Item: Microsoft Dynamics GP
Rating: 7
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Microsoft Dynamics GP is used SOLELY by my company's accounting department. We primarily utilize the software's general ledger function/capabilities. Additionally, we utilize the purchasing/AP, fixed assets, bank reconciliation, and other modules. We leverage the solution in populating/maintaining our books (accounting) for our entire company. Similar to other general ledgers, MS Dynamics GP allows us to customize our chart of accounts to fit our business needs. Note, the software offers many modules that were are not currently using.

Pros and Cons

The solution we use is housed on our internal servers. As a result, we are capable of accessing the underlying tables via MS SQL Server. This allows us increased visibility to the data we have populated over the years.
I doubt this sets MS Dynamics GP apart from competitors, but the ability to "batch" journal entries for approval is very easy and straight forward.
Our independent consultants were able to build a "paste from MS Excel" integration, which we use to easily populate journal entries.
If there are ever any network "hang ups" during the posting of batches/journal entries, the system has safeguards in place to ensure that your books aren't sacrificed.
The Smartlist function is an easy way to build ad hoc reports.

The fact that the software is housed on internal servers could be seen as a "con". These days, moving to cloud-based solutions feels like the right move.
The reporting feature could use some updating.
Not sure if this is due to outside influences (our network), but the solution can run rather slow at times. It feels like it is slowed down the most when all users are currently active. Once again, this may be of no fault to MS Dynamics GP.
The ability to troubleshoot issues usually requires help from COSTLY independent consultants.

Return on Investment

MS Dynamics GP has serviced our company well as a very sturdy general ledger.
We were not impressed with MS Dynamics GP's inventory/ordering capabilities. We were forced to shop for an outside solution, from which we batch/upload data into MS Dynamics GP.
We were not impressed with MS Dynamics GP's business intelligence tool. We decided to purchase an alternative tool. Fortunately, we were able to EASILY integrate the outside tool with MS Dynamics GP via MS SQL Server.

Alternatives Considered

Sage Intacct

The only product with have shopped was Sage Intacct. It is somewhat unfair to compare the two solutions, because Sage Intacct is a cloud-based solution. That said, Intacct appears to advertise better reporting/business intelligence capabilities. MS Dynamics GP should be aware that the market is filled with software that, at first glance, appears to be superior from a reporting standpoint.

Other Software Used

Vena Solutions, Expensify, Pipedrive, ADP TotalSource, DocuSign

Likelihood to Recommend

The solution is probably not the best choice for smaller companies. I would imagine that smaller companies would be better suited with a less robust tool like QuickBooks. The costs associated with licensing for both MS Dynamics GP AND MS SQL Server may "weed out" most smaller companies before they make the mistake of engaging with a tool that is over-kill. As previously noted, this tool is not the best for any entity that is searching for a cloud-based solution. Finally, a company will want to make sure that most users are familiar with basic accounting functions. The tool offers no "hand holding" if you don't understand a process (hand holding: think of the way TurboTax walks users through their processes).

MS Dynamics GP is a solid tool for any company (equipped with experienced accountants) looking for an on-premise solution.

Sturdy General Ledger

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Dynamics GP