Understanding the Dynamics GP End of Life Microsoft’s recent announcement about the end of life for Dynamics GP has created a wave of uncertainty among businesses that rely on this long-standing ERP solution. With support for Dynamics GP set to phase out by September 2029 and security updates ending by April 2031, many organizations are … Read more
Posts by smccolly
Data-Driven Decisions: Turning Insights into Action for Business Growth
Data is often hailed as the new oil—a valuable resource that, when refined and utilized correctly, can fuel business growth and innovation. However, merely collecting data isn’t enough. The real power lies in transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. Let’s review the importance of data-driven decision-making, the common challenges businesses face, … Read more
The Art of Personalization and How to Truly Understand and Engage Your Customers
Personalization isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Customers expect experiences that are tailored to their individual needs and preferences, and businesses that fail to deliver may find themselves losing out to more agile competitors. Personalization goes beyond simply addressing a customer by their name; it involves creating a seamless, customized experience at every touchpoint. … Read more
Microsoft Tech Stack and Directions North America Conference Notes
I recently attended, for the first time, the Directions North America Conference for Microsoft Partners, held in San Diego, CA. I found it to be quite insightful into the future trajectory of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and its ecosystem. In addition, I found the Dynamics Community to be a close-knit and welcoming group. Here are a … Read more
Mastering ERP Implementation: A Guide for Modern Businesses
Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system represents a pivotal step towards enhancing operational efficiency and achieving comprehensive data integration across an organization. This process, from the initial selection to full-scale deployment, requires meticulous planning, informed strategic decisions, and a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s specific needs. This guide outlines the essential steps to successfully … Read more
Guide to Customizing your ERP Software: Pros and Cons
In the landscape of modern business technology, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems stand as pivotal elements, driving efficiency and streamlining operations across various sectors. The decision to modify an ERP system is complex, influenced by each organization’s unique demands and strategic objectives. As a leading technology advisor, Crestwood Associates is well-versed in the complexities of … Read more
The Future of Cloud ERP: A Recap of Acumatica Summit 2024
The Acumatica Summit 2024, held from January 28th to January 31st in Las Vegas, marked a pivotal moment in the world of cloud ERP solutions, drawing industry professionals from across the globe to witness a spectacle of innovation, collaboration, and community. This year’s summit was not just an event; it was a testament to Acumatica’s … Read more
Crestwood Associates Announces New Leadership
With great enthusiasm and anticipation, we announce a significant evolution in our executive team here at Crestwood Associates. Jason Sheaffer, our Chief Revenue Officer with a distinguished tenure exceeding a decade in ERP expertise, is stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Jason is committed to driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation. … Read more
Crestwood Associates: Acumatica’s 2024 President’s Club Award Winner
We are thrilled to announce that Crestwood Associates has been honored with the prestigious 2024 President’s Club award by Acumatica. This recognition is a testament to our dedication, expertise, and exceptional service in the realm of cloud ERP solutions, solidifying our status as a leading Acumatica Gold Certified VAR (Value Added Reseller) partner. The President’s … Read more
Why Choose Acumatica ERP Your Path to Modern Business Success
In a world where business dynamics evolve at an unprecedented pace, the challenges of staying ahead in the game are more pronounced than ever. I have spoken with several CEO’s, CFO’s, or COO’s, this past year who are constantly grappling with the need to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and stay competitive. Enter Acumatica ERP – … Read more
2024: A Pivotal Year for Finance and Compliance – Insights from FUSE Avalara
Navigating 2024: My Avalara Conference Takeaways This past week, I had the pleasure of attending FUSE, Avalara’s first-ever partner conference. It was three days of discussing the future of finance and tax compliance and honing into what 2024 holds for us in terms of tax management and sales tax compliance. I’m excited to share insights … Read more
Achieve Seamless GP Migrations and Minimize On-Premise Downtime: An In-Depth Guide
