Updated · Originally published
When discussing with clients the reasons for a change in , I've heard several different responses:
- I have to log out so she can log in, then he has to log out so I can log in...
- The look and feel reminds me of my old Commodore 64
- There's no more room on my toolbar for spreadsheet icons
However the most common reason I get for wanting to change accounting software has to be "I hate my reports". And it's an answer I completely understand. The whole purpose behind an ERP system should be to collect and aggregate different silos of information and provide analysis of that data in a relevant format.
Business owners require information in order to make decisions. That information comes from different areas - sales, accounting, production, etc. If the information being provided to the business owner doesn't effectively aid in the decision-making process, then there is a significant disconnect between the application and its value to the business.
Business Intelligence is a term that's tossed around quite a bit nowadays, and there are several ways that Microsoft has enabled Dynamics GP to provide information in a relevant and useful format. I often compare it to Baskin Robbins and their 31 flavors. How do you want to see your inforamation:
- In an Excel Spreadsheet - OK, we can export and create a custom spreadsheet with real-time data
- With Charts and Graphs - OK, we can customize your homepage in GP to include these items plus key KPIs
- In a Browser - OK, we can create a dashboard specifically for you with information relevant to your position
When thinking of the reasons why your organization should change its accounting software program, I encourage any business owner to consider the information currently being delivered by the new system and ask yourself - "Is it relevant and does it help me make the important decisions that affect the success of my company?" If the answer to that question keeps you up at night, I invite you to contact me and my colleagues at .
Nic Cofield
Jackson Thornton Technologies