Accounting software selection is important homework. We have seen situations when companies picked ERP soft without seeing demos and features match. In one case it was application developed in New Zealand and implementation was only the second one in the United States.
We understand the concerns as ERP is not something that you purchase every year. It is good idea to do the right job and then stick to the same platform at least a decade. Let’s review selection matrix:
1. Brand name versus startup. If application is backed by such software development companies as Microsoft or SAP the risk of failure is lower and there is the option to escalate in the case of problem. We do not believe that price is lower if you are picking package from unknown firm. There might be such marketing tricks as ‘pilot project’ or ‘new version pioneers’. Newcomers to the market might be specializing in industry niche. But even here there is higher risk as nobody knows how solid is business plan and if the company will be able to stay afloat in the mid-term future
2. Microsoft Dynamics GP. Let’s talk about this veteran on the accounting products market. Formerly it was known as Great Plains Dynamics. This application is one of the top leaders from the standpoint of number of customers in the United States. All USA requirements are covered including 1099, W2, W4, FUTA, SUTA, etc. There are numerous ISV channel add-ons including POS, Process Manufacturing, Ecommerce, Non-for-profit to name a few. GP is matured product. However Microsoft is making efforts to make it competitive on the web client market (Cloud computing). In the new version we expect web client interface to be available. Table structure is open for data import and repair directly in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
3. SAP Business One. This application is newer comparing to the one described above. In our opinion it is more flexible in customizations and modifications. Software development could be done directly in Visual Studio C# or VB. System has integrated CRM, simple discrete manufacturing, MRP (inventory replenishment), HR and Warranty Contracts modules. Cost of ownership is probably lower comparing to Dynamics GP. We would also like to mention that it is available internationally including such lucrative markets as China, Brazil, India and Russia
For easy reading let’s try to answer popular questions:
Q. We are trying to decide between Business One and Great Plains. In our case we need customization in inventory module (automated bin transfer). As we understand GP has Dexterity while B1 offer VS SDK. What is more flexible and cheaper?A. Dexterity is proprietary platform with its own language Sanscript. SB1 SDK is open to VB and C# developers as it has code snippets in these languages. However we would like to note that Dexterity programmers are common on the job and contractors markets. SAP B1 Software Development Kit programmers are also common nut in lesser numbers. So we would probably say that cost is comparable
Q. Is it possible to deploy Great Plains on Linux?A. You may apply your creativity. To our knowledge it is only available on Windows platform. In the past Great Plains version 4.0 (and earlier) was available on Mac
Q. We are thinking to pick totally Cloud approach with NetSuite. Would you like to comment?A. Yes. Cloud computing seems to be a modern trend. We would like to mention however that hosting companies generally do not like the idea to host something that was customized
Please call us 1-866-304-3265, 1-269-605-4904, help@efaru.com. We have local presence in Chicagoland, Southern California, Atlanta Georgia, Southwest Michigan, Houston and Dallas areas of Texas. We serve customers USA and Canada nationwide and internationally via web sessions and phone conferences (Skype is welcomed). We are working on Brazilian ERP consulting market in Sao Paulo since 2004
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.
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