Microsoft Dynamics GP Implementation Services

i-CORE offers cost-effective, high-impact Microsoft Dynamics GP implementation services. Our methodology and approach forms a solid foundation for complex projects, detailing the specific implementation steps necessary to achieve project success. We focus on business processes and appropriate use of the software to deliver a straight-forward system with an optimal level of management and executive reporting and key metric dashboards. Our clients benefit from working with i-CORE because

• We deliver an on-time, on-target and on-budget Microsoft Dynamics GP implementations
• We reduce the risk of scope creep and expansion that delay projects and produce cost overruns
• After the project is complete your users not only know how to use the system, but how to gather reports and information.

We work to understand our client's business and how Microsoft Dynamics GP can be used as a tool to streamline processes. We have performed full life-cycle implementations of Microsoft Dynamics GP for manufacturing operations, professional services companies, financial service entities and other industry segments. Our consultants have industry and consulting experience and bring that experience to bear during your system implementation. This experience is an invaluable tool as you and your teams decide on the best processes for your business. Our client's knowledge of their unique company needs and our experience in their industry create a winning combination. i-CORE strongly supports knowledge transfer - we want our clients to be self- sufficient at the end of the project. Our methodology, approach, training and implementation are all geared towards this end. By the end of the implementation, with you as our partner, we will have successfully trained and transferred our Microsoft Dynamics GP knowledge to your staff. Finally, you will have improved and automated your business processes and have decision making reporting metrics at your fingertips, resulting in quick and tangible return on your investment.

Tailor Your System to Your Needs with Microsoft Dynamics GP Customizations

Microsoft Dynamics GP is based on the Microsoft technology platform and provides an excellent foundation for creating customizations and extensions. Microsoft Dynamics GP offers many options for creating customizations. Simple field additions can be handled via Extender and more completed customization can be coded using a variety of technologies including .Net code and Dexterity. i-CORE has experience with a variety of customization efforts and we always follow our specific customization methodology to ensure that the customization that is delivered is useful for the business users. Our methodology focuses on the business reason for the customization and we evaluate how the customization will fit into the client's overall system environment. During the customization process functional and technical specifications are written. In addition, we do extensive testing including user acceptance testing and use case testing. By involving our clients in testing we ensure that upstream and downstream processes are tested as well. Lastly, we provide complete and full documentation for all of our customizations. Too often documentation for customizations is neglected, but we believe the project is not complete until the client has approved the documentation.

Microsoft Dynamics GP Assessment

i-CORE has developed a detailed Microsoft Dynamics GP Assessment methodology to assess the current state of a GP environment and how well the company is using the system. Often times we find that companies are using Microsoft Dynamics GP, but know they are not using the system to its full extent. In essence, they are not realizing the return on their investment. During the assessment several factors are analyzed and key users throughout the company are interviewed. Upon completion of the assessment I-CORE provides a written plan on how the use of the system can be improved. We break the report into short-term and long-term improvements so you can realize immediate benefit from the project. Our assessment process is not a lengthy process and is not intended to produce a massive report that no one will ever read or use. Rather, it is intended to produce a reasonable report and list concrete improvements that will have real and tangible results. We evaluate key areas where Microsoft Dynamics GP should be providing value such as financial management and reporting, manufacturing order processing and MRP, sales order and invoice processing, inventory management and payroll and human resources. We also evaluate other key systems that may be integrated or need to be integrated to Microsoft Dynamics GP Key features of our Microsoft Dynamics GP assessment services include:

• Summary report providing recommendations that can be implemented
• Review of reporting and metrics being produced by the system
• Analysis of system and business processes
• Review of key business processes to enhance productivity and effectiveness

i-CORE Can Drive a Successful Microsoft Dynamics GP Upgrade

Upgrading your current Microsoft Dynamics GP solution and staying current with the latest technology is a key component to realizing the full return on your investment. As a long standing Microsoft partner, i-CORE has extensive experience performing Microsoft Dynamics GP upgrades, allowing clients to benefit from Microsoft's innovation. We perform in-depth planning before the upgrade to ensure that it goes smoothly and help you determine the benefits of the new version and the right time for your company to upgrade. Consideration is given to customizations, size and number of databases, integration to other systems and hours when the system is available as well as other factors. Moreover, we have a specific upgrade methodology to ensure that the proper steps are followed and system downtime is minimized or eliminated. Key features of our Microsoft Dynamics Upgrade services include:

• Assessment of latest version and benefit to the client.
• Proper planning to ensure limited down time.
• Review of any customizations and custom reports to ensure compatibility.
• Review and test data transfer prior to upgrade.

