You, Me and Dynamics GP
SmartConnect
Lately I've had the opportunity to spend some time creating integrations for Dynamics GP with SmartConnect from eOne. SmartConnect is an integration tool for Dynamics GP built on eConnect. The UI is very friendly for users of Integration Manager and the eConnect back end means that it's very fast.
At first glance the interface looks like an updated IM interface. It's generally easy to figure out though I highly recommend the 1/2 day training that is available. SmartConnect includes the ability to copy and rename files pre and post integration and to schedule integrations. Additionally it can process errors into files to email or for later reintegration. Scripting is done with VB.net or C# and the transition from VBScript to VB.net has been very smooth for me. I'm definitely impressed with the helper tools.
There is so much in here that I'm having trouble even listing all of the features including:
- Translation Tables
- Duplicating Integrations
- Exporting and Importing Integrations
- Integration security
Pricing is similar to integration manager and I'm finding myself wondering why I would ever recommend IM again. SmartConnect just seems like such a nice combination of the simplicity of Integration Manager and the power of Scribe.
There has definitely been a learning curve. Since I'm used to the quirks of IM and now have to figure out the quirks of SmartConnect. Specifically:
- Similar to Scribe, you only get one source file. You don't get to join files like IM.
- Error reporting is better than IM but still imperfect.
- The eConnect core means that sometimes the interface work fine but you're not sure what eConnect wants which means a trip back to the eConnect documentation. Ugh.
- The GP Intercompany module is not supported
The beauty of SmartConnect is that it's more powerful than IM but still easy enough for a power user to master. SmartConnect definitely needs to be added to your list of integration tools.
