Project Accounting and Dynamics SL Best Practices

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2010-12-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

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Project Accounting and Dynamics SL Best Practices

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- Synergy Consultants

Microsoft Dynamics SL User Conference Empowers Companies Doing Project Accounting

2010-11-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Dynamics SL User Group held its annual conference in San Diego, CA on September 22nd – 24th. This is the largest gathering specifically for Dynamics SL Users and the community that supports it.

The group is experiencing amazing growth. In 2008, the conference had 115 attendees. In 2009, it was 147. This year we had 221 attendees with 232 registrations! Users at the event were overheard saying “This is the SL Event to attend.” Attendees loved the waterfront venue, dining outdoors and the accommodation. We are currently negotiating with a similar venue at the Baltimore Inner Harbor for our 2011 event the week of September 12th.

18 Sponsors participated in the conference, up from 8 in 2009. Sponsors were pleased that the Expo area was outside the classrooms so they could meet with customers during breaks and the expo sessions. 99 of the attendees said they found the vendor they needed; 20 said they did not which indicates a need for more vendors next year. One Sponsor said this was their first time at our conference and that they will push their customers to attend in the future because it was so well run, so informative and had such a great energy. Another sponsor said, “The energy level is high. People are discussing opportunities. It’s always great to see people willing to ask and share. Well coordinated.”

Supporters, our new member type for consultants, partners and ISVs that opt not to be sponsors were also very pleased with the event. One partner told me they were scouting the event out. She said she will evangelize this event to their customers. Her personal goal is to have 20% of her 300 customers attend in 2011! Another supporter said, “Over all, the SLUG conferences are without equivocation, THE BEST conferences I’ve attended since I started with Solomon back in 1993! Which is really amazing since so much of the work to put it on is volunteer driven. It is amazing how hard you guys all work to put this on. THANK YOU!!! “

The attendees said the content was event better than last year; here are some excerpts from surveys:

This meeting was on par with the best meetings I have attended. The breakout sessions were very good although there was one that I couldn’t even get in the room. I appreciate all of the effort the board and volunteers put into this group. Thank you.

This was my first Dynamics SL event of any kind. I represent the IT side of the house and found this conference to be a perfect balance between accounting and technical. The participants were ready, willing and able to discuss any topic that was of interest to me. I look forward to future events and becoming more engaged in this group. This was truly a rewarding experience.

I thought the conference was a huge success. I was impressed with the content and for each concurrent session set I had a couple of items I wanted to go to. Thank you to all for a job well done.

This was really an outstanding conference. I enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, and also met many new people. Thank you to each board member for all the work. Professionally done, yet keeping that small intimate group vibe. Well done.

Super content for the breakout sessions. Well worth the price of admission.

The 2010-2011 Board was elected at the conference during our annual meeting. Learn more at Dynamics SL User Group.

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Engineering Consulting Firm Improves Profitability

2010-09-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

MacKay and Sposito, a consulting firm that provides civil engineering, planning, land surveying, landscape architecture, and construction management services, couldn't adequately track and report on project performance. Without knowing which projects and segments were profitable, they couldn't make appropriate adjustments in sales and marketing. Neither could their project managers make necessary changes to control costs and utilize resources more efficiently. They needed to align their accounting with their project management.

Enter Synergy Business Solutions.

“Synergy spent the time to understand what information we need and how we use that information to manage our business and then configured Microsoft Dynamics SL to fit those exact needs,” says Marcy McCoy, Controller at MacKay & Sposito. “Today, we can extract the meaningful information we need to make informed business decisions.”

With streamlined accounting, they have significantly reduced time for month-end closing and payroll, have a timely, accurate picture of project and company performance, and have improved cash flow and profitability.

For more details, read the entire MacKay & Sposito-Synergy story.
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Integration Capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics SL Make All Things Possible

2010-07-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

How many times a day do you hear “you can’t” or “that’s impossible”? There seems to be that stigma in the world that doubt is acceptable. Well what if you had a solution that can make all things possible? Yeah, I know…it sounds too good to be true, but the enhancements of integrated ERP software, such as Microsoft Dynamics SL, make it possible in the business world. Microsoft Dynamics SL has the ability to improve various areas of your company because of its integration, which:

Allows Productivity. By providing the familiarity of Microsoft Office system applications and the Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services interface, Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics SL can help your team increase productivity so that you realize a greater return on your business management solution investment. The portal gives employees, partners, and customers secure access to up-to-date information on a browser any time and/or anywhere it's needed.

