Moving to SAP Business One from Great Plains Steps and Recommendations

 The likely reason of such migration is outdated version of Great Plains Dynamics and inability to upgrade. Customers on older ERP version typically do not have current support plan with Microsoft Business Solutions and do not have new version registration key for upgrade.

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Sometimes the reason might be quite exotic.  One of the multinational companies with facility in Brazil figured out that GP is not localized in that country.  SAP B1 was chosen to be implemented over there with overnight GL entries integration to their Corporate ERP Great Plains via Integration Manager.  SB1 was liked by accounting folks that later on the whole group was moved to Business One.  The project requires planning and scope definition for each phase.  Let’s take a look at the phases:

1. Data Conversion phase and recommended scope.  We recommend only modest and in some cases moderate data migration from old ERP into new one.  Consider just bringing over customers, vendors, inventory items, GL accounts and initial balances.  We always try to discourage customers from deep historical documents migration.  One of the reasons is the method of historical record migration.  You have to imitate data entry and saving and this method not only creates record in one table.  It has to create also GL entry plus update Inventory quantities and summary for the business partner.  Data Transfer Workbench is the tool to do the job.  Here you typically fill up CSV templates in MS Excel.  If your legacy accounting contains millions of historical Sales orders it might be impractical to fill them in Excel template.  Even when you have CSV file prepared millions of documents creation via DTW might have your server works multiple hours.  And finally consider the need to make several iterations meaning restoring company database from pre-migration backup and start over.singapore bookkeeping

2. Exporting data from GP.  There might be several methods to consider.  If your legacy version is hosted in MS SQL Server it is easy to export via SQL Select statement.  If this is Pervasive SQL Server or former Btrieve it is possible to establish connection via ODBC and issues Select statements in Control Center or use something like Microsoft Access with linked tables.  Btrieve ODBC requires DDF files: Fields.ddf, Files.ddf and Indexes.ddf.   There is GenDDF.set file please see DDF files generation instructions.  If you are on Great Plains Accounting DOS there might be a challenge in producing DDF files as well as exporting from tables as resulting rows have a mix of legitimate ones and the rows with unreadable characters.  This strange mixture is probably attributed to the fact that one Btrieve file may host several relative tables and the alien rows are coming from the co-hosted tables.  After making unsuccessful attempts exporting from GPA for DOS customers typically appeal to another method.  Alternative to pulling rows via ODBC connection is printing report into the text file and then cleanse rows there.  We usually import the text file into custom MS SQL table and do further cleansing in SQL View

3. Settings and possible custom programming.  The good news about Business One is the fact that you can add user defined fields to existing table.  Such existing table as OINV1 which stored Sales Invoice lines is popular in being extended with User Defined fields.  Programming is not necessary required if all you need are user defined fields and tables with data entry interface to these new user defined objects.  However you often end up with programming in Software Development Kit.  Coding might be done in Microsoft Visual Studio C# or VB with code samples available in SDK.  It is possible to wrap your SDK code into web service and make it available for call from Linux with PHP/MySQL which is very popular in custom ecommerce hosting.  We do recommend you to review possible procedural way to do what you expect to be programmed in SDK.  SAP BO is pretty flexible and customizations are often abandoned in the future as user and consultants discover the way to do it directly in the user interface

4. Reporting.  Crystal Reports is recommended in managerial reporting.  Financial reporting is pretty advanced directly in B1 and virtually everything is exportable into Excel format.  SAP acquired Business Object and now Crystal is recommended over Excel reporting.  Good taste for programmer to begin Crystal Report design with SQL View or Stored Procedure creation and testing prior to opening CR designer tool itself.  If you are implementing SB1 for international branch with the intention to be consolidated in FRx or Microsoft Management Reporter in Corporate ERP on Microsoft Dynamics platform then there are two strategies.  First strategy is export GL Trial balance to Excel and use it in Consolidated P&L or Balance sheet.  Second option is as we already mentioned in the introduction overnight GL transaction level synchronization

Top 10 Digital Trends in The Global Business Solutions Model

 From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) to the increasing importance of data privacy and cybersecurity, the trends are transforming the way businesses interact with their customers and operate daily.

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Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way businesses operate by automating tasks and providing insights and predictions based on data analysis. The internet of things is also playing a significant role in the global business solutions model by connecting devices and systems to the internet,Top 10 Digital Trends in The Global Business Solutions Model Articlesenabling real-time data collection and analysis. 

With the increasing importance of data privacy and cybersecurity, businesses must also prioritize protecting their customers' personal information and securing their systems from cyber threats. These trends are not only changing the way businesses operate internally, but also how they interact with their customers. singapore bookkeeping

10 Digital Trends of Global Business Solutions

Businesses can use AI-powered chatbots to provide instant customer service or use IoT-connected devices to improve the customer experience. As these trends continue to evolve, Global Business Services need to stay up to date to survive in the market.

To delve deeper, check out the top 10 digital trends of the GBS model:

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the use of cloud-based services to store, process, and access data and applications over the internet, rather than using local servers or personal devices. Cloud computing allows businesses to access and use computing resources on an as-needed basis, eliminating the need to invest in and maintain physical infrastructure. It also allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and accessibility, as users can access cloud-based services from any device with an internet connection.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) refer to the use of algorithms and data to allow computers to learn and perform tasks without explicit instructions. AI and ML can be used to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make predictions, which can help businesses make more informed decisions and improve processes. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things refers to interconnected physical devices, such as appliances and sensors, through the internet, allowing them to collect and share data and perform tasks automatically. The IoT allows businesses to gather and analyze data from a variety of sources, enabling them to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make more informed decisions. For example, IoT-enabled devices can be used to track inventory levels, monitor equipment performance, and optimize energy usage.

Big Data and Analytics

Big data refers to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of large datasets to gain insights and make data-driven decisions. Big data analytics involves using tools and techniques to extract value from these datasets, such as identifying trends, predicting outcomes, and optimizing processes. Businesses can use big data and analytics to gain a competitive advantage by making more informed decisions, improving customer experiences, and identifying new opportunities for software development services.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of digital systems and networks from threats such as data breaches, malware, and hacking. As businesses increasingly rely on digital systems and the internet to operate, cybersecurity has become a critical concern. Cybersecurity measures can include data encryption, authentication protocols, and network security protocols to protect against unauthorized access and attacks. Businesses can also implement security awareness training programs to educate employees on how to recognize and prevent cybersecurity threats.

Mobile And Web-Based Applications

Mobile and web-based applications are software programs designed to be used on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Apps can provide users with access to information and services, such as messaging, social networking, and e-commerce, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business. Mobile and web-based apps can help businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction by providing convenient and easy-to-use access to information and services.

Virtual And Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) refer to the use of technology to create immersive, computer-generated environments or to enhance the real world with digital elements. VR and AR can be used in a variety of business applications, such as training, product demonstrations, and marketing. For example, VR can be used to provide immersive training simulations, while AR can be used to provide interactive product demonstrations or to enhance in-store experiences.

Social Media and Digital Marketing

Social media refers to online platforms that allow users to share content, such as text, images, and videos, and to connect with others. Digital marketing refers to the use of online channels and tactics, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and email marketing, to reach and engage with customers. Social media and digital marketing can help businesses to build brand awareness, generate leads, and convert sales.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that allows transactions to be recorded and verified securely and transparently. It uses a distributed network of computers to validate and record transactions, eliminating the need for a central authority. Blockchain can be used in a variety of business applications, such as supply chain management, financial transactions, and contract management.