FANTASTIC NEWS!  Microsoft has announced that the complete Professional Services Tool Library (PSTL) is now available to users of GP10 and GP2010 free of charge. 

 Many of you may already be familiar with the PSTL, or at least a few of the tools it contains. This incredibly broad set of tools contains “fixes” to a lot of common issues GP users may have inadvertently created over the years.  A good example is the most commonly used tool, the Vendor Combiner.  This tool corrects the issue of having the same vendor being represented multiple times in your vendor list and history.  Within a few seconds of executing this tool, you can combine multiple instances of the same vendor into a single entity complete with a combined history and 1099 totals.

 The list of tools is pretty extensive, and probably contains items many people did not even know they needed.  Microsoft previously priced these tools À la carte with discount for buying three or more.  Many people in the industry felt this tool chest should have been free to customers and Microsoft agrees!

 If you need any of these tools or even if you feel that it would be nice to have this tool box handy in the event of some emergency need, please contact us at Kraft Enterprise and we will install the tools on whatever workstations you select.  The process is painless and requires just a few minutes per computer or server.  We only ask that you make complete backups of your GP databases prior to using any of the more “robust” tools.  We can even help you do the backups and run the tools if you so desire.  We are just that awesome.

 In the future, we at KES, will be sure to include the PSTL on client computers while doing your regular upgrades.

 Here is a list of tools included in the PSTL:

•  Account Modifier/Combiner

Change an old account number to a new account number, or combine like accounts into a single account without manually keying in the data

• Fiscal Period Modifier

Change fiscal year definitions effortlessly

• Checkbook Modifier

Change existing checkbook IDs to new checkbook IDs. All work, open and history records are updated with no loss of data.

•  Fixed Asset Modifier

Reclassify an asset code within the fixed assets module and reflect that change in all tables throughout the system.

• General Ledger Master Record Triggers

 

Purchasing Tools

•  POP Cost Defaulter

Use this tool to default in the Standard Cost or the Current Cost within the Purchase Order Entry window instead of the vendor specific Last Invoice Cost.

•  Default Add Item POP/SOP

Automatically mark the Add Item option to be marked in Sales Transaction Entry, Purchase Order Entry, POP Receiving’s Entry and Purchasing Invoice Entry.

• Doc Data Verify

Verify document dates fall in a valid fiscal period when entered in Payables Transaction Entry or Receivables Transaction Entry. If the date does not fall within a valid fiscal period, a message will be issued and the user will not be allowed to continue until the date is in a valid period. This customization will also do a validation if the period is closed.

• Decimal Place Tool

Adjust the Check Amount in words to two decimals, for both Payables Management and Payroll checks. This is useful when the currencies in Microsoft Dynamics GP are changed to more than two decimals, which can alter the amount when a check prints. Note: Report Writer must

•  Vendor Modifier

Change an existing vendor ID to a new vendor ID with the click of a button. Instead of having to key in a new vendor ID and re-key open invoices, you are able to update all work, open and history records seamlessly.

• Vendor Combiner

Combine a vendor ID into another existing vendor ID. All the work, open and history records combine into the new vendor. No data is lost and the summary balances are recalculated. The original vendor ID is removed from the system after it is combined into the other vendor ID.

•  Vendor Name Modifier

Change an existing vendor name to a new vendor name with a click of the button. All work, open and history records are updated seamlessly.

•  Payables Select Checks Combiner

Use this tool to consolidate checks to the same vendor when users are appending to an existing checks batch. This can be of great value if users frequently build batches of payables checks and select different document number ranges or different date ranges.

• Payables Minimum Checks Utility

Pick a minimum amount for your payables checks created through the select checks process. It will prevent any checks being created under the minimum amount specified.

• Payables Management Master Record Triggers

Avoid data entry by adding a vendor record and vendor address when you replicate records to another database.

• Minimum PO/Receipt number

Prevent purchase order processing from defaulting the next PO number or receipt number to a number that is previous to the current PO number – when an existing PO number is deleted. Option to set a minimum PO number default, so the system won’t default to anything below the minimum.

• 1099 Modifier

Change documents to 1099 documents if you have incorrectly set up your vendors, or if you forgot to mark the 1099 vendor option on your vendor card for a year or a portion of the year. After marking the option, you can run this tool, which will mark all documents for that vendor as 1099 documents. It will then reconcile these amounts into your summary records so they print on your 1099 reports.

