What are those *.dat and *.idx files in the Microsoft Dynamics GP application folder?

David Musgrave takes a break from Report Writer ramblings to clarify What are those *.dat and *.idx files in the Microsoft Dynamics GP application folder?

The War Against Spreadsheets

My newest article is up at MSDynamicsWorld.com. I decided to take a look at the current war on spreadsheets and how Dynamics GP has chosen an embrace an extend strategy to deal with the popularity of their Microsoft cousin Excel.

Issues with GP2010 and uninstalling

With a a nod to Mariano, Kuntz consulting looks at uninstalling GP 2010 the hard way.

Add-In Initialization Error when launching Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010

Mariano’s newest post looks at solutions for an Add-In Initialization Error when launching Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010

Disabling Multiple Ledgers functionality in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010...after the fact

Mariano provides a SQL script to disable the new Multiple Ledgers functionality in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010...after the fact.

Dynamics GP2010 US Payroll Year End Update

Amy Walsh has the link to the Dynamics GP2010 US Payroll Year End Update

Dynamics GP Human Resources – Webinar Tomorrow

To everyone who bugs me wanting more HR/Payroll stuff for GP I say, sign up for tomorrow’s Dynamics GP Human Resources webinar. It’s a great place to learn more about GP HR, it’s free and it’s not too late to register.

Microsoft Dynamics GP Receivables Management Year End Closing procedures

The Summit Group brings us Receivables Management Year End Closing procedures for Dynamics GP.

SQL queries for fiscal years and periods in Dynamics GP

Victoria Yudin has a new query available for fiscal years and periods in Dynamics GP

Weekly Dynamic: Print to File Bug

A client recently pointed out an odd bug when printing some reports to file in GP 9. I’ve confirmed that it exists in the GP 2010 RTM release so I thought that I would cover it here.

The issue is that for at least the Checkbook Register, if you set a report option to print to file, print the report, click X to leave the window and then accept the save option, the file name changes don’t save.

The easy work around is of course to click Save before exiting the window.

To replicate this:

• Open the Checkbook Register demo option.
• Set the destination to File and a local destination.
• Click Save and close the report.
• Reopen the report option, change the file name in destination and click OK.
• Click print to print the report to a file.
• Click X to close the report and pick the save option.
• Close the window and reopen the report option.
• Click the Destination button and see that the new destination file name didn’t save.

Winter Theme

Much of the Southeaster U.S. is getting a nice cold snap. We have no soaring peaks like this week's theme so with the chill in the air, it's fun to dream of someplace colder.

New Report Writer Poll

David Musgrave contents in his recent headline that Dynamics GP Report Writer is the greatest report writer ever. I say dump it from GP and plug in SSRS exclusively.I have actually written Report Writer reports from scratch, not just modified them, so I have a basis for my opinion but ultimately, it’s you, the users, that matter, so let’s find out what you think.

I’ve got a new Facebook poll up at http://www.facebook.com/DynAcctNet?v=app_20678178440&ref=ts asking whether or not Report Writer is the greatest report writing tool ever.

Go and vote now!

Weekly Review: Managing GP Security Without SA

Many firms don't want to distribute the SA password used with Dynamics GP and for good reason. Sometimes there are other applications on the same server. Sometimes its simply the exercise of a best practice or the desire to monitor who is doing what. Yet, SA is still important in administering Dynamics GP. So what are the alternatives to allow SA type access without using SA?

• Make any user a member of the SYSADMIN fixed role in SQL Server and ensure that they are a member of the DYNGRP in the Dynamics DB
• Assign the built in DYNSA user to the SECURITYADMIN fixed server role and use DYNSA instead of SA.
• Make any user part of the SECURITYADMIN fixed server role and also put it in the DB_Owner database role for the DYNAMICS DB. In this scenario, DYNSA must be the DB owner of all Dynamics GP databases
• Make any user part of the SECURITYADMIN fixed role and add them to the DB_AccessAdmin and DB_SecurityAdmin roles in Dynamics DB. In this case again, DYNSA must be the DB owner of all Dynamics GP databases.

More detail is available in the Planning for Security guide for Dynamics GP. This section starts on page 37.

