Archive for category Systematica
Terminal Server 2008 Together With Dynamics GP
After deploying several Dynamics GP customers using the new Windows Server 2008 Remote Desktop Services (old Terminal Services), I must say that I have been quite impressed with the new functionality. It is now a viable option to use, and much more cost effective, then the traditional school of thought that Citrix is the way to go.
The previous limitations of past implementation seemed to have all been addressed, namely:
- Printing on client computers without having to install every print driver – Thanks to Easy Print
- Training user on how to manage two desktops – Use of Remote App
- Providing access to external users without the dependency on a VPN connection – Accomplished through the RDGateway
With limited exceptions, we now recommend the approach to all of our customers that are deciding the best method to deploy their new Dynamics GP solution. It is the best of both worlds in that IT no longer has the challenges in maintaining several desktop installations while the users get the rich application experience they prefer.
Anyone else had similar successes or challenges in using Remote Desktop Services?
Convergence 2010: Microsoft is a Giver
At Convergence 2010, Microsoft brought together a fantastic organization called Projects With Purpose and the volunteer efforts of Convergence attendees to benefit The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp. Unfortunately, Saturday was the one day that week when it was absolutely pouring rain. While we worked through the drizzle all morning, eventually the storm became too strong and we needed to stop early. (I was actually on top of a ladder measuring/marking 2 feet along a beam when the lightning struck too close for comfort and the supervisor had me get down right away.) But, we got to make some progress with the structures and sandy beach we were building, not to mention the bond that was created amongst the crews. And before we left, we were all inspired to make a difference in our own communities back home. Check out the pictures I took on our Facebook page!
The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp is a 58 acre site just outside the Atlanta city limits that services 800-1000 children per summer. The camp offers inner city kids ages 5 to 18 a free opportunity to receive coaching in the areas of basketball, tennis, swimming, soccer and water sports – plus enjoy a farm experience where they can interact with all sorts of animals, from miniature horses to alpacas. Campers are given unique outdoor experiences which help develop self-esteem and confidence through activities like putting goats out to pasture, as well as activities like archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing and nature scavenger hunts. Generally 85% of the campers who attend have never been fishing or canoeing before attending the camp. The camp also offers an overnight-camping experience for a limited number of youth per session. The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp is fully funded by individual and business donors and grants, and the camp engages children of all races and religions.
The goal was for volunteers to expand the camping opportunity for hundreds of boys and girls by building additional cabins for overnight campers; building an outdoor pavilion to serve as a workshop and dining area; expanding the pond “beach” area; and the building an outdoor storage facility for the water sports equipment. All of this was designed to enhance the camp experience and increase the number of children who can utilize the campgrounds year round.
Projects With Purpose had done a lot of work the week prior in preparation for our assistance that day. Plus they stayed at the site for the rest of the week finishing the project. What amazing dedication!! The leadership of Projects with Purpose includes Juli Miller Hart (President), Keith Miller (Technical Advisor), and Bill Coleman (lead organizer of this project). Those three people are so inspiring.
To learn more about Microsoft’s support of communities around the world, please visit www.microsoft.com/giving.
Convergence 2010, Atlanta, GA – Day 1… and so it begins…
Convergence is a wonderful whirlwind of keynote speakers, courses, user group meetings, speaking with other partners in the Expo Hall, one-on-one time with Microsoft support staff, dinner with Microsoft team members, and super fun networking events. It’s a perfect combination of learning and intellectual stimulation with meeting folks and socializing. As Microsoft says, “Convergence is the premier Microsoft Dynamics event where you can experience the Microsoft Dynamics community in action.” From my personal experience, it truly lives up to this description.
For me and about 100 other attendees, Day 1 of Convergence 2010 started with being of service to others. (See my blog post about Projects with Purpose and The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp or check out the photos on Facebook). After hammering two by fours in pouring rain, we shuttled back to the city to attend the fantastic Opening Reception. This elaborate event included a climbing wall, stilt walkers, a dancing painter creating rock star canvases, photo op with props, miniature golf, an incredible array of food, a great band, and much more. Check out our Facebook page to see some photos of our silliness!
Were you at Convergence 2010 in Atlanta? If so, what did you do on Day 1? Were you at the User Group General Sessions or Conduit Sessions? Did you check out the Expo Hall or Microsoft Pavilion? Did you get assistance at the Community & Learning Center? Were you also at the Convergence Reception? We’d love to hear your stories and see your pictures!
Benefits Deadlines – Keep Everyone Informed
Benefits Deadlines – Keep Everyone Informed
While Healthcare reform is the headline these days your employees are likely more concerned with changes that will affect their coverage as of January 1, 2010. If your plans for communication changes and open enrollment are not in place don’t wait another minute. An internal calendar may be all you need but be certain you keep everyone informed.
