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Huge news for CRM users! Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 is now live, worldwide! We are very excited about the newest version of Dynamics CRM because Microsoft has enhanced the software in a number of ways that reflect their ongoing goal of providing the perfect business software. Below are some of the new Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 enhancements we are excited about:
The New User Experience-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 has been designed with an intuitive new interface that redefines the word “productivity”. Designed to be easy to understand and navigate, the layout keeps everything clean and clutter-free, while maintaining easy access to all the tools and capabilities that users need in a timely manner. Drop down boxes at the top of the screen allow constant access to the different areas of Dynamics CRM, making it easy to quickly perform tasks on the fly. Additionally a Quick Create button has been added to allow the creation of records from anywhere within Dynamics CRM!
New Social Capabilities-
The modern world of marketing keeps introducing interesting trends such as the use of social media for optimizing marketing efforts. Dynamics CRM is a leader in this innovation, as it is one of the first CRM applications to integrate with social media tools like Yammer, MarketingPilot and NetBreeze.
Yammer is a social network for enterprises that allows businesses to collaborate and communicate with people inside and outside of their organization. Microsoft has acquired Yammer and integrated it into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, creating a powerful collaboration advantage for users. Access to Yammer feeds within the context of Dynamics CRM allows companies to communicate and collaborate across their entire ecosystem in a way that’s fast, relevant, and available to them when they’re working. Partners, suppliers, etc., can remain up-to-date with each other’s news, activities, insights, and ideas in a collective manner that keeps all parties on the same page.
MarketingPilot is an impressively powerful, tightly integrated marketing solution that was acquired by Microsoft in 2012. It gives you up-to-date tools for marketing resource management, campaign management, media planning & buying, budgeting, and more. The integration of MarketingPilot with Dynamics CRM 2013 gives businesses a complete integrated marketing management (IMM) solution that provides insight into campaign ROI’s and performance like they’ve never seen.
NetBreeze was recently acquired by Microsoft to help businesses analyze and act on market intelligence from social conversations. With NetBreeze, users can monitor sentiment and analyze trends to focus their communications and drive sales. The integration of NetBreeze with Dynamics CRM 2013 gives users the ability to monitor information from a wide array of social media channels such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, as well as 6,000 online news websites, 18 million blogs, and 500,000 message boards, all from within the context of the software they use to work.
Guided Processes-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 contains an amazing new feature that visually guides users through business processes so they can easily see what has been completed, where they are in the process, and what still needs to be done. Predefined and configurable processes help drive employee effectiveness as each stage is clearly outlined, with recommended steps to complete the process. As users move backwards or forwards through the process, they will be presented with a new list of suggested steps accordingly.
Processes within Dynamics CRM are highly configurable. Role-specific process assignments means when a user is assigned a process, they can switch from the default process to a process customized to better fit their role. Companies can customize their software processes to perfectly match the actual business processes they have in place. They can also easily package, export, and import the processes between systems.
Mobility-
A huge trend in CRM, and business applications in general, is the ability to access them from anywhere, anytime, via a mobile device. This trend isn’t going anywhere, which is great news for Dynamics CRM 2013 users, as Microsoft will be releasing a mobile app that is designed specifically for ease-of-use with mobile devices.
Mobile access to your system means you can arrive prepared for any appointment, and allows you to update your notes, records, and tasks while they are fresh in your mind. Using Dynamics CRM on your iPad or Windows 8 tablet, you’ll notice a seamless experience that is consistent across all your devices, driving productivity regardless of what device you’re using.
Phone applications for Dynamics CRM 2013 will be released in the near future that are touch-screen-optimized, so you can visually access all the areas of Dynamics CRM without losing the powerful capabilities that you need.
We are very impressed with Microsoft’s ability to deliver, time and time again, new versions of their software that address all the best areas of improvement with relevant on-point enhancements. In fact, their commitment to software development, innovation, and improvement is something unmatched by competitors, and, in my opinion, a contributing factor in the huge success of their applications.
We think you’ll like what Microsoft has been up to, and we highly encourage you to see for yourself. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 is a beacon of forward-looking innovations, and we have complete faith in its ability to add value to your business.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please use our FREE “Microsoft Dynamics CRM Quick Quote Tool”. This tool gives you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a World Class CRM Business Solution.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 can do for your company, please contact us today to set up a Free Discovery Call or Trial at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at sales@turnkeytec.com.
By Brad Vorbeck & Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP Partner
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 has a new user experience that allows you to view everything you need, where you need it. This new experience is fast, fluid and relevant to what you are currently working on. The intuitive layout makes it easy to get in, get done, and focus on what is most important—your customers.
It’s simple:
Working across multiple accounts and opportunities can get complex. So Microsoft designed Dynamics CRM 2013 with simple features like new data entry capabilities. You can now:
•Easily create any record with Quick Create. This option will help capture key data points for the record being created, and allows users to create records from any point while in Dynamics CRM.
•Quickly add/edit Product Line items with inline editable grids. You can input Product details such as price, quantity and discount directly in the grid on the form.
•Track and manage key people. The inline lookup and editing makes it easy to view who is connected to the record and what that person’s role is. You can even create “New” records inline from within the lookup screen.
It’s efficient:
Productivity was a key focus when designing the new user experience. Dynamics CRM 2013 is organized in a clean, consistent and easy to access manner, which helps prevent distractions and clutter by giving you the information you need in a format that’s easy to understand and navigate.
•The streamlined navigation experience allows access to drop down menus from the top of the screen, making access to any record just one touch away.
Bottom line: Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 has a simple and immersive interface that salespeople love to use and can be personalized with efficient and familiar experiences. Microsoft’s business expertise provides insight and intuition which they implement into their software. Their ongoing commitment to provide consistent software improvements, combined with their experience in business processes, paves the way for the ultimate user experience.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics CRM Quick Quote Tool”. This tool gives you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a World Class CRM Business Solution.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 can do for your company, please contact us today to set up a “Free Discovery Call” or “Trial” at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at sales@turnkeytec.com.
By Stephanie Manning & Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP Partner
When using any type of data-housing software, it is common to eventually run out of storage space. When a company relies on a program to store all of their past, present and future documentation, the need for more storage space is inevitable. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online makes that easy!
You automatically get 5GB of storage space when you sign up for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. For some companies that is enough, but in order for larger companies to remain under 5GB they would have to keep their stored documents to a minimum and delete old files that may be needed in the future. Luckily, with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online you can purchase more storage space from your subscription management page. You will never have to worry about deleting files or running out of storage again!
Another good thing about Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is that when you reach 80% of your allowed storage they will send you daily notifications informing you that you are nearing your limit. You can check your current storage space or purchase more by going to:
Settings > Administration > Resources in Use (or Subscription Management).
If you don’t wish to purchase more storage space, there are multiple ways to reduce the amount of storage usage you use. You can check out the blog that the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Team wrote here for useful tips and tricks on managing your storage space.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 can do for your company, please contact us today to set up a “Free Discovery Call” or “Trial” at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics CRM Quick Quote Tool”. This tool gives you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a World Class CRM Business Solution.
By Stephanie Manning & Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP Partner
Many companies invested in traditional CRM software, unaware of the additional benefits that can be gained with alternative CRM solutions. Perhaps your company, like many others, is trying to make do with its old CRM software in an attempt to justify an unfortunate investment decision. If this sounds familiar, then you’ve come to the right blog.
Turnkey Technologies has created a Trade-In program designed to help companies unchain the shackles of their outdated CRM investment. Rather than continuing to sink money into a dead-end solution, companies like yours can now put those resources toward a new, cutting edge CRM solution that will grow with your business as a life-long asset. This program can reverse your outgoing cash flows by providing a system that generates more revenue than costs, showing your company a true return on its new investment.
There are a number of factors that make Dynamics CRM a better choice than other solutions:
•Deep integration between sales, marketing, and customer service provide your team with the tools they need to close more sales and bring in maximum revenue.
•Campaign tracking helps identify the most effective marketing practices.
•360 degree view of your customers and their history of interactions with your company gives users the complete set of information they need to form personal, meaningful relationships with customers.
•Lead and Opportunity management help your team focus on the most revenue-generating prospects.
•New integrations with social media tools such as Yammer, Netbreeze, and MarketingPilot provide deep insight into customers, their interests, and product trends.
The advanced features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM help improve the three factors that drive nearly any business:
1.Attracting new customers
2.Retaining customers
3.Building deep customer relationships that will ensure future revenue growth.
If this advanced CRM solution sounds like something that could help your company, please take advantage of this trade-in opportunity to get Microsoft Dynamics CRM at a reduced price.
For more information on Microsoft Dynamics CRM and how to participate in our CRM Trade-In Program, click here or give us a call at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting .
Written by Brad Vorbeck at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP Partner
Most businesses can benefit from using Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, but a select few can take it a step further by taking advantage of Microsoft Dynamics CRM On-premise, which supports CRM projects that are more technical and intricate. There are five key questions you can use to evaluate your organization’s best option for a CRM implementation.
Microsoft stays ahead of the game by providing new releases that have been adding additional functionality to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. These enhancements support greater organizational complexity – more users, departments, countries, and lines of businesses. These changes come with greater platform support as well.
Answering these five questions below will give you a great starting point in determining your needs and which type of implementation, On-premise or Online, will work best for your organization.
How many individuals in your organization will need access to CRM?
Will Microsoft Dynamics CRM be used by one department, or companywide?
Does your current business processes map well to “out of the box” functionality, or will you need to customize the solution?
How much data will be migrated from legacy systems?
Do you have any 3rd party applications that will need to integrate with Microsoft Dynamics CRM?
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about what Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 can do for your company, please contact us today to set up a “Free Discovery Call” or “Trial” at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics CRM Quick Quote Tool”. This tool gives you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a World Class CRM Business Solution.
By Stephanie Manning & Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri Microsoft Dynamics CRM & Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP Partner
In the previous blog for our Dynamics GP 2013 Enhancements Blog Series we discussed the new General Ledger enhancements. For this installment, we are going to continue discussing financial enhancements, but with a focus on Payables and Receivables Management. These new features will allow you to work more accurately and effectively when managing your cash flow.
Payables Management
•Edit Payables Information- With this feature, you can change the remit to address ID on existing transactions. This allows you to edit the payables transaction rather than voiding it and starting over for one incorrectly-entered address.
•Reprint remittance forms and check stubs- You can reprint remittance forms and check stubs for posted check payments entered. Since you must keep a transaction history of all the vendors you will be re-creating, these reports will contain all of the details from the original document if the original was printed, the payment wasn’t voided, or if the history wasn’t deleted.
•Voiding reconciled payments- A field has been added to the Void Historical Payables Transaction window and the Void Open Payables Transaction window that indicates if payment has been reconciled in Bank Reconciliation.
•Voiding check enhancements- When you have credit memos applied to an invoice and want to void a payment that is applied to that same invoice, the credit memo or return is automatically unapplied from the invoice and can be reapplied as needed.
Receivables Management
•Define labels for user-defined fields in Customer Address Maintenance- The labels for the user-defined fields that appear in the Customer Address Maintenance window can now be defined so that users know what information to track in those fields.
•Applying unposted multicurrency cash receipts- You can now apply unposted cash receipts to transactions in the same currency as the cash receipt.
•View Checkbook ID- You can view the checkbook ID that a cash receipt was posted to by using the Cash Receipts Inquiry Zoom window.
•Combine or modify customer ID’s- If you want to combine or modify customer ID’s, you can import data without having to manually enter the information by using the Customer Combiner and Modifier window.