Originally posted by Mark at 9/15/2008 10:00:00 AM

Happy Thanksgiving

If you are reading this blog you are alive, literate and have an internet connection. That’s three things to be thankful for right there. As we celebrate thanksgiving here in the U.S.take minute to dwell on all of the good things that have happened this year that you have overlooked.

Remember, you don’t have to be celebrating a Thanksgiving holiday to be thankful.

Go Home!

It’s the afternoon before Thanksgiving. What are you doing reading this blog? Go home and be thankful that there won’t be any more posts until Friday!

The Weekly Review will be up Friday so you can have something to look forward to.

Year End Close in Analytical Accounting in Dynamics GP

I missed Siva’s post on Year End Close in Analytical Accounting so I’m catching up.

Update Your GPUG Member Profile and Win Cash!

If you’re a GPUG member, Update Your GPUG Member Profile and Win Cash!

Yep, cash, moolah, dead presidents. GPUG members who update their profile between now and 11/30, that’s Tuesday people, get entered to win a $200 Amex gift card. Follow the link for the details. I happen to know that there are more cool things coming from GPUG and you’ll that updated profile to make it happen.

Yes, you can do it with a turkey leg in one hand and the other on the keyboard. Just don’t mix them. Greasy keyboards are nasty.

Using Barcodes from the Dynamics GP Report Writer

David Musgrave provides example of Using Barcodes from the Dynamics GP Report Writer.

I’ll tackle my full thoughts on Report Writer in a later post, or maybe not, this is a family friendly blog after all.

SQL Script for Posting Accounts in Dynamics GP

Siva has new SQL code up to show the default Posting Accounts in Dynamics GP.

Keep in mind that links to all of the SQL scripts highlighted here on DynamicAccounting.net are cataloged in our SQL scripts area. Its closing in on a 150 SQL Scripts for Dynamics GP.

Check eConnect 2010 Service Status Programmatically

Over at Dynamics GP Land, Steve Endow shows us how to Check eConnect 2010 Service Status Programmatically. I’ve added a link to the code in the Downloads section as well.

SQL Script for Last Purchase Cost of Items

Siva has also dropped a new SQL Script for Last Cost Price of Items on us in a new post.

Account Rollup Inquiry in Dynamics GP

Siva visits one of my favorite subjects, Account Rollup Inquiry in Dynamics GP

Granting Microsoft Dynamics GP user minimal access at the database level to setup additional users

Mariano has a information on Granting Microsoft Dynamics GP user minimal access at the database level to setup additional users. In essence Mariano provides a script that assigns the minimum permission necessary to setup users in GP. This is a solution to not using “sa” to setup users and not using the alternative of assigning a user to the Sysadmin role in SQL.

Of course another option is to use Config AD from FastPath to give security administrators in the company the ability to add GP users and link them to Active Directory accounts

Also, as I mentioned early, if you buy Config AD or Audit Trails before 12/31/10  you can get a 20% discount and a free copy of the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook. Contact Jill at Jill@gofastpath.com for all of the details.

David Musgrave Has Lost His Marbles

His post titled Dynamics Report Writer is the Best Report Writer in the World is prima facie evidence that being upside down in Australia is bad for you.

David goes on to cover how he used VBA to solve a Report Writer issue. I’m on record that I am willing to put the final stake in the heart of the time an energy sucking vampire that is Report Writer. I stand by that.

If the reaction of customers is any indication of how they feel about Report Writer this could get ugly. David, if you proclaim that headline from the stage at Convergence, beware the villagers with pitchforks.

Cooking up Discounts with FastPath

The folks at FastPath are offering a great discount between now and 12/31/2010. Buy Audit Trail or Config AD for Dynamics GP before the end of the year and get a 20% discount off of the purchase price PLUS a free copy of the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook!

Yep you read that right a 20% discount and a free Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook. What else could any self respecting Dynamics GP user want for the holidays?

For all the details email Jill at Jill@gofastpath.com

Security DrillDown Page From Roles to Tasks to Operations

New on GPWindow is a Security DrillDown Page From Roles to Tasks to Operations. If you’re looking to design security for Dynamics GP this is a great place to start.