Increases Profitability. Using the integrated features of Microsoft Dynamics SL, you can more efficiently obtain reports and business analysis, leading to clearer insights and ultimately greater customer satisfaction. With Microsoft Business Portal, you can deliver project financial status, task assignments, billing, invoices, timesheets, expense reports, and other documents through a Web browser, reducing the time required to manage these processes and eliminating paperwork and data re-entry.

Establishes Morale. With better overall understanding of business processes and ease of use throughout the company, employees feel better about the work they’re doing. They can ensure its accuracy and take pride in the outcomes. Integration of applications ultimately makes their work easier and company morale is automatically boosted.

So next time you hear “that’s impossible,” think again. The integrated features of Microsoft Dynamics SL can give you the confidence to have that “can do” attitude and your company will thank you for it.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Microsoft Dynamics SL can do to make all things possible, contact Synergy Business Solutions.

Find the Right ERP Software in Two Easy Steps

2010-06-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Deploying your first ERP system or replacing your existing system is a decision that impacts your entire business. The right ERP software can help your people reach new levels of productivity by streamlining key business processes, helping to reduce costs, and strengthen your company’s competitive edge.

On the other hand, a software system that doesn’t align with your organization’s current needs and future goals can be costly, forcing you to change the way you do business to match the capabilities of the ERP software. How can you decide what ERP system is right for your business, both today and as your company grows and changes?

You need to find a solution that fits—a software system that’s easy to use, meets the needs of all of your people, and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. You need flexible, extensible business management software supported by a partner who knows your industry and who can help you tailor the solution to the exact needs of your business.

Find the right fit in two easy steps

Get started on the path to finding the right ERP system for your business by following these two simple steps:

Step One: Download the ERP Discovery Guide, which contains questions to get you thinking critically about your ERP software needs with regard to your current technology, your processes, your people, and your industry.

Step Two: Contact Synergy Business Solutions to learn more about creating a Microsoft Dynamics Business Solutions Roadmap. The Roadmap is utilized to assess your current business needs, define your goals for the future, and create a personalized strategic plan to achieve those goals.

When you’re ready to make the big step of implementing your ERP software, it’s better to be overly prepared so that you don’t have to back track and do it all over again. Make sure your ERP solution fits your business, not the other way around.

Back to the Basics of ERP Software

2010-05-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Throughout ERP’s 30 odd years of history, the basics have gotten away from us. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of ERP Software and realize why it’s such a benefit to the business world.

What is ERP?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) definition refers to both ERP software and business strategies that implement ERP systems. ERP implementation utilizes various ERP software applications to improve the performance of organizations for 1) resource planning, 2) management control and 3) operational control. ERP software consists of multiple software modules that integrate activities across functional departments – from project management and accounting to materials management for project-centric companies, and from product planning, parts purchasing, inventory control, product distribution, to order tracking for product-focused companies. Moreover, most ERP software systems include application modules to support common business activities – finance, accounting, and human resources.

ERP Systems

ERP is much more than a piece of computer software. An ERP System includes ERP Software, Business Processes, Users and Hardware that run the ERP software. An ERP system is more than the sum of its parts or components. Those components interact together to achieve a common goal – streamline and improve an organization's business processes.

Where did it all begin?

ERP is the evolution of Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP) II in 1980s, while MRP is the evolution of Inventory Management & Control conceived in 1960s. ERP has expanded from coordination of manufacturing processes to the integration of enterprise-wide backend processes. In terms of technology, ERP has evolved from legacy implementation to more flexible tiered client-server architecture.

What are some key benefits of having the software?

ERP software attempts to integrate business processes across departments onto a single enterprise-wide information system. The major benefits of ERP are improved coordination across functional departments and increased efficiencies of doing business. The implementations of ERP systems help facilitate day-to-day management as well. ERP software systems are originally and ambitiously designed to support resource planning portions of strategic planning.

If you’re interested in learning more, visit Synergy Business Solutions.

6 Ways Microsoft Dynamics SL Meets Your Project-Accounting Needs

2010-04-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

If you’re struggling with your current project accounting solution, you may be running into continued reliance on paper to collect your accounting information. Project cost overruns might be out of the view of your team members. You need to obtain reports and business analysis, while increasing efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Your company also needs to automate and streamline projects across company divisions and locations.

Microsoft Dynamics SL meets all of these needs and helps you effectively manage your people, projects, and profitability. Here’s how:

A Single Interface - In addition to providing applications for financial management and field service, Microsoft Dynamics SL empowers your accounting staff to handle complex accounting tasks and your project managers to more effectively manage projects, all from a single interface.
Improved Estimating - Dynamics SL industry-specific features help you estimate more accurately, so you can meet your customer's requirements on time and within budget.
Automation - Dynamics SL creates an efficient bridge between documents, spreadsheets, and project accounting transactions; automates time and material billing processes; and creates invoices automatically using predetermined business rules to calculate costs.
Web-based Access and Collaboration - By integrating information from different companies or offices and utilizing a browser-based portal that helps you increase collaboration, Dynamics SL helps ensure that projects run smoothly, which increases customer satisfaction.
Easy Access and Approvals - Employees can enter requests directly into the system and managers can approve or reject requests as they are submitted.
Smart Painless Reporting - Using the integrated features of Dynamics SL you can more efficiently obtain reports and business analysis, leading to clearer insights and confident decision making.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Microsoft Dynamics SL can do for your project accounting needs, contact Synergy Business Solutions today or download this Case Study and hear the Financial Manager share about why she "loves" the solution.

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Government Contractors: Trace Your Accounts from ‘Cradle to Grave’ with Microsoft Dynamics SL

2010-04-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to listen in on a Microsoft Momentum Webcast regarding how to build a successful foundation for Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Compliance and the term used throughout the 60 minute session was “Cradle to Grave”. Although slightly morbid, it caught my attention because of its importance for Government Contractors.

In order for you to comply with DCAA regulations, it’s vital that you have a start to finish view for each of your accounts. For example, within your financial planning, the auditors will most likely ask to see your 3 month plan versus the actual. To build a successful foundation for DCAA accounting compliance, you must have a solution that works. Here are a few reasons Microsoft Dynamics SL is that solution.

Fully Compliant:
Businesses have found Microsoft Dynamics SL to be fully FAR, CAS and DCAA compliant. With Microsoft Dynamics SL, contractors can easily prepare reports, so that when auditors show up for a surprise floor check, they have the information readily in hand, in the required format, to show precisely where their numbers come from.

Amazing Functionality:
Microsoft Dynamics SL provides an automated, robust, repeatable, integrated system that can calculate indirect rates from month to month, and apply those costs to keep the controller informed about variances as they occur. All of this functionality allows auditors to be confident in the consistent and reliable manner you are calculating, applying and submitting rates.

Customization and Integration Made Easy:
In addition, the Microsoft solution easily integrates with other systems so you can, for example add 25 new employees overnight, as required by a contract or new business opportunity. Microsoft is also open about its data dictionary, or list of fields for all databases, and what they represent. Microsoft Dynamics SL makes it easy to replicate reports, as required by auditors. The ability to customize data entry screens makes it easy to identify information and build reports based on business or government auditing requirements as they arise.

To learn more, find Government Compliance Resources on Synergy Business Solutions' website.

- Michael Camp

Webcast: Government (DCAA) Compliance Made Easier

2010-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

If you bid on government contracts, your financials just got easier. Attend this live webcast and learn how:

A Clear Map to Effective Government Compliance
Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 1 PM to 2 PM PDT
Steve Toth, President, Synergy Business Solutions
Jered Cady, Executive Vice President, Synergy Business Solutions

REGISTER TODAY

You will see how to manage the following tasks with integrated software:

• Build, manage and monitor indirect cost rates
• Allocate costs across multiple cost objectives such as overhead pools and contracts
• Manage direct and indirect time under cost reimbursement contracts
• Perform billing under fixed price and cost plus fee contracts
• Manage time and expense collection in accordance with DCAA regulations
• Monitor and alert government contracting officer of contract status
• Generate government invoices on approved government forms
• Build a traceable document system to drill down from your original purchase requisition through to associated invoices
• Integrate your accounting with software your employees already use to increase productivity

Webcast: 7 Smart Procedures for Projects

2010-02-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

Based on Synergy's newest ebook, attendees of this webcast will learn and see 7 Procedures that help project-driven companies (firms that provide professional services or both services and materials) end their struggle to effectively manage projects and do job costing and financial accounting. CEOs, CFOs, Finance Managers, IT Directors, and Project Managers are invited to register. Webcast is Wednesday, March 17, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Register and Learn More

New eBook Stops the Pain

2010-01-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Synergy has published its second ebook, this one entitled, Stop the Pain: 7 Smart Project Management and Accounting Procedures that Work. It spells out how to safeguard cash flow, project performance, and profit margins.

This easy-to-read ebook is based on years of practice by the authors and their colleagues as solution providers, CPAs, CFOs, and IT directors. There is even a story woven throughout the ebook about a real-life engineering firm that implemented the 7 procedures and eliminated their project-accounting pain. Talk about best practices, this ebook is chock full of them. Check it out and then pass it on to others you think could benefit from it.

Download eBook

Read Press Release

Whitepaper Heaven for Project-driven Companies

2009-12-28T14:52:00.000-08:00

Check out our new Whitepaper page on our website. There's a variety of excellent whitepapers with expert advice on how to improve your project management and accounting, streamline your operations, and/or evaluate software. Topics include:

Profitability
Business Portals
DCAA Compliance
Benchmarking Projects
Software Assessment, Evaluation, and/or Selection
How to Accelerate Your ROI
Lasting Client Relationships
Effective Management of Firms
7 Habits of Highly Effective Projects
How Project Management and Accounting Works in
Dynamics SL

Smart Advice on Project Management and Accounting

Government Contractor DCAA Audit and Compliance Support

2009-12-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Here's some resources for government contractors.

The tasks to meet federal contract requirements are labor intensive, costly, and prone to error. DCAA compliance requires better processes and flexible accounting software. Microsoft Dynamics SL has the flexibility and built-in components that are necessary in an accounting system to meet requirements and pass reviews and audits with ease.

With the help of the government contractor user community, Dynamics SL reports have been developed to make compliance even easier. See the US Government Contractor Report Pack.

Also, find many other resources on the Government Contractor DCAA Compliant Resource Page.

HVAC Contractor Triples Revenue Without Adding Overhead Staff

2009-12-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

Recently I sat down with Juli Valiant, Financial Manager of ATS Automation, and asked her what she liked about Microsoft Dynamics SL. Her answer included four main improvements:

(1) Ability for her company to grow without adding overhead or accounting staff

(2) Company staff becoming much more efficient

(3) Ability to eliminate non-integrated third-party software and a ton of Excel spreadsheets

(4) Allowing them to incorporate their branch offices so all draw on the same database

Oh yes, she was gracious to allow me to turn on a camcorder while she talked. Here's the video:

- Michael Camp - Director of Marketing

Independent Research on Microsoft Dynamics SL

2009-11-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Nucleus Research* evaluated Microsoft Dynamics SL in a 2009 report and gave it great grades and a stellar ROI score. Here are some highlights of its analysis of SL customers using it for project management, project or cost accounting, job costing, financial management, collaboration, business intelligence, and reporting.

Deployed properly, Dynamics SL software can deliver payback in fewer than six months.
Customer: “Our staff is more productive because they can focus on what needs to get done. In accounting, we’ve reduced our workload by 20 to 30 percent.”
Customer: “Our biggest benefit is how much we were able to automate. We would have had to add at least two fulltime people to do what we do now.” [Timecards]
One company was able to increase its cash flow by $100,000 a year, simply by having better visibility and control over its outstanding invoices.
Visibility across project plans and budgets and better forecasting enables managers to more effectively plan and budget for projects.
One company was able to increase its utilization rates by an average of 6 percent.
Central storage of all project data and visibility into that data enables decision makers to easily monitor project status and make adjustments before project costs escalate.

Download Nucleus Research Guidebook on Dynamics SL

* Nucleus Research Inc., NucleusResearch.com

Learn 3 SL-integrated Tools at User Groups

2009-11-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

A great way to get more out of Dynamics SL is to attend a user group. At our November User Groups, we'll highlight some powerful, easy-to-use reporting and inquiry solutions:

1 - AnyView Explorer > An ad-hoc inquiry and reporting application that provides instant access to live data from within the Dynamics SL interface.

2 - Jet Reports > Get all the information you want in Excel! It integrates with your entire Dynamics SL database, including customizations and third-party modules.

3 - BarCode Gateway > Get real-time data collection from the warehouse floor to Dynamics SL. Read about a happy customer!

Thursday, November 12, Bellevue, WA Dynamics SL User Group

Thursday, November 19, Portland, OR Dynamics SL User Group

Using Tools That Fit the Task and the User

2009-10-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here's another lesson for building the healthiest companies:

Your software tools need to be both designed for the job AND fit the experience of the user. When a company takes away the tool people are used to and says, “Here, learn this new tool,” people grumble and lose some of their effectiveness.

The answer is to ensure that all your software tools—accounting, project management, financial reporting, spreadsheets, email, web portals, office productivity, and CRM—can be tied together and utilized to perform key tasks. Then people use the tool they are most familiar with to enter or access data.

For instance, executives, project managers, and office workers won’t need to learn a new unfamiliar accounting program to find real-time data, enter it, report on it, or send out updates. Programs like Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Project, and Web Portals can all be used for tasks related to project management and accounting.

The outcome is improved efficiency, productivity, and employee morale.

Learn more how software tools can integrate

SECRET #3: Set up your tools and people to draw on the same set of data

2009-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from eBook:

How can your people be truly accountable for project estimating, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, management, and decision making without timely and accurate data at their disposal?

How, indeed?

Most of the project-focused organizations I talk to express the need to have confidence in their numbers. “I need reliable, real-time information to make critical decisions,” is a common concern I hear.

When such companies have disparate systems from different departments, they can’t tell which numbers are the most reliable and up-to-date. They live with islands of isolated data that are almost impossible to manage. Since the interpretation of that data is very subjective, department heads might as well arm wrestle over which data is accurate.
______________

To see how to solve this problem, Download eBook.

New eBook Divulges 7 Secrets That Improve Project Accounting

2009-09-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

A new ebook by Michael Camp is now available for download. No form or registration required.

7 Secrets the Healthiest Project-driven Organizations Know That You May Not

How to Access Reliable Information to Control Costs, Create Accountability, and Make Critical Decisions with Confidence

Addressed to Executives, Financial Managers, Controllers, IT Managers, and Project Managers, 7 Secrets reveals the key insights necessary to mitigate project risks and maximize profit margin. By examining how to exploit software and technology tools, it reveals practical ways to avoid the irritating scenarios project-driven organizations typically endure. Whether you already have Microsoft Dynamics SL or not, it's a easy read and will give you ideas on how to improve operations.

Download eBook

Maximize the Inventory Module with Barcode Technology

2009-07-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

For some contractors and make-to-order manufacturers the Barcode Gateway add-on makes life so much easier. We recently helped HydroResources, headquartered in Houston, TX, to implement it. Now, inputting large quantities of their inventory takes minutes. All they have to do is point the barcode gun at the supply piece and it automatically inputs into Dynamics SL. Previously they had to put on paper what they took and then manually key it into the software. This saved them hours of work counting and issuing inventory. Their IT Administrator, Thuyen Ngo, was amazed at the new efficiency it brought. It also integrates with the Purchasing and Order Entry Modules.

- Michael Camp, Director of Marketing

HVAC Company Thrilled Over Advanced Payroll

2009-07-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

I recently helped a Heating/Ventilation Contractor in Idaho implement Dynamics SL Advanced Payroll and boy, were they excited after they saw what it could do. Previously, they had to enter payroll rates manually for their union and non-union employees and certified payroll reports for time-sensitive requirements were a royal pain. The Controller had to regularly take work home on the weekends!

