Happy Holidays!

Microsoft Office Tip Of The Month

If you need to run a project with a column to show the days until a task is due, you can use the “=TODAY()” function.  Then you can use the column to compare to the due date and show (by color) which activities are nearing (or past) their due date!

Successful on-site Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Training Session

Wrapped up an on-site Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Training Session yesterday. We just love to arm our clients with tips to facilitate a successful Year-End Close!

Contact us if you have questions on the steps you should be taking to prepare for Year-End Close and/or new releases.

What is ERP Software?

What does it mean when we say “At Collins Computing, we provide experienced talent and proven technologies for small to mid-sized businesses looking to automate their ERP solutions”?

Let’s start with an ‘assumed’ definition these days for “ERP Solutions”.  Originally an “Enterprise Resource System” might have meant a software package meant to automate the back office functions of a business.  But with advancements in technology, now it seems to mean more than just a back office tool.   Businesses expect a system that can act as a tool to gather critical data and generate reports that can be distributed via the web; improve efficiency so users don’t have to initiate every task; and enhance customer service to include not just billing when appropriate, but also following up with customer experience rating requests, easily track shipments and deliveries, and automate collection management processes.

An ‘adequate’ ERP solution should encompass drawing a client’s specific needs together, setting up the current requirements into a proper selection of choices, and then mapping the business processes to best distribute invoices/documents/reports.  Gone are the days of having paper checklists and batch processing done at the end of the day.  ERP Solutions need to initiate the next step of the process as soon as conceivably imaginable.  If a product is available, offer expedited shipments, credit card authorization, carrier selection, and of course offer flexible and user-designed patterns or combinations of products.

An ‘acceptable’ ERP solution should have safeguards for compliance standards for audits, regulatory scrutiny, and escalation processes for system changes by the producer of the software when the government modifies the calculations, amounts, or percentages of tax rates or levels.

In fact, here are 25 Brilliant Ideas that ERP solutions should give clients who are looking to outsmart their competition!

For a demonstration of Microsoft Dynamics GP’s latest release, contact Collins Computing, experts in implementing highly successful ERP solutions.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2015 U.S. Payroll Year-End Update has released

The 2015 U.S. Payroll Year-End Update has released.   This is an all-inclusive update and THERE ARE TABLE CHANGES.

  

REMINDER: There is NO year-end update or tax update available for GP 2010.  ONLY GP 2013 thru GP 2015R2 will receive updates.

     

Attached is the year end documentation, along with Microsoft ACA notes/ documentation.  If you missed our October Year-End Update email, you can find a copy here.

  

Review these changes to determine if you need to install the year end update.  If you are tracking ACA in Dynamics GP, the year end update is required.

  

The ACA forms print with the format/lines, no need to order forms as there is now an instruction page as well that needs to print.

  

A "lowest cost premium" field was also added with effective dating on it, so again, make sure to review all change and proceed as needed.

  

For the new W2 print in employee self-service, Microsoft also added a "publish" button so the W2’s will not be available to employees as soon as you create the year end wage file.

  

   

Download Links:

• Dynamics GP 2013
• Dynamics GP 2015

  

Year-End Webcast

Friday, December 11^th @ 11am PST

REGISTER HERE

  

To schedule your 2015 Year End Update, contact Mike Gilman at (949) 457-0500 x224 or mgilman@collinscomputing.com.

  

If you have any questions, please contact Collins Support at (888) 391-6690 or support@collinscomputing.com.

60 Seconds of ERP Tips

When you have a question with your ERP system, does your support partner ask you “Share your screen” to help you sort out your issue?  Does your partner offer additional insight with you along the way?

Here’s what we mean – Below are four quick answers one consultant gave this week on the way to clearing up a system issue because they did a screen sharing session:

1. Pictures do say 1000 words.  Our consultant was able to see the steps the user was taking – and offered shortcut keystrokes along the way to save time!
2. Right away the rep could tell the version the client was using, the user ID they were logged in as, the company they were accessing, and the method they were using for posting (batch or transaction). So many questions were answered, and it led the way to finding out what was going on (fiscal period not defined in one case).
3. While looking at a stuck batch, the consultant was able to see other ‘old’ batches that were sitting out there and gave you a quick lesson on clearing out the others by NOT posting by transaction (when possible) and having the user warned about the open batches by having a Smartlists for that on the user’s home page.
4. When a report was the issue, our consultant shared facts like the ability to email, send to pdf, or put the report in a ‘group’ or on the ‘my reports’ menu to speed up the recurring reporting process.

Stay tuned for other consulting techniques from Collins for using your Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP software!

High Volume and High Product Turnover? No Problem!

The holiday shopping season is upon us. This means that many manufacturers and distributors are busier than they’ve been all year.  Ramped up production may put a strain on your business, but with the right management solution you can see increased volume, efficient product turnover and satisfied customers this holiday season

The holiday season isn’t your only busy time as a manufacturer or distributor. Throughout the year there are special sales and promotions that call for increased productivity. And really, at any time of the year, a strong supply chain and strategic manufacturing and distribution operation along with accurate forecasting are essential to your success. Knowing which products will sell best at which times of the year is something all manufacturers need to know if they are going to stay on top of the demand and thus on top of the competition.

You need a strong business management system.

A robust ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution, Microsoft Dynamics GP,  will give you the control and support that you need in order to keep on top during these high volume months. With a single integrated ERP solution, you can manage all of your business processes, including financials, supply chain and inventory, manufacturing and distribution and human resources and payroll. Your data will be centralized so you can spot trends in the market place. You can obtain your statistics in real time and find out when your product is rising or falling in popularity. That way you can identify which items will require additional production and can plan accordingly.

Ramping up production also requires the assurance that your suppliers can deliver materials you need on time and at an agreeable price. Your ERP can manage your supply chain data and help you deal with unforeseen interruptions or delays.

Microsoft Dynamics GP, both on premise and in the cloud, is designed to handle the highs and lows of your manufacturing and distribution business. Have all the information you need at the click of a mouse and breathe easier during holiday’s to come.

For more information about how Microsoft Dynamics GP, on premise or in the cloud, can help your manufacturing and distribution business navigate your next busy season, contact Collins Computing.

Happy Veteran's Day!

"Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause."

- Abraham Lincoln

Tip of the month - Delete Budgets Much?

With many folks finalizing their 2016 budgets, we get an increasing number of users calling admitting that they ‘deleted their budget’ instead of ‘deleting an account’s budget’!

So, a quick password entered by clicking on the padlock on the Budget Maintenance screen will prevent that mistake!

Top Takeaways from GPUG Summit 2015

GPUG Summit 2015 was amazing.  We met lots of new attendees; presented at the ‘Dynamics GP Streamlined: Stay in the Fast Lane’ session; hosted the ‘Dynamics Idol Contest’ and had so much fun learning.

We learned SO many tips and bits of information – here are a few of our top takeaways:

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A  BIG CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Shawn Dorward, who ‘bowled’ his way into the judge’s hearts to win the Dynamics Idol Contest!

Some great tips that came out of both sessions we were involved in include:

• The CEIP (Customer Experience Improvement Program Reminder) 'go away'.
  • Turn this off once and for all by Opening the task > Click on the link “NAME” at the bottom > Make your selection (join or opt out) > Update the status of the task to ‘Complete’ > After you save the modified task, be sure to reopen the task and delete it
• The newest Payables all-in-one viewer. You can....
  • See all relevant payables document on one screen
  • Filter results
  • Link from inquiry screens
  • Customize to your organizations needs
  • Quickly answer vendor Inquiries
• Adding Windows Shortcuts to my Toolbar

• Fun Tip! In most cars, your fuel gauge arrow indicates which side of the car you pump your gas

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• Mekorma has partnered with Winthrop Development Consultants to exclusively offer Winthrop’s GP Power Tools (formerly Support Debugging Tool) – the premier tool for Dynamics GP administrators. Mekorma is extending a special introductory price of $365 per year (only $1 per day!)
• Coming out with new cross database "Check Select" option to help users from having to sign in/out of multiple databases
• Recently hired, Mariano Gomez, a Microsoft MVP and Dynamics GP veteran

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Came out with a web version of their ACA Compliance Solution!  Integrity Data’s ACA Compliance Solution not only addresses all IRS reporting requirements, it also offers tracking for determination of employee eligibility for coverage and testing of the affordability of coverage offered.