 

Sales Series Tools

• SOP PO Number Check

Verify Customer PO Numbers for duplicates as data is entered into the field on both the SOP Entry window and the SOP Customer Detail Entry.

• Territory Modifier

Change territory IDs in the system. The result is a new territory ID with no loss of data.

• Territory Combiner

Combine a territory ID into another territory ID without losing any work, open or history records. After the completion of the tool, the old territory is removed from the system.

•  Custom Modifier

Change customer numbers in the system. You can change from an existing customer number to a new customer number. Instead of having to key in a new customer number and re-keying all your open invoices, you can update all work, open, and history records with the click of a button.

• Sales Order Processing Customer Item Lookup

Store customer-specific ordering history along with last invoice date and last price used. A lookup is available from within sales order processing entry and the sales item detail window.

•  Customer Combiner

Combine a customer number into another customer number without losing any work, open or history records. The old customer number is removed from the system after the completion of the tool and the summary records are recalculated to include both customers’ summary information.

• Customer Name Modifier

This tool enables you to change an existing customer name to a new customer name with a click of the button. All work, open and history records are updated seamlessly.

• Salesperson Modifier

Change salesperson IDs. The result is a new salesperson ID and no data is lost or has to be re-keyed into system.

•  Receivables Management Master Record Triggers

Avoid data entry by adding a customer record and customer address record when you replicate records to another database.

• Receivables Management Transaction Unapply

 

Payroll Series Tools

•  Employee Modifier

Change an employee ID without losing any work, open or history records. A new employee ID is introduced to the system, while the existing one is removed.

• Certified Payroll Report

 

Inventory Tools

•  Item Reconciler

Reconcile inventory or field service. This tool can increase performance if all items don’t need to be reconciled. Only those items that need reconciling will be reconciled using Professional Services Tools.

•  Item Number Modifier

Change an item number without losing any work, open or history records

•  Item Number Combiner

Combine an item number into another item number without losing any work, open or history records. After the completion of the tool, the old item number is removed from the system.

•  Item Description Modifier

Create a new description for item numbers without a lot of manual data entry. All work, open and history records are updated.

•  Inventory Site Modifier

Change the site/location code without losing any data.

•  Inventory Site Combiner

 

System Tools

• Toolkit

Rebuild the GL00105 without going into SQL query analyzer, turn on/off dexsql.log, rebuild indexes and recreate Dex Procs and tables.

• Database Disabler

Allows the ‘sa’ user to disable any company database. Once the database is disabled, the company option is removed from the login window you see when logging into Dynamics or eEnterprise. The company database can easily be ‘re-activated.’

•  Shortcuts Copy

Copy the shortcuts options from one user to another user. This is especially useful when multiple users have to set up specific, frequently used shortcuts for third-party windows or data entry windows.

•  Menu Inquiry Utility

The Menu Inquiry Utility allows you to see all of the commands on the menus, hidden or not, and helps identify where those commands come from (which product) and other properties of the commands.

•  Update User Date

Automatically update the User Date at midnight. The application will run in the background as long as Microsoft Dynamics GP is open. This tool can be useful when the solution is left open on a machine overnight running integrations or other processes.

•  Copy Company

We thought this article by Andy Hafer of the Microsoft Dynamics Communiy had such great information we couldn’t help but to share! This article details Mr. Hafer’s top ten tips on how to decide on the sessions to attend for the Microsoft Dynamics annual conference, “Convergence,” being held in Houston, TX this year this Sunday, March 18th through Wednesday, March 21st.

 

Choosing Breakouts at Convergence…10 tips on How to Decide

Authored by Andy Hafer, Dynamic Communities

I’ve tried my best to be in three places at once during past Convergences…….I’ve never succeeded.  But I have gotten fairly adept at scrutinizing the many, many choices of break-out sessions to optimize my time as much as possible.

The process really starts a few weeks prior to the start of Convergence.  I would recommend doing two things in advance.  The first is start to review the session details as they become listed on the Convergence website.  The second is to get plenty of rest – You will run at a furious pace for four long days (and nights)!  Needless to say…Don’t’ wait until you get to Houston to grab the program guide to start figuring out your schedule.  It can be done, but you will already be behind.  Here are a few “best practices.”

