Dynamics GP POS Implementation, Integration, Reporting: Counterpoint, MS RMS

What you typically also need in the retail outlet is Point Of Sale functionality – cash register with barcode scanner and credit/debit card processing machine.  If your sales people have high dollar amount sales, let’s say once in one hour, then you may decide just to train them to use Dynamics GP Sales Order Processing Transaction screen, where they enter new sales, tan through the fields and even use barcode scanner to read barcode label when the cursor is in the item number field.  However, if you are in traditional retail store, where each customer has ten or more items in the shopping cart and they are lining up to get merchandise checked out – POS software and hardware would be necessary.  Let’s review the options and possible solutions:

1. POS extensions for Dynamics GP.  There are several available on the market from Dynamics GP ISV partners, typically extending SOP Transactions for POS devices, plus giving you more flexibility to create, reset or resume sales campaigns with promotional pricing; normally you can sell to on account (with flexible pricing, including individual customer level) as well as to walk-in customers.  If you would like us to name the product, we recommend Compass Technologies POS extensions (Dynamics GP ISV partner, located in Detroit area of the state Michigan)

2. Counterpoint with Dynamics GP.  Counterpoint is pretty established POS and Store management application, compatible with most of the POS hardware brands: Symbol, Zebra, HP, etc.  Counterpoint is external POS application and it requires integration in order to move POS transactions as well as Store Purchases to Dynamics GP GL and AP (to cut checks from there).  Counterpoint has preset integrations with several small business accounting applications, including Dynamics GP, SL, QuickBooks.  In the case of Great Plains Dynamics GP Counterpoint exports GL and AP transactions into CSV text file.  Dynamics GP Integration Manager then should be able to import them into GL and PM batches.  Please, note – as integration is done via IM, you may be on older Great Plains version (not necessary on GP 2010/11.0, 10.0 or 9.0, still supported by Microsoft Business Solutions as of November 2010, IM was available for earlier versions: 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0).  There are known issues about Counterpoint integration, especially the restriction to five segments in GL account.  If you need to find the work around, consider modifying Counterpoint DTS package (integration is packaged in the form of SQL 2000 level technology – Data Transformation Service Package, which could be also modified for SQL 2005/2008: Management->Legacy->Data Transformation Services)

3. Microsoft RMS with Dynamics GP.  Microsoft Retail Management System seems to be more luxury solution and it supports such modes as off-line store with overnight or on demand POS transactions integration to RMS Headquarters module.  Dynamics GP has out-of-the-box integration with RMS, which sends POS transactions to GL and AP transactions to Great Plains Payable Management module (it is packed as Dexterity chunk and each Dynamics GP VAR should be able to install and implement this simple integration for you).  If you would like to implement more sophisticated integration between RMS and GP, we recommend the one from Alba Spectrum, where integration could be done on SOP Document, POP Purchase Receipt, Inventory Transfer and Adjustment levels

4. Custom POS integration to Dynamics GP.  If your system is not listed above, this is not the end of the story.  We’ve implemented POS integration via Integration Manager for the companies, engaged in Restaurant business, ecommerce, EDI (Electronic Document Interchange).  Obviously Integration Manager is geared to import text files, but it also could look into ODBC compliant database (Oracle, MySQL/PHP/Linux, FoxPro, MS Access, Excel, Ingress, DBII, Progress, Pervasive SQL/Btrieve, Ctree, XML file to give you few examples)

5. Reporting.  In the case of Microsoft RMS you can embed Crystal Reports directly into Store Operations user interface (the same for Headquarters).  All three applications: Great Plains, RMS and Counterpoint are based in MS SQL Server (with the exception for older versions of Great Plains Dynamics on Pervasive SQL and Ctree and Counterpoint on Pervasive SQL 2000) – MS SQL Server DB is open and friendly for Crystal Reports design, and as a remark – Pervasive SQL and Ctree are also ODBC compliant, and you can also deploy CR via ODBC connection for legacy version POS and Corporate ERP reporting.  If you are happy with POS transaction integration to your General Ledger, and now you need precise P&L report from Great Plains GL, consider FRx Financial Reporting or its newer alternative Microsoft Management Reporter

6. Reported issues with POS and Dynamics GP integration.  Both Counterpoint and Microsoft RMS are typically implemented through their own partner channel, which is different from Dynamics GP partner channel.  Counterpoint, especially, as it requires two steps in integration: Counterpoint DTS package to export POS transactions and then the second step Great Plains Integration Manager to bring them into GP may lead you into the kind of finger pointing implementation limbo (as Counterpoint consultants are not trained in GP Integration Manager and Dynamics GP Consultants are trying to stay away from Counterpoint integration).  Give us a call – we will help you out there

7. Last flint, barcode labels printing.  If you feel that Counterpoint or Microsoft RMS are not flexible enough in printing barcode labels for new merchandise arrivals, we can help you to print labels directly after Dynamics GP Purchase Receipts via Crystal Reporting, Report Writer (yes, it also supports barcode compliant fonts), or Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

8. To request further support, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com We need to discuss your cards in order to recommend you the best solutions, which is not contingent to our preferences.  We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/skype conferences).  Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas