Dynamics GP Technical Developer Intermediate-Level Questions
What is Microsoft Dynamics GP?
Microsoft Dynamics GP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed for small and midsize businesses, which helps in managing finance, inventory, operations, and human resources.
Can you explain the architecture of Dynamics GP?
Dynamics GP operates on a client-server architecture, primarily using Microsoft SQL Server as its database. It consists of application and database servers, where business logic is executed on the client side.
What are some of the core modules in Dynamics GP?
Core modules include Financials (General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable), Inventory Management, Sales, Purchasing, and Human Resources.
How does Dynamics GP support customization?
Dynamics GP supports customization through tools like Modifier with VBA, Dexterity, Extender, Visual Studio Tools, and SQL Server scripting for tailored functionalities.
Explain the process of integrating Dynamics GP with other systems.
Integration can be achieved using Integration Manager for basic data import/export, eConnect for more complex transactions, and Web Services for integrating with web applications.
What is the role of Dexterity in Dynamics GP?
Dexterity is the primary development tool used to build and customize Dynamics GP. It ensures product upgradeability by allowing developers to modify the system without changing the source code.
Can you describe the functionality of SmartList in Dynamics GP?
SmartList provides a flexible, easy-to-use reporting tool that allows users to query, view, and analyze data from various modules within Dynamics GP, with the ability to export data to Excel.
How do you troubleshoot performance issues in Dynamics GP?
Troubleshooting involves checking network performance, optimizing SQL Server configurations, reviewing Dynamics GP setup options, and using tools like the Dynamics GP Performance Monitor and SQL Profiler.
What is the purpose of the Professional Services Tools Library (PSTL) in Dynamics GP?
PSTL offers a set of utilities for performing tasks like database maintenance, data correction, and system configuration adjustments not available in the standard Dynamics GP interface.
How do you implement new features or updates in Dynamics GP?
Implementing new features or updates involves planning, testing in a non-production environment, backing up data, and following the Microsoft recommended upgrade path or installation procedure.
Explain how to create a new company in Dynamics GP.
Creating a new company involves using the Dynamics GP Utilities, selecting the “Create a company” option, and following the guided process to set up the company database and configure initial settings.
What is eConnect, and how is it used with Dynamics GP?
E-Connect is a set of tools and APIs designed for integrating other applications with Dynamics GP, enabling automated data entry and business transactions processing.
Describe how security is managed in Dynamics GP.
Security in Dynamics GP is managed through a combination of user accounts, roles, and tasks that define what operations a user can perform, with access rights set at the module and window level.
How do you handle multicurrency management in Dynamics GP?
Multicurrency management involves setting up currency codes, exchange rate tables, and accounts for each currency. Dynamics GP allows transactions in multiple currencies and converts them into the functional currency.
What is the significance of Analytical Accounting in Dynamics GP?
Analytical Accounting provides tools for tracking financial data beyond general ledger accounts, allowing for detailed financial analysis without complicating the chart of accounts.
Can you explain the batch processing system in Dynamics GP?
Batch processing allows for the grouping of similar transactions for processing at a later time, facilitating review and approval processes, and efficient handling of large volumes of data.
What are some common issues faced during Dynamics GP upgrades, and how do you address them?
Common issues include data inconsistencies, customizations compatibility, and third-party integration problems. Addressing these involves thorough testing, data cleanup, and ensuring compatibility of customizations and integrations.
How does Dynamics GP handle tax calculations and reporting?
Dynamics GP handles tax calculations by integrating with tax tables and supports reporting through various tax reports and statements, accommodating different tax jurisdictions and regulations.
What are Workflow Approvals, and how are they configured in Dynamics GP?
Workflow Approvals in Dynamics GP enable the automation of approval processes for various documents and transactions, configured through the Workflow Maintenance window, defining approval steps, and assigning approvers.
Explain how to use the Document Attach feature in Dynamics GP.
The Document Attach feature allows users to attach, view, and manage documents related to Dynamics GP records, such as invoices or purchase orders. It's configured through the Document Attachment Setup window, where you specify the types of documents to attach and their storage locations.
Dynamics GP Technical Developer Advance-Level Questions
1. What are some critical considerations when upgrading Dynamics GP?
Answer: Critical considerations include verifying hardware and software prerequisites, reviewing customizations and third-party integrations, ensuring compatibility, and training users on new features. A thorough backup and a phased rollout plan are essential to minimize risks during the upgrade.
2. Can you explain the role of Dexterity in Dynamics GP?
Answer: Dexterity is the development environment used to build and customize Dynamics GP. It allows developers to create and modify GP forms, reports, and integrate business logic. Understanding Dexterity is crucial for deep customizations and addressing unique business requirements that cannot be met through standard GP configurations.
3. How can you optimize Dynamics GP performance?
Answer: To optimize Dynamics GP, you can apply SQL Server maintenance tasks like indexing and update statistics, implement historical data archiving, use terminal servers to reduce client load, and adjust server configurations to match your hardware capabilities.
4. Describe the process of implementing a new module in Dynamics GP.
Answer: Implementing a new module in Dynamics GP involves planning the implementation, configuring the system settings and security, importing or entering initial data, performing module-specific setup, conducting user training, and executing a pilot testing phase before full deployment.
5. Can you explain the use of Multidimensional Analysis (MDA) in Dynamics GP?
Answer: MDA in Dynamics GP allows users to allocate, track, and analyze financial data beyond the traditional account and sub-account structure. It facilitates detailed financial analysis without complicating the chart of accounts, helping organizations make more informed financial decisions.
6. Explain how to implement intercompany transactions in Dynamics GP.
Answer: Implementing intercompany transactions requires setting up each participating company within Dynamics GP, defining intercompany relationships, and configuring posting accounts. You then use the Intercompany Transaction Entry window to record transactions that automatically update accounts in related companies.
7. Discuss how you would use the Extender module in Dynamics GP.
Answer: The Extender module in Dynamics GP is used to customize and extend the capabilities of standard Dynamics GP forms and windows without the need for direct code modification. It can add new fields, windows, and forms to capture additional data required by the business.
8. What are the best practices for securing Dynamics GP data?
Answer: Best practices for securing Dynamics GP data include implementing role-based access controls, regular auditing of user activities, using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, securing network access, and ensuring that data backups are encrypted and stored securely.
9. How do you handle upgrades and migrations in Dynamics GP?
Answer: Handling upgrades involves planning the upgrade path, testing the upgrade in a non-production environment, backing up data, executing the upgrade, and validating system functionality post-upgrade. Migrations require similar steps but include additional data mapping and transfer tasks.
10. What is the role of the Professional Services Tools Library (PSTL) in Dynamics GP?
Answer: PSTL in Dynamics GP provides a set of tools to assist with data maintenance tasks such as merging records, modifying IDs, and performing integrity checks. It is essential for maintaining data accuracy and facilitating changes within the system as business needs evolve.