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Now!  Next!  Wow!  Microsoft Dynamics GP and the Future

Some information about what is COMING in GP 2016.  The first slides show the latest items that were in GP 2015 R2, then the last half are the ‘coming soon’ features.  Dynamics GP and the Future can be found HERE.

If you're not already a GPUG member, CLICK HERE to sign up for a FREE 30 day trial.

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‘Dynamics GP Streamlined: Stay in the Fast Lane’ session Re-peat

If you went to GPUG Summit and missed our ‘Dynamics GP Streamlined: Stay in the Fast Lane’ session or didn’t make it GPUG Summit....GREAT NEWS!  We’re repeating this session as part of the “GPUG Year-End Series” on Thursday, December 10^th.

Sign up for the GPUG Year-End Session HERE

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Of course we loved all the networking we were able to do other partners, vendors and customers while attending and hosting sessions; walking the expo; and even cheering on a customer/friend who lost her game by 1 pin during the fantastic FastPath bowling event (not against us J)!  We finalized a partnership with Njevity for cloud hosting throughout the week, found a couple of perfect solutions from SalesPad for a customer not in attendance and will hopefully Re-Launch the Oregon GPUG Chapter once again after talking about it at the lunch tables!

Lastly, we were able to host a wonderful Customer Appreciation Lunch on Thursday, Oct 15^th with individual meetings and dinners throughout the event.  There was a great turn out and this gave us a chance to celebrate our clients and their immense contribution to our success.

At Collins Computing, we hold monthly sharing webcasts to be certain our clients are up-to-date on all tips, news, promotions, and highlights surrounding their Microsoft Dynamics implementations.  If you want to know MORE about any of the topics above, we encourage you to check out our offerings and knowledge sharing techniques by contacting us anytime, or following us on one of our social media connections, or watching a video we’ve shared!

We hope to see you next year in Tampa, FL!

Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Oldie, Turned New Goodie: Smartlist Designer

Some of you may already know about Smartlist Designer. For those who don’t, this is an exciting tool that we can’t wait to share with you!

Smartlist Designer was first introduced to us as a FREE tool in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 (SP2+). At the time, we would have liked to see additional features BUT Smartlist Designer could do some really nice things quickly that standard GP Smartlist couldn’t do!

In March 2015 at Microsoft Convergence, Microsoft announced a new and improved Smartlist Designer in Microsoft Dynamics 2015. These great new features help streamline the reporting process and allows users to quickly, easily and accurately pull the exact information they need for their particular role.

Some of the great new features in the Dynamics GP 2015 release include:

• Create and modify existing Smartlists
• Allow users to use both tables and views as a data source when creating or modifying existing SmartLists
• Flexibility to create refreshable excel reports
• SmartList Designer View Workflow Type allows a user to send a new or updated Smartlist through a Workflow for approval before others have access to it. Once the Smartlist is approved by the appropriate person, the Smartlist is now available to others
• View your exported data excel file on your smartphone or tablet
• Allow users to create SQL views from SmartList Designer
• Smartlist Favorites Default Settings allows the system administrators to redefine the default selection for new Smartlist favorites by Company, User Class or User ID. By selecting User ID, only the creator can view his or her favorite list.

For those on GP 2013 (SP2+)……whether you’re waiting for GP 2016 or you just haven’t moved to GP 2015 yet, we’ve got 3 tips for you! Check out pages 18-19 of the Spring 2014 GPUG Magazine to view these tips; Tip#1 Create your Smarlist in the Correct Series, Tip#2 User SmartList Designer to Show 1099 Box and Tip#3 When using multiple tables, limit the “join” statement.

