-->

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Everything Dynamics GP #42

MSDynamicsWorld’s Decisions Fall 2011 Have you registered yet ?

Now you can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

GP

Business Analyzer / Lync

ISV

Events

Payroll

Database/SQL

Reporting

Other Interesting Stuff

Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
Blog : www.jivtesh.com
GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Using Lync with Business Analyzer for Microsoft Dynamics GP to collaborate effectively

Yesterday, I had a video showing how awesome Business Analyzer is running on a Windows Touch Tablet. Today, I teamed up with Rubal to show you how you can use Lync with Business Analyzer to make things even more awesome. All this time, I am using the Windows Tablet running Business Analyzer and Lync.

Business Analyzer has over 256 reports.  Using the integration with Lync you can assign certain people as contacts, to specific reports. After that you can use the Lync messenger/Email to collaborate on reports with them.

In the video below, I connect with Rubal who is a contact for the Customer Sales report. After that we have a video call via Lync, and she shares her screen to further drill down on the report in GP. The ‘wow moment’ is when she can drill back to Dynamics GP 2010 from the report to view Sales Person details.

Watch the video here - http://youtu.be/KyG-zZTPnX0

Below are some screenshots -

Rubal’s name shows up with the Customer Sales report as she has been added as a Contact with that report.

clip_image001[10]

From here, I can easily bring up the Lync Messenger window and get in touch with Rubal

clip_image001[8]

Once connected, Rubal shares her screen

clip_image001[6]

She drills down on the report, and the sales person link takes us back to Dynamics GP

clip_image001[4]

clip_image001

If you are still getting started with Business Analyzer – sign up for my Business Analyzer presentation at DECISIONS 2011 

PS - I am using the Acer Iconia W500 in these videos.  You can check out my comparison of iPad 2 with Acer Iconia W500

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dynamics GP Business Analyzer on a Windows Touch Tablet

  • Part 1 : 46% consumers would prefer a Windows Tablet to an Android/iPad (but 98% buy an iPad ?)
  • Part 2 : Dynamics GP Business Analyzer on a Windows Touch Tablet
  • Part 3 : Using Lync with Business Analyzer for Microsoft Dynamics GP to collaborate effectively
  •  

    A little while back a GP Admin mailed me saying that their top management were being gifted iPads, so they could stay on top of the latest reports and data from Microsoft Dynamics GP, easily.

    I suggested various options, the simplest being - automated emailing of the reports, which could then be reviewed on the iPads.

    However, the lack of interactivity was a problem. The management wanted to drill down on the data – and connect with specific department heads about specific reports on a monthly basis.

    The next solution was using VNC to connect to their main computers, from where they could access the data. Display resolutions problems, and the performance – meant this was not a viable solution either.

    At this point I said - “Do you want a solution that will require minimal setup, training, would work out of the box and will save you guys money ?”

    The answer was an emphatic - “YES!”

    I suggested using Business Analyzer on a Windows Touch Tablet. Having personally tested this out – I know this works like a charm.

    • You can navigate between charts and reports via touch
    • You can drill down on reports
    • You can easily assign specific contacts for reports, and call them, or share the screen with them while reviewing a particular report.

    I’ve made a couple of videos using Business Analyzer on a Windows Touch Tablet (Acer Iconia W500). The first video shows how easy, and convenient it is to use Business Analyzer on a Windows Tablet.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd2uPxoHbec 

     

    Below are a couple of screenshots, but I encourage you to check out the video -

    image

     

    image

    I tested this on a slow wi-fi connection, and this worked well for me. However, if you are looking to use Dynamics GP on your Windows Tablet as well, I would recommend a hi-speed connection. The Iconia has a ethernet port as well, which would come in handy in such cases. Read David Musgrave’s post for details - Why can't I run Microsoft Dynamics GP via ODBC over a WAN? - Developing for Dynamics GP

    I love my iPad, and easily recommend it to people as an awesome toy. However if you are planning to get work done – and considering it over a Windows Tablet – you are probably making a mistake. Read my comparison of iPad 2 with Acer Iconia W500

    If you are still getting started with Business Analyzer – sign up for my Business Analyzer presentation at DECISIONS 2011

    46% consumers would prefer a Windows Tablet to an Android/iPad (but 98% buy an iPad ?)

