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Planning Your Dynamics GP Upgrade: What to Expect and How to Prepare Table of Contents Planning Your Dynamics GP Upgrade: What to Expect and How to Prepare For many organizations across the United States, Microsoft Dynamics GP has long been a reliable backbone for financial management and operations. But as technology evolves and Microsoft continues to release new versions, upgrading your Dynamics GP system becomes not just a technical necessity—but a strategic business decision.   At Ascent Innovations LLC, we work closely with CFOs, Controllers, and IT leaders to ensure their GP upgrades are smooth, secure, and aligned with business goals. If you’re planning an upgrade, here’s what you need to know—and how to prepare.  Why Upgrading Dynamics GP Matters Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why upgrading is critical:  Security: Older versions no longer receive security patches, leaving your data vulnerable.  Compliance: Regulatory changes (especially in payroll and tax) require up-to-date systems.  Performance: New versions offer improved speed, stability, and user experience.  Compatibility: Integrations with third-party tools and Microsoft Office products often require the latest GP version.  Delaying an upgrade can lead to higher costs, longer downtimes, and increased risk. Planning ahead ensures your business stays agile and protected.  What’s Actually Involved in a Dynamics GP Upgrade? Upgrading Dynamics GP is not a simple “click and install” process. It involves a series of carefully coordinated steps that touch your data, infrastructure, and business processes. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:  1. Initial Assessment and Planning Every successful upgrade starts with a detailed assessment. This includes:  Version Review: Identifying your current GP version and determining the upgrade path. Some older versions require multiple “hops” to reach the latest release.  Infrastructure Audit: Reviewing your SQL Server version, Windows OS, and hardware to ensure compatibility.  Customization Inventory: Documenting any third-party add-ons, custom reports, or integrations that may be affected.  At this stage, Ascent Innovations works with your team to create a tailored upgrade roadmap, timeline, and risk mitigation plan.  2. Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning Before any upgrade begins, full system backups are essential. This includes:  SQL databases  GP application files  Customizations and integrations  We also establish rollback procedures to ensure your business can recover quickly in the unlikely event of an issue during the upgrade.  3. Test Environment Setup A test upgrade is performed in a sandbox environment that mirrors your production system. This allows us to:  Validate the upgrade path  Identify potential issues with customizations or integrations  Allow your team to test critical workflows and reports  This phase is crucial for minimizing surprises during the live upgrade.  4. Data Integrity Checks and Cleanup Before migrating your data, we run integrity checks to ensure your databases are clean and stable. This includes:  Removing unused companies or tables  Fixing corrupt records  Validating table relationships  Clean data leads to a smoother upgrade and better performance post-migration.  5. Upgrade Execution Once testing is complete and your team signs off, we schedule the live upgrade—typically during off-hours or weekends to minimize disruption. This includes:  Installing the new GP version  Migrating databases  Reapplying customizations and integrations  Configuring security and user roles  Our team monitors the process closely to ensure everything runs according to plan.  6. Post-Upgrade Validation and Support After the upgrade, we conduct a full system validation:  Confirming data accuracy  Testing financial reports and key transactions  Ensuring third-party tools are functioning  We also provide user training and documentation to help your team adapt to any new features or interface changes.  How to Prepare for a Smooth Upgrade Here are a few steps your organization can take to ensure a successful upgrade:  ✔Assign an Internal Project Lead  Designate someone from your finance or IT team to coordinate with Ascent Innovations LLC. This person will help gather requirements, schedule testing, and communicate updates internally.  ✔ Clean Up Your GP Environment  Remove inactive users, unused companies, and outdated reports. This reduces complexity and speeds up the upgrade process.  ✔ Review Your Customizations  Make a list of all third-party tools, integrations, and custom reports. Knowing what’s in use helps us ensure compatibility with the new version.  ✔ Communicate with Stakeholders  Let your team know what to expect—especially around downtime, testing, and training. Clear communication reduces resistance and ensures smoother adoption.  Common Questions from CFOs and Controllers Q: How long does a Dynamics GP upgrade take? A typical upgrade takes 2–5 business days, depending on the number of databases, customizations, and testing requirements.    Q: Will we lose any data? No. With proper backups and testing, your data is preserved and validated throughout the process.   Q: Can we upgrade during year-end or month-end? We recommend avoiding upgrades during critical financial periods. The best time is typically mid-month or during a slower business cycle.    Q: What if we’re using older versions like GP 2013 or GP 2015? Older versions may require multiple upgrade steps. We’ll guide you through each phase to ensure a safe and efficient transition.  Why Choose Ascent Innovations? At Ascent Innovations, we specialize in helping mid-sized businesses across the U.S. modernize their Dynamics GP environments. Our team brings:  Deep expertise in GP upgrades and migrations  Proven methodologies for minimizing downtime  Personalized support tailored to your business needs  Whether you’re upgrading to GP 18.5 or planning a future move to the cloud, we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.  Final Thoughts Upgrading Dynamics GP is more than a technical task—it’s a strategic opportunity to improve performance, security, and compliance. With the right planning and a trusted partner like Ascent Innovations, your upgrade can be smooth, efficient, and future-ready.  Ready to start planning your upgrade? Contact our team today for a free consultation and upgrade readiness assessment. Author: Abdul Hafiz​​ Enterprise Solution Architect​ Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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Everything You Need to Know About a Dynamics GP Upgrade

