ERP Implementation Trends: Microsoft Dynamics GP – Alba Spectrum Texas

To make some generalization, MRP system implementation has two approaches: business logic approach and engineering or technical approach.  It is not always accurate and probably sometimes questionable, but for the simplicity let’s consider unofficial Microsoft and SAP approaches, where Microsoft ERP comes with high technology component, while SAP relies on business processes design and deemphasizes technology to be just an instrument for consultant.  In our opinion these two points of views are becoming obsolete and new criteria are coming to the scenes:

• Number of Worldwide ERP installations.  When we are talking about Microsoft Products, good example is Microsoft Office.  Everyone can insert installation CD and install it intuitively.  But, again intuition made possible due to hundred millions of installations “cleaned up” the installation procedure itself.  The same should be said about such Microsoft Dynamics family product as Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics GP
• Microsoft Office Total Literacy.  In fact Microsoft Dynamics GP is capitalizing of the familiarity of generic computer operator with Microsoft Outlook interface.  Now Dynamics GP and other Microsoft Dynamics products, such as Axapta Dynamics AX are redesigned to look like Microsoft Office and be intuitively understandable to computer operator
• Initial Data Conversion.  At this moment of time, data conversion is something where you need to consider professional consultant to be involved.  In the future we expect new wizards to be helping you out, but you should also look at the software development industry trends, where wizard might be not feasible to be developed, when potential conversion path doesn’t pay the product development overhead
• Microsoft CRM – Great Plains tandem.  In our opinion Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0 is a bit more difficult to install and implement, however this might be the trend in CRM industry itself.  MS CRM typically interfaces with other MS technologies, such as MS Exchange, Active Directory, MS SQL Server Reporting Services.  MS CRM is web based (plus MS CRM Outlook client gives you offline flexibility and seamless replication when go back online

Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com  help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, serving Microsoft Dynamics GP Great Plains clientele US nationwide: California, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, New York, Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin.  Local service is available in Chicago , IL and Houston , TX metropolitan areas