Please join eSoftware Professionals as we present Financial Reporting for Ceres 2009 and NAV 2009. This is an intermediate class for those in a finance role.

Webinar: Financial Reporting for Ceres 2009 and NAV 2009

• Wednesday, August 21, 2013
• 10 am – 11:30 am Pacific (1 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern)

During this class you will get an overview of financial reporting including:

• business intelligence concepts
• Filtering and analysis pages related to the Chart of Accounts
• How to set up an Account Schedule

Ready to sign up now? Fill out the Webinar Registration form below and we’ll save you a spot.

Find more classes on our training page to help you and your team improve your productivity, learn new features and functionality, or brush up on your Dynamics NAV skills.

As Microsoft Dynamics NAV Developers we are aware that NAV is a highly customizable solution. While this is certainly an attractive attribute, it does imply a certain level of responsibility at the partner level. When we customize objects and/or code we are creating a de facto system behavior or functionality; a situation whereby events will play out in the business logic accordingly and without human interaction, input, or control. In many cases this is necessary and desired but it is important to consider that there may be alternative approaches.

To add some context let’s first recognize that there are a few options when it comes to changing the behavior and user experience of NAV; Personalization, Configuration, and Customization. Listed in this order they represent the preferred approach or hierarchy when it comes to system change.

Read the full article…

Q: How do I move to the next field in NAV 2009?
A: The RIGHT ARROW key will move to the next field or character in NAV 2009.

Want more shortcuts? Check out all the NAV 2009 Keyboard shortcuts.

Q: Is there a shortcut to move between to the next frame or tab in NAV 2009?
A: Yes! CTRL + PAGE DOWN is the shortcut to move to the next frame or tab in NAV 2009.

Shortcuts make everything easier don’t they? Note: The same shortcut works in Ceres 2009.

Thanks to Janice at North Texas Food Bank for submitting this NAV 2009 tip request.

To download information from eSoftware Professionals’ FTP server, please begin by accessing an FTP client such as FileZilla or FreeFTP. [This may require downloading FileZilla (a free software program) by going to the website www.filezilla-project.org]. If you need to install an FTP client, follow the Installing FTP client instructions below. If you already have an FTP client installed continue with Accessing the eSoftware FTP Site Manager instructions.

Accessing the eSoftware FTP Site Manager

• Open the FileZilla or other FTP dialog box by going to where you installed it and clicking on FileZilla or other FTP client name [You may see the FTP program in your Start menu or from All Programs as well].
• Enter files.esopro.com for the address or host.
• Enter your unique Username and Password provided to you by eSoftware Professionals.
• Click Quickconnect.
• Once you complete the steps for installing the FTP on your computer, you can create a desktop shortcut that will allow you to click on your FTP icon and you will be immediately set up to connect to our server with one easy step.

You now have access to our ftp site and can begin download procedures below.

Downloading a File via FTP

• You’ll see two columns in FileZilla. On the left is a listing of your local drive labeled: Local site and on the right is the FTP site labeled: Remote site
• Navigate to the folder you want to save the file to in the Local site by double-clicking the folders until you find the appropriate folder
• Click on the name of the folder and/or file you want to download from the right column, Remote site: /files.esopro.com/
  
• Right Click and select Download (if you have multiple files to transfer, select Add files to queue)
• From the Menu, Select Transfer, then Process Queue (or Ctrl-P) to complete the transfer

Installing an FTP Client

• Connect to www.filezilla-project.org
• Click Download FileZilla Client.
• Select FileZilla_3.0.9.1_win32-setup.exe (recommended)
• Program should begin downloading. You may need to click on the pop up bar on the top of the window to allow the program to download.
• Click Run twice
• Click I Agree
• For the next couple options you can click Next
• When you get to destination folder, make sure you put this download in the correct folder where you will be able to find it again and create a shortcut link, (if you so choose).
• Click next and then install.
• Click Finish.

Tip Tuesday: Microsoft Dynamics NAV Tip

If you have already asked yourself the question “Will our ERP system work with computers running Windows 7?”, then you’re probably ready for the next question:

What steps do I need to make before I add Windows 7 computers to the network?