After Advanced Payroll was up and running, they’d simply choose the employee and project and the payroll rate was pulled up automatically. Since this used to be a laborious process for them, they thought this was the best things since sliced bread! The payroll reports were also a piece of cake. This is standard functionality with this module, which is a great fit for project-driven companies, who often do complex labor and time collection.

- Donna Hurst

Partner of Year Finalist in 2 Categories

2009-07-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Synergy is a 2009 Microsoft Partner of the Year Finalist in Microsoft Dynamics SL AND Microsoft Dynamics Professional Services. John Wheeler of Alpha Development had this to say in the first press release:

"Synergy consultants are Dynamics SL experts, some of the best in the business, so I have a lot of confidence in them," said John Wheeler, Controller of Alpha Development, a heavy civil engineering construction firm and Synergy client for the past three years. "They helped us get the most out of our Microsoft Dynamics SL implementation, which has been a huge strategic asset for us."

John has good tips on his blog: http://dynamicsspitfire.blogspot.com

Part II: What You Need to Know About Backing Up Your Data

2009-06-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

What should I keep in mind when creating a Database Maintenance Plan?

The SQL Server Agent service must be running on the server in order to run the jobs created by a Database Maintenance Plan. You can check the SQL Server Agent service at: Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

For SQL Server 2005, the Database Options must be set to Full Recovery for SQL Server 2000 databases. In SQL Server Management Studio: Expand Databases > Right click your database > Properties > Options > Recovery: Model needs to be Full

Be sure you have enough drive space to store the number of backups you decide to create. You can set the drive location on the server for the database backups. The Database Maintenance Plan will manage the removal of old backups per your instructions.

What should I do if a transaction log grows unexpectedly or becomes full? Since transaction logs that do not successfully backup can grow very large, you should reviewing your SQL Logs and Windows Event Log for backup failures regularly. See this Microsoft article on potential causes of large transaction logs.

What else do I need to know about data storage? Selecting a length of time to keep the database backups is necessary. Keep in mind the available hard disk space that will be required to store weeks of database backups could be more than what is available. You should store database backup files for at least 1 week on the physical hard disk. It is recommended to also store backups in another device, such as tape backup. Tape backups allow for a longer retention of the database backup files. See Part I for more.

Find online help files that provide greater detail than this by going to:
Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server > Books Online

- Nannette Dame, Senior Consultant

Microsoft's Commitment to Dynamics SL

2009-06-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Recently, Kirill Tatarinov, a Microsoft Corporate Vice President, voiced Microsoft's commitment to Dynamics SL. He stressed serving SL customers' business needs and requirements through continuous delivery of innovative enhancements and functionality for Dynamics SL. "Your investment in Dynamics SL is secure."

Part I: What You Need to Know About Backing Up Your Data

2009-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Why should I create a database maintenance plan for my Microsoft Dynamics SL databases? Your data is mission critical and you need to protect it for your own peace of mind, if nothing else. If you ever lose data due to drive failure, backing up your database and transaction log gives you the ability to restore everything to a point in time.

What’s the best way for me to do backups? Use a SQL Server backup utility to back up your live databases (.mdf and .ldf). Restoring from these is quick and easy. If you back up to tape, it requires a special SQL Server agent for the backup software and restoring these is often difficult and time consuming. Actually, we recommend you do both with the former being your primary backup strategy.

How should I schedule backups? Always schedule a full backup of your Microsoft Dynamics SL database each work night after most business has been completed. Schedule transaction log backups at a maximum of every four hours. The shorter the time in between transaction log backups, the shorter the recovery time if data is lost. Keep in mind that selecting options like “Reorganize Data” and “Index Pages” will increase the size of the transaction log.

Find online help files regarding backups that provide greater detail than this by going to: Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server > Books Online - See Part II.

- Nannette Dame, Senior Consultant

Boost Performance and Efficiency with Application Server

2009-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Many Dynamics SL users don't realize they have a valuable add-on module they don't use called Application Server. With Application Server, you can be more productive by scheduling repetitive tasks to be done automatically on other machines in your network; tasks like printing of reports and execution of processes. Application Server allows you to:

Email a request for a specific report, generate it, and have it emailed back to you or another person as an attachment, without having to log into SL.

