When you notice numbers in the books mysteriously have changed, the likely cause is not a glitch but a rewritten manual entry. Basic accounting software, including QuickBooks, allows users to log in and edit data as needed, without any restrictions or an audit trail. Unless you keep a close eye on your data, these seemingly little changes can create a larger problem—inaccurate numbers and skewed data. Making decisions based on inaccurate data can lead you in the wrong direction and introduce a whole new level of risk.

Growing Pain No. 3:  Lack of Financial Controls & Audit Trails Is Putting You at Risk

When changes are made in QuickBooks, do you know who made them or when and why? If the answer is “no,” you may be putting your business at risk. What about the times when you can’t be there? Not knowing who’s making decisions on your behalf or has the ability to authorize the appropriate decision makers in your organization makes it difficult to protect your business. In addition, lack of insight into certain decisions makes it almost impossible to verify the reasons for the changes or integrity of the resulting data. You know you’ve outgrown QuickBooks if you can’t trust your data or piece together a complete financial audit trail.

With Microsoft business solutions, protecting your data and putting the right controls in place is possible—and easy. You can restrict access to confidential or sensitive data, such as proprietary or customer credit card information, to directors and managers. You also can provide your users with access to the software features that only pertain to their immediate job functions and restrict access to the remaining data and capabilities. Electronic audit features within Microsoft business solutions allow you to track and control data changes. Our solutions can help you protect data integrity, remain compliant and reduce the chance of human error by requiring approvals for certain types of data changes or sending alerts to managers and directors with each occurrence.

Connie Silverman, controller at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, recommends Microsoft solutions for their efficiency, ease of use and built-in access control feature:

By using Microsoft Dynamics GP, we have all the insight and reporting tools that we need to work effectively with outside organizations and give them insight into our financial status. We’ve also streamlined the effort of producing monthly, quarterly and annual reports. What’s more, the security features of our hosted Microsoft technologies are fantastic. We can easily set the proper controls so that only authorized persons can change certain records and so that confidential patron or donor information, such as credit card numbers, is safe from unwarranted viewing.

Take control of your data and protect it with Microsoft business solutions. View this short video to see how Microsoft can transform the way you work. And be sure to join us next week as we explore Growing Pain No. 4:  Your Business Isn’t Moving Forward When You Keep Looking Back. Until then, take a test-drive or learn more about our cloud or on-premises solutions for small and midsize businesses—they’re easier to implement and more affordable than you might think.

This blog series addresses some of the common signs your business has outgrown QuickBooks and how a Microsoft business solution can help you keep growing. If you missed the previous posts in the series, be sure to read about Growing Pain No. 1 and Growing Pain No. 2.

The post Telltale Signs You’ve Outgrown QuickBooks: Growing Pain No. 3 appeared first on Dynamics GP Insights.

The post mHealth: The Next Frontier for Life Science Companies appeared first on Merit Solutions.

Microsoft is rolling out an update 1.4 to its Social Engagement tool that integrates with Dynamics CRM. The update adds several key features  to Microsoft Social Engagement that Social Media Managers have been clamoring for as well as fixes to already existing capabilities.

New feature 1 - Private messages via Twitter

Let's say a client or customer starts a public conversation via Twitter, and the best response method is not to reply with a public Tweet. You can now send a direct message to the commenter and move the conversation from public to private.

New Feature 2 - Custom Tags

Intention Tags were added previously as a feature of Microsoft Social Engagement. These tags were automatically added to posts based upon the intent of the author. Custom Tags are a new way to manage taxonomy for posts. They allow you to use any word for the tag and can be manually assigned to new posts as they become available in Social Engagement. Custom Tags will increase the value of the dataset as you can now filter posts, assign them to a queue to be worked on or Report based on specific tags.

New Feature 3 - Forums as a Datasource

Not all conversations happen in Twitter or Facebook. Many of them happen in public forums where users directly communicate with each other. A lot of times this might end up as a lot of sympathetic griping between forumers over a misunderstanding that could have easily been resolved had you been aware! Well now you can track specific keywords in forums that you target and receive notifications so that you can proactively monitor and assist your customers

In addition to the above new features found in Microsoft Social Engagement, several existing issues have been resolved with search functions and various UX issues. If you have Dynamics CRM Online and qualify for a free instance of MSE, you should check it out and find out what your customers think of you!

This blog entry was originally published at the enCloud9 blog.

enCloud9 is a Silver Cloud Customer Relationship Management Partner and has worked with Microsoft CRM since 2008.  We specialize in developing custom solutions to meet our clients needs and would love to hear how we can help you with your next project. Contact us today to start your engagement!

by enCloud9

The post Three New Features for Microsoft Social Engagement Drive Better Customer Interactions appeared first on CRM Software Blog.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM isn’t a product or solution that you’d normally think about for STEM, K-12 education. Unlike in a traditional CRM deployment, there are no opportunities or a sales pipeline. STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)  is all about hands-on learning in schools, using math and science kits. So, what does Dynamics CRM, STEM and education have in common?

Dynamics CRM is BIG for STEM and education and has more in common than you might think.

STEM organizations normally support hundreds of schools, thousands of teachers and their certifications, multiple warehouse stocking locations, inventory, kits, kit refurbishments and more. There just wasn’t a solution to fit all of the requirements….until now. We have taken Dynamics CRM to a whole new level and STEM organizations nationwide are benefiting – BIG TIME!

Designed using the Dynamics CRM platform, WIMS for STEM is a custom warehouse and inventory management solution built for K-12 and tracks all aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) hands-on learning centers. The solution is made up of a custom Dynamics CRM solution and an integrated Windows Mobile barcode scanning application.

The Windows Mobile Barcode Scanning App allows seamless integration with Dynamics CRM.  Each task that would be performed in the warehouse can be done using WIMS Mobile.

WIMS for STEM was initially developed and customized to serve the needs of the State of Alabama (AMSTI) and has since been deployed to a total of SEVEN states/districts who serve K-12 (education) including Indiana, Delaware, and New Mexico. AMSTI (Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative) tracks inventory and kits in 11 warehouses across the state. (read the AMSTI case study)

WIMS keeps the majority of the core entities included with Dynamics CRM and removes the unused entities. New entities include schools, teachers, certifications, etc. In the end, STEM organizations can accurately and efficiently track and report on all aspects of their STEM hands-on learning programs.

Now, STEM organizations can go from using outdated database systems and spreadsheets to a Microsoft interface that everyone knows and recognizes. Our WIMS customers rave about how the solution saves them time and money and automates processes that they didn’t even know could be automated.

This is a real solution that is transforming how these science and material centers do business on a day to day basis. Dynamics CRM is playing a large role in the future of education. The US Department of Education states that in a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. These are the types of skills that students learn by studying science, technology, engineering, and math—subjects collectively known as STEM.

There is an emphasis on promoting STEM education experiences that prioritize hands-on learning to increase student engagement and achievement. WIMS for STEM, designed for Dynamics CRM, helps ensure each school, classroom and teacher is equipped with the material to give students the chance to study and be inspired by science, technology, engineering, and math.

WIMS isn't just for STEM and education - WIMS for CRM provides warehouse and inventory tracking for any organization within any industry.

2B Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing solutions that extend Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM). We currently sell direct to end users and through the Microsoft Partner Channel. Our solutions allow customers to manage any kind of resources from kits and products, to lab tests, assets, teachers and their certifications. Need to go mobile? We provide mobile access to data as well as mobile barcode scanning applications. All of our solutions integrate with or extend Microsoft Dynamics CRM which means, the sky is the limit when it comes to technical and business innovation. We know this because we have been implementing Microsoft CRM since 2003 (version 1.2 to be exact).  Want to speak with someone from the 2B team?  Complete the form below - we'll be in touch ASAP!

by 2B Solutions

The post Dynamics CRM is BIG for STEM and Education Nationwide appeared first on CRM Software Blog.

Data is the key to business success in modern times.  You may have heard of “Big Data” or “Cloud Data” recently.  Why is data such big news today?  Because data is power.  The more data you have, the more accurate it is and the more relevant it is, the more you can use that data to predict outcomes.

Have you visited Amazon.com lately?  Have you noticed that the site itself has suggestions for hundreds of products in which you may have interest?  Amazon.com uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from all of its customers in order to help figure out what products you might want to purchase.  This is a great example of leveraging machine learning in your marketing efforts.

There are two primary ways that machine learning can help with data analysis:

1.       Predict numbers – Machine learning can predict outcomes such as sales forecasts.  It can analyze data from previous years and predict what revenue will look like in the future.

2.       Categorize data – Machines can help group data into categories, attempting to find patterns in data and then categorize the data into groups.

How can machine learning apply to a CRM system?  As an example, as your sales team enters opportunities into CRM, a computer then predicts how much revenue those opportunities will generate and the probability of winning those opportunities.

Machine learning is a powerful tool that allows for these types of analysis.  A well-designed and diligently used CRM system can be a goldmine of valuable data which a computer can use to help predict the future of your business.  The more relevant data you have, the better.   

Historically, machine learning has only been attainable for big businesses because of the huge costs involved.  Those times are changing and the technology will soon be affordable for businesses of all sizes. 

Contact TopLine Results for more information about how your existing data could be used to help your business grow.

by TopLine Results

The post Machine Learning with Microsoft Dynamics CRM appeared first on CRM Software Blog.

The Distribution Industry is very competitive.  In order to nurture long-term client/supplier relationships, it is critical that you choose technology that offers the flexibility, control and visibility you need to react faster to client questions and deliver products with greater proficiency.  By implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with commanding warehouse management features, you can be the supplier clients want to work with.  Cloud ERP, like Dynamics GP in the Cloud and Acumatica Cloud ERP offered by Collins Computing, Inc, is a solution that will put you steps ahead of the competition.

What time will our shipment arrive at the loading dock?

1. Can you hold for a couple of minutes? I need to run back to the warehouse to see if the truck has left yet.
2. When did you place the order? Can you give me the confirmation number so that I can pull that order from the file.
3. The truck is currently at mile marker 10 on I-405. Estimated arrival is 9:15.