Microsoft Dynamics Tips

As you know, Windows 7 is now the only operating system available for new laptops and computers. Most Dynamics NAV systems will need an upgrade to support Windows 7. To make them compatible, you’ll want to work with your Dynamics NAV partner at eSoftware to upgrade your system. Not to worry, our Dynamics NAV experts have created an Executable Upgrade that will help make it a smooth transition to Windows 7 support.

Here are the steps you’ll need to take for the upgrade.

1. Planning for the Upgrade
   1. Verify your NAV version and licensing.
      You will need NAV 4.0.3.6 or higher to support Windows 7.
      Note: The NAV executable version you can upgrade to will depend upon your database version and other add-ons.
   2. Create a list of the upgrade components on your system for example: Clients, NAS, Database Server, AE, Jet Reports, etc. (Work with your Dynamics NAV partner if needed)
   3. Verify the status of your support plan.
      You need a current support plan for upgrades.
   4. Determine whether you will need to make any other adjustments including:
      – Halting the sync server  prior to the upgrade
      – Is the existing server being upgraded?
      – Notify aidmatrix
      – NAV Licensing, etc.
2. Test Environment Upgrade
   Depending upon the hardware components you are upgrading, your test environment may include a new server or it may simply be one or more client machines. The hardware components you are upgrading will determine whether the test environment can be configured within your network or whether it must be configured internally by eSoftware.
   1. Prepare a recent Backup from your Production Server
   2. Obtain the new NAV executable version from eSoftware.
      – Restore to new executable version onto test environment (or restore to current executable version and reopen in a new version to convert)
   3. Test select process and verify database stability
   4. Create a Backup from the new executable version
3. Production Environment Upgrade
   1. Suspend any systems you identified in step 1.c.
   2. Install new executable files in production environment including client computers, server and all items identified in step 1.a.
   3. Upgrade the executables by restoring to the new executable version (or restore to current executable version and reopen in new version to convert)
   4. Test select process and verify database stability
   5. Restart any systems previously put on hold

We’ll be ready to assist when you’re ready to add new computers running Windows 7 to your Microsoft Dynamics NAV system. Contact your eSoftware Partner today at support@esopro.com.

Note: Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a 32 bit application. 64 bit Windows operation systems support both 32 bit and 64 bit applications. 32 bit applications are supported on 64 bit operating systems via the Windows on Windows (WOW) 32 bit compatibility mode.

Blog Directory

Get quick shortcuts and suggestions to help you navigate in Microsoft NAV, Ceres and Navigator

Today’s Tip: Date Shortcuts

When you’re entering in today’s date remember you can use the shortcut “t” for today’s date rather than typing out the full date.  The same is true for any day of the week. Want Monday’s date? Just type “m” in a date field and hit enter – the date will automatically get filled in for you. Here’s a quick list of the Date Shortcuts in Microsoft NAV, Ceres and Navigator.

Date Shortcuts

• T = Today’s date
• M = Monday’s date
• Tu = Tuesday’s date
• We = Wednesday’s date
• Th = Thursday’s date
• F = Friday’s date
• W = Today’s work date

You can also type in the day of the month, or the month and day and the system will fill in the rest. Type in 18 and the system will convert it to 11/18/10. If you want a different month, type in 1218 and you will get 12/18/10.

* Note: You don’t have to capitalize the shortcut. “Tu” or “tu”, “f” or “F” both capitalized or lowercase shortcuts work.

Want more tips like this one? Subscribe to our blog and get Tip Tuesday articles to help you keep all the Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Ceres and Navigator shortcuts at your fingertips.

Have a suggestion for a Tip Tuesday shortcut? Send your Microsoft Dynamics NAV shortcuts suggestions today!

As a presenter at last week’s Feeding America Finance Conference I realized there’s a hidden gem in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Ceres, and eFood. When asked how they manage Fixed Assets most of the attendees admitted frustratingly that they still used Excel spreadsheets or Access databases with manual entry for fixed assets tracking. When I investigated further I found they didn’t realize Fixed Asset management is already included in their MS Dynamics NAV license (Ceres, and eFood, too). With both BE and AM BRL licenses you already get Fixed Assets life cycle management.

To Automate Fixed Assets Tracking or Not, That is the Question

How do you know if you are ready to move your Fixed Assets from your spreadsheets or databases to Dynamics NAV, eFood, or Ceres? If you answer yes to any of the following, you are ready to take advantage of the improved functionality and automation offered by Ceres, eFood, and Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

• Tired of spending so much time manipulating fixed assets data manually in spreadsheets?
• Wish you had real-time fixed assets information?
• Want to reduce the time it takes you to provide the required tax and reporting information?
• Want to improve your fixed asset reporting capabilities?

