Article

Upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015: Install it all

by Mark Polino
Director of Client Services, Fastpath, Integrated Business Group

As more companies upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015, I am seeing more cases of companies simply upgrading what they already have and not looking carefully enough at what else they get with the latest release. Sometimes this is because they are doing their own upgrades. Sometimes it's because companies don't realize what's available. Licensing changes that came in with GP 2013 and continue with GP 2015 mean that many companies have access to a lot more features than they did before, without additional cost. Also, more accounting departments are seeing the value of optional reporting tools, but they are hard to use if they aren't installed.

I'm not suggesting that companies simply check the boxes for everything when upgrading. If a company doesn't do manufacturing for instance, they shouldn't install it. Still, firms are leaving out a lot of functionality. Some of my favorites that often get left out include:

  • Refreshable Excel reports - The live, Excel based connections to GP are easy to install, but it is harder to get the security right. Hint: Security is set in SQL using roles beginning with RPT. With Excel reports your data still lives in GP, but gets analyzed with Excel.
  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports - These live browser based reports are the foundation for Business Analyzer. With GP, SSRS reports replicate existing GP report in a much friendlier format and provide key performance indicators for business intelligence use. They should be straightforward to install for most IT departments.
  • Revenue and Expense Deferrals - This additional install provides options to defer revenue and expense transactions making it easy to recognize revenue and expenses over time into the future.
  • Professional Services Tools ...

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About Mark Polino

Mark Polino is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a former Microsoft MVP (2007-2018) for Business Solutions. He is the author or coauthor of 5 books related to Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Mark also maintains the Dynamics GP focused website DynamicAccounting.net. He speaks and writes regularly about ERP related topics. Mark has been a controller and CFO for a division of a publicly traded company and he has  worked as a consultant implementing ERP solutions. Mark holds additional certifications including Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) , Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Dynamics Credentialed Professional for Dynamics GP 2015 (Core Install and Core Financials), Xero Certified. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Rollins College. Mark lives with his family in Florida.

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