The Skinny on the Delete Detail Feature

It’s important that companies have a data retention plan that fits them. Recently I worked with a client who regularly used the Delete Detail feature to clean up their database. Trouble was, when they got audited they didn’t readily have the data they needed as they had deleted too many years. If ever the delete detail process is unintentionally ran (typically done at month end closing), you can be sure that data you did not intend to lose will be available if you have the proper data retention settings. Everyone should double check each module’s Setup Screen for accurate retention settings.

To satisfy the IRS, you should retain data that goes back at least three years; under SEC regulations, data must be retained for seven years. Regardless of your plan, there’s only one good reason to use the Delete Detail feature. That’s when your database becomes too large and you find it difficult to run queries or have other performance issues. But before you delete historical data, make sure you still archive that data first in a backup so you still have the data, but just not in your running database.

Finally, if you are considering using the Delete Detail to free up space, it’s advisable to contact your SL Consultant first to ensure you have a good backup plan and that it is the best solution to any issues you are experiencing.

Innovation and the Future of Dynamics SL

The word is out. Innovation is in at Microsoft and the Dynamics product line. So says, Thomas Wailgum in his blog post The Next Big ERP Innovator: Microsoft. “Microsoft is committing more and more resources to its Dynamics solutions and its ability to integrate with its ubiquitous Windows applications.” Not only that, Steve Ballmer made a commitment to Dynamics SL customers in his 2007 letter where he said, “Your investments in Microsoft Dynamics SL… are safe long term bets, and together with our partner ecosystem, we will deliver even greater value through these exciting products…”

Easy Access to the Reports and Screens You Use

Tight accounting software integration with project data is a big plus with Dynamics SL. Here’s a simple tip that further integrates modules. Once a user gets up to speed with the screens and reports they typically use on a day to day basis--regardless of which module they may be in--there’s a simple way to organize and quickly access your work. Right mouse click on any report or screen and then select “Add to favorites.” The next time you start up SL, every item you added will be on the home page for easy access. This is particularly handy for those who use several screens and reports from several different modules.

Once the screen or report is a favorite on the home page, by right mouse clicking it, you can move it up or down, remove it from the list, change the description, or open it. Here are the shortcuts after selecting the screen or report in the list:

Ctrl+Up: moving it up on the list
Ctrl+Down: moving it down on the list
Enter or double click: Open the screen or report

When Dynamics SL is the Better Choice

Dynamics SL is a robust, scalable accounting solution that moves companies way beyond entry-level products. It is sophisticated and secure for the small to mid market and is a superior fit for organizations that are project-driven and need project accounting (cost accounting, job costing, project costing), use or need Microsoft Project Server, have compliance needs, require extensive analytics and reporting, and could use integration with Microsoft CRM, SharePoint, Business Portal, and even Microsoft Office. Check out Microsoft Dynamics World SL pages to see when SL is the better choice.