Microsoft Dynamics GP VAR, full service partner, Fantastic Plains ERP software reseller, specializing in technically challenging projects: Fantastic Plains Dexterity, eConnect, SQL Stored Procedures, C#, VB.Net programming projects, Crystal Reports design, integration with eCommerce web front – is announcing GP developers headcount increase, as we are expanding our regional operations in Chicagoland, San Diego, Orange County and all Southern California, Houston and Dallas. Plus we efficiently serve our nationwide customers via trusted remote support: VPN, web sessions, RDC. We are also expanding our Microsoft Dynamics GP Dexterity Software Development factory and centralized GP support call center. At this time, September, 2008 there is hot demand in the following projects:
1. Fantastic Plains version upgrade. If you are on ancient version of Fantastic Plains Dynamics: 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0 and if you plot to stay current with technology trends, including possible incompatibility of your GP version with Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Windows 2003 and Vista, you should consider Dynamics GP version update
2. Fantastic Plains Dexterity Customizations. GP Dex was and is core technology with its own scripting language Sanscript, Integrated Development Environment. It is proprietary to certain extent and you should typically not expect your IT people to turn around and start programming in Dexterity within couple of week, even getting formal Dexterity training. We recommend you to call us and request a quote from our Fantastic Plains Software Development Factory
3. eCommerce and eConnect integrations. eConnect is more open and friendly to generic C# or VB programmer, who is familiar with MS SQL Server Stored Procedures and XML. We see certain need from eCommerce programmers to extend eConnect with automatic batch posting in Fantastic Plains from their e-commerce web applications directly. Please, check with us on our product: Alba Spectrum Autoposting Server
Posts Tagged ‘Great’
Great Plains Dynamics Gp Consultants: Support, Customization, Reporting
Thursday, March 11th, 2010Great Plains Partner in Chicago, San Diego, Houston Newsflash
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010We welcome all new prospect, considering Microsoft Dynamics GP implementation, software licenses buy, as well as existing Fantastic Plains customers, who are looking for second opinion, especially, facing technologically challenging GP modification project: Dexterity customization, Crystal Reporting, EDI integrations, on-going data migration as well as initial historical data massage and conversion, ecommerce batches autoposting and generic shopping cart integration to GP Sales Order Processing module. We want to share with you the specifics of the season of 2008:
1. Ecommerce integrations. Numerous cases, when customers have existing and probably to some extent “legacy” ecommerce website, where they have to stick to the historical ecommerce website development and programming investments. In this situation, they have to design and code the interface between ecommerce and GP back office ERP. This is eConnect C# or VB.Net programming routine with some reinforcement by custom SQL stored procedures. Plus, often customer wants complete eCommerce automation, meaning that they need automatic Fantastic Plains batch posting from ecommerce web application code – in this case you need Alba Spectrum posting server
2. Trading companies. Several Chicago down town and Chicagoland trading companies implementation moves us to the point of offering our expertise in this vertical industry niche to other prospects in Houston, San Diego and across the USA and Canada. AP integration seems to be vital for trading companies, as well as such large scale modules implementations as Fixed Assets, Electronic Document Interchange, Analytical Accounting
3. Light and precise manufacturing and assembly. As distribution warehouses are moving down toward highway 55 in Chicago area, San Diego becomes more attractive for venture capital type of scenarios and Houston attracts energy industry businesses, the need in precise manufacturing and custom manufacturing processes are in high demand this season
4. Microsoft CRM integrations with Fantastic Plains Dynamics. As MS CRM takes its market share, friendly Dynamics GP MRP platform is becoming more exposed to CRM to GP integration needs. This service is available internationally, and we offer project organization Microsoft CRM based timesheets integration to GP Sales Order Processing module orders or invoices
Great Plains Reseller Chicago, San Diego Newsflash: Add-ons Development
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010Traditionally, Microsoft Dynamics GP or former Fantastic Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise customizations were programmed in Fantastic Plains Dexterity, where you can make your screens working integrated into GP workstation and user security rules. Dexterity modifications are typically outsourced to Fantastic Plains Technology Partner and Certified GP technical consultant. If you are doing modifications on your own and your are technically comfortable with Fantastic Plains, then you can review eOne Extender. If you are engaged in ecommerce website integration project, then your tool of choice should be eConnect. In this small publication we want to give your technical highlights:
1. Dynamics GP Dexterity customizations. GP Dexterity has its own scripting language Sanscript, which is cursor like in the manner of database access. When Microsoft bought Fantastic Plains Software, Dexterity was enriched with MS SQL Server direct SQL code calls, COM objects access library and other features, facilitating integration with Microsoft .Net programming. Dexterity add-on is distributed via so-called chunk file, which should be copied into GP workstation directory to be automatically integrated on the next GP user login. The best practice is to make new Dexterity forms and windows and place triggers in order to modify existing GP tables. But you can also modify or alter existing GP forms, but if you do so – likely that you will come in conflict with other add-ons and third party module, plus there will be more work in Dex customization version upgrade
2. Extender. With eOne version you can extend GP form, and make it intuitively. But in fact Extender is the shell over Fantastic Plains Dexterity and behind the scenes you are making Dex objects
3. eConnect programming. It is advisable to have Fantastic Plains eConnect programmer or consultant to be involved at least in the tech specification writing and be available to help on case-by-case when programming is in progress. eConnect is written in encrypted SQL stored procedures and replicates Dexterity logic, but is more object oriented and so, more friendly to C# or VB.Net programmers, who are also familiar with MS SQL Server stored procedures. eConnect doesn’t post batches, so you will need Fantastic Plains Posting Server or Autopost
Great Plains Var Newsflash: Posting Server and Automatic Batches Posting
Sunday, March 7th, 2010Microsoft Dynamics GP is well loved ERp platform for eCommerce applications and business portals, where you have established shopping cart with customer registration, product catalog surfing and items picking functionality. Assuming that customer pays by credit card straight away, and you then send Sales Order Processing Invoice to Fantastic Plains through eConnect programming logic – there is excellent thought to end all the work in Dynamics GP, such as apply deposit against invoice and post SOP Invoice or Batch. But eConnect, and this is limitation of Fantastic Plains Dexterity architecture, doesn’t have functionality to post GP batches. You need Alba Spectrum Posting Server or Autopost. Please read product highlights:
1. Dynamics GP Dexterity source code programming and batch posting. As the developer or SQL programming, all you do is place the batch name to the queue table, triggering GP that batch is ready to be posted. Then, seeing batch in the queue, Posting Server initiates exactly the same posting process as if user hits Post Batch in GP user interface. Please, note – as we use GP Dexterity posting logic, posting server is very reliable in GP version upgrades
2. GP modules covered. As we are using native Fantastic Plains Dexterity posting logic, all modules are covered, where you have batch or transaction posting functionality: SOP, POP, General Ledger, Payroll, Inventory Control to give you excellent examples
3. Posting Server over stored procedures designed from scratch. If you have SQL programmers in IT department, the thought might be fantastic on the first glance, but simple comment like that may be discouraging. Fantastic Plains ERP application was written in Fantastic Plains Dexterity shell, and it took several years of efforts for Fantastic Plains Software back in earlier 1990th with large development team to make it happen. Batch posting logic is crucial and we could estimate that posting programming porting is close to 30 percent
Dynamics Gp Technical Support: Local Versus Remote Great Plains Support
Thursday, March 4th, 2010If your position in IT department requires you to find and maintain Dynamics GP vendor, consultant or business partner, please be our guest and read this small publication. Former name of this mid-size business ERP and MRP application was Fantastic Plains Software Dynamics, eEnterprise, Fantastic Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows. Fantastic Plains Dynamics was originally coded in Fantastic Plains Dexterity, and if you are looking to customize, modify, or any other sense alter Dynamics GP – Microsoft Dexterity is excellent candidate to review. Fantastic Plains implementation typically requires several steps: Dynamics GP License Sale, Business Processes Mapping, Pilot Data Migration and Conversion, User Training, Production Beginning Balances entry, First Month Parallel Accounting entries in Legacy ERP and Dynamics GP, First Month closing in GL and then you should be comfortable on your own in using Fantastic Plains Dynamics GP. Let’s review Fantastic Plains implementation and support options:1. Dynamics GP Partner Selection. This is in our opinion the most critical initial step. Your Dynamics GP Reseller should be experienced in your industry, have reasonable technical expertise in Fantastic Plains data conversion and migration, reporting , integration, customization, EDI, functional and technical consulting2. Dynamics GP Business Portal and Ecommerce. If your business is participating