According to a Nucleus Research study, more companies are looking to get their ERP solution right out of the box.  For obvious reasons, this saves them money up-front; but what about in the long run?

Enterprise research planning (ERP) software can provide your business with the ability to store and track data for critical business functions.  Using ERP software can improve profitability, streamline processes, and provide real time information allowing you to make important business decisions.  According to the Nucleus Research study, companies were more likely to customize ERP software ten years ago.  Today, companies are opting to use ERP software out-of-the-box in favor of “more predictable and cheaper deployment”.

Software has come a long way in the last ten years and ERP systems are no different.  Microsoft Dynamics® GP is an ERP system that you can use out-of-the-box or customize to meet your individual business needs. This intelligent business solution has functions to manage accounting and finances, sales and service, manufacturing and production, and other features that you can use immediately.  However, businesses can be unique or require functions not readily built into the software.  Having a separate ERP system to fill the gap will create more problems than it’s worth.  If you are going to invest in a business solution, then invest in a solution that works properly.

You can have an all inclusive ERP system that meets your specific needs, whether it’s out-of-the-box or customized to your business.  Contact Pangea Business Solutions for guidance on obtaining optimal results from Microsoft Dynamics GP.

By Pangea Business Solutions, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner serving Greater South Florida

The majority of ERP systems are now out of date, reported IDG News Service. I believe this has a lot to do with the recent economic downturn. Companies have been putting off large investments in their software and are now in need of a total reboot.

How can companies get the upgrade they need without creating a large hole in their pocket? Luckily something else has happened the past few years besides the economic downturn, and that’s the surge of cloud computing options. Cloud or hybrid options for ERP software is making it possible for companies to afford a total reboot of their software.

• Cloud Computing: Hosting your software online or “in the cloud”. Microsoft has been and is making large investments in making Microsoft Dynamics ERP cloud capable. Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV are scheduled to be the first of those products in the coming year.
• Hybrid Approach: Hosting part of your software solution in the cloud, while the other stays on-premises. Many companies are choosing this option because CRM is well-known for its cloud capabilities, while ERP is lagging shortly behind.

PANGEA Business Solutions is dedicated to helping companies gain maximum results from their business and technology infrastructure investments. Please contact us to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics AX.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Projects have so many different details and phases that it’s sometimes difficult to keep track of what’s going on, let alone the actual cost of the activities. If you feel you don’t have clear insight into what your projects are costing you, read on to find out how Project Accounting in Microsoft Dynamics® GP can help you.

One of the greatest things about Dynamics GP is that the Project Accounting Module is a standard built in functionality and doesn’t require additional cost to implement. Project Accounting also offers a number of built-in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports that show expenses versus revenue by project, as well as profit and loss by project. This detailed insight helps to create a true picture of what each project is costing you so you can make informed business decisions to do more of one type of project and/or less of another.

Don’t wait any longer if you feel you don’t have enough information to make critical business decisions. Your company may be suffering more than you realize. Instead, learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP on our website or subscribe to our newsletter to receive informative tips and tricks about Microsoft Dynamics GP.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Gartner projects ERP Software Market growth to increase even more in 2012, with revenue forecasted to reach $288 billion. According to this article, “things are looking pretty good for worldwide enterprise application software spending. Across the board, it’s forecasted to total $114.4 billion in 2011, a 10.2 percent increase from 2010 spending of $103.8 billion, Gartner found.”

Previously, analysts believe 2011 would be a year for people to rush out and buy ERP systems, when in fact 2012 is now projected to be that year. After the economic downturn, businesses are much more diligent in their research to find the perfect ERP Software. As a Microsoft Dynamics® ERP partner, we understand and are grateful for more diligent buyers. ERP software will help businesses, but it often time comes down to the people within that business and how they leverage the capabilities of the software they possess.

Even if 2012 is not the year you’ll be making the plunge to purchase ERP Software, it never hurts to start your research somewhere. Keep reading our blog, checking back often for interesting articles or subscribe to our newsletter for monthly emails relevant to ERP and CRM software.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner

Our previous blog touched on a few points about why non-profits need Microsoft Dynamics® ERP. To build on this concept, we have a great example of one of our non-profit clients here in Florida. They’ve gone above and beyond the normal ERP functionality and are realizing the benefits. Let’s take a look…

As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Florida, our client was struggling with their financial management, inventory control, and complicated day-to-day operations. They had multiple disparate systems that sometimes talked to each other, but not all the time. This caused confusion and extreme lack of insight into what was happening on a day to day basis.

We worked with our client to create a workflow with Microsoft Dynamics GP and SharePoint 2010 that fixed any disconnections. Our client handles blood donations and delivery to hospitals throughout Florida. They send out mobile units daily to receive donations. These mobile units are not connected via wifi, so they have a few solutions that help them track everything during the day, such as what supplies they used throughout the day, whether there were any discarded blood bags, etc. Once they return to the office, they are able to facilitate two quick and easy phases that pulls in and collates all relevant data.

Once those phases are complete, Microsoft Dynamics GP takes over and streamlines job costing so they can see exactly how much money it’s costing them to perform business tasks. GP also tracks and maintains inventory and accurately manages all financials.

In addition to Microsoft Dynamics GP, we are working to get them set up with SharePoint 2010 so they can connect everything throughout their organization, allowing more visibility in real-time and creating data they can rely on.

By Santiago Morales with PANGEA Business Solutions, Florida Microsoft Dynamics Partner