Do you have that item in stock?

1. I need to check in the warehouse. Can I call you back?
2. That’s not my department. Order fulfillment will send you a backorder notice if we are out.
3. Yes, we have 11 currently in stock with an additional 20 due in tomorrow.

We are undergoing an audit.  Can you provide a report of our last year purchases by lot and serial numbers?

1. I don’t think so. Let me check.
2. You’ll need to send that request in writing.
3. I will email the report right away.

These questions can provide insight into what today’s clients may be looking for in a supplier, such as do you know if the items your client ordered are in stock, where your client’s order is physically located or providing an order history report?  This information is important to you and to your client.

If you can’t answer #3 to all of the above questions, then it may be time to reconsider your business management tools before your client reconsiders their supplier relationship with you.

Changing systems and processes may seem like a daunting task and you should take care when making this decision.  With Cloud ERP, like Dynamics GP in the Cloud and Acumatica Cloud ERP offered by Collins Computing, Inc, you can be the supplier that clients want to work with.  You and your team can access real-time inventory details, know what your client ordered last and what they may want to reorder, know where inventory is located between your warehouse and theirs, and negotiate prices on the fly to build sales.

Turning to Collins Computing and Cloud ERP for help will give you the tools to make smarter financial decisions; wow your clients by knowing them and their needs; and creating client loyalty by showing you care about your long-term client/supplier relationship.

Invest in Collins Computing and Cloud ERP, and we’ll help you to continue building client loyalty and strengthen long-term client relationships.

By Collins Computing, Inc.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Result

Today I was working with my fellow MVP Arend Jan Kauffmann to install his Office 365 integration he showed in our session at NAVTechDays at one of my customers.

This customer has their own application builder license and to our surprise we got this error message.

It seems that an end user license needs explicit object permissions to read the Service Password table.

This is super anoying for users who pay a lot of money to Microsoft to do their own development.

It more or less makes sense for the G/L Entry and Sales Invoice Header table but not for this one.

“You do not have permission to read the Service Password table.”

So be aware of this and Microsoft, please fix this.

The Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Attend CBC 2016!

The Craft Brewers Conference is the industry’s largest annual trade show, with over 10,000 brewery professionals in attendance and representation from 700+ unique craft breweries. This year’s Craft Brewers Conference will be the 33rd edition and is hosting the 20th World Beer Cup. Whether you’re new to craft brewing or one of the industry’s top producers, this is an event you don’t want to miss! Here’s why:

1. What’s Brewing in Philly Tour: Spend the afternoon or evening with Philadelphia’s most iconic breweries, learn about the rise and fall of Philly’s craft beer industry, and taste great beer!
2. 11 Different Seminar Tracks: From brewing operations to quality control and sustainability, the Craft Brewers Conference will offer more than ten different seminar tracks for all of your craft brewing needs. Check out the full list of tracks here!
3. Access to Hundreds of Industry Professionals: Hundreds of exhibitors who can tell you everything you need to know about barrel packaging, bottle lines, business process, industry regulations, and so much more ALL IN ONE PLACE!
4. 163 World Renowned Speakers: That’s right! There will be tons of industry experts speaking about their experience in the craft brewing arena, including Dick Cantwell, Quality Ambassador for the Brewers Association.
5. A Chance to Meet Brewmasters from the Nation’s Top 50 Breweries: Brewers from the Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies list will be in attendance!
6. Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp Across America Party: Everyone is invited to the official kick-off of Sierra Nevada’s famous Beer Camp Across America, which is a series of six different craft beer festivals!

Learn why some other craft brewing experts love CBC, including Sam Clagione of Dogfish Head Brewing and Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing. We hope you’ll join us on May 3-6 for the industry’s largest annual conference. Find us at BOOTH #3109!

Patrick Murray | 207.956.6635 | pmurray@tidestonesolutions.com

The Raleigh couple says they were left with “disastrous work,” including holes in the floor and windows painted shut.

Why is a headline like this funny?  Couple sues after ‘disastrous’ home renovation for HGTV’s ‘Love It or List It’ Has DynamicAccounting been hacked? What the heck does it have to do with Dynamics GP?

From the article: [Bold highlight added]

Per their contract with Big Coat, the couple deposited $140,000 that would be used to pay Aaron Fitz Construction and its subcontractors. About $85,000 was distributed to Aaron Fitz during the overhaul, even though Murphy and Sullivan say they expressed concerns about mediocre reviews seen on Angie’s List.

If you’ve ever worked with GP at all, you’ll know that Aaron Fitz Electrical (Pretty close to Construction!) is the first customer in the sample GP company.

I have “sold” things to Aaron Fitz in The World Online and Fabrikam for years and they almost never pay their bills. Clearly someone should have taken these poor people aside and told them that Aaron Fitz is a fictional entity.

Look, I feel bad for these folks, but at the same time, I’m laughing my butt off. Yes, I have a weird sense of humor, deal with it.

The post Friday Fun: Aaron Fitz strikes again-Couple sues after ‘disastrous’ home renovation for HGTV’s ‘Love It or List It’ appeared first on DynamicAccounting.net.