For Lapsed Dynamics GP and NAV Customers, Microsoft Offers a New Promo to Get Back on Service Plans

MSDynamicsWorld.com has a great look at new offers For Lapsed Dynamics GP and NAV Customers. Microsoft is offering a New Promo to Get Back on Service Plans

Dynamics GP v9 v10 Year End Payroll Tax Update for year ending 2010

In her new DynamicsCare post, Amy Walsh looks at Dynamics GP v9 v10 Year End Payroll Tax Update for year ending 2010

Management Reporter: Get More Out of Security - Using Groups

Dynamics Corporate Performance Management covers Management Reporter: Get More Out of Security - Using Groups in their new blog post.

Dynamics GP “Unable to Print Error”

Amy Walsh looks at a Dynamics GP “Unable to Print Error” on DynamicsCare now.

Dynamics GP Product Reviews

Jivtesh has some new Dynamics GP Product Reviews up at GPWindow. Specifically he reviews Nolan Advanced Bank Rec and Rockton’s Omni Price.

Determining Role Access To Extender Objects

Patrick Roth looks at Determining Role Access To Extender Objects and he includes some SQL code to help out.

Weekly Dynamic: Options for Controlling GL Posting

There are a couple of different options for controlling posting to the GL in Dynamics GP. One option is to add a password for posting GL batches in Tools->Setup>Posting. On the plus side, this lets anyone create a GL transactions but only those with the password can post. The downside is that transactions that would otherwise post through from a subledger, won’t.

Another option that is often over-looked is to control who can post to the GL with security. This will still let anyone create GL entry  but only those with proper posting permission can actually post a batch or transaction.

Thanksgiving Theme

The blog get a Thanksgiving theme this week. I am thankful this year to have an opportunity to love what I do and get the chance to spend time with some great Dynamics GP users.

Microsoft Announces Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2

In case you’ve missed it, Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2  will be available in the 1st half 2011. Get the details from Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Microsoft Dynamics GP Tech Conference

David Musgrave has the scoop on his "Must Attend" Conferences for 2011. I’m happy to add to David’s comments on the upcoming Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference being held March 1-3 in Fargo.

I have been told that attendees are scheduled to get a copy of the upcoming R2 set of feature enhancements for Dynamics GP 2010. This isn’t due to be released until early summer so attendees get a first looks. Register now!

SQL Query for GL Trial Balance – GP 2010

Siva has put up a new SQL Query for GL Trial Balance for GP 2010.

Why do memory tables seem to be slower in Dexterity 11.0?

Mariano digs into Why do memory tables seem to be slower in Dexterity 11.0?

FRX adding Vertical Lines to a Report

In a wonderfully snarky post, Amy Walsh looks at adding Vertical Lines to a Report in FRx.

For the record, Amy is smarter than I am.

Weekly Review: Match Case in SmartList

This week's Weekly Review originally came came from Dwight Specht who is not only brilliant but by his own account, sexy. Oh, and he also writes part of my annual review.

For users of Dynamics GP 8.0 or 9.0 with slow Smartlists there is a "Match Case" check box which can be enabled on the Search window. This box is available for all alphanumeric fields. Checking this box causes the Smartlist query engine to develop a more efficient query that reduces index and table scans. Index scans and table scans can significanly reduce SQL query performance.

To make the "Match Case" field available for selection, add SmartListMatchCasePrefs=TRUE to the Dex.ini file on each client.
More info is available on KB922870 and this only works for Dynamics GP versions 8.0 SP4a(or higher and version 9.0 SP1(or higher). The KB indicates that this is not an issue for GP 10 and higher  but you can still turn on Match Case with the Dex.ini line.

Originally Posted by Mark at 9/08/2008 11:05:00 AM

See the Forest for the Weeds

Steve Endow looks at how tough it is to time share your brain, especially on a Dynamics GP project in his new partner focused post See the Forest for the Weeds

Adding/Removing Reports to/from My Reports - Interesting Findings & Knowledge Sharing

Back for more is veeyeskay with a look options for Adding/Removing Reports to/from My Reports.

