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Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains‌: A Full-Scope Guide to its Capabilities and Implementation

Great Plains Software is a leading provider of business management software solutions for small and medium-sized organizations. The company's flagship product, Microsoft Dynamics GP, is a comprehensive software suite that helps businesses automate and streamline their financial, supply chain, and operations management processes. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Great Plains Software makes it easy for businesses to manage their financial data, track inventory and sales, and analyze business performance. The software is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their specific needs and workflows. Great Plains Software has a strong track record of helping businesses drive growth and improve efficiency. Whether you're a manufacturer, retailer, or service provider, Great Plains Software has the tools you need to manage your business more effectively.

Features of Great Plains Software

Features of Great Plains Software

One of the key benefits of Great Plains Software is the wealth of features it offers to help businesses manage their operations more effectively. Some of the standout features of the software include:

Financial management:

Great Plains Software's financial management tools make it easy for businesses to track their income and expenses, generate reports, and analyze their financial performance. The software includes modules for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger, as well as tools for budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.

Supply chain management:

Great Plains Software's supply chain management features help businesses optimize their inventory levels, track orders, and manage their purchasing and vendor relationships. The software includes modules for inventory control, sales order processing, and purchase order processing, as well as tools for forecasting demand and setting reorder points.

Operations management:

Great Plains Software's operations management features help businesses streamline and automate their business processes. The software includes modules for project management, human resources, and payroll, as well as tools for scheduling and time and attendance tracking. Overall, Great Plains Software's extensive feature set makes it a powerful tool for businesses of all types and sizes. Whether you're looking to improve your financial management, streamline your supply chain, or optimize your operations, Great Plains Software has the tools you need to succeed.

How to implement & use Microsoft Dynamics GP?

How to implement & use Microsoft Dynamics GP

If you're considering implementing Great Plains Software's flagship product, Microsoft Dynamics GP, in your organization, you may be wondering how to get started. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure a smooth and successful implementation:

1. Assess your needs:

Before you start implementing Microsoft Dynamics GP, it's important to take stock of your business's needs and objectives. This will help you determine which modules and features of the software are most relevant to your organization, and will guide you in customizing the software to meet your specific needs.

2. Plan your implementation:

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with Microsoft Dynamics GP, it's time to start planning your implementation. This will involve setting timelines, identifying resources, and establishing a budget. It's a good idea to involve key stakeholders in the planning process, as this will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the implementation aligns with your business's overall goals.

3. Set up and customize the software:

Once your plan is in place, it's time to start setting up and customizing the software. This will involve installing the software on your servers or cloud platform, configuring the modules and features you'll be using, and setting up users and permissions. Great Plains Software offers a range of resources to help you with this process, including documentation, training materials, and support from their team of experts.

4. Test and roll out the software:

Before you roll out Microsoft Dynamics GP to your entire organization, it's a good idea to test the software in a limited capacity. This will help you identify any issues or challenges that may arise, and will allow you to fine-tune the software to meet your needs. Once you're satisfied with the software's performance, you can roll it out to your entire organization.

5. Monitor and optimize:

Once you've successfully implemented Microsoft Dynamics GP, it's important to keep an eye on how the software is performing and make any necessary adjustments to optimize its use. This may involve training additional users, fine-tuning your configurations, or adding new modules or features as your business grows and evolves.‌

Great Plains Software Functions

Great Plains Software Functions

1) Project Management

Great Plains Software's project management features help businesses plan, execute, and track projects more effectively. The software includes tools for project planning and scheduling, resource allocation, and budget management, as well as modules for project collaboration and document management. With Great Plains Software, businesses can keep track of project milestones, identify potential bottlenecks, and stay on top of project costs and budgets.

2) Accounting Management:

Great Plains Software's accounting management features help businesses track their financial data, generate reports, and analyze their financial performance. The software includes modules for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger, as well as tools for budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Great Plains Software's accounting tools are intuitive and easy to use, making it simple for businesses to keep track of their financial data and make informed decisions.

3) Human Resource Management 

Great Plains Software's human resource management features help businesses streamline and automate their HR processes. The software includes tools for employee onboarding, payroll, and benefits management, as well as modules for performance tracking and succession planning. With Great Plains Software, businesses can easily manage their HR data, ensure compliance, and support the growth and development of their employees.

4) Bank Management

Great Plains Software's bank management features help businesses manage their banking relationships and transactions more effectively. The software includes tools for reconciling bank statements, tracking cash balances, and generating reports, as well as modules for check writing and electronic payment processing. Great Plains Software's bank management tools make it easy for businesses to stay on top of their financial data and make informed decisions about their banking relationships.

