There’s been a lot of buzz about the new Acumatica 2017 R2 release, but I am looking forward to getting my hands on it. None of the hype compares to actually digging in and discovering the functionality for yourself.
I had a chance to attend the Acumatica 2017 R2 launch event in Boston recently, and there are several improvements that have me very excited.
1) Improved dashboards
One thing I appreciate about working with Acumatica is that they listen carefully to customer feedback. We suggested that It would be helpful to have the dashboards that we saw in the demo available upon implementation. Then we could immediately provide those dashboards to our clients without having to custom create them. Acumatica considered our request and delivered dashboards for each of the major modules in the 2017 R2 release. That’s going to be a big bonus for our clients, saving both our time and their money.
2) Choose your user interface
As inevitable as it is, not everyone loves change. The new Acumatica release has a new user interface. But the good news is that you can easily switch between the classic interface that you’ve been using and the new one. So, you have change, but you also have choice. Acumatica is committed to increasing the usability of its product by giving its users choices to help them work more efficiently.
3) Embedded Manufacturing
Acumatica announced that JAAS Advanced Manufacturing Software (JAMS) is going to be part of Acumatica as opposed to an outside ISV product. It’s going to be directly OEM’d by Acumatica. Making JAMS part of the manufacturing edition will make it easier for customers to use. Acumatica partners will be supporting it and training users. Rather than a separate product which needs to be installed and integrated, it will just be a part of the solution and is a great feature of Acumatica 2017 R2.
4) Project Accounting
There is improvement in all of the modules, but especially in Project Accounting which has been simplified and is now more user-friendly.
For instance, if you require a high level of control or flexibility for cost allocations, it is available, but if you don’t require it, you are no longer forced to use it. Project Accounting has been made more convenient for use in simpler projects, but you still have the option to use the more sophisticated allocation models when needed. Again, it’s all about simplifying and giving users choices.
The new version of Acumatica allows you to create pro-forma project invoices that can be discussed with your client before posting. You can review the invoice with your client and make any necessary adjustments; you don’t have to commit to project costs and then later be forced to make adjustments to pad those out. Now, if changes need to be made, it’s an easy fix.
There are also fewer steps required for processing the invoices and posting them to the general ledger. This streamlining also contributes to user satisfaction.
5) REST API 2.0
Acumatica 2017R2 is also more programmer-friendly and more flexible in its ability to interface with other systems. It is called REST API 2.0 standards. It provides much easier access to the interface layer. Previously, before the 2.0 standard, you needed to understand the structure itself before you could really make any headway in terms of being able to connect to that web application.
So, those are the five enhancements that really caught my attention at the Acumatica 2017 R2 launch. .
Our team at CAL Business Solutions is looking forward to taking Acumatica 2017 R2 out for a spin and sharing it with our customers.
If you are interested in evaluating Acumatica Cloud ERP, contact CAL Business Solutions. 860-485-0910 x4 or sales@calszone.com.
By George Mackiewicz, Acumatica and Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner,