Dynamics GP 2010 implementation book coming soon

Congratulations to Victoria Yudin. Her new Dynamics GP 2010 implementation book is coming soon. The book has gone to the publisher and is available for preorder now. Books like this are a ton of work and she deserves a lot of credit for finishing. I guess I need to go and order my copy now!

GP & Mixed Mode Authentication

Vaidy reminds us that Mixed Mode Authentication is required in SQL Server for Dynamics and illustrates how to make sure that it is set correctly.

File not found: VBA6.dll error occurs or GP crashes

Beth Gardner expands on her previous post with a look at File not found: VBA6.dll error occurs or GP crashes. This can happen on 32 bit machines as well and Beth show how to fix it.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 LATAM Launch

It’s great to see the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 LATAM Launch. I have a client who has been ready to move to GP 2010 since they saw it at Convergence and this has been the main thing holding them back since they have Latin America operations.

Audit Trails – Thing to Keep in Mind

veeyeskay builds on Mohammad Daoud’s previous Audit Trails post in his new article Audit Trails – Thing to Keep in Mind

Extended Composites in Dynamics GP

veeyeskay digs deep into Dexterity with a look at Extended Composites in Dynamics GP

Dynamics GP Version Information

veeyeskay has apparently been released from his SQL writing chains an point us to quick quick shortcuts for Dynamics GP Version Information.

Grants Management in Microsoft Dynamics GP

Mohammad Daoud is back with some not-for-profit love and a look at Grants Management in Microsoft Dynamics GP.

How to change your Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Map Services

Mariano Gomez has some great tips (and some free software!) showing How to change your Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Map Services.

Maintaining Budget Transaction History in GP 2010

veeyeskay has a nice catch in his latest post. Most of you maintain history in all of your modules, well in GP 2010 you need to check the box to maintain history for the new budget transactions as well. Get the full scoop at Maintaining Budget Transaction History in GP 2010.

Audit Trails in Dynamics GP

Mohammad Daoud has a nice look at Audit Trails in Dynamics GP. I have to say though that I still prefer FastPath for audit trails in Dynamics GP. As a customer I bought FastPath over the GP Audit Trail product and I would do it again without reservation.

Changing the Phone Number Format in Dynamics GP

Do you need international phone numbers in Dynamics GP? Well David Musgrave looks at your options in Changing the Phone Number Format.

Reconciling Subledger Balances to GL in Dynamics GP – Webinar

Don’t miss the latest DynamicsCare webinar on Reconciling Subledger Balances to GL. As always, it’s Tuesday 11/16 (tomorrow) at 11am.

Weekly Dynamic: Copying Distribution Reference

In GL distributions, users often want to copy a distribution reference to all of the lines. Well, there is no magic technique to make that happen but there is away to make it easier.

• Start by expanding the GL lines to show the Distribution Reference
• Enter the reference in the first line
• Copy the first line’s reference
• Press the down arrow to move to the distribution field on the next line
• Paste the reference
• Press the down arrow again and repeat until the reference has been copied to all of the lines.

GL With AA - IM2010 Integration - aagCreateGLWorkDist Error Message

Vaidy walks us through issues with integrations and Analytical Accounting in his new post GL With AA - IM2010 Integration - aagCreateGLWorkDist Error Message

Morning Theme this Week

I’m frequently on a 5:30am flight to Atlanta. This week I’m going out on Sunday night so I’ll miss the sunrise from 35,000 feet. I thought I would give you a look at what it’s like since most of you won’t join me on that flight.

SQL Script for Checkbook Balance

 

veeyeskay gives us one more SQL Script, this one for Checkbook Balance

Moving Dynamics GP databases to a new SQL Server

 

John Lowther looks at Moving Dynamics GP databases to a new SQL Server in his new Microsoft Dynamics GP DBA column.

Making the Case for PowerPivot - Top 5 Ways PowerPivot Helps Excel Pros

 

I keep harping on PowerPivot because I think that it has chance to to fundamentally chance the way that Dynamics GP users interact with their data in Excel.