5) Supply Chain Management

Great Plains Software's supply chain management features help businesses optimize their inventory levels, track orders, and manage their purchasing and vendor relationships. The software includes modules for inventory control, sales order processing, and purchase order processing, as well as tools for forecasting demand and setting reorder points. With Great Plains Software, businesses can streamline their supply chain processes and improve their efficiency.

6) Manufacturing Management

Great Plains Software's manufacturing management features help businesses optimize their production processes and manage their manufacturing operations more effectively. The software includes tools for production planning and scheduling, quality control, and inventory management, as well as modules for cost estimation and product lifecycle management. Great Plains Software's manufacturing management tools enable businesses to increase their productivity, reduce their costs, and improve the quality of their products.

Which companies can use Great Plains Software?

Great Plains Software is a versatile business management software solution that is suitable for a wide range of organizations. The software is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses, as it offers a comprehensive set of tools and features that can help these organizations automate and streamline their operations.

Which companies can use Great Plains Software

Some examples of companies that can benefit from using Great Plains Software include:

1. Manufacturers:

Great Plains Software's manufacturing management features, such as production planning, quality control, and cost estimation, can help manufacturers optimize their production processes and improve the quality of their products.

2. Retailers:

Great Plains Software's supply chain management features, such as inventory control and sales order processing, can help retailers streamline their operations and improve their efficiency.

3. Service providers:

Great Plains Software's project management features, such as resource allocation and budget management, can help service providers plan and execute projects more effectively.

4. Nonprofit organizations:

Great Plains Software's financial management features, such as accounts payable and general ledger, can help nonprofit organizations track their income and expenses and manage their finances more effectively. Overall, Great Plains Software is a powerful tool for businesses of all types and sizes. Whether you're a manufacturer, retailer, service provider, or nonprofit organization, Great Plains Software has the tools you need to manage your business more effectively.

How can Great Plains Software modernize your business?

In today's fast-paced business environment, it's more important than ever to have tools and systems that can help you stay competitive and adapt to change. Great Plains Software is a powerful business management software solution that can help modernize your organization and drive growth. Here are some ways Great Plains Software can help modernize your business:

  • Automate and streamline processes: Great Plains Software's extensive feature set includes tools and modules that can help you automate and streamline your business processes. This can help you reduce errors, improve efficiency, and free up time and resources to focus on more strategic tasks.
  • Improve data visibility and decision-making: Great Plains Software's business intelligence features, such as data visualization and predictive analytics, can help you make sense of your data and gain insights that can inform your decision-making. With Great Plains Software, you can have a clearer view of your business performance and make data-driven decisions that can drive growth.
  • Enhance customer relationships: Great Plains Software's customer relationship management (CRM) features can help you manage and analyze your interactions with customers. This can help you build stronger relationships, identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, and improve your customer service.
  • Foster collaboration and teamwork: Great Plains Software's project management and collaboration features can help you bring your team together and work more effectively. With tools for document sharing, task management, and communication, Great Plains Software can help you foster collaboration and teamwork that can drive results.

Overall, Great Plains Software is a powerful tool that can help modernize your business and drive growth. Whether you're looking to automate and streamline your processes, improve your data visibility and decision-making, enhance your customer relationships, or foster collaboration and teamwork, Great Plains Software has the tools you need to succeed.

How can Great Plains Software modernize your business

A) Data Security and Protection

In today's digital age, data security and protection are critical concerns for businesses of all types and sizes. Great Plains Software takes data security and protection very seriously, and has implemented a range of measures to ensure that your business's data is safe and secure. One of the key ways Great Plains Software protects your data is through the use of encryption. All data transmitted between your organization and Great Plains Software's servers is encrypted, which makes it virtually impossible for unauthorized parties to access or intercept your data. Additionally, Great Plains Software uses secure socket layer (SSL) technology to ensure that your data is transmitted safely and securely over the internet. Another way Great Plains Software protects your data is through the use of secure data centers.

Great Plains Software's data centers are state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to be highly secure and resilient. They are equipped with redundant power, cooling, and networking systems, as well as advanced security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and access controls. Finally, Great Plains Software has a team of dedicated security professionals who are responsible for monitoring and protecting your data. These experts work around the clock to ensure that your data is safe and secure, and are constantly monitoring for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Overall, Great Plains Software is committed to ensuring that your business's data is safe and secure. Whether you're concerned about data confidentiality, integrity, or availability, Great Plains Software has the tools and measures in place to protect your data.