These features allow you to work conveniently and deliver smooth and accurate information without having to go through the trouble of restarting your process. With Dynamics GP 2013, you can access more information faster and in fewer steps.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please contact us today at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email us at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please use our“FREE” Microsoft Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool. It will give you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a solution like this.
By Stephanie Manning and Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc.—Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP and CRM Partner.
In previous blogs we talked about the Foundation Enhancements that came with the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. I have decided to do a series of blogs that will contain information about different aspects of GP2013 such as Financial Enhancements, Distribution Enhancements, Human Resources and Payroll Enhancements, and Field Service Series Enhancements. Since we have already talked about the GP 2013 Foundation Enhancements, I will focus this blog around some of the new Financial Enhancements. There are many new financial enhancements but in this blog we are going to focus on the General Ledger.
General Ledger-
Clearing balances of unit accounts during year-end close process:
•To clear the balance for the unit account during the year-end close process you can mark the Clear Balance during Year-End Close option in the Unit Account Maintenance window. If this is left unmarked, the balance account is then carried on to the next year during the year-end close process.
Keeping inactive accounts with zero balances during the year-end close:
You can now specify how to handle inactive accounts that have zero balances during the year-end close process with these three options:
•Delete all inactive accounts with zero balances.
•Keep all inactive accounts with zero balances.
•Delete inactive accounts with zero balances that have no budget amounts and keep inactive accounts with zero balances that have budget amounts.
Viewing status during the year-end close:
After you choose the Close Year button in the Year-End Closing window, a status bar appears, displaying the steps that are completed during the year-end process.
•Near the bottom of the screen, it will say “Step 6 of 7 Complete”
Viewing net change and period balances for unit accounts at the same time:
To view period balances and net change balances for the selected account simultaneously, you will see it set up in the Unit Account Maintenance window like this:
Period—- Net Change— Period Balance
General Ledger batch approval information is stored:
You have the ability to track batch approval information for a General Ledger general journal batch in addition to the posting information that’s kept. You will find this option on the Batch Entry page. Near the bottom it will say:
User I.D— Approval Date
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please contact us today at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email us at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please use our“FREE” Microsoft Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool. It will give you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a solution like this.
By Stephanie Manning and Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc.—Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP and CRM Partner.
There is a common misconception that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions are designed only for big businesses. Ten years ago I would have agreed with that, but advancements over the years have greatly increased the availability of technology for any size business. In fact, there are numerous reasons why small businesses can, and should, adopt an ERP solution to help them run smoothly and efficiently.
Often, small businesses feel overwhelmed by the thought of adopting an ERP solution. Whether the concern be costs, time, or IT resources, the perception is that the project is simply more than the company can afford. As a result, many small businesses continue to manually run operations in programs like Microsoft Excel, greatly increasing the potential for human error as they lack safeguards and compliance rules that can protect companies from incredibly costly mistakes.
Fortunately, advancements in technology have eliminated most of the issues that deter small businesses from looking into ERP solutions. Here are four big reasons why small businesses can, and should, adopt an ERP solution today:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Companies have much more flexibility in regards to the ways they can utilize and access their ERP system. Software as a Service is a software delivery model that allows companies to purchase and use ERP software on a monthly subscription basis. This model allows users to access their system via the internet, eliminating the need for On-Premise servers and in-house IT professionals. Since the company hasn’t invested heavily in the project, they can easily jump ship at any time if they determine the costs aren’t worth it.
Affordability
On-Premise ERP solutions can require costly investments to implement and maintain. However, now that Software as a Service is an option, typical investment costs like IT personnel and infrastructure can be avoided. Data is hosted in the cloud, hardware and IT maintenance responsibilities are put in the hands of the service provider, and costs are brought down.
Faster Implementations
Getting up and running quickly is critical for the well-being of small businesses implementing an ERP system. Furthermore, quick and painless user adoption is a must for businesses that want to keep training costs down. Microsoft Dynamics GP is designed on a platform that is easy to implement, and bolsters a very intuitive interface that looks and acts like commonly-used Microsoft Office products. Users can quickly learn the functionality needed to utilize the software without having to go through months of training.
