BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE FOR EVERYONE

Excel Report Integration is available with Dynamics GP 10.0. Its part of the GP 10.0 core functionality so there is no additional charge for Excel Report Integration. However, if you deploy the Excel reports by using MS SharePoint Server 2007, there is an additional charge to do this. What is Excel Report Integration: By default Excel reports are created based on existing SmartList Favorites. These reports use an Office data connection (ODC) to update data at any time. Essentially what you have are Excel reports connected to your SLQ database that can be saved and subsequently opened up again and refreshed at any point in time. This is very different and much better than what we're used to with SmartList where you have to continually export the repot to Excel to get the latest results. Cool! The reports, of course, are available within Great Plains where they can be accessed from the reports list. They can also be generated to a network share or to SharePoint with appropriate security. The dual deployment capability is good example of the Microsoft initiative of providing business intelligence for everyone throughout the organization whether they are GP users or not.

The actual report deployment is a two step process accomplished in the reporting tools setup window. Here a network share has been specified for both the data connections and the reports library so that non-GP users can access the reports.

Users can view the Excel reports and data connections only if they have admin credentials on SQL server and have access to the network share. So security needs to be addressed at the share folder and at the database level. If the reports are deployed to SharePoint, then SharePoint group or individual user security also needs to be setup.

Here are a couple of other things about Excel reports:

You can change an existing Excel report and save the report by using the same name or by using a new name

Say you don't want to use the standard report but you want to create a new Excel report (maybe a pivot chart/table report). You can use the data connection that is provided to create your unique Excel report.

If you want additional information on Excel Report Integration, please see the TechKnowlege article 949524

Don't Forget about Microsoft Convergence 2009

The Power of Possibilities
March 10-13, 2009 New Orleans, LA

This is the annual Microsoft Dynamics conference. It is attended by Microsoft Team Member, Microsoft Partner and Customers.

But why should Dynamics GP Users attend Convergence???

· 65 Dynamics GP specific sessions
· 11 Business Intelligence sessions
· 20 Server sessions
· Don’t forget the Keynotes, General Sessions, Interactive Discussions, and Hands-On Labs
· Of course the Sponsors and Exhibitors

Session will include information on Business Portal, Workflow, Sharepoint, Excel Reports, Extending your solution, Security, Electronic Banking, Advanced Tips & Tricks, Troubleshooting, and many more.

In addition there will be a sneak peak at Dynamics GP 11.0. What are they planning???? I cannot wait to find out.

DATE AND VENUE
March 10-13, 2009
Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.mccno.com

PRICING
Regular Price = $1495
Group Discount is $100 off 3rd and more

Don't miss out - REGISTER TODAY!!!

Don't forget about CustomerSource

Over the years I have answered many support calls that the client could have answered themselves with just a simple search in CustomerSource. Of course I have no problem answering support calls and helping clients, but I know everyone is watching their budget and looking for places to cut. Unfortunately they sometimes cut out support when they do not realize they have access to CustomerSource and they can use the self support.

Of course using CustomerSource requires that you have an active service plan. If you have an active plan you will get access to all of the following areas:

• News and Events
• My Account
• Support
• Downloads and updates
• Technical content
• Product information
• Service plan information
• Training and certification
• Microsoft Dynamics newsgroups
• Solution Finder

In my opinion the top two areas are Support and Training. In the Support section you have access to technical resources including Automated Solutions, Hot Topics and Microsoft KnowledgeBase. The KnowledgeBase is the same database used by the technical support team at Microsoft. Training give you access to searchable lists of classroom training, unlimited access to several e-learning classes and downloadable training material.

These are just a few highlights of CustomerSource. I could write several pages on the value of CustomerSource, but seeing is believing. You need to login and take a look. To access CustomerSource simply go to www.microsoft.com/dynamics/customersource.mspx. On this page you can login if you currently have access or you can take a tour of the features. CustomerSource login is controlled by using Microsoft Live login. Also either your company administrator, partner or Microsoft support will need to activate your account and send you an invitation.

Remember CustomerSource requires an active service plan, so if your plan has lapsed you need to contact your partner to renew prior to using CustomerSource.