B) Efficient Financial Management

Effective financial management is essential for businesses of all types and sizes. It helps organizations track their income and expenses, generate financial reports, and make informed decisions about their financial performance. Great Plains Software's financial management features can help your organization achieve efficient financial management.One of the key benefits of Great Plains Software's financial management tools is their versatility. The software includes modules for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger, as well as tools for budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. This allows your organization to track and manage all aspects of your financial data in one place, which can help improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Another benefit of Great Plains Software's financial management tools is their ease of use. The software has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, and includes a range of training materials and support resources to help you get up to speed quickly. This means that you don't need to be a financial expert to use Great Plains Software's financial management tools effectively. Finally, Great Plains Software's financial management tools are scalable and customizable. This means that you can easily adjust the software to meet your organisation's specific needs and add additional modules or features as your business grows and evolves.

Overall, Great Plains Software's financial management tools are powerful tools that can help your organization achieve efficient financial management. Whether you're looking to track your income and expenses, generate financial reports, or make informed decisions about your financial performance, Great Plains Software has the tools you need to succeed.

C) Mobile Application

In today's fast-paced business environment, it's important to access your business data and systems from anywhere, at any time. Great Plains Software's mobile application enables you to do just that, giving you the ability to access your business data and perform key tasks on the go. One of the key benefits of Great Plains Software's mobile application is its convenience. With the mobile app, you can access your business data and perform key tasks from your smartphone or tablet, regardless of where you are. This means you can stay connected to your business and stay productive, even when you're away from your desk.

Another benefit of Great Plains Software's mobile application is its flexibility. The app is designed to work seamlessly with Great Plains Software's desktop software, so you can easily switch between the two as needed. This means you can use the mobile app to quickly check your business data or perform a task, and then continue working on your desktop when you're back at the office. Finally, Great Plains Software's mobile application is secure. The app uses the same advanced security measures as the desktop software, so you can trust that your business data is safe and secure when you access it from the app.

Overall, Great Plains Software's mobile application is a powerful tool that can help you stay connected to your business and stay productive on the go. Whether you're a small business owner, a salesperson, or a project manager, the mobile app can help you get more done, faster.

The benefits of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting

If you're using an older version of Great Plains Accounting, you may be wondering if it's time to upgrade. While it can be intimidating to make changes to your business systems, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can bring a range of benefits that can help your organization stay competitive and grow. One of the key benefits of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is improved performance and reliability. Newer versions of the software are designed to be faster and more reliable than older versions, which can help improve your productivity and reduce downtime.

Another benefit of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is access to new features and functionality. As Great Plains Accounting evolves, new features and tools are added to the software that can help you streamline your operations and improve your efficiency. By upgrading, you can take advantage of these new features and stay on the cutting edge of business management technology. Finally, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can help you stay compliant with industry regulations and standards. As regulatory requirements change, newer versions of the software are updated to ensure compliance.

By upgrading, you can ensure that your organization is in compliance with industry regulations and standards, which can help protect your business and minimize risk. Overall, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can bring a range of benefits that can help your organization stay competitive and grow. Whether you're looking to improve performance and reliability, take advantage of new features and functionality, or stay compliant with industry regulations, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is a smart move.

The benefits of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting

1. Low IT Costs

One of the benefits of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is that it can help you reduce your IT costs. Newer versions of the software are designed to be more efficient and require fewer resources to run, which can help reduce your IT costs in a number of ways. One way upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can help reduce your IT costs is by reducing hardware costs. Newer versions of the software are often more efficient and can run on less powerful hardware, which can help reduce your hardware costs. Additionally, newer versions of Great Plains Accounting may be compatible with newer hardware, which can help you take advantage of the latest hardware technologies and further reduce your hardware costs.

Another way upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can help reduce your IT costs is by reducing maintenance costs. Newer versions of the software are often easier to maintain and may require fewer updates and patches, which can help reduce your maintenance costs. Additionally, newer versions of Great Plains Accounting may come with enhanced support and training resources, which can help you get up to speed quickly and reduce your maintenance costs.

Finally, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can help reduce your IT costs by reducing downtime. Newer versions of the software are often more reliable and less prone to errors and crashes, which can help reduce downtime and keep your business running smoothly. Overall, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting can help reduce your IT costs in a number of ways. Whether you're looking to reduce hardware costs, maintenance costs, or downtime, upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is a smart move that can help you save money and stay competitive.