As we prepare to embark on the enlightening transition from conventional on-premise systems to the expansive realm of cloud technology, Great Plains (GP) migrations play a pivotal role. The benefits of this transition are profound: increased operational efficiency, cost reductions, and unparalleled flexibility. However, this journey can present potential challenges, including the much-feared on-premise downtime. … Read more
How to Find the Best Construction ERP Software
How To Find the Best Construction ERP Software A successful construction project requires many tools, but one of the most important of these possesses is neither bit nor blade. The right ERP system can mean the difference between a project that runs smoothly, without wasting materials or staff hours, and one that comes in past … Read more
How to Find the Best Manufacturing ERP Software
Many manufacturing ERP software systems are as embedded within organizations as the production equipment that powers them. Just like machinery that doesn’t evolve with the times, an ERP system can become outdated and painfully inefficient. And just as outdated equipment can slow down your whole production line, an outdated ERP system can keep your entire … Read more
Latest Release: Collections Management for Acumatica
What’s New in the Latest Release of Our Collections Management Add-On Offered as an add-on product to Acumatica users, our Collections Management tool has proven to be a game-changer for collections activities. Businesses can easily visualize all their collections activities from a convenient dashboard, while also automating timed steps in collection plans, the closing … Read more
Accelerate Business Success with Data Integration & Transformation
Wearable devices track how much we sleep, how many steps we walk, our heart rate, and more. Social media sites track what we click on and how much time we spend looking at a given story. Suffice it to say that data is big business. It’s also big for business, as companies have access to … Read more
Acumatica 2023 R1 | Features & Improvements in Latest Update
Top Features & Improvements in the Latest Acumatica 2023 R1 Update Acumatica, the cloud-based ERP system, has released its latest version, Acumatica 2023 R1, with several new features and improvements. This new version is designed to make business management more efficient and effective, and to help users streamline their processes and improve their bottom line. … Read more
Which ERP Industry Category Benefits the Most | Crestwood
ERP Industry Categories: A Look at Who Benefits Most There’s a board game from the ’90s in which players advance by guessing the commonality between three seemingly disparate things – a shark, a saw and a gear, for example (answer: they all have teeth). If you were playing the business edition of this game, you … Read more
What’s New and Planned for Dynamics 365 Business Central
Crestwood Associates is looking forward to delivering the latest solutions to our clients from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 1. The latest features will add immediate value to your ERP functionality. Upgrades include: Improved Business Central integration with Power Platform to increase productivity. Application features are added to increase productivity, create better overviews and … Read more
What is an ERP system? [Infographic]
ERP systems enable businesses to manage day-to-day activities through centralized and secure data. Think of it as bringing all users of the software under one roof so that everyone from the CFO to the human resources team are is unified through common processes, connectivity and insight into centralized information. We broke it out into a … Read more
How do I Budget for an ERP Implementation?
When researching any business purchase, price is an important factor. But some investments are difficult to quantify with an exact dollar amount. More importantly, in the business world, cost is not directly related to value. Think of some high-priced executive salaries or inflated costs of luxury cars. Are they worth it? Maybe, maybe not. When … Read more
Qualities to Look for When Hiring an ERP Consultant
Congratulations! Your business has made the choice to implement an ERP system. Now comes the most important element of that massive undertaking: selecting the right ERP consultants to help you bring the system to life. ERP consultants are critical for your business, especially when the goal is to scale your organization to the next level. … Read more
Three ERP Customer Success Stories
Sometimes when starting the journey of planning an ERP implementation, it helps to read about how other companies found success working with consultants to execute the project. Working with a successful ERP implementation company can make a significant difference in achieving your business goals. How do we measure success? Each project will have specific KPIs … Read more
Futureproof your ERP system with eCommerce integration
If you do not have an existing eCommerce platform, or you have an eCommerce platform that does not interact with products, operational or accounting systems, you might be stuck in a time loop circa the 1990s. But not in the good, grunge rock Nirvana way. No, if your B2B company does not have eCommerce systems … Read more