Phase One of the Microsoft Dynamics® GP 2013 Web Client was released in December 2012 and Phase Two is slated to be released in the spring.  There are over 150 enhancements in the new and improved Microsoft Dynamics 2013 Web Client which are sure to strengthen and improve your enterprise resource planning (ERP) software experience.

There is no reason to wait any longer to get your hands on the software that can streamline operations and drive growth, but make sure you work with your IT department and software provider to set up your web client architecture properly.  Although Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client is easy to learn and use, it would be helpful to offer training for your entire team.  Provide the guidance for users to set up their RoleTailored pages, learn how to find and share data, and you’ll have your team up and running in no time.

According to “What is included with the Microsoft Dynamics 2013 Web Client in Phase One,” posted on the Microsoft Dynamics GP blog by Pam Misialek, Phase One of the Microsoft Dynamics 2013 Web Client release is centered on the Financials and Distribution features.  Phase Two will be focused on Human Resources and Payroll.  In the current release, you will find improvements in SmartLists and Smartlist Builder; reporting with Excel, SRS Reports, Word Forms, and Report Writer Reports; and use eConnect and Web Services.  Modifier is not included in the Web Client, but modifier changes will render.  The Business Analyzer function can be found on the home page, not in the Navigation List pages.

Take a moment to review the PowerPoint presentation linked in the blog post by Misialek for details regarding what is and is not included in the Microsoft Dynamics 2013 Web Client.  Specifically related to the financials functionality, you can perform bank reconciliation, manage customer and vendor data, refund checks or direct debits, manage scheduled payments, and more.  Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client will also provide multilingual and multi-currency features.  The Distribution features include advanced picking; PO Approvals, Commitments, and Returns; and, extended pricing options.

The right ERP software solution can improve productivity and profitability, so why wait to deploy the software that can improve your business?  Contact PANGEA Business Solutions for more information about the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client and upgrade your ERP today.

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

Many companies report that they don’t get the full benefit of their ERP solution. What these companies don’t realize is that this may have been a result of their implementation process. It’s no secret that large software deployments can have glitches on more than one occasion, so to avoid this, many companies think ‘more is more’ during the process and get overloaded with unnecessary software.

Unnecessary software drives up the price tag, complicates processes, and decreases user adoption. In most cases, this software is not integrated and then you have a whole set of new problems. All of this attributes to companies not getting the full benefit of their ERP solutions.

So what’s the key?

You need to realize your specific needs and differentiators first before you select software for your business. Yes, it will take time and yes, it will take effort, but the end result is that you’ll have a solution built for your needs making life easier and your business more successful.

If you’re hesitant to go it alone, contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions. We specialize in custom business solutions, application development, database design, and web-enabling businesses.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

Whether you have a small or very large sales department, you likely have your reps separated by geography. You don’t want your teams stepping on one another’s toes and you definitely don’t want to have a valuable customer fall between the cracks. With this said, it’s also important to keep competition amongst your sales team at a good level.

The easiest way to establish territories with your CRM solution in mind is by zip code. I find that many companies complicate things when they try to evenly distribute territories based on their client base in a certain area. It may take more planning up front, but for streamlined automation between sales, marketing and customer service, zip code territory definitions are the way to go.

No matter what you decide when it comes down to this, you want to make sure your CRM solution is flexible because you’ll experience turn over, client needs will change, and you can bet things won’t stay the same for long. Contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to learn how Microsoft Dynamics® CRM can be the flexible platform you’ve been looking for: http://www.pangeabsi.com/contact.html.

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

If all you have to manage at your business is accounting, than there isn’t really much difference. But not many of us have just accounting to think about. Years ago, accounting software was much more popular, but today ERP software is taking the lead.

Here are a few key reasons how they’re different and why ERP ranks higher in popularity today:

1. Accounting is a Subset of ERP Software. Accounting software manages your financials so you can manage accounts receivable and payable, budgets, and payroll. But the functionality usually ends there. If you want to track other areas such as orders, inventory, or historic data, you’re out of luck. ERP Software can extend your reach and streamline all areas of your business including accounting.
2. Better Control of Your Resources. Since accounting software doesn’t reach into various departments, it’s difficult to control your resources such as headcount, materials used, costs in relation to profits and equipment. With ERP Software, you gain insight into details so you can make good business decision.
3. Profitability Analysis Capabilities. Accounting software helps you take the necessary actions to accept payments and pay employees, but it doesn’t give you information so you can figure out your profitability. If you’re not actually making money, you need to know that in order to do things differently. ERP Software tracks everything from start to finish in real-time and therefor can provide data to help you achieve higher profitability.