2. Digitalizing Your Reports

One of the benefits of upgrading your Great Plains Accounting is that it can help you digitalize your reports. Digital reports are electronic versions of traditional paper-based reports, and they offer a range of benefits that can help improve your organization's efficiency and effectiveness. One of the key benefits of digital reports is that they are easier to access and share. With digital reports, you can access your reports from anywhere, at any time, using any device with an internet connection. This means you can easily share your reports with colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders, and you can collaborate on them in real time.

Another benefit of digital reports is that they are more accurate and up-to-date. Digital reports can be automatically generated and updated in real-time, which means you can be confident that you're working with the most accurate and up-to-date information. This can help improve your decision-making and reduce errors. Finally, digital reports are more environmentally friendly than paper-based reports. By eliminating the need for paper, digital reports can help reduce your organization's carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Overall, digitalizing your reports with Great Plains Accounting is a smart move that can help improve your organization's efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you're looking to improve access and sharing, accuracy and up-to-date information, or sustainability, digital reports can help you achieve your goals.

Great Plains Software Pricing

When considering whether to upgrade your Great Plains Accounting, it's important to consider the costs involved. Great Plains Software offers a range of pricing options to suit different business needs and budgets. One of the key factors that determine Great Plains Software pricing is the number of users. Great Plains Software is a scalable solution that can be used by businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. The software is priced based on the number of users, which means you only pay for the licenses you need. This can help you save money and avoid paying for licenses that you don't use.

Another factor that determines Great Plains Software pricing is the features and modules you need. Great Plains Software offers a range of features and modules that can be added to the software to meet your specific needs. The software is priced based on the features and modules you select, which means you only pay for the features and modules you need. This can help you save money and avoid paying for features and modules that you don't use. Finally, Great Plains Software pricing is based on the type of license you select. Great Plains Software offers two types of licenses: perpetual and subscription.

Perpetual licenses are one-time purchases that give you perpetual access to the software, while subscription licenses are annual or monthly rentals that give you access to the software for the duration of your subscription. The type of license you select will affect your overall costs, so it's important to consider which option is best for your organization. Overall, Great Plains Software offers a range of pricing options to suit different business needs and budgets. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, Great Plains Software has a pricing option that can meet your needs.

Alternatives to Great Plains Software

If you're considering alternatives to Great Plains Software, you're likely looking for a business management solution that meets your specific needs and budget. There are a range of alternatives to Great Plains Software available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. One alternative to Great Plains Software is QuickBooks. QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management, and it is available in several different editions to suit different business needs and budgets.

Another alternative to Great Plains Software is Xero. Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, and it is available in several different editions to suit different business needs and budgets. A third alternative to Great Plains Software is MYOB. MYOB is Australian-based accounting software that is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management, and it is available in several different editions to suit different business needs and budgets.

Finally, a fourth alternative to Great Plains Software is Zoho Books. Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, and it is available in several different editions to suit different business needs and budgets. Overall, there are several alternatives to Great Plains Software available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for an accounting software, a project management tool, or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, there is an alternative to Great Plains Software that can meet your needs.

1. NetSuite:

Logo of NetSuite

NetSuite is a cloud-based business management software that offers a range of features and tools for organizations of all types and sizes. It includes modules for financial management, customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce, as well as tools for supply chain management, project management, and human resources. One of the key benefits of NetSuite is its versatility. The software can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization, and it is scalable, so it can grow with your business. This means that you can use NetSuite to manage all aspects of your business, from financial management to CRM, in one place. Another benefit of NetSuite is its ease of use.

The software has an intuitive interface and is designed to be user-friendly, so you can get up and running quickly. Additionally, NetSuite offers a range of training resources and support options to help you get the most out of the software. Finally, NetSuite is a cost-effective solution. The software is priced based on a subscription model, which means you only pay for the features and tools you need. This can help you save money and avoid paying for features and tools that you don't use. Overall, NetSuite is a powerful and versatile business management software that can help you streamline your operations and improve your efficiency. Whether you're looking for financial management tools, CRM tools, or e-commerce tools, NetSuite has the features and tools you need to succeed.

2. Sage Intacct:

Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management software that is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It includes features such as general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management, as well as tools for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. One of the key benefits of Sage Intacct is its integration capabilities. The software integrates with a range of popular business applications, such as CRM software, project management software, and e-commerce platforms. This means you can use Sage Intacct to manage your financials in the context of your overall business operations. Another benefit of Sage Intacct is its ease of use. The software has an intuitive interface and is designed to be user-friendly, so you can get up and running quickly.

