Dynamics GP Partner San Diego, Chicago Newsflash: Version Upgrade Checklist

Microsoft Dynamics GP, formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise, could be purchased and supported via Dynamics GP Partners channel.  The specific of partner channel service dictates the rule of having Dynamics GP VAR of record at any particular time.  If you feel that your version is outdated, or you are planning to restructure your Accounting department and move Great Plains to new Server, it might be good idea and the time of opportunity in considering Dynamics GP version update.  Upgrade project requires preparation, and it typically fells to your IT department hands in the sense of project management.  In this small publication we would like to give you initial highlights to help you expedite your upgrade research:

1. Do we have new GP version registration key?  The answer on this question depends on your status in Microsoft Business Solution annual enhancement program enrollment.  If you are current in the program, you have access to latest reg key.  If you are not current, you should check with your Dynamics GP Reseller – what is the most recent version, for which you still have Dynamics GP software licenses.  Also, you could open your payment records to your Dynamics GP Reseller or Microsoft Dynamics subdivision and check when was the last time you paid for annual maintenance.  If you paid in 2007, for example, chances are high that you own Dynamics GP 10.0 key.  If you do not have active relations with your Dynamics GP VAR, you can select new Dynamics GP Partner in your area or depending on your industry expertise – your new VAR should be able to check with Microsoft on your license key status

2. Upgrade path.  Current Dynamics GP version is 10.0, as of July 2009.  You can upgrade in one step to 10.0 from the following versions: 9.0 and 8.0.  If you are on older version, please expect two or more steps in version update.  For example, from version 7.5 you could upgrade in two steps: 7.5->8.0->10.0

3. Dynamics ISV Add-Ons upgrade considerations.  You may have GP third party modules, such as Avalara, Kamp Data, Intellisol, Horizon, Mekorma, Wennsoft, etc.  Plus, you may have unique (specially programmed for you by one of the Dynamics GP Technology partners) custom add-ons.  If this is the case, please be sure to get answer from your add-ons Dynamics GP ISV partner if new targeted version is supported and add-on upgrade is available (and you are current in their own annual maintenance program to get access to new version of add-on)

4. Modified Forms and Reports.  If you deploy Modified forms (check if your Dynamics GP workstation has Dynamics.vba or other files with vba extension), you should contact your VBA programmer and ask this person to review VBA scripts to be compatible with the new version.  If you deploy modified reports (look your Dynamics.set file, locate line with Reports.dic name and check if you have the file in the specified directory).  For recent GP version: 9.0, 8.0, most of the ReportWriter reports are upgradeable, for older versions you may need to consider redesign for modified reports – usually in SOP Blank Invoice Form, SOP Long Invoice Form, POP Purchase Order, AP Check Form with Stub on Top and Bottom

5. Crystal, SSRS, MS Access Reports.  These reports are typically version proof.  If you are large business, you may still want to review those to be on the safe page

6. EDI, Legacy System Integrations, Retail Integrations, Automatic reports filing to the State or IRS.  If you depend on these or similar tools, please contact your business partners to check with them on the Dynamics GP upgrade policies

7. Dynamics GP old version support.  If you feel that your company is downsizing and doesn’t have the budget for upgrade or being reenrolled in Dynamics GP annual enhancement program, we are here to support your outdated version: Dynamics GP 7.5, Great Plains Dynamics 7.0 (and eEnterprise 7.0 and 6.0) 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0, 3.2 and Great Plains Accounting for DOS and Windows: 9.5, 9.2, 9.1 and earlier

8. Feel free to call us: 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com