  • Part 1 : 46% consumers would prefer a Windows Tablet to an Android/iPad (but 98% buy an iPad ?)
  • Part 2 : Dynamics GP Business Analyzer on a Windows Touch Tablet
  • Part 3 : Using Lync with Business Analyzer for Microsoft Dynamics GP to collaborate effectively
  •  

    I was shocked when I read last week that - iPad and iPad 2 represent 98% of all tablet activations.

    Earlier this year a reports from Forrester concluded “Only 9% of consumers considering buying a tablet actively prefer an Android tablet — compared with 16% who prefer iOS and 46% who prefer Windows.” This was echoed by a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report earlier this month – “42 percent of U.S. consumers would like to buy a tablet that runs Microsoft’s operating system. That makes it the most desired OS by a significant margin, trailed by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.”

    I was wondering, how come people want a Windows Tablet more than anything, and iPad is leading with 98% activations ?

     

    First of all, the complete report claiming 98% dominance of iPad in the Tablet Market, states they have NOT taken - “BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 activations into consideration.” Its not exclusively stated, but I don’t think Windows Tablets are taken into account either.

    Second, I think the marketing of Windows Tablets is so poor, it is really holding back the sales. There are good devices out there, people just don’t know about them yet.

    iPad 2 Vs Windows Tablet (My Experience)

    I was gifted an iPad 2 by Rubal,  after she tool pity at my saying “oh Man, I want an iPad 2” a million times in front of various people. Initially, I bought all the productivity apps like Good Reader, Pages, VNC Apps thinking I would use this for work, as well. However, after a few months I only use it for – browsing, reading (Kindle app), and playing games (Ticket to Ride, Cut the Rope, Scrabble). I have realized, if I wanted to send an illustrated email or write a blog post, it would take me 1/10th the time on my PC. 

    I did not want a Windows Tablet, but hearing about them from others, reading all the 5 star reviews and trying one out at a store– made me buy the Acer Iconia W500. The iPad is a great toy, and the Windows Tab is great for work. Last weekend, while visiting my parents – I took the Windows Tablet instead of the iPad. While reading a book on the Kindle App, when I had an idea – I was able to call a friend on Skype, share screens, and work on a document together. Try doing that on an iPad.

    Later I was able to watch some videos from a training site (they only have flash videos). I know HTML 5 is the future, but I hate it when I have to bookmark a video on the iPad because its only in flash.

    If you read just the news, you might have the impression that I had - till Windows 8 comes out, you are stuck with iPad / Android Tablets. However, having used a Windows Tablet – I think a Windows Tablet is a viable option, right row. If you plan to get some work done, a Windows Tablet like the Iconia is the more efficient, and cost effective option.

    It took me more than a week to research about various apps I needed to be productive on the iPad (Goodreader, VNC apps, document editing apps). However, on the Windows Tablet, I was up and running in a couple of hours, and able to do things I still can’t do on my iPad!

    Below is my summary comparison after having using both an iPad 2 and a Windows Tablet (Acer Iconia W500).

     

     

     

    iPad 2

     image

     

    Vs

    Acer Iconia (Windows Tablet)

     image

     

    image

    Note : I am comparing “out of the box” features. I know you can buy an add-on keyboard dock foro iPad 2 or buy a camera connection kit.

    In the iPad’s favor – it is lighter, and has better games. Its popular with the kids and the grandparents.

    However, in everything else the Acer Iconia W500 beats it hands down. In the past few weeks everybody who has seen me use my Iconia has said something to the effect – “Thank you for showing me this!  I was thinking of which Tablet I should buy, and this seems like just what I want.”

    If you are still not sure – ask your friend carrying an iPad  to do this– dock two windows/apps side by side. 

    SNAGHTML3153a71a

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Friday, October 21, 2011

    Everything Dynamics GP #41

    Microsoft Dynamics business grew 17% in the quarter starting since July.  See the details at Microsoft Reports Record First-Quarter Results, Including Dynamics Growth | MSDynamicsWorld.com 

    Now you can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Events

    ISVs

    Reporting

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Troubleshooting

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Wednesday, October 19, 2011

    Everything Dynamics GP #40

    The Five Best Features of Dynamics GP that You're Probably Not Using (Maurice Bokhart) – How many are you using ?