Try out Smartlist Designer Yourself!

You can access Smartlist by going to Microsoft Dynamics GP > Smartlist > select the “New” Button in the left hand corner of Smartlist – and practice modifying it for your needs!**just be sure you are using GP 2013 SP #2 or higher.

We hope this helps make your life a little easier!  CONTACT US with any questions.

U.S. Payroll Year-End Updates

The 2015 U.S. Payroll Year-End is scheduled to release the week of November 23rd, 2015.  This is an all-inclusive update and there are table changes.

Year-End Update Pending Changes Include:

• No W-2 or W-3 Form changes
• EFW2 changes (Electronic Filing)
• Product Quality Fixes around Payroll Year-End
• Affordable Care Act Changes
• 1099-DIV- form and application changes
• 1099-INT - form and application changes
• 1099-MISC - form and application changes
• Payables 1096 form change
• Fixed Asset Luxury Auto Depreciation changes

If you are using Microsoft GP ACA for reporting at year-end, the year-end update install is mandatory… install needs to be done PRIOR to creating the year-end wage file.

If you have any questions, please contact support@collinscomputing.com or call (888) 391-6690.

3 Upcoming Events We’re Excited About

GPUG Summit 2015
October 12th-16th, 2015
Reno, Tahoe
Register Here

GPUG Summit 2015 is the ONLY Dynamics GP conference designed and led by Users, for Users.  How cool is that?!!  Users will have three days dedicated to learning, networking and sharing with other Dynamics GP professionals across all roles and levels of expertise.

There will be 200+ interactive breakout sessions with other Dynamics GP users and subject-matter experts!  You’ll find BI sessions like “Build Dashboards with Confidence”, Financial sessions that go over Month and Year-End Closing, several 50 Tips in 50 Minutes sessions (including Payroll/HR) and more.  There will also be an Expo where you can learn new ideas and evaluate add-on solutions.

We're so excited about this event that we’re hosting AND presenting!  When and where you ask?

Collins Computing Hosting
Session: Dynamics Idol Contest
Date: Wednesday, Oct 14th
Time: 1:00pm
Where: Convention Center Hall #3
**This is part of the GPUG General Session at 1:15pm.  We will have an “In It To Win It” contest starting at 1pm to determine which contestant goes first.

Collins Computing Presenting
Session: Dynamics GP Streamlined: Stay in the Fast Lane
Date: Wednesday, Oct 14th
Time: 9:45am
Where: Grand Ballroom #1 **Attend to find quick tips to speed up your daily processing within GP!

GPUG makes this event fun so learning is easy!  It’s a great opportunity to help you increase productivity and get maximum benefits from your Dynamics GP implementation.  “Go ALL IN!” with us!






Acumatica Summit 2016
February 1st-5th, 2015
Orlando, FL
Register Here

The Acumatica Summit is the premier event where the entire partner and client Acumatica ecosystem gathers to explore the future of this Cloud ERP platform, get certified and collaborate on accelerating success in the cloud.  JOIN US and learn about future product development visions, evaluate add-on solutions and more!  We’re excited to see what Acumatica has in store for Acumatica 6.0!

New to Acumatica Summit 2016 is the ‘Acumatica Customer Track’.  This track is all about the clients.  During days 3-5, clients will be able to get deep technical product training straight from the experts to help get maximum benefits from your Acumatica implementation.

Acumatica has chosen a great venue and city for this event!  Orlando offers wonderful entertainment and theme parks like Walk Disney World and Sea World.

Acumatica has negotiated discounted hotel rates, so if you plan to go, book your room early!  They fill up fast.


