks 2009’s ability to handle a higher number of concurrent users, higher overall transaction numbers and the like.

That’s not a knock on QuickBooks accounting solutions. It’s just a reminder that every accounting software application has its limitations. QuickBooks can work well for small businesses whose needs are moderate. When it begins to move slowly, both in terms of processing information and generating reports, or when people have to start waiting in line to get on the system, it’s time to consider a QuickBooks upgrade—to another accounting software manufacturer.

Obviously, I’m a fan of Microsoft Dynamics accounting software as a logical next step for companies seeking higher transaction capabilities, faster performance, and ability to handle substantial company growth in the small-to-midsized arenas.

Here are six areas to examine when you’ve determined that new accounting software is a must, or you’re moving in the direction of more robust and scalable accounting solutions:
1. Evaluate expected transaction levels
2. Determine required level of financial reporting.
3. Calculate number of expected simultaneous users.
4. Establish desired level of accounting services monitoring.
5. Make sure the accounting software integrates with business applications familiar to employees
6. Decide what level of security is appropriate with the new accounting software.

Is there an accounting software upgrade in your near future? If so, don’t land in quicksand by selecting accounting services that will drag your business down instead of lifting it up.

I believe that we are at an inflection point today in how enterprise software is being distributed and implemented. Over the course of the past ten years we have seen the emergence of new models for how software is sold (business model) and delivered (implementation). This change has been most dramatic at the lower end of the market (1-10 users). One need look no further than SalesForce.com for a perfect example. And I believe that if Microsoft has their way, their Dynamics GP product (formerly Great Plains) could be next.
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One of the value propositions behind the Wizard X4 Productivity Suite is to let the user help themselves. With our easy to use applications users can easily set up any Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics SL module, and convert data. If the user performs these functions it frees the Microsoft Partner up to perform high level consulting tasks like customizations, work flow or integration to sub systems. (more…)

I inherited Wizard Productivity Systems from Morris Wiginton, a former Microsoft partner in Denver Colorado. Morris used to say that Wizard needed to fundamentally change the way software implementations were done. Morris was further frustrated by the challenges of software implementation and dreamed of a better solution. He envisioned creating a more efficient and effective way to implement Microsoft Dynamics ERP software.

I used to chuckle at Morris’ rants. Now after 2 years at the helm of Wizard, I couldn’t agree more. (more…)