Dynamics GP ExpertsDynamics GP, previously called Great Plains, has a longer history than almost any other enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution written for the Windows OS. Microsoft Dynamics GP is a mature, feature-rich product and is one of the most popular ERP platforms for small and mid-size businesses, with about 50,000 active installations worldwide. A number of organizations who have depended on Dynamics GP for years have managed to defer upgrades to the point that they are now running seriously out-of-date software and outmoded network infrastructure. This can be dangerous. Meanwhile, a common theme we hear from prospective clients is that they have a hard time finding experienced Dynamics GP consultants who can provide in-depth knowledge about how to upgrade their Dynamics GP environment efficiently and derive the most business value out of the application.

The more a business tries to make do with outdated releases of Microsoft Dynamics GP, the more complex the migration process becomes. If server hardware or disk systems fail, there could be no suitable devices available to use as substitutes. When versions of Windows Server that run Dynamics GP reach end-of-support status, critical security updates stop being released. The latest editions of Microsoft SQL Server might not be compatible with your important GP customizations. Next-generation tools such as Microsoft's Power BI may not run. Organizations considering an update of their Microsoft Dynamics GP environment are often intimidated by the number of pieces there are to the project. And the cost quoted for a migration may be through the roof.

Dynamics GP Upgrade and Customization Services Available from Progent
Progent has supported Microsoft Dynamics GP and Great Plains for more than 20 years, and Progent's seasoned professionals have provided high-level and economical online integration consulting for Windows-based environments to organizations in every state throughout the U.S. By offering in-depth experience with all versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP along with world-class network integration skills, Progent is ideally qualified to help your Norfolk, Virginia business optimize the benefit of GP.

We partner with our customers and start by listening to their requirements. Once we have familiarity with the IT environment and the areas needing improvement we make our suggestions. Proposed services can include a migration to a more current and fully supported release of Dynamics GP, simple user education, complete system and specific module configuration including 3rd-party modules offered by a wide range of vendors that have published add-ons to Microsoft Dynamics GP, integration with other critical business software used by organization, custom report creation, and system analysis to determine whether GP is being used optimally. Our objective with every Microsoft Dynamics GP engagement of whatever size is to maximize business value and manage expense.

Progent's consultants can assist your Norfolk, Virginia business in every facet of your Microsoft Dynamics GP upgrade or customization project including:

  • System Assessment
    Review at what modules and features of Microsoft Dynamics GP you are currently running and discuss other capabilities available on GP that may be helpful to your business.

  • Upgrade Design and Timing
    Develop a complete upgrade plan and timetable that avoids business disruption. Plan for solution validation, live deployment, and training. Identify custom development and add-on modules. Anticipate and resolve compatibility issues.

  • Pilot Testing
    Design and configure a test environment for proving the upgrade project.

  • Environment Updates
    Back up databases and dictionaries, eConnect automation, and Microsoft Integration Manager database. eMigrate Dynamics GP to the current version to ensure ongoing support from Microsoft and to make all current features accessible to your organization. Upgrade SQL Server and compatibility levels for all databases. Activate services from the GP Professional Services Tools Library (pstl). Prep data and execute scripts to address known issues.

  • Custom Reporting
    Create reports and or dashboards for private as well as public consumption. Configure SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and combine Microsoft Dynamics GP with Microsoft Power BI for on-demand reporting and for combining data from diverse on-premises and remote sources.

  • Training
    Deliver individual or group training for current and first-time users of Microsoft Dynamics GP.

  • Support Services
    Act as a single point of contact for expertise to deliver effective and cost-effective resolution of issues thanks to close understanding of your specific environment.
Other Microsoft Dynamics GP Consulting Expertise Available from Progent
Progent can provide the help of seasoned experts who have been developing working Dynamics GP and Great Plains environments since version 1. Progent has the skills to do the work you need directly rather than managing less knowledgeable consultants or internal IT personnel. Important areas where Progent can provide Dynamics GP support services include:
  • Recommendations
    Suggest the deployment of modules that come with the core GP platform but are not currently being used. In addition, recommend third-party add-ons designed specifically for Dynamics GP to deliver features that GP doesn't offer.

  • Integrations
    Build special connections between Microsoft Dynamics GP and other strategic applications to reduce redundant data entry and increase accuracy.

  • Customizations
    Build big and simple customizations that work with Dynamics GP to handle various business functions that are not addressed by standard GP modules or third-party modules.
Infrastructure Consulting Services
Progent can help you to upgrade your network infrastructure to accommodate Dynamics GP for any architecture including local, private or public cloud, or a hybrid network model. Network infrastructure services provided by Progent include:
  • Requirements analysis and IT asset inventory
  • Network architecture design and implementation (local, cloud-based, or hybrid)
  • Setting up security gateways and VPN connections and defining security policies
  • Integrating Apple iOS, Google Android, and Windows smartphones and tablets
  • Developing high-availability solutions
  • Integration with public cloud services such as Microsoft 365
  • business continuity preparedness
  • Performance optimization
The Progent Advantage
A modern Microsoft Dynamics GP ecosystem includes multiple software platforms, local network infrastructure resources, and public cloud services combined into a cohesive enterprise resource planning solution. For more than two decades, Progent's consultants have delivered remote and on-premises help from Microsoft-certified experts including Microsoft Dynamics GP/Great Plains consultants, Windows Server consultants, SQL Server consultants, Exchange configuration experts, Microsoft Office consultants, and SharePoint development experts. Progent's consultants have worked with these products from their first releases to their latest editions, and Progent supports cloud-based options by offering Office and Microsoft 365 integration services, Exchange Online expertise, and SharePoint Online migration and development expertise.

Progent also has a long history of delivering support from top-tier Cisco CCIE-certified network experts, Windows Hyper-V integration experts, and VMware virtualization consultants. This experience with strategic IT platforms cuts time and costs when helping organizations through each aspect of updating their legacy Microsoft Dynamics GP deployment. Progent also can provide the support of advanced cybersecurity and compliance experts, business continuity preparedness experts, application developers, hybrid cloud planning and configuration consultants, and database administrators who can help you to design, deploy, and maintain a modern Microsoft Dynamics GP environment.

Progent's Consulting Services for Dynamics GP/Great Plains ERP Solutions
For more about Progent's remote and on-premises consulting services in Norfolk, Virginia for Microsoft Dynamics GP/Great Plains ERP product family, see:

Download Progent's Dynamics GP/Great Plains Consulting Datasheet
To download a datasheet describing the consulting expertise available from Progent for MS Dynamics GP/Great Plains software, click Download Datasheet: Expertise for Dynamics GP/Great Plains Enterprise Resource Planning Software (PDF file).

Contact Progent for Dynamics GP/Great Plains Upgrade Services
If your Norfolk, VA business is looking for a Dynamics GP/Great Plains integration consultant or application developer, call 1-800-993-9400 or go to Contact Progent.