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Where can I learn more about integrations

  • 1.  Where can I learn more about integrations

    Posted Dec 30, 2019 04:16 PM
    Hi everyone,
    I work for a non-profit and we are using 2013 version. We have integrations for journal entries and for payroll but I would like to use integrations for banking, possibly fixed assets and explore the other integration options.  Where can I learn more about what integrations are possible, how to set them up and map them? Thank you in advance for your advice.

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    Wendy White
    Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee
    Nashville
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  • 2.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    TOP CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted Dec 31, 2019 08:34 AM
    Depends on your level of support, in-house or your partner.
    Integration Manager is likely included with your install and is free, but is finicky to use.
    SmartConnect from eOne is one of the easiest to learn and roll out. eOne has many sample maps to use.
    eConnect and SSIS or GP Web Services are options if you have some SQL people or programmer gurus available.

    Plan ahead for the type of import(s), volume, and frequency.

    Good luck!

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    David Morinello
    Senior Dynamics GP Systems Architect
    Ascend Learning, LLC
    Leawood KS
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    GPUG ALL STAR
    Posted Dec 31, 2019 08:50 AM

    Hi @Wendy White

    Integrations are DEFINITELY a boon to speed up processing and cut down on manual data entry.

    There are two integration tools that are used regularly:

    Integration Manager: This one is built mainly on Macros that run when GP is open and sometimes using eConnect.  It's buggy and difficult at times, but if you already own this one it WILL get the job done if you need it to.

    eConnect is software that uses the GP Stored Procedures that the User Interface kicks off and that checks all of the same checks and balances at entry that doing the transaction manually does.  Does the vendor exist? The account number? Is the entry balanced?  etc.

    eConnect is super fast as an integration tool.. I mean, super fast, BUT, you need a developer if you try to use it "raw".

    However, eOne's SmartConnect is built as a "front end" for eConnect making it much easier to use, but still retain the same functionality as raw eConnect.  SmartConnect also lets you add easy to understand filters and restrictions and calculations that help with integrations tremendously.  It is my favorite integration tool.

    It is not easy to understand out of the box, you will need some training, or plenty of time to train yourself.  I recommend you enlist help and training on writing your first integrations from your partner or another trusted consultant that knows the product well.  You can also buy directly FROM eOne and pay for their training as well.

    Once you DO grasp some of the basics, it becomes MUCH easier to write and understand them.  I promise you.

    There are also some webinars here on GPUG for basic integration writing concepts you may want to watch,  You'll need to do a search for them, though.



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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    TOP CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted Dec 31, 2019 09:51 AM
    You're welcome to contact me personally.  I have maps for all the Integration Manager integrations because we use IM extensively.  The basics are that you have a data source, a destination, and the mapping of what goes where.  I like to stage all my data in a database table and cleanse it before I send it through IM and I can show you how to add in before- and after- macros to assist with this.

    PS - I'm not a consultant, just an experienced user.  If you have access to a good consultant, that may be an option for you.  But if you want to learn from another user who did everything from scratch, I'm certainly willing to assist.

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    Blair Christensen
    Database Administrator
    Oppenheimer Companies, Inc.
    Boise ID
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    GPUG ALL STAR
    Posted Jan 02, 2020 11:49 AM
    @Blair Christensen,

    Hey! I would be a willing listener to your tales of Integration Manager mappings! I've used it once, with @Barbara Gavron's help​​. But we're getting into a level of order entry at our company where pre-processing and bulk entry would be very helpful.

    May I contact you offline?

    Sincerely,

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    "Sparkly" Steve Erbach - Green Bay, WI
    Co-Chair, GPUG WI (Green Bay) Chapter
    Blog: https://www.gpug.com/blogs/steve-erbach
    Twitter: twitter.com/serbach

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    Excel Webinar List as of 12-Nov-2019
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    TOP CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted Jan 02, 2020 12:11 PM
    You're welcome to contact me - as is anyone else.  I have Excel spreadsheets by integration category (Payables, Receivables, etc.) which show all the mappings and field specifications (datatypes) including required fields.  Some even show how the data maps back in the database.

    My typical strategy is to stage the data, integrate, then mark as done.  This makes it really easy to see what was integrated and reintegrate (by resetting the status) if necessary after deleting a batch, etc.  It requires a little database know-how (I can assist with table scripting, etc.), but once you know how to do it, it applies generally to all integration types.

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    Blair Christensen
    Database Administrator
    Oppenheimer Companies, Inc.
    Boise ID
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Where can I learn more about integrations

    TOP CONTRIBUTOR
    Posted Jan 03, 2020 05:37 PM

    Integrations seem more confusing than they are.  I use integration to upload my journal entries, to invoice through (SOP) our DataCenter Customers, and I have one integration for uploading the credit card statement detail to accounts payable.  As Blair mentions, staging is important.  I use FileMaker Pro (a database program) to layout my data.  I have database apps that handle the tasks I mentioned, and then I upload the detail. 

    For journal entries and payables, I only have to create one text file (for each type) that integrates.  The Invoicing is a little more complex.  There are four text tables that have to be created to create the invoices.  For that DataCenter billing what was a manual process for a full day a month is not 2-3 hours start to finish.  

    Banking integration and cash receipts will be my next projects.  The sample files are really pretty helpful.  And the staging of the data in my database means that the work is pre-checked before uploading so errors are not a factor.  

    Good luck Wendy.



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    Thomas Hill
    Staff Accountant
    M&A Technology, Inc.
    Carrollton TX
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    Original Message


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