Ease-of-Customization and Extension
ERP solutions such as Microsoft Dynamics GP are designed with modern, open technology, built with the concept of customization and add-on applications in mind. Interfaces, roles, and processes can easily be tailored to a business, cutting down costs on customization time. Starter and Extended packages allow companies to save money by purchasing a package that meets their bare minimum of requirements without the added costs of unnecessary functionality.
A wide range of functionality can be added to Microsoft Dynamics GP by integrating it with relevant third party applications. This allows companies to pick and choose the functionality they require and build a custom system of solutions at an affordable price.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please contact us today at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email us at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool. It will give you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a solution like this.
By Brad Vorbeck and Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc.—Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP and CRM Partner.
With the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 there have been over 150 enhancements. Microsoft’s team of developers used feedback from their customers and marketing research to determine what needed to be done to make Microsoft Dynamics GP even better than before. These new enhancements make things simpler and put you in a better position to manage your business more successfully.
Smartlist Window-A new submenu has been added to the SmartList menu. You can hide the Favorites Pane, increase or decrease its size, and choose to automatically hide it after selecting a SmartList favorite. You can also use SmartList Designer to create a new SmartList from scratch or based on an existing one.
E-mail Functionality- For companies using Sales Order Processing, this new feature allows you to send sales back order documents and packing slip documents in an e-mail. For companies using Receivables Management, you can now send customer statements in an e-mail message. You can also send word documents in an e-mail with password protection. This requires that the recipient enter a password before editing the document.
Payment Services for Microsoft Dynamics-Address verification is implemented in Payment Services providing an authorization process that validates the card holder billing address information with the merchant bank’s record for the card holder to ensure the card is in the hands of the rightful owner. If the result of the verification is not accepted, the credit card transaction will be voided.
Integration Manager-If you do not have a default Integration Manager database when starting Integration Manager, the Select Database window opens. Use this window to select the database you want to open. You also can mark the Set as default database option.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the wide range of enhancements offered in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please contact us today at 636-237-2280 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 636-237-2280 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email us at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool. It will give you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a solution like this.
By Stephanie Manning and Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc.—Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP and CRM Partner.
Why Integrate?
Today’s customers have a considerable amount of tools at their disposal for researching their future purchases. Consequently, sales teams should be equipped with the tools they need to know their customers and engage them in a way that is relevant and meaningful. Having access to thorough information about customers and products is a crucial element to empowering a sales team. Integrating the back office data of an ERP system with the front-line sales tools of a CRM system gives sales teams the complete, detailed picture they need to properly engage with, and bring value to, the customer.
Integrating Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a simple way to strengthen your sales force. Unique tools have been developed to ease the process and eliminate most of the manual work involved with integrating key data which is already in your system waiting to be used. All you have to do is bridge the gap between the two and your CRM system becomes a high-powered database containing all the information your team needs to interact with your customers.
Some key benefits of integrating Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM are that you eliminate the need for double data entry and improve data accuracy by reducing opportunities for errors. Integrating your GP data with CRM gives your sales team a complete picture of your customer, including their credit limits and all past interactions with your company. This allows you to eliminate the need for staff to constantly pull transactional data when sales people request “account summaries”. Finally, integrating GP and CRM helps you understand your customer’s overall needs and buying trends to improve service during each customer interaction.
Integration also provides additional ways to increase revenue. You can smoothly move customers through the sales process by generating accurate sales quotes, create and execute product-focused sales campaigns that maximize revenue by using inventory and pricing data, and upsell to your customers by suggesting sales items from inventory to pair with their current purchases. Integrating your systems allows greater revenue margins by lowering the cost of selling. The lower cost of selling provides more flexibility on ways that resources can be allocated. Streamlining repetitive order processes and eliminating duplicate data entry frees up time that your sales team can now dedicate to revenue-generating activities. You can shorten your sales cycle by automating your “Quote to Cash” processes. Activities spent between attracting your customer and getting paid can be greatly reduced, which in turn gives your team more time to interact with customers and increase sales volumes.