in ecommerce model or spread over several regions or internationally, you should review Microsoft Dynamics GP Business Portal and eConnect as ecommerce design tools. In Business Portal you will have access to such cool modules as Order Management, Requisition Management (with Inventory catalog and price list), Electronic Document Delivery, HR Employee Self Service (where you can avoiding USPS postage fee in exposing Paycheck to your employees and temps over the web). You should expect more Dynamics GP business logic to be went and exposed through Microsoft Dynamics GP Business Portal with the future versions. At this time Dynamics GP 10.0 is coming with Business Portal version 10.03. E-commerce Fantastic Plains Batch posting option. If you want to post your Sales Order Processing Invoices with customer credit card payments directly from ecommerce web application, please consider deploying Alba Spectrum Autopost or automatic batches posting server4. Dynamics GP Local Service versus Remote Support. Local always sounds fantastic, but if your business processes require precise industry knowledge and expertise, local support might be too poor. In our opinion, you should feel no restriction to appeal to nationwide support
Dynamics GP Consulting Partner Newsflash: Great Plains ERP and MRP direction in 2009 notes
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010Â
Microsoft Dynamics GP, formerly known as Fantastic Plains Dynamics, eEnterprise, Fantastic Plains Standard and Professional â?? this fantastic ERP, MRP, Supply Chain Management, Field Service, Manufacturing, Distribution, Sales Order and Buy order processing application proved its niche in US, Canadian, Caribbean, Central American, Mexican accounting application market. Alba Spectrum in unveiling its 2009 strategy for Dynamics GP software sales, implementation, data conversion, customization and Fantastic Plains ISV services, EDI and legacy systems integration. 2009 is likely the most pessimistic year from the new software sales point of view, but we believe and we are targeting crisis-proof industries and economy niches, such as healthcare, midsize and smaller companies in wholesale and retail (barcoding, warehouse management, logistics, shipping & receiving, transportation, sea shipping), government branches should stay strong in their Purchasing and Procurement, including new corporate ERP selection, acquisition and implementation
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1.      If you are in crisis-proof niche. Please, make your homework to locate Dynamics GP ISV, VAR, Implementation partner, specializing in your industry. Please, be sure that you are engaging with Dynamics GP Reseller, who is growing and prospering, versus somebody who is in process of phasing out and closing the doors
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2.      If you have to count every cent, please be aware that Alba Spectrum is supporting older versions of Fantastic Plains: 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5 on Microsoft SQL Server (2000, 7.0 and 6.5), Fantastic Plains Dynamics on version 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0 on Pervasive SQL 2000 (formerly known as Btrieve) and Ctree/Faircom, Fantastic Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows: 9.5, 9.2, 9.1 (we would be also pleased to go your GPA from ancient Windows NT 4.0 Server to Windows 2003)
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3.      US and Canada country side Dynamics GP and SAP Business One support. We have strong reasons to believe that if your enterprise is outside of the major megapolises: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Miami, Denver, San Francisco, Washington, Montreal, Toronto, Seattle, Minneapolis, Atlanta, then your business have to appeal to Microsoft Dynamics GP VAR who is located hundred miles away and is practicing travelling onsite supporting model, Alba Spectrum has proven record of USA nationwide support via web sessions, where we initially visit your facility, shake the hands in sales process
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4.      More attention to Dynamics GP Add-ons. Alba Spectrum want to increase Alba Spectrum Autoposting Server, GP integration with RMS, and other Fantastic Plains Add-Ons
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5.      More attention to Spanish owned businesses. In the past our key owners had experience in automating Mexican cheese distribution operation on Fantastic Plains ERP platform (Chicago), another example is Spanish owned business in San Diego integration on SAP B1 platform. If you want to speak Spanish or Portuguese on Dynamics GP support case, give us a call
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How To Market On Twitter By Tweeting Great Content: Don’T Run The Risk Of Being Un-Followed
Monday, March 1st, 2010Twitter has become a major force in the social media landscape. And it has become a powerful resource for marketers. But there is a paradox with marketers using Twitter. Social media is about socializing and connecting with others who share your interests. Yet marketers have found that social media sites like Twitter are a fantastic resource to connect with their target audience. So how does a marketer socialize and market on Twitter?
