Microsoft Dynamics SL - Power through Flexibility
Updated August 19, 2015

Microsoft Dynamics SL - Power through Flexibility

Jerry McLellan, CPA | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Dynamics SL 7

Modules Used

  • GL, AP, Multi-Company, FRx, MaxQ Laser Checks, PSS Fixed Assets,
  • PSS Void Check Entry Plus, T&T Data Solutions Multi-Company Validation,
  • Customization Manager

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Dynamics SL

Dynamics SL is our Accounting and Financial Reporting engine for almost 200 companies in the US and Canada. Using Multi-Company allows us to centralize some processes (AP Checks for example) while allowing a very decentralized user base to perform local transaction activity. SL's flexible structure has allowed us to add companies and sub-accounts enabling us to grow from a $100 Million dollar company in 1999 when implemented to a $3 Billion dollar company at the end of 2014.
  • Ability to add companies, and sub-accounts on the fly allows for the growth of the system without conversions, and flexible reporting allows for the quick utilization of the data.
  • Multi-Company allows for easy and automated data entry and reporting across multiple legal entities and business segments.
  • Multi-Company also allows for easy centralization of business processes (AP check writing and Fixed Assets for example), while spreading data entry across the enterprise.
  • Ability to Copy/Paste into Dynamics SL has always been a strength- especially from Excel. The additional power of being able to use Excel for a myriad of calculations, including complex allocations, and formatting the result into a JE to paste directly into the Journal Entry Screen has saved countless hours in data-entry, and made re-use of complex items very easy.
  • Built-in functionality for workflow/reviews/approvals could be improved.
  • Better documentation of controls and reporting of the audit trail (think SOX).
  • Better remote office, work from home capabilities (such as cloud bases SAAS) would help resolve security and speed/performance constraints.
  • Centralization capabilities have allowed the corporate accounting team to remain relatively small as the field locations have been added, keeping headcount manageable.
  • Ease of integrations and access to data for reporting has allowed growth outside of core accounting.
  • Epicor ERP,Microsoft Dynamics GP,sage
Of the comparable mid-range ERP systems, Dynamics SL competes at the lower end based on price, but also above the high-end based on flexibility, data, and reporting. Being able to stay with the same core accounting from a $100 million dollar company to a $3 billion dollar company shows the range of capabilities.
The key strength is the ease of adapting to ever-growing operations. Designing the setup with both the short and long-term goals in mind will allow the best setup/configuration to be completed. As growth requires changes, the flexibility of the system and reporting will grow with the company. Internal knowledge should be gained to allow for the ease of utilizing the system to accomplish this growth in addition to the reseller/consultants used.

Microsoft Dynamics SL Feature Ratings

Accounts payable
8
Accounts receivable
Not Rated
Inventory tracking
Not Rated
Automatic reordering
Not Rated
Location management
Not Rated
Pricing
Not Rated
Order entry
Not Rated
Credit card processing
Not Rated
Cost of goods sold
Not Rated
Pay calculation
Not Rated
Benefit plan administration
Not Rated
Direct deposit files
Not Rated
Dashboards
Not Rated
Standard reports
7
Custom reports
9
API for custom integration
8
Plug-ins
8
Role-based user permissions
9
Single sign-on capability
9
Not Rated

Using Microsoft Dynamics SL

Financial Accounting - General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, and Financial Reporting.