Retaining customers is made easier with Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM integration. Benefits such as having real-time customer data as you meet with them will help your team deliver a more meaningful sales message. Your customer’s time is important and they will be pleased to see you came prepared by putting in the time to do some basic research about them and their needs.
Business intelligence and visibility is greatly improved when Dynamics CRM has access to the data stored in Dynamics GP. Complex data can be summarized and presented to users to help them better understand the customer. For example, daily order transactions can be rolled up to a month-over-month and year-over-year summary by product class, providing insights into buying trends.
What to Integrate?
Different types of data can be integrated to empower your sales force in various ways. The data being integrated depends on a number of factors such as the total number of products you offer, your pricing policies, the general nature and seasonality of your business, and your current CRM and ERP functionality that’s already rolled out. Ultimately, the data being integrated depends on the goals of your company. However, as a general rule, the following objects should be considered:
Customer Integration:
General account information such as primary address, additional addresses for shipping and billing, accounts receivable details, and credit limits should be considered for integration. Synchronizing this information between GP and CRM helps paint a complete picture and generate accurate sales orders.
Product Integration:
Information such as products, price lists, price list items, and units of measure can be integrated for increasing visibility for the sales team, generating accurate quotes, executing product-based sales campaigns, and automating order processing.
Transactional Data Integration:
Orders, invoices, recurring contracts, and credit card processing are also important considerations for automating and streamlining transactional processes across the business. This type of data integration allows transactions to be generated and documented from the purchase all the way through to accounting and shipping.
Type of Integration
With these considerations in mind, we must now look at one way vs. two way integration. Again, this depends on the nature and goals of your organization. For integration that increases visibility and insight, most “set-up” types of data such as products and units of measure should be managed from Dynamics GP and integrated into Dynamics CRM in a read-only capacity. When automating processes from sales to accounting, Dynamics CRM must be able to “talk to” Dynamics GP to relay the information and initiate processes. For these types of objectives, real-time, two way integration must be considered.
A major deterrent for companies to integrate their ERP and CRM systems is the perceived complexity of the project. This perception would be well-justified if integrations had to be done manually. Fortunately, there is a tool available that was made specifically for connecting Dynamics CRM and other Dynamics ERP databases. The tool is called Connector for Microsoft Dynamics. Connector is intended for an implementation when Dynamics CRM is used to manage business contacts, track leads, enter sales orders, and perform other sales and marketing activities, and when Dynamics GP is used for accounting, managing your company’s chart of accounts, and maintaining customer, vendor, item, employee, and other records.
To make integration even simpler, Scribe has developed templates that integrate key customer-related business processes. The Scribe Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics CRM Template is a highly functional “starting point” for integrating Dynamics GP with Dynamics CRM, from which further extensions and customizations can be made to meet the demands of any business.
Integrating Microsoft Dynamics GP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a great way to enhance the capabilities of your sales team without having to purchase additional software. Combining the two systems creates value that is greater than the sum of each part. The benefits are numerous, the project is cost-effective, and the integration process is simple. Don’t wait to empower your sales team. Have them running at peak performance with better utilization of tools already at their fingertips.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the wide range of functionality offered in Dynamics GP or Dynamics CRM, please contact us today at 636-237-2280 , or email us at sales@turnkeytec.com.
For a high level estimate of your investment in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, please use our “FREE” Microsoft Dynamics GP Quick Quote Tool. It will give you a great starting point for assessing your potential investment in a solution like this.
By Brad Vorbeck and Michael Ramatowski at Turnkey Technologies, Inc. – Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky Microsoft Gold Certified Dynamics GP and CRM Partner.
Michael Ramatowski's Blog 