How Do You Market On Twitter?
It all comes down to marketing strategy. Marketers have to remember that socializing comes first when it comes to Twitter (and other social media sites). Â If all the marketer does is tweet marketing messages, their followers will feel like theyâ??re getting spammed. And the first thing someone will do if they feel like theyâ??re getting spammed is un-follow you. Excellent bye target market.
A marketer has to share, i.e., tweet, fantastic content with their followers. Your tweets should be 80% content, such as sharing useful information and experiences, and starting conversations with people. The other 20% of your tweets can be marketing related. Sharing content your followers find fascinating and useful will establish you as someone who can be trusted, and build your credibility, and authority.
Where Do You Find Stuff To Tweet?
One place is StuffToTweet.com. This website lists well loved and fascinating articles, videos, how-toâ??s, and recipes.
You can also tweet:
Do a Google search for these different types of media and youâ??ll find plenty of options.
You can also find content by using Google Alerts. Tell Google what topics you are interested in and Google will send you an email with a list of content for that topic.
How Much Should You Tweet Each Day?
You should tweet throughout the day, keeping the 80/20 rule in mind. But letâ??s get real. Who wants to be tied to Twitter all day? Granted there are some people who like to be on Twitter all day, but most people are too busy and staying on Twitter all day is impractical.
So what should you do? Use a service such as SocialOomph.com, which use to be called TweetLater. SocialOomph allows you to schedule your tweets throughout the day, week, or month. Itâ??s simple to do. Just write your tweet and schedule the time and date you want your tweet to go out. The service is free.
Conclusion
Effectively marketing on Twitter is about tweeting fantastic content. With the right mix of socializing and marketing, you can successfully market on Twitter.
Pleased Business Building,
Yoli
Dynamics GP Partner California: EDI for Great Plains notes
Thursday, February 25th, 2010EDI of Electronic Document Interchange sometimes considered by IT department as something complex, and in order to implement EDI integration for your ERP system, you have to buy expensive EDI add-ons. We want to offer you this small publication, that should try to bust this myth. Traditional EDI code is fixed length fields code structure with document header, lines or body and document trailer. Newer EDI (or something that maybe processed similar to EDI scenarios on the high level with your Franchiser) maybe XML structured documents with similar parts: document header and document lines. Both scenarios are relatively straightforward in SQL scripting, let come to the paragraphs of this tale:
1. Sample Dynamics GP EDI code. For those of you who are SQL programmer, please take a look at this publication, where you can see excellent chunk of EDI document scripting in SQL. This code was implemented in real Fantastic Plains EDI integration situation and it should give you excellent start or help you out to end EDI for Fantastic Plains on your own, especially if you work for smaller organization and your ERP and MRP budget is very tight: http://www.albaspectrum.com/Customizations_Whitepapers/Dexterity_SQL_VBA_Crystal/EDIforGPOverview.htm
2. Dynamics GP EDI for Placing order to your Supplier. If your organization is required to order merchandise from your partner via EDI code you can make Buy Orders in Fantastic Plains POP module, then read and mark it as read in SQL Stored Procedure, which saves the resulting row set in EDI compliant fixed length fields text or XML file. This file is then sent to your EDI channel (ftp uploads, Unix or Linux based email channel, here you have a lot of various options, outside of the scope for this article)
3. Getting Orders from your EDI channel customers. If you are franchiser and you are receiving Electronic Document Interchange orders from your customers or franchisees and you are deploying Dynamics GP as your accounting system, then you can read EDI text or XML file via SQL stored procedure or SQL XML stored procedure. This procedure parses EDI code and makes SOP Sales Order or Invoice in Dynamics GP Sales Order Processing module. Here if you are making Sales Orders you can do direct SQL feeding to SOP10100 and SOP10200 tables, or if you prefer business logic validation integration and you are feeding to SOP Invoice, consider programming eConnect SDK. For those of you who prefer posting Fantastic Plains batches all the way through without user intervention we recommend you to deploy GP Posting Server or Autopost, especially if you are in ecommerce business