Lastly, we always perform test upgrades in a test environment to ensure there are no surprises. We test the upgrade process, connectivity, user access, reporting functionality and other key elements of the system. When you work with i-CORE as your partner, upgrading your Microsoft Dynamics GP system is a stress free change and an important way to realize the full value of your system.

i-CORE Offers First Class Microsoft Dynamics GP Support

i-CORE provides ongoing support for Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains). Our support approach is different than the standard help desk approach. We provide support through the same consultants who work on our Microsoft Dynamics GP implementations. Our consultants are available via cell phone, email and even instant messaging for clients. This approach allows for fast access to experienced consultants with implementation experience and often the same consultant who worked on a client’s initial engagement are available. We have found our approach increases client satisfaction and the quality of our work. Our approach to Microsoft Dynamics GP support is focused on timely, high quality responses to our clients. We respond to emails to clients within 24 hours and most of the time on the same day. For that urgent issue or "quick question" our clients contact us via cell phone and instant message. Lastly, we work with our clients to manage the costs of Microsoft Dynamics GP support. We don't bill clients for a quick email response and if we are continually solving the same issue we work to determine the root cause and/or provide the necessary Microsoft Dynamics GP training.

i-CORE Provides Excellent Microsoft Dynamics GP Training

i-CORE offers training services that are customized and tailored to the specific need of our clients. We offer training services for all areas of Microsoft Dynamics GP, leveraging our status as a Microsoft partner. We provide training for all levels of an organization including project team members, executives, managers, end users, system administrators and developers. Rather than sit in a classroom and see examples that don't apply and are difficult to understand i-CORE uses your data and a test environment so you receive "real-life" training. Because the training is designed for your company, we can highlight the issues and topics that are important to your business. In addition, the consultants who lead the training are the same consultants who perform our implementations. Therefore, your employees can learn how they would use the application at your company and not just textbook information. Key features of our training services include:

• Hands-on training experience for your staff
• Suggestions for business improvements that can be quickly implemented
• High level system training as well as detailed function specific training

Providing proper Microsoft Dynamics GP training to your staff will allow them to take full ownership and advantage of the system to support your business and enhance user acceptance. Training is another critical area where we hope to earn the status of trusted Microsoft Dynamics GP partner.

Make Informed Decisions by Improving Your Microsoft Dynamics GP Reporting

Microsoft Dynamics GP is an excellent system that can provide key information to users. The real benefit to implementing Microsoft Dynamics GP is the reporting and metrics that are available. Throughout our implementation process we stress the need to deliver information to users. A successful implementation not only improves processes, but also provides Microsoft Dynamics GP Reporting which improves access to information. In addition, we believe reporting should not be a function that can only be performed solely by the IT department or strong technical users. Our methodology focuses on putting reporting tools in the hands of the users. Allowing the users to run standard reports as well as create reports on the fly greatly enhances user acceptance. Microsoft Dynamics GP offers excellent functionality and tools such as SmartLists, SmartList Builder, Excel Builder reports, Business Analyzer and Dashboard capabilities. Using these tools we can create an environment that puts information in the hands of end users. When there is a need for detailed complex reports I-CORE has extensive experience with SQL Reporting Services. When we create a more robust report we have the users provide report specifications and concrete examples. This reduces the iterations required to deliver the report and reduces costs for our clients. Finally, we ensure that the reports that are created can be accessed from any location including on-site, off-site and via mobile devices.