Now along comes Diego Oppenheimer with an article on the Top 5 Ways PowerPivot Helps Excel Pros. He clearly lays out the case for PowerPivot much better than I have been able to. If you’ve been thinking about PowerPivot and how it might apply to your data needs, read this article first.

Spreadsheets: Why Pivot Tables Won't Sum

 

For those of you playing with PowerPivot or regular Pivot Tables in Excel, CFO.com has a look at Why Pivot Tables Won't Sum. Essentially the article tackles the question of why some numeric Pivot Table fields default to count instead of sum.

Weekly Review: SmartList Record Limits

I wrote this originally more than 2 years ago. Now I’m back in the same situation.

I confess to a current writer's block around Weekly Dynamics. After lots of weeks of good ideas I'm running low. I did realize that I've never really done a post on limiting the number of records in a Smartlist.

If you look at the bottom of a Smartlist it tells you the number of records returned. If that's a round number, like 1,000, you've probably hit the limit and don't have all the records you need. This is easily fixed on a case by case basis, simply hit the Search button and change the Maximum Records amount.

If you have a need to set this on a consistent basis, save your Smartlist as a Favorite. To make global adjustments to limits, go to the Dynamics GP menu - Tools - Setup - System - Smartlist Options. Here you can ratchet down Smartlist defaults and force users to up the limits on a case by case basis. This can help with performance if you have these limits too high to begin with.

If you have suggestions for a Weekly Dynamic, let me know that too!

Originally Posted by Mark at 9/03/2008 09:04:00 AM

Restricting AA Dimension Codes to GL Accounts

 

Taking a break from maniacal SQL code creation, veeyeskay look at Restricting AA Dimension Codes to GL Accounts in his latest article

Calling all Cheapskates

 

The Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook is selling extremely well but way too many of you still don’t have a copy. Also, I’ve gotten a number of questions lately about the availability of an ebook format. Well If you’re a cheapskate looking for the ebook format now is your chance.

The book’s publisher, Packt, is offering a chance to finish a simple survey and get 50% off any eBook of your choice upon completion.

This includes the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Cookbook which is available as an ebook in PDF and ePub formats. You can’t be both cheap and slow though, this is a limited time offer. Take the survey at http://bit.ly/cOwY6z and you’ll get a coupon code for 50% off.

Sign up for Convergence 2011 Registration Alerts

 

Michael Johnson reminds us to Sign up for Convergence 2011 Registration Alerts. That way you won’t miss out on any special pricing.

Promotional Pricing from eOne

 

The folks at eOne are giving Promotional Pricing on their terrific SmartConnect integration product and their new SmartView product. (Think Pivot Tables or Excel Subtotal functionality inside of SmartList). If you’ve been thinking about SmartConnect buy it now. I’ve been living in SmartConnect for the last couple of weeks and it’s fantastic.

SQL Queries for AA Summary Balances in Dynamics GP

 

Someone call the rescue squad for veeyeskay. Apparently he has been kidnapped and forced into SQL slave labor. At the rate he’s been releasing SQL queries for Dynamics GP he must be locked in a dark room and chained to a PC with instructions to write SQL code or else. His latest work includes:

SQL Query for AA Multicurrency Summary Balances

SQL Query for AA Functional Summary Balances

SQL Query for GL Summary Balances

Somebody please rescue him from a lifetime of forced SQL slavery. Until then, enjoy the code.

The Real Disconnect Fueling the “Cloud” Craze

 

I’ve got a new article up at MSDynamicsWorld now digging into Microsoft Dynamics GP and the Cloud. Checkout The Real Disconnect Fueling the “Cloud” Craze? It Has Little to Do with Costs and Much More to Do with IT at MSDynamicsWorld.com now.

Dynamics GP and ODBC DSNs

Jack Sowers of I.B.I.S. has a few quick tips around Dynamics GP and 64 Bit ODBC DSNs

Wennsoft Table Reference

 

At Zubin Gidwani’s request, I’ve added a Wennsoft Table Reference to the Downloads.

Red Flags Your Business Relationship is in Trouble

 

I’ve got a new partner focused post up at The Death of Reason. I take a look at Maurilio Amorim’s post on Red Flags Your Business Relationship is in Trouble and how it applies to Dynamics Partners.