Additionally, Sage Intacct offers a range of training resources and support options to help you get the most out of the software. Finally, Sage Intacct is a cost-effective solution. The software is priced based on a subscription model, which means you only pay for the features and tools you need. This can help you save money and avoid paying for features and tools that you don't use. Overall, Sage Intacct is a powerful and flexible financial management software that can help you streamline your operations and improve your efficiency. Whether you're looking for general ledger tools, accounts payable tools, or budgeting and forecasting tools, Sage Intacct has the features and tools you need to succeed.

3. SAP:

Logo of SAP

SAP is a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that is designed for large organizations. It includes modules for financial management, supply chain management, human resources, and customer relationship management (CRM), as well as tools for project management, analytics, and reporting. One of the key benefits of SAP is its scalability. The software is designed to support large organizations with complex business processes, and it is scalable, so it can grow with your business. This means that you can use SAP to manage all aspects of your business, from financial management to CRM, in one place. Another benefit of SAP is its integration capabilities.

The software integrates with a range of popular business applications, such as CRM software, project management software, and e-commerce platforms. This means you can use SAP to manage your business operations in the context of your overall business ecosystem. Finally, SAP is a flexible solution. The software is customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization. This means you can use SAP to support your unique business processes and workflows. Overall, SAP is a powerful and scalable ERP software that can help you streamline your operations and improve your efficiency. Whether you're looking for financial management tools, supply chain management tools, or CRM tools, SAP has the features and tools you need to succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Great Plains Software is a powerful and versatile business management solution that can help organizations of all types and sizes streamline their operations and improve their efficiency. With features such as financial management, project management, and supply chain management, Great Plains Software has the tools and capabilities you need to succeed. However, Great Plains Software is not the only business management solution available. There is a range of alternatives to Great Plains Software, including QuickBooks, Xero, MYOB, Zoho Books, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and SAP.

Each of these alternatives has its unique features and capabilities, and it's important to choose the solution that best meets your specific needs and budget. One company that can help you make this decision is Boltic. Boltic is a software consulting firm that specializes in helping businesses choose the right business management solution. Whether you're looking for accounting software, a project management tool, or an ERP solution, Boltic has the expertise and experience to help you find the right fit. Overall, whether you choose Great Plains Software or one of its alternatives, it's important to find a business management solution that meets your specific needs and budget. With the right solution in place, you can streamline your operations, improve your efficiency, and drive your business forward.‌

FAQ

Is Great Plains an ERP software?

Yes, Great Plains is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. ERP software is a type of business management solution that is designed to support the complete range of business processes, from financial management to supply chain management. Great Plains is an ERP software that includes modules for financial management, project management, and supply chain management, as well as tools for customer relationship management (CRM), analytics, and reporting.

Is Great Plains now Microsoft Dynamics?

Yes, Great Plains is now part of the Microsoft Dynamics family of business management solutions. Great Plains was acquired by Microsoft in 2001 and was rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains). Microsoft Dynamics GP is a comprehensive ERP software that includes modules for financial management, project management, and supply chain management, as well as tools for CRM, analytics, and reporting.

What is Great Plains used for?

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Great Plains (now known as Microsoft Dynamics GP) is used for a range of business management purposes, including financial management, project management, supply chain management, customer relationship management (CRM), analytics, and reporting. It is a comprehensive ERP software that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization and support your unique business processes and workflows.

Is Dynamics 365 the same as Great Plains?

No, Dynamics 365 is not the same as Great Plains. Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based business application platform that includes a range of applications for customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and business analytics. Great Plains (now known as Microsoft Dynamics GP) is an ERP software that is designed specifically for financial management, project management, and supply chain management. While Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Dynamics GP are both parts of the Microsoft Dynamics family of business management solutions, they are different products with different features and capabilities.

Does Great Plains use SQL?

Yes, Great Plains (now known as Microsoft Dynamics GP) uses SQL (Structured Query Language) as its database language. SQL is a standard programming language that is used to manage and manipulate data stored in relational databases. Microsoft Dynamics GP uses SQL to store and retrieve data from its database, as well as to perform other database-related tasks such as data backup and recovery.

What are the 3 leading ERP systems?

There are many different ERP systems available, and the three leading ERP systems tend to vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the organizations using them. Some of the most popular ERP systems include SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics.
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