Get the News Out
Get the news out by providing advance notice of meetings, online requirements and due dates. Don’t just use email to publish the calendar. Use many forms of communication; post an update on your internal blog or company intranet, memo lines on paychecks, posters, and even the old fashioned letter. I know of one client who leveraged their TVs in restrooms to make announcements! Definitely, more than one employee will see the reminder, “Open Enrollment Forms Due November 13th,” when it is posted prominently in either the restroom or break room. Creating the buzz now will ensure fewer struggles for you at the eleventh hour.
Collect Frequently Asked Questions
Create a FAQ sheet with the most commonly asked questions and get it out. Everyone is pressed for time and summing up what others have already inquired about will save you from having to answer the same question over and over again. Most importantly your employees will appreciate the easy read summary. Keep in mind gathering the FAQ’s may alert you to some commonalities that may form a pattern allowing you to pin-point a glitch in the process or system. This gives you the opportunity to update forms or alter an online program before frustrations mount.
Reminders, Reminders, Reminders
Don’t wait till the bitter end to send out the “If enrollment is not completed in 24 hours your health coverage will be cancelled” emails. Reminders along the way are much friendlier and more likely to decrease grumbling in the end.
Additionally, if your plans allow employees to continue the same coverage without updating any forms be certain to make this crystal clear in all materials. A confirmation of coverage is a nice touch that reinforces plan benefits and changes. Be certain not to hide or attempt to cover up modifications. Prepare employees for increases in out of pocket expenses so they can make informed decisions. Avoiding full disclosure now will only lead to frustration in the New Year.
Southern California Payroll Focus Day
On September 17th, 2009, Systematica participated in the Southern California Payroll Focus Day. The following local chapters of the American Payroll Association, mobilized to organize this event:
• Inland Empire Chapter http://www.ieapa.org
• Los Angeles Chapter http://www.laapa.org
• Orange County Chapter http://www.occapa.com
• North San Diego County Chapter http://www.nsdccapa.org/
• San Diego Chapter http://www.sandiegochapterapa.org
• San Gabriel Valley Chapter http://www.sgvcapa.org
• Ventura County Chapter http://venturacoapa.webexone.com
• Santa Barbara Chapter http://apasba.org
The theme of Payroll Focus Day 2009 was “Working Together for a Winning Combination”. The day allowed various members (businesses located in SoCal) to come together and learn about new payroll trends. Topics included:
“Soar like an Eagle as a Payroll Professional” – Dave Wakeling
Employment Labor Law – Helene Wasserman
Unemployment & State Taxes – Michelle McElrea
Identity Theft – John Pacheco
Time & Attendance – Randy Wussick
At lunch, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the payroll attendees. We asked how the focus day was going. Their response was interesting. It is good to learn about the new trends and labour laws but it is also very frightening. According to one attendee, a lot has changed. You have to tread very carefully with regards to how you pay people in terms of fairness and consistency. She has worked in a payroll capacity for more than 30 years. She even reminisced about cutting checks by hand!
Systematica participated in the Focus Day as a Bronze Sponsor. As a team, we distributed exhibitor responsibilities. Sara and Dwight shared the morning session, while Elizabeth and I shared the afternoon session. It was very pleasant spending the day with fellow vendors and meeting the payroll attendees. We were asked quite frequently what we did. After hearing about Microsoft Dynamics GP and its capabilities with HR and Payroll, most echoed the running theme of fairness and consistency. They really didn’t know that Microsoft had such capabilities. It is always good to be out there spreading the Microsoft word!
American Payroll Association Congress Long Beach Recap
The 27th Congress of the American Payroll Association / American Accounts Payable Association was held this year in Long Beach, CA bringing thousands of payroll and accounts payable professionals to our backyard. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to spread the word about Microsoft Dynamics GP, a comprehensive business management solution with financial management functions that include payroll, accouts payable and human resources.
In addition to several social events to encourage networking, the five-day conference was highly educational, with workshops that covered a wide range of topics. These included discussions on the very latest legislative and regulatory compliance updates, as well as new methods and technologies to improve the productivity and cost-effectiveness of company operations.
Of course this is right up our alley! With tight integration between modules in Microsoft Dynamics GP, you can enter data one time and provide accurate, real-time information throughout your financial solution. Furthermore, Microsoft Dynamics GP can help reduce the cost of regulatory compliance, mitigate the risk of compliance failure, and protect company assets.
The APA/AAPA Congress was also perfect timing to share our latest case study regarding Integrated Payroll Solutions with Microsoft Dynamics GP which eliminated manual payroll inefficiencies resulting in an annual savings of more than $500,000 for Glidewell Laboratories, a global dental product manufacturer.
Matthew Holden, Dan Youngers, Tricia Cruz, Dan Doolin, Johnathan Edmett and Sara Corbett
Who says payroll isn't fun?
Welcome
Welcome to the Systematica Inc team blog devoted to Microsoft Dynamics GP, Dynamics CRM and Sharepoint. This blog will focus on news, end-user tips, implementation tricks, and customizations, among other things.
Contributors
Abi Shende (3)
Cory Fellers (7)
Dwight Brown (7)
Elizabeth James (6)
Mike Marcin (10)
Sara Corbett (5)
Tricia Tubig (6)