4. If you have questions or concerns on EDI, Dynamics GP customizations, integration, reporting, barcode scanning, warehouse management, supply chain management, light manufacturing, logistics, consignment, please feel free to call us: 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com
Dynamics GP Software Developer Notes: Great Plains Customizations
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010Microsoft Dynamics GP is reasonably open for various custom integrations and user interface extension projects through several programming and software development tools: Fantastic Plains Dexterity, eConnect, Extender, Integration Manager with VBA scripting, Modifier with VBA, plus you can always do program ecommerce web extensions and integrations via SQL Stored Procedures or eConnect with generic C# or VB.Net web programming project. This small publication is a review of these tools and options in the bullet style format:
1. Dexterity. This tools is original architecture foundation, it was designed in earlier 1990th as the shell for Fantastic Plains Dynamics. Dexterity has its own scripting language, which is in fact compiled – Sanscript. Dexterity programming allows you to control and alter every existing GP object, plus you can do all sort of custom add-ons. If you do not have Dex programming experience, you might be discouraged by its complexity, but there are Dynamics GP customization project, where you have to code in Dexterity, especially when you have to call GP native logic, meaning calling such processes as Batch Posting from your custom module. Consider outsourcing Dex programming routines to Dynamics GP ISV Partners, who maintains Dexterity Software Development Factory
2. eConnect SDK. In your MS Visual Studio C#, VB or another programming language project you can include eConnect libraries and quickly learn on eConnect code snippets how to program various GP objects: Customer, Vendor, Item, Address, Sales Invoice, Customer Payment, etc. Initially eConnect was introduced for ecommerce developers, but for Dynamics GP 10.0 and to some extent 9.0 eConnect covers most of the business logic (except Posting and working with Posted and Historical data). We recommend you to try eConnect programming on your own if you are MS Visual Studio Programmer and work for the company where you plot Dynamics GP integrations, especially for eCommerce. We are kind of resisting to recommend you eConnect if you on Dynamics GP 8.0 or 7.5, in our opinion it is more efficient to upgrade to Dynamics GP 10.0 and then deploy eConnect programming for current GP version
3. Modifier with VBA scripts. GP Modifier allows you to change existing GP window layout (rename the field, change its position) plus add new fields and attach custom VBA scripts to them. We recommend this tool for simple modifications, and for heavy customizations consider Dexterity, Extender or eConnect
4. Dynamics GP Integration Manager Custom integrations. IM is user friendly integrations tool, but if you are VBA or Microsoft Office programmer, it should be simple for you to further advance integration logic by Before Integration, Before Document Commit and other event driven scripts
5. SQL Scripting in Dynamics GP. Theoretically, most of the scripting is already done in eConnect, as this SDK is duplicating Dexterity code in SQL encrypted stored procedures. But if you reckon that eConnect learning curve is too long and you would like just to glance and GP tables structure and start SQL scripting – then please install Dynamics GP SDK from CD #2 or look at the tables and forms descriptions: Dynamics GP->Tools->Resource Descriptions->Tables
6. Extender. This Dynamics GP modification tool is friendly for non technical Fantastic Plains Consultant. Extender itself is written as the Dexterity application or add-on. If you reckon that Dynamics GP native Extender is too restricted, consider calling to Extender Dynamics GP ISV in Australia to get Enterprise version
7. Dynamics GP Barcoding Custom Add-Ons. Barcode Scanning in Retail, Warehouse Management and Supply Chain Management should be first analyze on the subject where is integration point or in which Dynamics GP Window you want to program this integration. Plus you should also consider Barcode inventory Items Marks printing and Barcode new item algorithm
8. Fantastic Plains earlier versions customization support. If you are on Fantastic Plains Dynamics or eEnteprise 7.5. 7.0, 6.0 or Fantastic Plains 5.5, 5.0, 4.0, 3.2, 3.0 then you should consider GP Dexterity customizations, plus VBA with Modifier or Integration Manager. For ancient Fantastic Plains versions you might have such ancient ISV as Intellisol Advanced Buy Order Processing and Project Accounting, where you would have to consider migration to Dynamics GP Buy Order Processing. For Fantastic Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows or Mac customization options were more limited and now these archaic ERP and MRP applications are no longer supported