1. Be sure to get there in time to start Sunday morning.  Some people think Convergence starts with the General Session on Monday, but there are tons of great content on Sunday with the User Group meetings, the optional training sessions, the Expo, and many other experiences.
2. If there are multiple people going from your company, you should plan to divide and conquer.  If you’re solo, but know someone from another company who is going and would be willing to share their detailed experiences when you get back, you can create the same effect.  Either way, sit down with the Session Details and the Schedule Builder tool on the Convergence website and plot out your week together.
3. Set your goals.  It’s helpful if you take some time to work out your objectives of going to Convergence.  What are the current issues facing you and your company today?  Are you thinking about upgrading?  Do you need to enhance your reporting?  By being laser-point focused, you can be sure your questions will be answered and you will realize your ROI from attending Convergence.
4. If you are focused on one Dynamics product, you can quickly filter out tracks that don’t apply to you.  Having said that, there are amazing topics planned for the Cross-product, Office, and Business Leadership tracks that apply beyond the confines of your ERP or CRM product.  Take a glance at these tracks on your way through the schedule.
5. Leverage the search and filter criteria on the website to shrink down your options at any one given timeslot.  You can filter by product, session type, and other criteria.  Look hard at the title AND the description of the sessions you think you might have an interest in.  Be sure to confirm the product, experience level, and session type is right for you.
6. Speaking of session types….It is important to set your expectations correctly when going to the different types of sessions.  Concurrent Session, Interactive Discussion, User Group sessions, Deep Dive, and Birds of a Feather sessions all vary greatly in format.  Concurrent Sessions are presentations where an expert speaks to you (most often Q&A are welcome).  Deep dives also have experts sharing their knowledge with you, but at a much more detailed level (be sure you have the right level of background understanding when choosing deep dives).  Interactive Discussions are facilitated sessions where the knowledge comes from the experience of the peers in attendance in the session with you.  Birds of a Feather sessions feature this same knowledge sharing approach, but in much smaller groups (tables of 10).  User Group sessions can be a mix of both formats but are led by Users who are in the trenches just like you.  Be bold….The most disappointed attendees are those who go to Interactive Discussions, User Group, and Birds of a Feather sessions and aren’t willing to talk and interact.
7. Notice the speaker.  If you are a veteran of Dynamics, Convergence, or the Community in general, you will start to recognize names of experts who are helpful.  If the topic is of interest from someone whose style you value, chances are that is a good selection for you.  Please know that speakers can sometimes change, however.  With the exception of Microsoft employees, all speakers are volunteers.  Life happens for volunteers and Microsoft folks alike….sometimes cancellations may occur.
8. The most up-to-date info is the website.  Due to the lead time necessary to print the Convergence program guide, a snapshot of the sessions get sent to the printer.  You can expect an addendum when you register for things that changed after the book went to print.  Use the program guide and your mini-guide as tools to help you navigate the conference, but make sure you synchronize with your schedule you built online.
9. Repeats and Encores.  If you find yourself with two or more perfect choices at a given time slot (and you will!), look later on the list to see if the session is repeated at a later time slot.  Also know that the most popular sessions are presented via Encore webinars through your User Groups.  Visit AXUG, NAVUG, GPUG, or CRMUG to catch the sessions you missed in the months directly after Convergence.
10. Don’t miss the rest.  Some people consider the break-out sessions the “meat” of Convergence.  But the “potatoes, side-dishes and dessert” complete the meal.  Plan on Keynote Sessions, General Sessions, Expo, Hands-on Labs, etc.  Also the parties at night are essential to building your network!
    Andy is a veteran of 13 Convergences and currently serves as a leader for the Dynamics User Group. Andy can be reached for further questions at info@dynamiccommunities.com.

 

Andy Hafer Dynamic Communities, and member of the 2012 Convergence Customer Advisory Board

https://community.dynamics.com/b/convergence/archive/2012/03/09/choosing-breakouts-at-convergence-10-tips-on-how-to-decide.aspx

 

 

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about Microsoft Dyanmics Convergence and the many products we support and implement.

Aubrey Livingston

Sales Manager

Phone 615-665-2545 x 113  | Cell 615-870-4950

 

Kraft Enterprise Systems, LLC

The technology partner who speaks your language.

www.kraftenterprise.com

 

 

 

 

Congress extends payroll tax relief — for 2 months

Mark Patterson

After much debate and political maneuvering, Congress has passed and President Obama has signed a two-month extension of payroll tax relief. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 will extend through Feb. 29, 2012, the 2010 Tax Relief Act provision that reduced the employee portion of the Social Security tax on earned income from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent.

