| Microsoft Great Plains ERP or new name | | | | doesn’t work in your case – you should |
| Dynamics GP requires precise approach in | | | | read samples of advanced ODBC data sources. |
| implementation, user training, initial data migration | | | | Advanced ODBC allows you to create advanced |
| and conversion, reporting, EDI and possible | | | | SQL Select, group and other aggregated |
| customization and interface modification. Microsoft | | | | statements. On MS Windows 2003 Server as well |
| Dynamics GP consultant selection is often critical | | | | as on Vista or Windows XP workstations |
| to the implementing process success. In this small | | | | Microsoft Text driver has known issues and if |
| publication we would like to review data massage | | | | you think it doesn’t do the job – we |
| and conversion recommendations and scenarios: | | | | recommend you to call us in order to help you |
| 1. Data Export from your legacy ERP or | | | | with advanced ODBC driver configuration |
| accounting application. There are few possibilities, | | | | 3. Excel data massage techniques. Here you |
| and this is dependent on your legacy MRP | | | | typically process your initial export text file and |
| application platform. Usually old ERP allows you to | | | | make needed corrections |
| export data in tab delimited or comma delimited | | | | 4. Data Conversion levels. Ideally you should |
| text file format. However cheap small business | | | | import GL Chart of Accounts, Master records, |
| accounting packages might be lacking export tool, | | | | such as Customers, Vendors, Employees, then |
| and if this is your case, you should export data in | | | | you import your work transactions. In some |
| the form of reports. Reports could be further | | | | cases you need to keep restricted number of |
| massaged in Excel and then you should come to | | | | open sales invoices while you are awaiting |
| the next step – Great Plains Integration | | | | collection or payments |
| Manager data import | | | | 5. Great Plains Historical Data Conversion. This is |
| 2. GP Integration Manager. IM can read text files | | | | what we do not really recommend or at least try |
| as well as ODBC data sources. If you are sort of | | | | to avoid that. GP History conversion is really |
| giving up in using IM and thinking that it | | | | tough process. |