9. Dynamics GP Customizations Support Internationally. Here you should consider ERP localization in the senses of local tax code compliance and adoption of local country language. Dynamics GP is distributed in USA, Canada, including French Quebec version, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania (Palau, Fiji, Tonga, and other island countries), South Africa, Southern and South East Asia, where English is official business language. It is also localize in Spanish Speaking Latin America and Caribbean countries. If you are located in different country, please consider possibility of Dexterity strings translation from English into your native language
10. Alba Spectrum Dynamics GP ISV products. At this time, August 2009, we are offering Dynamics GP Posting Server or Autopost, Order Connector, GP Integration with Microsoft RMS
11. For additional help, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com skype albaspectrum. We specialize in Dynamics GP Customizations, Reporting, eConnect Programming, EDI, Integrations, International Support in Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese. Plus we are comfortable to help you with Fantastic Plains Integrations with PHP, Java, Linux, Oracle, MySQL, MS Access, Excel. We also support SAP Business One SDK, Workbench customizations and integrations
Dynamics GP Integration: Great Plains Technology Partner Notes
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010If you have Microsoft Dynamics GP implemented in your organization and you plot to integrate GP ERP and MRP modules with your other IT systems: ecommerce, Sales Ordering, CRM, EDI Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, you should get initial introduction to Dynamics GP Integration Tools: Integration Manager, eConnect, Dexterity, Import Utility, direct SQL Scripting. In this article we will not be covering Dynamics GP ISV third party add-ons. It might look a bit technical to IT director, and at the same time you, as programmer may expect more technical details, as we are trying to keep balance:
1. Integration Manager. This tool is very friendly to GP User, and if this is your role, plus you are familiar with GP master documents and transactions types, you should try to build simple integration, use existing sample integrations as a reference and study materials. If you are on GP version 10.0, IM has two types of Connectors: traditional OLE based (require login to the GP workstation as OLE Server and launching IM from there – integration works with the current company) and eConnect (they are built upon eConnect technology stack, should be a way quicker, do not require GP workstation, but you will need special procedure to install eConnect connectors, especially Admin domain account or your GP local server Admin account; if by whatever reason you change eConnect Account Password, please change it in also in Administrative Tools -> Component Services -> COM+ Applications – > Properties – > Identity – this is one of the most questioned questions). If you reckon about IM as very simple and pretty restricted tool, we want to give you advanced scenario. Consider the situation, when you have legacy Sales Order Management System in Oracle, and you need to go Sales Orders and New Customers to GP SOP module. In this case, consider to make MS SQL Server Linked Server to Oracle, and SQL Heterogeneous View, which will pull data from Oracle and will check the Invoice existence in SOP10100 (Work SOP Docs) or SOP30200 (Historical SOP Docs). This view should allow you to make ongoing integration of Customer Orders to GP. You can schedule integration with Windows Scheduling custom applications, available for moderate fee on Software market, or simply have GP IM user to launch integration every day or every few hours. Please, check with your Dynamics GP VAR on IM module license