If you have questions about more differences between accounting software and ERP software, please feel free to contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

Without data, your CRM software isn’t worth much.  So how do you manage your current data imports from tradeshows, website information, integrations from other systems?  That is just the question that many people wrestle with after having made the decision to utilize new CRM software or to switch from one software package to another.  Luckily features and tools from Microsoft Dynamics® CRM can give you the options you need to manage your data effectively.

Like other commonly used Microsoft software, Microsoft Dynamics CRM is easy to use right out of the box.  The latest upgrade to Microsoft CRM 2011 includes new features like the Data Import Wizard that are sure to save you lots of time with the data import process.  The two new features include changes to Data Mapping Identification and Field Mapping.  When selecting a data map, your source – and destination fields will automatically match up.  For businesses migrating from Salesforce and Business Contact Manager, the pre-built data maps make that transition seamless.

Changes in the Map Field section of Microsoft Dynamics CRM will allow you to pick the column headings from the data source and match them with a field on the CRM record before starting the import wizard.  Changes to the Field Mappings feature will allow you to input information into an Option Set and match values to available Option Set Choices.  This new feature provides a level of customization that can be saved for future data imports and will save time from data verification.

For additional details on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and how it can help you turn marketing opportunities into sales, contact PANGEA Business Solutions.

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

You’ve met those people that just have a way of livening up a party. Their personality transforms the vibe in a room. I like to compare ERP Software with that “life of the party”…it just has a way of transforming business and creates a good “vibe” all-around. How exactly does it do this? Let us count the ways…

1. Talkative: When implemented correctly, ERP Software doesn’t shut up! But in a good way. The business intelligence available through the solution helps you see important reports as well as make good business decisions that affect your company’s success.
2. Approachable: ERP software should be easy-to-use. For example, Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions are built on platforms you’re already familiar with. So if you use Microsoft Outlook, you can definitely use Microsoft Dynamics® GP or Microsoft Dynamics CRM. But if your team is scared to even start up the system, well then it’s not going to transform your business and you’re going to lose money on your investment…fast!
3. Easy-Going: ERP software should be flexible and help your business take things as they come. Not everything can be planned; so for those wild and hectic days, ERP software can roll with the punches, maintaining a good business flow.

If you are drawn to the ‘life of the party’, you’re probably drawn to ERP software for your business. Contact us at PANGEA Business Solutions to find out more about Microsoft Dynamics ERP.

By Alexandra Gonzalez with PANGEA Business Solutions- http://www.pangeabsi.com/

In the past, CRM software had a stigma that it was only good for sales teams and general customer management. Today it is a much different story, through the flexibility of XRM framework solutions; CRM can be tailored to meet the specific needs you have.

Instead of just focusing on customers, Microsoft Dynamics xRM can help you manage all relationships and the information those relationships generate. This means that even if you don’t have a huge customer base, xRM can help you improve profitability. By streamlining your connections with vendors, members, contributors, suppliers (the list could go on and on), you’re improving overall operations while keeping everyone on the same page.

If you’re interested in the flexibility that xRM brings to relationship management, contact us here at PANGEA Business Solutions. As a Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner, we are dedicated to providing companies with flexible and powerful business solutions.

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

With the Summer Olympics in full swing, it’s easy to get inspired by the supreme athleticism and powerful positivity. Even if the media insists on focusing on Gabby Douglas’ hair or Ryan Lochte’s “mystery girl”! But all in all, the Olympics are a big deal.

Similar to the Olympics, your ERP Software should be a big deal too. Many organizations overlook answering the most important question before searching for the solution right for their business. You need to determine just how big your organization is, before deciding how big you need your ERP software to be. Some solutions, such as Microsoft Dynamics® GP can scale with you as you grow. But some solutions can stop you in your tracks. Even if you’re not sure of your growth (as I’m sure the Greeks didn’t expect the Olympics to take on like it did), you should still play it safe so you don’t have to pay for it later.