    Now you can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Events

    Troubleshooting

    Reporting

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Friday, October 14, 2011

    Everything Dynamics GP #39

    Terry Heley (MSFT) has the updates - 2011 Year-End What and When is Microsoft Dynamics GP Releasing? 

    You can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Events

    Word Templates

    Reporting

    ISVs

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Wednesday, October 12, 2011

    Making Productivity Engaging – Ribbon Hero 2!

    image

    From Microsoft Office Labs – Ribbon Hero 2. My first reaction was – why would they make Clippy again! Then I saw the “Clippy’s second chance” on the home page – its back, as a game.

    It begins with this very funny comic strip -

    Ribbon Hero 2, Clippy's Second Chance_2011-10-12_13-13-34

     

    This is fantastic stuff, very creative.  Here’s an introductory video -

     

     

    Get it now - http://www.ribbonhero.com/

    Wondering how I never heard about it, I searched www.GPWindow.com and found out that - Mark Polino had blogged about first “Ribbon Hero” back in Jan 2010 - http://msdynamicsgp.blogspot.com/2010/01/learn-office-easy-way.html

    More Info : http://www.slideshare.net/gzicherm/sarah-faulkner-bringing-games-to-the-enterprise-how-microsoft-ribbon-hero-makes-productivity-engaging

    Tuesday, October 11, 2011

    Everything Dynamics GP #38

    There is a lot of buzz around GPUG Summit 2011 and Decisions Fall 2011. Go register, if you haven’t already.

    Now you can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Events

    Dynamics GP Workflow

    Database/SQL

    Payroll

    Word Templates

    Troubleshooting

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Monday, October 10, 2011

    DYNDeveloper.com

    Steve Gray – the guy behind VSToolsForum, and 4Penny has started a new website - http://www.dyndeveloper.com/

    This site has video tutorials, code examples, an excellent forum and lots more. Check it out!

    As an introductory offer, they are offering a free trial.

    Wednesday, October 5, 2011

    Everything Dynamics GP #37

    At the Inside GP Blog, there is information about two great offers for Dynamics -  Two new offers announced, see further details at New FY12 Offers Available for New & Existing Microsoft Dynamics ERP Customers

    You can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Events

    ISV/Dynamics GP Add-On Products 

    SQL/Database

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Troublehooting/Errors

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)

    Monday, October 3, 2011

    Dynamics GP and 64 bit support

    There are often questions about compatibility of 64 bit systems with Dynamics GP.

    Below is a summary of the common questions for GP 2010 (Please refer to the System Requirements Page for the latest updates)

    The following 64 bit Windows Clients are supported

    • Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition
    • Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition SP 2 or later
    • Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition SP 2 or later
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP 3 or later

    The following features are NOT supported

    • Rapid Migration Tool
    • FRx 6.7
    • FRx Forecaster 6.7

    The following features are supported

    • Management Reporter
    • FRx Forecaster 7.0

    E-Mail Functionality / Word Template Generator

    • Office 2007 32 bit, and Office 2010 32 bit are supported
    • Office 64 bit is NOT supported

    For details refer to the Technology Requirements for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 and Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Features

    Everything Dynamics GP #36

    The awesome Mark Polino and Sivakumar Venkataraman have both been re-awarded as Microsoft Dynamics GP MVPs! Now is a good time to thank both Mark and Siva for the great work they do in helping people with Dynamics GP.

    I was away last week on a break – so get ready for a HUGE update!

    Now you can subscribe to Everything Dynamics GP via email

    GP

    Financial

    3rd Party/ISV

    Administration/ Troubleshooting

    Payroll

    Events

    eConnect

    Cloud

    Reporting

    Marketing

    Other Interesting Stuff

    Dynamics GP Videos of the Day

    Jivtesh (Microsoft Dynamics GP MVP)
    Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist: GP 2010
    Have any GP related questions ? Feel free to email me at Jivtesh AT gmail.com
    Blog : www.jivtesh.com
    GP Help Website : www.gpwindow.com (Over 10,000 Dynamics GP Resources)