Dynamics GP ISV Product Reviews at GPWindow.com

 

GPWindow.com is taking an interesting approach to reviewing third party software for Dynamics GP. First, some background though.

Third party products are often referred to as ISV (independent software vendor) solutions. Microsoft maintains a list of solutions as does ISV-Central.com. ISV-Central allows logged in users to rate ISV software based on multiple criteria using a 1-5 scale.

GPWindow is looking to review ISV solutions and is using Newsgroup recommendations from MVP’s and other experts as part of the basis for their reviews.

Both of these solutions make some use of crowd sourcing to help companies find the right ISV solution for their issue.

There is really just one issue outstanding. I don’t think that you will find many negative reviews, certainly not by consultants. Often as consultants we have good solutions that we like for common scenarios. In other cases there are only one or two ISV solutions that meet a particular need. We may not be thrilled with the solution but we know the issues and we know how to make it work.

I have products that I would prefer not to implement. But if that is the right solution for the client’s situation, I’m not going to jeopardize my relationship with an ISV by publicly bashing their product. In an ironic twist, companies need more help from ISV’s to implement less reliable products. Even end users aren’t immune to positively rating the software they helped select.

So my general advice would be that positive reviews are generally pretty reliable. The absence of a review should not be construed as negative since it could just mean that no one has taken the time to review it. Also, for more complicated ISV solutions, the implementation and the consultant are as important as the software but poor implementation can be reflected in software reviews.

If you really want to know the inside scoop for a potential ISV solution your best bet right now is still to ask your partner.

Weekly Dynamic: SmartList Sorting

 

When saving SmartList favorites, use a character like a tilde (~) or an asterisk (*) in front of the name to move that favorite toward the top. Prefixing the name with a “z” will move it to the bottom.

Login Performance Issue for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 SP5 and GP 2010 SP1

 

David Musgrave tackles Vaidy’s Online Services issue from an earlier post. He provides a temporary solution while the item is being fixed. Check out David’s full post at Login Performance Issue for Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 SP5 and GP 2010 SP1

Sales Charts & KPIs - Top Items By Sale Amount - Stored Procedure Bug

Vaidy points out a small bug in the stored procedure for the GP2010 - Sales Charts & KPIs - Top Items By Sale Amount He also provides a fix.

Receivables HATB Report–SQL Script

 

veeyeskay continues his SQL assault with two scripts, the AR Historical Aged Trial Balance by GL Posting Date and by Document Date.

These are tough reports to get the SQL right for so kudos to veeyeskay.

Business Process Improvement with Conditional Process Holds in Dynamics GP Sales Order Processing

 

Over at MBS Guru, Michael Johnson looks at some work he did around Business Process Improvement with Conditional Process Holds in Dynamics GP Sales Order Processing

Navigation List Builder – Let’s add some Actions!

 

Devon Southall spends some time showing us how to add Actions to Navigation List Builder lists.

Online Services for Dynamics GP - Triggers GP "Add Command" Hanging Indefinitely

 

Vaidy is troubleshooting a menu creation issue that seems to be related to Online Services in Dynamics GP.  Learn more in his new post Online Services for Dynamics GP - Triggers GP "Add Command" Hanging Indefinitely.

SQL Query – Sales Accounts Due Report

 

Piling on the posts today veeyeskay gives us a new SQL Query for a Sales Accounts Due Report.

Receivables Aging By Document Date & Due Date

 

veeyeskay is back with a look Receivables Aging By Document Date vs. Due Date. This is a regularly a confusing issue for new users so it’s great to see veeyeskay covering this.

Dynamics GP 10.0 creates empty and clear budget

 

Omar Kloub tells about a troubleshooting issue where Dynamics GP 10.0 creates empty and clear budget.

Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Spanish Latin-American and French-Canadian environments (Service Pack 5)

 

The Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 Spanish Latin-American and French-Canadian environments  are now available for SP5. This should mean that the same environments will be coming for GP 2010 SP1 very soon.