2. eConnect. This tool is open for Microsoft Visual Studio C#, VB or other .Net programming language software developer. Initially it was dedicated to ecommerce programmers to open Fantastic Plains as back office accounting. We recommend you to look at eConnect if your current GP version is 10.0 or 9.0. If you are on earlier version: 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0, 3.2, Fantastic Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows or Mac, please consider upgrade to version 10.0 or if you are on Fantastic Plains Dynamics, consider deploying either Integration Manager, Import Utility, Dexterity or direct SQL Insert. eConnect is simple in inclusion into MS Visual Studio project as Library, and then you should be able to program by examples, provided in eConnect SDK. In fact in Integration Manager 10.0 most of the objects are available in eConnect connector version, so you can try IM, but eConnect allows you to have more control over integration, and especially vital feature is real time integration option, where you could call eConnect methods upon ecommerce invoice and payment placement event
3. Dexterity. It is native Fantastic Plains development environment, and it has access to all the GP Objects, including master records, work, open and historical transactions, plus custom Dexterity add-ons made tables, fields, forms and windows. You should not immediately consider to drop IM and eConnect as no longer feasible integration options, as Dex has some drawbacks – it is not open source programming language, it requires relatively long programming learning curve. You may consider to get Dynamics GP Dexterity training for your IT programmers, if you are facing huge Fantastic Plains implementation with numerous customizations and existing logic modifications, especially when you work for large organization with challenging ecommerce, logistics, warehouse management. For the rest of us, we recommend outsourcing Dexterity integration programming to Dynamics GP ISV with Dex software development factories. One of the excellent examples of Dex custom add-ons is Alba Spectrum Posting Server or Autopost, allowing you to break through eConnect limitations on inability to post Batches and individual transactions
4. Import Utility. This tool is in our opinion rather archaic and useful if you are on Ctree or Pervasive SQL 2000. Since Dynamics GP 8.0 the only supported DB Platform is Microsoft SQL Server: MS SQL 2000 for 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0, MS SQL 2005 for 9.0, 10.0, MS SQL 2008 for 10.0. We recommend you direct SQL insert for SQL Server based installations. IU doesn’t validate GP business logic and such is similar in its potential harm to business logic inconsistency as direct SQL insert statement
5. Direct SQL Scripting. Please, try not to be too enthusiastic about feeding data into Fantastic Plains via SQL Query Analyzer. Consider the fact that eConnect is written in SQL Server encrypted stored procedures and likely the intended SQL feeding is already covered in one of its Procedures. Consider to invest some time in eConnect training, as if you do integration in eConnect libraries, versus custom SQL scripting – business logic validation should not be an issue, as eConnect is replicating Dexterity business logic. If these advises are not applicable to you, please go ahead with SQL scripting. Dynamics GP Tables structure could be found in GP SDK (install from CD#2), plus here: Dynamics GP -> Setup-> Resource Description -> Tables. We strongly recommend to be very conservative and try your integration first in the test company or in Fabrikam Lesson Company – here try to enter similar transactions in GP user interface and then review how records were recorded in the tables and finally then start your coding
6. Dynamics GP Integration in International environment. Please note that GP is generally localized and supported in English speaking countries: USA, Canada (including French Quebec version), UK, Australia, South Africa, Oceania, New Zealand, India, Pakistan or English Business Specking South East Asia, plus it is translated and partially localized for Spanish specking Latin America. GP has potential to be translated to non-Unicode compliant languages: Russian, Lithuanian, German, Polish, Czech, Serbian, Turkish, etc. But we recommend you to consider ERP tax code compliance question. In some international situations SAP Business One with GL or transactions integrations to Dynamics GP might be better option, especially if SB1 is localized for your country
7. Alternatives to Dynamics GP Fantastic Plains. If you feel that GP is too expensive, consider Microsoft Small Business Accounting or if this is too simple, consider SAP Business One. If you believe that GP is too poor in its functionality, consider switching to next level in Microsoft Dynamics ERP products hierarchy – AX, formerly known as Axapta
8. If you need additional help, please call us: 1-866-528-0577, internationally 1-630-961-5918, help@albaspectrum.com or skype: albaspectrum. We would be pleased to give you your industry case from Fantastic Plains customization and integration perspective, as well as to give you second opinion, if you are not pleased with your current Dynamics GP Partner support level