The Olympics also bring every country in the world together. Although they’re competing against each other in ever athletic form, they’re still creating connections that we all need. Your ERP software should connect your organization. Your departments probably won’t compete against each other, but if they can all use the same system, then you have a step ahead of the rest.

So as you cheer on the U.S. or any other country for that matter, think about how big of a deal your ERP software is for your business. GO USA!

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

It often seems like each sales person has their own unique way of collecting and storing important customer data.  Although specialty software, fancy spreadsheets, and detailed files seem like a safe way to organize important details, you can’t see a consistent or detailed view of your customer relationships or track marketing effectiveness when each person on your team is using a different method.  Get everyone on the same page with a technology that can strengthen customer relationships, as well as provide the insight you need to drive growth.

Microsoft Dynamics® CRM is a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) software that will encourage consistency and collaboration throughout your entire sales team.  You can import data from other sources into Microsoft Dynamics CRM and eliminate duplications or redundant data.  Once data is safely imported into this single software solution, you can begin to track activities as well as gain valuable insight with your customer data and marketing activities.

Track each prospect and customer touch point in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.  Automatically score leads so that sales representatives can respond to the most promising leads first, and automatically assign leads to the staff most qualified to respond.  Improve the rapidness and consistency of response so that each prospect receives pertinent information about the products or services you offer.  Once prospects turn into loyal customers, build a detailed case history that you can use to observe buying trends.  Using the predictive analytic functionality built-in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, you will be able to anticipate your customer needs before they call you, providing a whole new level of customer service.

Create and release customized marketing campaigns faster and easier than ever before.  Mail Merge capabilities will quickly release mass emails to targeted prospects or customers, saving you time and money by fine-tuning marketing efforts.  Track marketing responses, including responses from Internet landing pages, and use that data to determine which marketing efforts yield better results, and which efforts to avoid in the future.

With the right tool, your sales team can turn more leads into sales, streamline marketing efforts, and improve customer service.  Optimize collaboration throughout your entire sales team by connecting them with the right CRM software – Microsoft Dynamics CRM.  Contact PANGEA Business Solutions for more ideas on optimizing customer data collection with Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

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

Comparing software functions is sometimes like comparing apples to oranges.  There are often more differing software features, than similar features and comparing Microsoft Dynamics® GP to QuickBooks by Inuit is no exception.

QuickBooks is one of the top-rated financial software packages for small businesses.  It can organize finances so that you know your sales, can track expenses, and can find customer and vendor information quickly and easily.  Using categorical description of expenses will help you track spending.  Knowing where your money is going will enable you to create better budgets and curb wasteful spending.  If you have a small business and need a solution just for the books alone, then QuickBooks might be the right software for you.  However, if you have more going on and are looking to grow, then take a look at what Microsoft Dynamics GP can offer.

Microsoft Dynamics GP is another top-rated solution that can also capture financial data, track payables and receivables, and neatly organize your books just like QuickBooks.  In addition to capturing critical financial data, Microsoft Dynamics GP can also capture manufacturing data, provide project and services management functionality, give you deeper insight into your supply chain, and offers powerful business intelligence and reporting.  It also offers human resources and payroll management.   Microsoft Dynamics GP is suitable for both small businesses and mid-sized businesses.  It is scalable, so you can choose the features that are most appropriate for your business today and add additional functionality as your business grows and changes.  This software is also easily customized to capture the data that might be unique to your specific business operations.  Capturing more data than just finances alone will provide valuable insight into all areas of your business.  Learning more about how production and marketing efforts affect the bottom line will enable you to streamline operations, determine which activities yield the best results, and improve the productivity throughout your organization – beyond the accounting department.  Identify new opportunities quicker, respond to customers faster, and make more decisions based on accurate, real-time data that will drive your business growth.

While QuickBooks may be ideal for small businesses, Microsoft Dynamics GP is an even better solution for small and mid-sized business.  If you intend on growing your business – whether expanding locations, offering additional products or services, or hiring more employees – then you may find yourself re-evaluating software solutions and Microsoft Dynamics GP will still be amongst the software options that make the most sense for your business.  Contact PANGEA Business Solutions for more information about QuickBooks and Microsoft Dynamics GP and about choosing the right software solution for your business needs today and into the future.

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