Microsoft Convergence 2016
April 4th-7th, 2016
New Orleans, LA
Save the date

This is the premier Microsoft Dynamics event of the year!  Convergence 2016 is that one moment in time when the Microsoft Dynamics community members come together to share “Aha!” moments.  It's YOUR chance to network with other Dynamics users, see things for the first time, learn about the latest features and updates, get answers to tough questions from Microsoft product experts and find new ways to stay ahead of the competition.

The General Sessions address some of the most important issues facing business leaders today while providing fresh, new perspectives and innovative solutions.  The Keynote speakers always leave you feeling inspired.  Throughout Convergence there are celebrations hosted by ISVs and Partners with Microsoft kicking off the event with a very nice ‘Convergence Experience Reception’ and closing the event with an incredible ‘Convergence Celebration’.  Can’t wait to see GP 2016!

For us, this is about our clients and arming them with the knowledge they need to succeed in their business.  While at Convergence, we set up side meetings with ISVs and/or Microsoft, networking lunches and personal tours of the expo.  We also plan a special Client Appreciation Dinner where we can relax, reconnect, have fun and unwind from a busy day.

We don’t know just yet what Microsoft has in store for sessions, discussions and events but we do know that Microsoft Convergence is a MUST.

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CONTACT US with any questions.  Hope to see you at these events!

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day!

GPUG Summit 2015

Are you attending the GPUG Summit 2015 in October?

Make plans to join us in Reno, Nevada, Oct. 13-16, 2015, for GPUG Summit 2015, the only user-led conference out there, designed for users by users!

We're helping plan new and different sessions - we'll also be presenting!

Here is a GP highlight screen that talks about the various sessions and content.

For more information and/or to register, go to http://www.gpugsummit.com.

See you there!

Dynamics GP Planned Payroll Tax Updates

Below is an outline of what Microsoft has going on in the coming months in regards to Payroll Tax Updates...

US Payroll Tax Update - Round 6

The state of Connecticut released a tax table change effective 8/1 or by 8/31.  This is a tax table change only and is scheduled for release the 1^st week of September.

  

US Payroll Year End Update

Scheduled to release in November 2015.  The changes are pending.

  

Next Product to Release

The next product to release will be Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 and is scheduled for around Convergence time.

  

Microsoft will continue to support GP 2013, GP 2015 and GP 2016 for tax updates, patches, etc.  GP 2010 will no longer receive updates after October 2015.

If you have any questions, please contact Collins Support at support@collinscomputing.com or call (888) 391-6690.

U.S. Round 5 Payroll Tax Update - Update

At the end of last week, the state of Idaho announced a tax table change.  Microsoft replaced the TX.cab file that released in the Round 5 Payroll Tax Update to include the Idaho changes.

• Updated GP2013 Round 5 Tax Update
• Updated GP2015 Round 5 Tax Update

Still to come...

• On Saturday, the state of Connecticut released a tax table change effective 8/1 or by 8/31.  In the past, Connecticut has some tax in code so this change will be reviewed by Microsoft for a release.
• Canada (Canadian Payroll) announced a change for Alberta effective 10/1/2015.  This means Microsoft will have to a release code update in September 2015 in include the Alberta tax changes.

If you have any questions or need help installing the update, please call support at (888) 391-6690 or email support@collinscomputing.com.

U.S. Payroll Round 5 Tax Update Released

On Friday, July 31^st, the state of Ohio released revised tax tables effective 8/1/2015.

The new tables take into consideration the income tax rate reductions that went into effect when The Budget Bill was signed into law on June 30, 2015.  The tables reflect a 3.1% reduction in the withholding rates previously in effect for 2014; the new tables are to be used for the remainder of calendar year 2015 and in future years.

The new withholding tables are posted on the Employer Withholding Tax Web page, which can be accessed by clicking here.  The tables include the percentage method for calculating withholding as well as daily, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly tables.

The new date after you install is 8/7/2015.

Below are the new rates:

Download Links:

• Dynamics GP 2010
• Dynamics GP 2013
• Dynamics GP 2015

If you have any questions or need help updating, please call Collins Support at (888) 391-6690 or email support@collinscomputing.com.