The Senate had passed a previous version of the act Dec. 17, but that version couldn’t garner enough votes in the House. In negotiations with Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid agreed to appoint conferees to work with House conferees on a full-year extension. In addition, the House added language to the Senate’s version of the continuation act to allow employers to avoid certain compliance challenges that otherwise could result from the temporary extension.  

For 2012, the maximum taxable wage base for Social Security taxes is $110,100 (up from $106,800 in 2011). So, assuming a full-year extension is ultimately passed as planned, the maximum tax savings from this break will be $2,202. Because of the language the House added to the act, however, high-income earners may — temporarily — be able to enjoy this entire savings even if the full-year extension isn’t ultimately passed.

The language allows employers to withhold employee payroll taxes at the 4.2 percent rate on all wages paid during the two-month period subject only to the full 2012 wage base of $110,100 and without regard to the $18,350 cap on wages earned through the end of February that was included in the Senate version of the act. But if the full-year extension isn’t passed, an amount equal to 2 percent of those excess wages will be recaptured on the employee’s individual tax return for 2012.

The language change was requested by the National Payroll Reporting Consortium because they contended that the two-month cap would have made it almost impossible for some employers to change their payroll systems in time to comply with the law.

The continuation act includes other provisions as well, such as extending for two months the following:

• Enhanced unemployment benefits — but only for states with high unemployment,
• Current Medicare payment rates for physician services — the rates were scheduled to be reduced 27.4 percent starting Jan. 1, 2012, and
• Other Medicare-related provisions that are normally extended when physician payment rates are extended.

 

The act also increases certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fees and addresses the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

The main point of debate regarding a full-year extension of payroll tax relief, as well as the other extensions, is how to pay for them. Congress has yet to address many other tax breaks that will expire at year end, such as alternative minimum tax relief, the research credit and the deduction for state and local sales tax in lieu of state and local income taxes.

In addition, a variety of rates and other breaks are set to expire at the end of 2012. So the coming year will likely be a very interesting one tax-wise. Please contact us if you have questions about how tax law changes — as well as tax law uncertainty — could affect you.

KraftCPAs is a public accounting (CPA) firm headquartered in Nashville, TN that provides tax, accounting, audit and consulting services to businesses in middle Tennessee.

 

This article originates from our partner company, KraftCPAs, website to bring our clients the most up-to-date information.

http://www.kraftcpas.com/cgi-bin/aw/acuweb.cgi?s=kraftcpas2&t=taxnewsdetail.htm&StoryID=1040&

Payroll Year-End Alert

Jeff Frye, GP Consultant

Kraft Enterprise Systems, LLC

 

Because of the political back-and-forth in Washington it is strongly advised that GP Payroll users wait until the last possible moment to update their payroll tax tables in GP.  Right now I do not think anyone knows what is going to happen with the FICA withholding rate and this debate may even eventually spill over into changes with the FIT rates, we just do not know what our representatives are going to do going into an election year. 

 

So go ahead with the steps that include running the year end payroll update and creating the 2011 year end file, but do not update the tax tables until you absolutely must for doing that first payroll with a January 2012 date. 

 

FYI: the Senate passed bill that was killed in the House today was really, really going to mess things up.  Payroll service providers as well as payroll software vendors were being put into a quandary similar to the one last year.  If the two-month extension provision had passed with the special wage limits there was no way GP or any other software would have been able to calculate the correct FICA withholding for higher paid employees.   This would have meant more manual calculations, just like the beginning of 2011.

John Pamplin Joins Kraft Enterprise Systems as

Microsoft Practice Director

Pamplin to direct a team of consultants who work with KES clients on Microsoft products.

Microsoft Dynamics® ERP Holiday Season  Offer

Effective November 1, 2011 through the end of the business day December 22, 2011

For a limited time, Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers (excluding Microsoft Dynamics AX) on a current Enhancement Plan can purchase additional user or module licenses for up to 20% off of Microsoft’s standard list price.

Have you been waiting for the right time, and promotion, to expand your ERP solution?

Now is the time to take advantage with this special “Microsoft Dynamics ERP Holiday Season User Offer”.

What’s more, you only have to purchase a minimum of 2 licenses to be eligible for the discount and the discount can be applied on up to a total of 20 user or module license purchases.