Fixed Assets Life Cycle Management in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Ceres, and eFood

Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Ceres, and eFood help you control and manage the entire life cycle of your fixed assets—from acquisition to disposal. You can manage fixed assets allocation, reclassification, maintenance, and reporting. You can improve your team’s productivity by streamlining your fixed asset management. Automating Fixed Assets management gives you control to automatically track fixed and intangible assets, calculate depreciation accurately, as well as easily complete tax reporting and compliance requirements.

Here are a few screen shots to give you a quick overview of fixed assets life cycle management.

1. From the Main Menu select Fixed Assets (under General Ledger)
2. The Fixed Assets Main Menu includes one-click access to:
   1. Reports, Insurance, & Periodic Activities
   2. Fixed Assets G/L Journals & Fixed Assets Journals
   3. Fixed Assets Reclass. Journals (Fixed Assets Reclassification Journals)
   4. Fixed Assets Registers & Insurance Registers
3. The Fixed Assets Card gives easy access to each Fixed Asset’s:
   1. Book Value, Depreciation Book Code, Posting Group, & Straight-line percentage
   2. Depreciation Method, start date, end date, and automatically calculates the length of depreciation
4. Fixed Assets Maintenance Ledger and Integration with Purchase and Payables Granule
   1. Includes transaction posting dates, amounts, G/L entry number

It’s fun when I can find a real-life example to illustrate how important an effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is to a company’s bottom line. Here’s a great real-world example of a company in need of a new ERP solution.

Six months ago a colleague Tom and his wife Emily ordered three lamps from a local retailer. Because the items were out of stock the retailer placed them on back order from their drop shipper. Not willing to wait, Emily promptly canceled the order, was refunded, and bought the lamps elsewhere. Yesterday, six months later, an unmarked box arrived with three lamps. It’s the canceled order.

Here are the questions this order and shipment mix-up raised. Mind you, they are also some of the issues a good ERP system will help you solve.

• Where did these lamps come from?
• Why didn’t the retailer know the drop shipper was out of stock when they placed the order?
• Did the drop shipper get notified when the order was canceled?
• Does the retailer know the drop shipper fulfilled a canceled order?
• Will the retailer ever learn what happened to these lamps, or has this order disappeared into a black hole?
• Who will bear the costs created by this error, the retailer or the drop shipper?
• How much profit and inventory is lost to mistakes like this each month and year?
• How much money is wasted on unnecessary shipping and handling costs each month and year?
• Why wasn’t the retailer identified somewhere on the package or packing slip instead of only the name and address of the drop shipper?
• Why is there no contact information for the drop shipper or retailer on either the package or packing slip?
• How and to whom does my friend return the lamps?

This example illustrates the issues caused when the systems we order and fulfill from are not connected. Sometimes we call this ‘silos of information’, other times we just call it frustrating and costly.

Here are a few questions to help you determine if you need a new ERP system.

• Do your sales and customer service teams struggle to find up-to-date information on which products you have in stock?
• Do your sales and customer service teams lack visibility to the back order and fulfillment systems?
• How many times does an order (or canceled order) need to be entered for the order to be fulfilled?
  Hint: if the answer is more than one, you may need a new ERP system.
• Your business is growing and your system can’t keep up
• A lot of time is wasted hunting for information
• You’re losing clients and losing money

If you answered yes to the questions above it may be time to find a qualified ERP Consultant to help. Find out more about what to expect during an ERP Implementation.

An effective ERP Systems can help improve your bottom line by

• Eliminating the need for duplicate entries into multiple systems
• Reducing the opportunity for operator error
• Providing instant access to orders and inventory
• Improving supply chain management
• Improving efficiency
• Improving inventory management

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear your company or personal experience illustrating the ramifications of inadequate supply chain management or enterprise resource planning systems either from the customer or company perspective.

Here is the NAV 2009 quick reference card with all the essential keyboard shortcuts for NAV 2009 and Ceres 2009. Download the NAV 2009 Keyboard Shortcuts PDF in portrait or get the Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 in landscape format. You can also download these quick reference cards from our ERP resources library.