GL Reconciliation SQL Script – Payables and Receivables

 

veeyeskay has provided some new SQL scripts designed to facilitate balancing Payables and Receivables subledgers to the GL.

Dexterity: Cannot See Table Buffer Values in 10.0 SP5 or 2010 SP1

 

New from Patrick Roth is a post looking some programming functionality that the team broke while trying to fix and issue in the latest service packs. Get the details from Patrick in his post Dexterity: Cannot See Table Buffer Values in 10.0 SP5 or 2010 SP1

Integration Manager: Integrating journal entries with Analytical Accounting Information

 

Up at the Dynamics GP Blogster, Marino looks at Integrating journal entries with Analytical Accounting Information. Part of what Mariano covers is one of my biggest frustrations with Integration Manager. Some fields only exist in the default adapters and some only exist in the econnect adapters. It’s maddening.

PowerPivot for Excel Book

A lot of GP users got an introduction to PowerPivot for Excel at the GPUG Summit. If you want to learn more, there is new book out that is getting great reviews. Check out PowerPivot for Excel 2010 – Give Your Data Meaning for a nice PowerPivot resource.

Everything Will Be Late This Week

We moved houses over the weekend so everything is in disarray. The Weekly Dynamics will move to Tuesday this week and some of Monday’s posting may be delayed. Don’t I’ll catch up by the end of the week.

This week’s theme is what it felt like to move. We didn’t look quite this bad but it felt like it.

Why does Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and later use a Data Folder?

 

Have you ever wondered Why does Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 and later use a Data Folder? I did when they moved the Dex.ini file on me. Well David Musgrave explains why in his latest post.

Dexterity isn't going anywhere... anytime soon.

 

Michael Johnson jumps in with his thoughts on Dexterity for Dynamics GP. He thinks that Dexterity isn't going anywhere... anytime soon.

After spending a bunch of time with MS folks at the GPUG Summit I think that we will see more .Net under the hood sooner. Microsoft’s push for the cloud is driving this forcing everyone to be all in.

GPUG 50 Brand New Tips for Dynamics GP

 

The 50 Brand New Tips for Dynamics GP in 50 Minutes presentation from the GPUG Summit is up now on the main page of DynamicAccounting.net.

Formatting Notes Using eConnect 2010 - Challenge!

 

Steve Endow needs some help formatting notes in eConnect 2010 so he has issued a challenge in his newest post Formatting Notes Using eConnect 2010 - Challenge!

Weekly Review: Easily Audit Payable Thresholds

 

Check thresholds are an important control point in many companies. Often checks over a certain amount require a particular signature or more than one signature. When the control mechanism slows down the work flow (sometimes by design, we don't want to be in a hurry to write huge checks) users may go around the control. In this case, the control can be circumvented by issuing a number of smaller checks just under the threshold. This can be as innocent as the required signers were not available but everyone knew the check had to go out or it can be blood sucking fraud. It's not unusual for innocent actions to quickly become fraud as well.
An important mechanism to check this control is to review checks cut just below the threshold. This is easy to do in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Simply start with a default Payables Smartlist.

• In the columns, remove current trx amount and add document amount.
• In the search box add:
• Document Type equals Payment
• Document Date greater than Beginning of Week (or Beginning of Month if you want to audit monthly)
• Document Amount is between a lower amount and your threhold amount

For instance, if the threshold for 2 signatures is $10,000 you might set the document amount to be between 9,000 and 10,000. You can fine tune this for your needs but this would show checks cut between 9k and 10k.
Save this smartlist as a favorite and pick the Favorite and Reminder choice. This lets you add a reminder for the system to notify you if there are any transactions that meet this criteria.
Now all you have to do each week is review the list and physically check items near the threshold. Review all checks cut for the week for that vendor and you may find a large one near the threshold and a smaller one that would have put the check over. Once you find that, the hard work of being a manager really begins.

Originally Posted by Mark at 8/25/2008 10:17:00 AM

Microsoft Moves into Leaders Category on Forrester’s 2010 Enterprise BI Platforms Wave

 

Microsoft has moved into the “Leaders” category for Enterprise BI Platforms according to Forrester. The beauty of the BI offerings for Microsoft Dynamics GP is that the heavy lifting of extracting data, transforming it and preparing it for analysis is all done behind the scenes with Analysis Cubes for Excel for Dynamics GP. This leaves businesses free to concentrate on analyzing their data, not fooling around with loading it.