Contact me for all inquiries and interest so we may assist you in this promotion.

 

Emily Gonsoulin

Client Account Manager

615-665-2545 ext. 121

egonsoulin@kraftenterprise.com

We are thrilled to invite our valued customers to November’s Accelerent Breakfast at Lipscomb University featuring Col. Tillman, former Commander of Air Force One during the attacks on 9/11/2001!

This event is complimentary to all of our clients and thier guests and part of our commitment to bring the best customer experience to you.

 To register, please click here to RSVP for the Breakfast on Thursday, November 10th. We welcome you to invite any co-workers,  employees or guests to this event with us.

Join us Thursday, November 10th for the opportunity to meet 500 of Nashville’s key business leaders in the community and hear from this dynamic speaker. It will be an event, a speaker and a message you won’t forget.

The event is limited to 500 registrants so please sign up quickly to reserve your seat for this event. Registration closes Friday, November 4th.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

 

Emily Gonsoulin

Client Account Manager

egonsoulin@kraftenterprise.com

Office: 615-665-2545 ext. 121

Kraft Enterprise Systems, LLC

 

Biography on Col. Mark Tillman:

Chosen as the nation’s 12th Presidential pilot, Colonel (ret) Mark W. Tillman served as pilot and commander of Air Force One from 2001-2009. Col. Tillman was at the controls of Air Force One through numerous national events. Most notably, he protected the President on September 11, 2001 by keeping him out of harm’s way and connecting the flying oval office to the nation’s first responders. Another historic event was being the first pilot to fly the Commander-in-Chief into a war zone. The challenge was unprecedented–transport the most targeted man in the world into the heart of terrorism. One mistake would have left the President open to attack and cost the lives of US service members. Col. Tillman personally orchestrated and executed the covert operation with flawless success. His planning, done in complete secrecy, allowed for a complete surprise to the entire world. Col. Tillman’s distinguished career spans 30 years in the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 2004 and promoted to Brigadier General by the President of the United States-the first military line officer to receive this honor. A man devoted to serving his country, this captivating storyteller will give you a first-hand account of remarkable moments in history.

Advanced Bank Reconciliation Training

Save the Date: Join us on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM MST for our Spook-tacular Halloween Complimentary Advanced Bank Reconciliation training and a chance to win one of three Halloween Basket.

Join our expert, Melissa O’Brien and learn how to set up:

• Beginning Balances
• Reconcile Rules
• Deposit Groupings

·        Contact Melissa to sign up and we will send out the GoToWebinar invite.

 

 SAVE the DATE:

KraftCPAs & Kraft Enterprise Systems host

 Women In Technology of Tennessee’s Monthly Meeting

WiTT Oct. Meeting Tuesday, October 25th
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

“Cyber Crime: Threats & Deterrents”

Speakers
Scott Augenbaum, Cyber Crime Supervisor in the FBI Memphis Division
Gina Pruitt, CPA, CISA, CRISC, CQA, CHFP, CEMB 

Every day, criminals invade countless offices across the nation — not by breaking down windows and doors, but by breaking into laptops, personal computers, and wireless devices via hacks and bits of malicious code.

The collective impact is staggering. Billions of dollars are lost every year repairing computer systems hit by such attacks. Some attacks are designed to steal sensitive and valuable information from companies’ databases. Other attacks take down vital systems, disabling the work of businesses around the country.

In 2009, the annual dollar loss due to Internet fraud was nearly double the previous year, and cyber attacks on company databases are increasingly more common. (Source: 2009 IC3 Annual Report)

The FBI’s Cyber Investigations team aims to stop those behind the most serious computer intrusions and the spread of malicious code.

Special Agent Scott Augenbaum from the FBI Cyber Crime Squad and Gina Pruitt, CPA, CISA, CQA, CHRP, CRISC, director of information systems assurance and consulting services with KraftCPAs PLLC, will be addressing the growing threat of cyber crime at the WITT meeting on October 25. Join us to:

• Find out about the most common cyber scams and the latest scams aimed at businesses;
• Learn how to help protect your company’s information assets and reduce your company’s risk of becoming a victim of cyber crime;
• And learn how to file an Internet crime complaint.

Meeting Location: KraftCPAs, 555 Great Circle Rd. Nashville TN 37228 (in Metro Center)

Registration online only, networking at 4:00 pm.

Registration includes light refreshments generously provided by KraftCPAs.