Unlock the potential of Microsoft Dynamics GP with this in-depth guide to customization and development. From leveraging Dexterity to mastering eConnect and SQL scripting, we delve into the tools and techniques that can transform your mid-size business ERP system. Discover how to enhance your Dynamics GP experience with custom reporting, EDI solutions, and more, while navigating the challenges of international localization and language support.
Microsoft Dynamics GP, previously known as Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise, is a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system tailored for mid-size businesses across the USA, English-speaking countries, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spanish-speaking Latin America. It also enjoys popularity in South East Asia, Oceania, and French-speaking Quebec in Canada. However, for regions requiring UNICODE support for languages like Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, Dynamics GP may not be the best fit due to its Dexterity platform's limitations. In such cases, alternatives like SAP Business One, which is localized and certified in many countries, might be more suitable.
Great Plains Dexterity is the original architecture of Dynamics GP, akin to SAP's ABAP in its role as an abstraction layer. Developed in the C programming language, Dexterity allowed Dynamics GP to operate across various platforms, including Windows and Macintosh, and databases like Ctree/Faircom, Btrieve, and Microsoft SQL Server. Dexterity offers extensive customization capabilities, allowing programmers to modify forms, reports, tables, and more. However, due to its complexity and learning curve, outsourcing to a Microsoft Dynamics GP Technology Partner is often recommended for Dexterity customizations. For those needing UNICODE support, NJ Star products and add-ons may provide a workaround for entering characters into the GP user interface.
eConnect is a tool designed for real-time integration with Dynamics GP, particularly useful for eCommerce applications. It replicates the business logic of Dexterity using Microsoft SQL Server Encrypted Stored Procedures in an object-oriented manner. While eConnect is a powerful integration SDK, it cannot modify GP interfaces or add new ones. For direct batch posting from an eCommerce site, consider using solutions like the Alba Spectrum Posting Server. For interface alterations, Dexterity or web-based screens using the Dynamics GP SDK are the go-to options.
SQL Stored Procedures and views are commonly used in Dynamics GP customizations. However, caution is advised when inserting new master records or logging transactions directly into GP tables due to the complexity of GP's posting logic. Instead, using Dynamics GP Integration Manager or eConnect for real-time transaction integration is safer. The Dynamics GP SDK provides a complete table structure and field descriptions for those who wish to proceed with SQL scripting.
For custom reporting, Dynamics GP offers several tools, including GP ReportWriter, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), and Crystal Reports. It's best practice to base Crystal Reports on SQL Views or Stored Procedures to ensure data integrity and performance.
Dynamics GP supports Electronic Document Interchange (EDI) through various ISV add-ons. For basic EDI requirements, custom SQL Stored Procedures may suffice, but for more complex needs, purchasing an EDI mapping add-on is advisable.
We invite Dynamics GP users and IT programmers to share their interests in further customization topics, such as reporting, EDI, barcode scanning, and integration. Microsoft's Project Green initiative aimed to unify Dynamics products, and while innovative, it requires time to fully realize.
eCommerce integration with Dynamics GP is an advanced topic that extends beyond the scope of this article. For more information, consider reaching out to experts in the field.
For help with Dynamics GP development and customization, professional services are available. Experts fluent in multiple languages can provide support tailored to your specific needs and location.
For more information on Dynamics GP development and customization, you can explore resources from Microsoft Dynamics GP Community and Documentation.
Please note that the contact information provided in the original article may be outdated. For current support, visit the official Microsoft Dynamics GP support page or contact a certified Dynamics GP partner.
Dexterity Customization for Dynamics GP Evaluation Level Paper
When you are developer it is always a good idea to read technical manuals. But if you was just assigned to the IT team to decide if Dexterity is the right tool to customize your ERP application then first you need something which is in style of ‘easy reading papers’ or FAQ
Planning Dynamics GP Customization in Large Corporation
If you are reading this page then chances are high that you were not able to find ISV add-on and need customization project. Let’s talk about planning, quality assurance and future event such as version updates.
Dynamics GP Invoice Logo Attributed to Specific Company or Crossing the Borders of Three SOP Forms
Initial Great Plains Dynamics architecture had three SOP Invoice forms: Long, Short and Blank. Modern GP is popular in scenarios where you have more than three companies under one business entity umbrella