Installing Analysis Cubes for Excel for Dynamics GP is really 3 basic steps:

1. Run the GP Analysis Cubes Wizard – Answer a few questions like server location and where the analysis cubes should be created.
2. Run the SQL Server Agent job created in SQL Server to populate the cube data. This handles the whole Exchanges/Transform/Load process for Dynamics GP cube data.
3. Explore the data with Excel Pivot Tables

There are more nuances to really get the most out of Analysis Cubes but to get started, it doesn’t take any more than that.

Why aren’t you using Analysis Cubes today?

Backing up and Restoring data when recreating SQL Tables in Dynamics GP

 

David Musgrave is back with a look at Backing up and Restoring data when recreating SQL Tables in Dynamics GP.

Learning Dynamics GP Database Table Names

 

Steve Endow looks at options for Learning Dynamics GP Database Table Names in his new post. There are a pile of resources out there now, maybe I’ll try to pull them together.

Dynamics GP Community Interview

 

At the GPUG Summit 2010 I sat down with some folks from Microsoft’s Dynamics Community site and we did a little interview. The interview is up at https://community.dynamics.com/b/communityteam/archive/2010/10/27/mark-polino-talks-ug-and-community-2-0.aspx if you want to see me chatting about the GP community.

SmartConnect and Active Directory

 

eOne has changed their SmartConnect integration product for GP 2010 to use Active Directory instead of the “sa” password for setup. This is a great adjustment since SmartConnect was one of the products that came up in a GPUG session as requiring “sa” to configure.

Apparently though, the change is causing some confusion so eOne clarifies the differences on their post The eOne Dynamics GP and CRM Blog: SmartConnect and Active Directory.

Recovering missing eConnect stored procedures in Dynamics GP

 

Mariano has a nice look at Recovering missing eConnect stored procedures with Dynamics GP.

How to get data in separate columns rather than rows in SmartList Builders (Aging, Sales by Months, etc.)

 

Devon Southall has a nice look up at How to get data in separate columns rather than rows in SmartList Builders (Aging, Sales by Months, etc.). 

Budget Analysis Query for Dynamics GP

 

veeyeskay also gives us a Budget Analysis SQL Query for Dynamics GP.

A Little Dynamics GP Modifier Love

 

Christina Phillips expresses her love, well, at least like for modifier in here new post Hi, My Name Is Christina And I Actually LIKE Modifier.

Master Budgets in Dynamics GP 2010

 

veeyeskay spends some time with new Master Budgets in Dynamics GP 2010 n his new post.

What Implementation Methodology? I Think Mine Might Be Busted.

 

Christina Phillips and Steve Endow explore their SureStep frustrations in What Implementation Methodology? I Think Mine Might Be Busted.

Retrieve more than 1000 Records using Web Services for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010

 

Chris Roehric looks at ways to Retrieve more than 1000 Records using Web Services for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010  over at  Developing for Dynamics GP

eConnect 2010 Integration Service Won't Start Due To Port 80 Conflict

 

Steve Endow looks at an error where the eConnect 2010 Integration Service Won't Start Due To Port 80 Conflict

AZOX Webinar Tuesday

 

Don’t miss I.B.I.S.’ upcoming webinar with a look at ISV AZOX’s solution.

Weekly Dynamic:Default SmartLists and Table Scans

 

This week’s tip is courtesy of John from Sta-Home Health. When you select a default SmartList that starts with an asterisk (*) SQL server does a table scan to pull the information because the default queries don’t contain a where clause. The only limit is in the number of records returned because of a limit set in the Search box or Default SmartList setup.

For companies with an underpowered SQL server or with users who like queries that take down the system, and option is to create a new SmartList with a search criteria by default and save this with a name like *Use This Default. (Don’t laugh, there were stories at the GPUG Summit of users taking down GP with a crazily inefficient SmartList, especially one built with SmartList Builder.