Specify format of attachments, Word, PDF, or Excel

Automatically send reports daily, weekly, or monthly and free yourself up to do other tasks

Automatically generate large reports and print them out at night to be available in the morning

Schedule a Transaction Import at night to be available in the morning

Set up separate server machines to handle different types of processing requests and more people making requests

Maintain an audit trail of requests and events done on machines; quickly check if requests are waiting, processing, executing, or complete

To learn more download a factsheet or contact Synergy support to learn specifics on how to set it up.

- Donna, the Synergy Maven

How to Print Negative Amounts in Red in FRx Reports

2009-05-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Many times when I teach FRx Reporting classes I am asked if FRx has a setting that will print negative amounts in red. FRx does not have that feature built into the software, but there is a work around you can use.

First, for the row that you want to print in red if the amount is negative, set the Print Control (Column F) to NP. Just below that row, you will need to insert two more rows that with a CAL function in the Format Code (Column C). See below:

The CAL formula in Row 1990 above gives the instruction to print the amount in this line if the amount on Row 1960 is less than zero. You will get the desired result if the amount was negative.

The formula in the next row, Row 2020, gives the instruction to print the amount in this line if the amount on Row 1960 is greater than zero. It is formatted to print in BLACK.

Save your Row Format, then be sure that the report is set to not print zero rows:

Your report should now give you the desired result.

- TJ Paulsen, Senior Project Consultant

Analyst at Forrester is Bullish on Microsoft Dynamics

2009-05-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

A Forrester Research Analyst reports that while other vendors are cutting research and development, Microsoft is "more likely to honor its commitments to deliver on its [Dynamics ERP*] road map as promised." The more Microsoft's software framework .Net is utilized the more it allows Microsoft to "take advantage of its technology stack to deliver future innovations in search, data management, content management and other productivity tools."

*Microsoft Dynamics SL is the Dynamics ERP product that best suits project-focused companies.

The Skinny on the Delete Detail Feature

2009-04-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Project Flex Time is a wonderful addition to Project Time & Expense

2009-03-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

If you are using Project Controller Time and Expense and have not yet upgraded to SL 7.0 FP1 - you need to do it now. Microsoft added Project Flex Time and it is fantastic! The previous version limitations of one week time cards has always been a source of angst, but the new Project Flex Time in Time and Expense let's you define your time card periods to match your pay periods. This is a huge improvement to T&E. It is simple to setup and use and your staff will easily pick up the new look and feel.

It comes with FP1 so you don't have to license it and the setup really is simple. Within one hour you can have it functioning for your staff.

The F7 key works MAGIC in Dynamics SL

2008-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

A great short-cut that you may not know about is the F7 key when in any date field in Dynamics SL. If you press F7 when in the date field - the field will populate with today's date, eliminating key strokes.

Also, check out other "short-cut" keys as part of the "edit" menu from the tool bar.

Dynamics SL Report Assistants

2008-10-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lot's of folks don't know about the Report Assistants books available from Microsoft. These fantastic books are now available FOR FREE! from Microsoft for most of the Dynamics SL modules. These books are a must have for any Report Writer in your organization, Crystal or SQL Reporting Services. The are priceless..... They have a screen by screen representation of tables and fields as well as PV Values for all tables. As long as your maintenance is current with MBS, you can download them from CustomerSource.

After you log in, select "CustomerSource" in the drop down menu in the upper left, and click "Go." Enter "Report Assistants" in the Search box, change the Product to Dynamics SL, then click on "Search." Click on "1. Report Assistants for Microsoft Dynamics SL" and the books will appear on the right side to download. The following Assistants are available for 6.5 only:

Project Controller
Time and Expense
Inventory
Order Management
Payroll
Purchasing
General Ledger
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Cash Manager

I cannot recommend you downloading these enough!

HAPPY REPORT WRITING!

New Blog Launch to Help Dynamics SL Users

2008-06-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog! We're Microsoft Dynamics SL consultants and we will be posting tips, tricks, best practices, and helpful information on the use of Dynamics SL and other software with which it integrates. Your comments and questions are encouraged so we can help you maximize your Dynamics SL user experience.