Great Plains Accounting Software

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Great Plains Accounting Software

Running a business is like navigating a complex maze. You need the right tools to see the path forward, manage your resources, and ultimately, reach your goals. That’s where accounting software comes in. And if you’re looking for a robust, reliable solution, Great Plains Accounting Software might just be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.

What is Great Plains Accounting Software?

Great Plains, now known as Microsoft Dynamics GP, is a comprehensive business management solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It offers a wide range of modules that cover various aspects of your business, from financials and supply chain management to manufacturing and human resources.

Key Features and Benefits of Great Plains

So, what makes Great Plains Accounting Software stand out from the crowd? Here’s a closer look at some of its key features and benefits:

  • Comprehensive Financial Management: Manage your general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, and fixed assets with ease. Gain real-time visibility into your financial performance and make informed decisions.
  • Supply Chain Management: Streamline your supply chain operations, from purchasing and inventory management to sales order processing and fulfillment. Optimize your inventory levels, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Manufacturing Management: If you’re in the manufacturing industry, Great Plains offers robust features for managing your production processes, including bill of materials, work orders, and capacity planning.
  • Human Resources and Payroll: Manage your employees, track their performance, and process payroll efficiently. Stay compliant with labor laws and regulations.
  • Business Intelligence and Reporting: Gain valuable insights into your business with powerful reporting and analytics tools. Track key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Customization and Integration: Great Plains is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific business needs. It also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, Great Plains can scale with you. You can add more users, modules, and features as needed.

Who is Great Plains Accounting Software For?

Great Plains Accounting Software is a great fit for businesses that:

  • Are small to medium-sized (SMBs).
  • Need a comprehensive business management solution.
  • Want to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
  • Require robust financial management capabilities.
  • Need to manage their supply chain effectively.
  • Are in the manufacturing industry.
  • Want to gain better insights into their business performance.

Is Great Plains Still Relevant?

While Microsoft has shifted its focus to Dynamics 365, Great Plains Accounting Software (Dynamics GP) is still a viable option for many businesses. Microsoft continues to support Dynamics GP with regular updates and enhancements. Many companies have invested heavily in their Dynamics GP implementations and are happy with the functionality it provides.

Dynamics GP vs. Dynamics 365: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand the difference between Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365. Dynamics GP is an on-premises solution, meaning it’s installed on your own servers. Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution, meaning it’s hosted in the cloud.

Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Deployment: GP is on-premises, while Dynamics 365 is cloud-based.
  • Cost: GP typically has a higher upfront cost, but lower ongoing costs. Dynamics 365 has lower upfront costs, but higher ongoing subscription fees.
  • Customization: GP is highly customizable, while Dynamics 365 offers more limited customization options.
  • Integration: Both GP and Dynamics 365 integrate with other Microsoft products.
  • Updates: GP requires manual updates, while Dynamics 365 is automatically updated.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Software

Choosing the right accounting software is a critical decision for any business. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Your Business Needs: What are your specific accounting and business management needs? Make a list of the features and functionality that are most important to you.
  • Your Budget: How much can you afford to spend on accounting software? Consider both the upfront costs and the ongoing costs.
  • Your Technical Expertise: Do you have the technical expertise to manage an on-premises solution like Great Plains? Or would you prefer a cloud-based solution like Dynamics 365?
  • Scalability: Will the software be able to scale with your business as it grows?
  • Integration: Does the software integrate with other systems you use, such as your CRM or e-commerce platform?
  • Support: What kind of support is available from the software vendor?

Getting Started with Great Plains Accounting Software

If you’re interested in learning more about Great Plains Accounting Software, here are some steps you can take:

  • Contact a Microsoft Partner: A Microsoft Partner can help you assess your needs, recommend the right solution, and implement the software.
  • Request a Demo: Ask for a demo of Great Plains to see how it works and whether it’s a good fit for your business.
  • Read Case Studies: Read case studies of other businesses that have used Great Plains to see how it has helped them.
  • Get Training: Once you’ve implemented Great Plains, make sure your employees receive proper training on how to use the software.

The Future of Great Plains

While Microsoft is heavily invested in Dynamics 365, they continue to support Dynamics GP. Many businesses still rely on Dynamics GP for their core accounting and business management needs. The future of Great Plains likely involves continued support and integration with other Microsoft products, allowing businesses to leverage the best of both worlds – the robust functionality of Dynamics GP and the cloud capabilities of Dynamics 365.

Conclusion

Great Plains Accounting Software (Dynamics GP) remains a powerful and reliable solution for small to medium-sized businesses. While the landscape of business software is constantly evolving, Dynamics GP offers a proven track record and a wealth of features to help you manage your finances, streamline your operations, and grow your business. Whether you’re considering a new accounting system or looking to upgrade your existing one, Great Plains is definitely worth a look. Just remember to carefully evaluate your needs and choose the solution that’s the best fit for your unique business requirements. Good luck!