Skip to main content

Microsoft Business Solutions — Microsoft Dynamics GP

888-477-7989 www.microsoft.com

From the Sept. 2008 Review
of Mid-Range Accounting Systems

Microsoft Dynamics GP is one of the premier products in Microsoft’s mid-range
accounting line. The vendor has continued its dedication to providing enhancements
to this stable and scalable solution for growing businesses.

Ease of Use/Transaction Entry – 5 Stars
Microsoft Dynamics GP’s interface will look familiar to those currently
utilizing Microsoft products. Modeled after Microsoft Office 2007, Dynamics
GP is easily navigated, intuitive, and customizable, with the ability to customize
everything from the Homepage to the terminology used on the data-entry screens.

The main user interface has been adapted for user ease. Some of these features
include the ability to post accrual entries with a reversal date attached for
automatic reversals.

Incorrect journal entries can now be reversed with the correcting entry completed
at the same time. The Recurring Batch feature allows users to set up recurring
entries to post automatically each month. Data-entry screens are fully customizable
and feature the ability to handle multiple tasks from a single window. Lookup
options and navigational tools are available throughout the product.

New in Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 are the Action Panes, a graphical command
bar feature that allows users to both preview and filter data without the need
to open numerous windows. Version 10.0 also provides more advanced search capability,
making it easier to find information.

Modules & Notable Features – 5 Stars
Microsoft currently offers two versions of Dynamics GP. The Business Essentials
version contains, but is not limited to, System Manager, Integration Tools,
Analytical Accounting, Bank Reconciliation, Encumbrance Management, Fixed Asset
Management, General Ledger, Multicurrency Management, Payables Management and
Receivables Management.

Supply Chain Management modules such as Inventory Management, Invoicing, Landed
Cost, and Purchase and Sales Order Management are also included. The Advanced
Management version includes, but is not limited to, all of the modules mentioned
above, along with the following: Business Intelligence and Reporting, a Business
Portal, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Professional Sales, Customer Service, Marketing,
and numerous financial modules such as Cash Flow Management, Collections Management,
eBanking, Electronic Funds Transfer, Grant Management, Lockbox Processing, and
Manufacturing.

Also available are Project Accounting and Project Time & Expenses for Business
Portal modules, which are offered in the Advanced Management version. See www.microsoft.com/dynamics/gp/product/editionsandfeatures.mspx
for a complete list of functionalities in each edition.

Integration/Import/Export – 5 Stars
Microsoft Dynamics GP easily integrates with all system modules available in
both versions of the product, including numerous add-on products. The product
also contains numerous features that allow data to be imported from just about
any application, regardless of format. The Integration Manager allows you to
customize system integration using query support and the Microsoft Visual Basic
Scripting tool.

Dynamics GP also integrates with various Microsoft products, including Outlook,
Excel and Word, along with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Retail Management
Systems (RMS), Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SQL Express Edition, and Small
Business Server.

Reporting – 5 Stars
The product offers terrific reporting options, including more than 75 pre-formatted
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services reports along with over 200 Excel-driven
reports that can be refreshed as data is updated. Extensive reporting functionality
is also offered through a variety of tools such as the Advanced Financial Analysis
function, which allows users to create, modify and customize financial statements
and reports, and the Analytical Accounting feature that provides an easy analysis
of a company’s financial state based on its chart of accounts. A Report
Writer feature is also included, where custom reports can be created. Reports
can also be customized using Crystal Reports, and all reports can be exported
to Microsoft Word or Excel for further manipulation.

Additional reporting is available through Business Portal and FRx reporting,
as well, allowing users to view/access information from a web browser without
requiring a Dynamics GP login.

Support/Training/Help – 5 Stars
Microsoft Dynamics GP offers varying levels of support including Business Ready
Enhancement Plan, Business Ready Advantage, Business Ready Advantage Plus, and
Deluxe Support Services. The Business Ready Enhancement Plan is required of
all new users and includes unlimited online training, all software updates,
and access to newsgroups and other user tools.

Business Ready Advantage adds six support incidents to all of the benefits
listed above. Business Ready Advantage Plus adds unlimited support incidents
and a TechNet subscription. The Deluxe Support Services plan includes all of
the above and offers a more personalized level of support. Online training classes
are available for all new users, and the online Help system guides users through
product setup and transaction entry.

Relative Value – 5 Stars
Microsoft Dynamics GP has continued to evolve into a top-shelf product designed
for growing businesses that need more than a basic accounting program without
sacrificing ease of use along the way. Product pricing varies, with a single-user
system running about $2,700 to $4,700 (including software and support plans),
depending on the number of users.


2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars