This is Part 1 of a series on features in Dynamics SL 2011.Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 has been available for approximately two years now, and at Boyer & Associates, we have upgraded more than 50 of our clients from version 7.0 or 6.5 up to the latest version. Version 2011 Feature Pack 1 has been available since December, 2012, and we have upgraded a handful of our clients to that version as well.We held a client event at the Microsoft office in May of 2013, and I asked the audience how many of them were on version 2011, and most raised their hands. Then I started going through some of the new features that were available in 2011, and asked for a show of hands how many have used that feature, or how many forgot that it was available. … [Read more...] about A Few of Our Favorite Features in Dynamics SL 2011 – Part 1
Dynamics SL Cross Database Queries
One issue that will come up from time to time when working with Dynamics SL using Windows Authentication is being able to access data across databases. Windows Authentication is specifically designed to “prevent” that functionality. In other words Windows Authentication is in place to provide strong security in spite of the ease that an integrated login brings. There is a way around the problem of getting at the data you need while obeying good security practices.The first step is to set up an additional SQL user that you can use to assist with the need to get to the additional database. Grant that user the rights needed to make the queries work. Next, add a modified stored procedure to include a “With Execute” as clause. That is pretty … [Read more...] about Dynamics SL Cross Database Queries
Dynamics SL and Inventory Replenishment Savings
My friend in Houston, TX, Kurt Bradley, a successful Dynamics SL consultant for the past 25 years, shared this story with me. Other than worksheets and “inventory by walking around” there are few lower cost options for distributors suffering through the challenges of trying to figure out what inventory to buy without overstocking.A distributor that is a longtime client has been using Dynamics SL and its predecessor, Solomon III, since 1987. They have kept their business simple and, in the past, had been able to adequately manage stock levels using Order Management, Inventory, and the core financial modules. But, over the course of the past decade, there has been a dramatic shift in their supply chain as domestic manufacturers have … [Read more...] about Dynamics SL and Inventory Replenishment Savings
Payroll Implementation Musings
Jon Augdahl from the Boyer & Associates staff recently implemented in-house payroll in Dynamics SL for a large client with more than 2,000 employees. Implementing a payroll module can be tricky if it’s not correctly, fortunately this was a quick implementation that was completed in just a couple of months., We wanted to share a few things that Jon learned, and some tips that might help you if you decide to implement an in-house payroll system: 1. Staff – make sure that you have adequate staff to get you through the first month or two on the new system, and the last month on the old system. Payroll is the one module where making mistakes can be catastrophic. There will be many changes during a payroll implementation. Data … [Read more...] about Payroll Implementation Musings
Lessons from Implementing HR for a Large Dynamics SL Client
This post will discuss changing or updating the system and processes that affect the most valuable asset your organization has- your employees. Timing and accuracy was on Paul James (Boyer consultant) mind during the entire implementation of the HR component for a large Dynamics SL client located on an Indian Tribe in Northern Minnesota.As you can see above, this nice HR module for Dynamics SL was created in the Dynamics SL toolset so minimal user interface training or integration is needed during the implementation.The most important lesson that became apparent as our project was starting was the need for communication between Payroll and Human Resources. Like many organizations, this firm’s employees’ paychecks consist of inputs … [Read more...] about Lessons from Implementing HR for a Large Dynamics SL Client
Getting Dynamics SL 2011 Working with Windows 8
Accountants hate change and Windows 8 brings us a lot of immediate change. We have a very busy, very technical consultant on our staff that told me he was too busy for Windows 8 and reinstalled Windows 7 on his laptop. What did I do? I bought a Windows Phone. I figured that if I could force myself to learn Windows 8 on the phone, using it on the computer would be that much easier. So I’ve had the phone for about a week and I’m getting used to it. Like most gadgets I’ve missed my iPhone a bit but am making great strides and I love the screen size of my Nokia 920.Below are the steps you need to follow as compiled by Jeff Larson, our Dynamics SL Environment specialist. Jeff is creative and able to get even unsupported environments … [Read more...] about Getting Dynamics SL 2011 Working with Windows 8
How to Add an SSRS report to the Dynamics SL 2011 Menu
This post is a technical post. I should warn you that if you do not do report writing or technical work with Dynamics SL you may fall asleep after the second sentence of the next paragraph. Please forward the link immediately to your more technical counterparts if you are in danger of a slumber episode. You should be able to make it beyond the bullets below regardless of your technical abilities or your attention span.By and large, the process for adding an SSRS report to the Dynamics SL 2011 menu is the same as adding any other report to the SL menu.First you need to create the report, which gives you an RDL file in the case of the SSRS report instead of the RPT of a Crystal Report. Copy that file into the Usr_Rpts directory (in … [Read more...] about How to Add an SSRS report to the Dynamics SL 2011 Menu
Dynamics SL 2011’s Newest Feature Pack
Top Highlights - Dynamics SL Feature Pack 1The Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 FP1 feature set centers on continued Project enhancements, Time & Expense Web Services, and the inclusion of Business Analyzer for Dynamics SL 2011. Here are some of our favorite highlights from this release:1. Hard Close by Module The ability to post to closed fiscal periods can now be controlled at the module level. A new Posting Options tab is added to the GL Setup screen.2. Batch Control report by Module Printing of batch control reports can now be controlled at the module level. The option Automatic Batch Reports is changed to Automatic Batch Reports for all Modules. This prints all batch reports for all modules as before.3. … [Read more...] about Dynamics SL 2011’s Newest Feature Pack
Tips to Understanding the Function Keys in Dynamics SL
If you’ve seen another Dynamics SL user take a shortcut entering data that you did know, you might want to file this post. This post shows what all the function keys in Dynamics SL can do for you.F1 – Brings up the help screen for the screen you are working in. This example show me working in the Dynamics SL Voucher Maintenance screen.F2 – Moves you into a field in the grid to allow you to edit that value. Normally, when you traverse a grid, you are not truly in the fields that you move over. Changes made will be put into the field, overriding the existing value, but you can’t edit the existing value. This function puts you into the field, allowing you to act on the contents of the cell.F3 – Brings up the possible values list for … [Read more...] about Tips to Understanding the Function Keys in Dynamics SL
Dynamics SL-Finding Information about a Field
One problem that comes up frequently for Dynamics SL users is determining where the value in a field appearing on an SL screen is stored in the database. Determining that is actually fairly simple in most cases. When the value is a calculated value that is not stored, this method will not be helpful. To use this method, you must have access to Customization Mode (91.250.00). The customization level will not be significant if you are just looking for information, but you will want to make certain NOT to save any changes that might inadvertently be made.Let’s take as an example the question of where the Type field in the Journal Transactions screen comes from:First, enter customization mode either by pressing the blue button in the … [Read more...] about Dynamics SL-Finding Information about a Field
