Working with many Dynamics GP users over the last decade, I have understandably witnessed both satisfaction and frustration with the system. It has been a solid workhorse for more than 20 years so I can appreciate the loyalty to the solution. However, a lot of GP customers are now exploring whether a transition to Dynamics 365 makes more sense.
There is no simple answer to that question because there are several considerations that come into play when comparing Dynamics GP vs. Dynamics 365. These include implementation costs, customizations and integrations, licensing options, cloud vs. on-premise deployment options, and much more.
Today, I’d like to focus on some of the features and tools I think GP users will really like about D365, particularly ones that help you do your work faster and more effectively. I briefly discussed a few of these in a previous article and we’ll expand on those here as well.
1. Embedded Functionality
Dynamics 365 makes integrations with other Microsoft and third-party applications virtually seamless. From a user perspective, that means most of your functionality is embedded into D365 so you don’t have to switch windows or applications at all. It is just like any other core functionality so you don’t miss a beat. One thing you’ll really like is the seamless integration with Office 365. If you’re in Outlook all day, this alone will save you a ton of time.
2. Dimensional Chart of Accounts
One of the biggest improvements from GP to Dynamics 365 on the financial side is dimensions. Basically, it eliminates the need to create a bunch of separate GL accounts for everything. If your chart of accounts has become a beast to work with, you will appreciate dimensions immensely. Using dimensions makes it much easier to post, organize, analyze and report on your data in a way that’s deeper and more meaningful. You can drastically simplify your chart of accounts gain much more flexibility to slice and dice your data in multiple ways.
Watch for a whole webinar on how dimensions work coming soon (because it’s that cool)!
3. 24x7x365 Access (no concurrent users!)
The way Dynamics 365 subscription-based licensing is structured ends the painful delays of waiting for other users to log out so you can log in. Talk about an instant productivity boost! If you work remotely, you also enjoy secure anytime, anywhere access to all your Dynamics 365 functionality and data across applications and devices.
4. Enhanced Reporting and Analytics
Arguably, reporting is the most important feature for many GP users, and one of their biggest complaints with GP. In Dynamics 365, you have an expanded selection of out-of-the-box reports and templates. You can also use Jet Reports instead of Management Reporter for a more flexible and powerful reporting tool.
Even better, you have enhanced integration and capabilities with Power BI which enables you to consolidate data from multiple sources. Instead of taking forever to create and email separate spreadsheets, management can just login and view their tailored dashboards, drill down into data and create reports on their own.
5. Built-in Customizations and Automation
It’s a rare occurrence to find a GP system that hasn’t been through years of heavy customizations. Dynamics 365 is much more flexible to customize. But you will find that many of the customizations you needed before in GP are already built in to D365, such as automated processes and role-based workflows. You can even use PowerApps to build your own internal apps - with no coding experience whatsoever! Another benefit is that all those customizations in GP can break with every version upgrade. D365 eliminates that issue as well.
6. Effortless Collaboration
Because Dynamics 365 is fully integrated and connected, and accessible from any device (at the same time even), it’s much easier to work together across the company no matter the location. And not just internally, but externally as well with customers, vendors and business partners. Hop on a group chat in Teams... automate your approval process... create an online portal for your customers. The possibilities are nearly limitless.
How else can you improve productivity with Dynamics 365?
My passion as a Customer Transformation Executive at Western Computer is to do just that—help you succeed. If transitioning from GP to Dynamics 365 is something you are considering, let’s talk through it and get you on the right path from the start. Contact us any time to start the conversation.
About the Author
More Content by Cady Jackson