Everything You Need to Know About a Dynamics GP Upgrade Table of Contents Everything You Need to Know About a Dynamics GP Upgrade Upgrading Microsoft Dynamics GP isn’t just about installing a new version—it’s a detailed, multi-step process that ensures your ERP system remains secure, efficient, and compatible with your business needs. At Ascent Innovations LLC, we understand that clients often ask, “Why does a GP upgrade take days?” or “What exactly happens during the upgrade?” This article breaks down the key components of a Dynamics GP upgrade to help you understand what’s involved. Key Factors That Influence the Upgrade Process Several variables affect the time and complexity of a Dynamics GP upgrade:  Number and Size of Databases: Larger databases or multiple company databases require more time for data checks and migration.  Version Path: Upgrading across multiple versions (e.g., GP 2010 to GP 2016) may require intermediate upgrades, each with its own compatibility checks.  Infrastructure Changes: Moving data across different servers, operating systems, or SQL versions adds complexity.  Third-Party Integrations: If your GP environment includes ISV products or custom integrations, these must be tested and updated for compatibility.  System Resources: Network speed, server performance, antivirus scans, and access permissions can all impact upgrade speed.  Core Activities in a Dynamics GP Upgrade Here’s a breakdown of the major tasks involved in a typical upgrade:  1. Environment Preparation Updating operating system settings  Applying Windows updates  Configuring server roles and features  2. Data Backup and Recovery Planning Creating full backups of databases and files  Establishing recovery checkpoints for rollback if needed  3. Data Migration Moving databases between servers  Transferring files and configurations  4. File Maintenance Cleaning up old or unused files  Preparing system files for compatibility with the new version  5. Data Integrity Checks Running diagnostics to identify issues that could cause upgrade failures  Performing checks across all company databases (which can be time-intensive)  6. Upgrade Execution Applying the new version of Dynamics GP  Updating SQL Server components if required  Reconfiguring integrations and third-party tools  7. Post-Upgrade Validation Verifying data accuracy  Testing core functionalities  Ensuring user access and security settings are intact  Why Partner with Ascent Innovations LLC? A Dynamics GP upgrade is a strategic investment in your business continuity and performance. At Ascent Innovations LLC, we bring deep expertise and a structured approach to ensure your upgrade is smooth, secure, and aligned with your business goals.  Whether you’re upgrading from an older version or planning a multi-stage migration, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from planning and testing to execution and support.  Author: Abdul Hafiz​​ Enterprise Solution Architect​ Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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Upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics GP: Why It Matters Table of Contents Upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics GP: Why It Matters Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) continues to be a trusted ERP solution, with over 15,000 active users. Over the years, Microsoft has released several versions, including GP 2015, GP 2016, GP 2018, GP 18.2, GP 18.3, and GP 18.4 (also known as GP 2022). The latest release is GP 18.5, referred to as GP 2023.    Each new version comes with essential updates—bug fixes, feature enhancements, compliance improvements, service packs, productivity tools, and stronger security. These updates are vital for running your business smoothly and staying compliant with regulations.    However, Microsoft has begun discontinuing support for older GP versions to focus on newer technologies. If you’re still using an outdated version, you risk missing out on critical security patches and new features.  Why You Should Upgrade to the Latest Dynamics GP To take full advantage of Microsoft’s ongoing improvements, your business should be running the latest version of Dynamics GP. Keep in mind that not all versions can be upgraded directly. For example, upgrading from GP 2015 to GP 18.5 may require multiple steps—first to GP 2016, then through GP 18.3 and 18.4, before reaching GP 18.5.    Each upgrade step demands time and resources. Delaying upgrades can lead to longer downtimes and higher costs. If you’re unsure where to begin, Ascent Innovations LLC is here to guide you through every stage of modernizing your Dynamics GP setup.  5 Key Reasons to Upgrade Your Dynamics GP Keeping up with Microsoft’s updates may seem challenging, but upgrading ensures you get the most value from your ERP system. Here are five compelling reasons to make the move:  1. Stay Compliant and Fix Bugs Microsoft regularly releases Service Packs, Hotfixes, and Compliance Updates. Service Packs (every six months) address known issues, while monthly Hotfixes resolve minor bugs. Compliance updates help you stay aligned with tax laws and accounting standards—especially important if you use GP for payroll or tax forms like W2s and 1099s.  2. Access New Features and Enhancements Each new version introduces valuable features. GP 18.5, for example, includes multi-factor authentication, the ability to mask social security numbers in HR reports, and improved usability like copy/paste functionality in Payables transactions.  3. Better Integration with ISV Products Upgrading ensures compatibility with Independent Software Vendor (ISV) solutions—third-party tools that extend GP’s capabilities. Most ISV products require the latest GP version to function properly, so staying current helps you integrate seamlessly.  4. Continued Support and Security Every GP version has a defined end-of-support date. Once support ends, you lose access to critical updates, increasing your risk of bugs, security vulnerabilities, and compliance issues. Staying updated ensures your system remains secure and functional.  5. Reduce Costs and Avoid Inefficiencies While frequent upgrades may seem inconvenient, they prevent costly delays and reduce the need for workarounds. Outdated systems often force employees to find manual solutions, which can compromise data security and productivity. Regular updates keep your system efficient and reduce long-term upgrade expenses.  Ready to Upgrade? Upgrading your Dynamics GP system ensures you stay compliant, secure, and efficient. Don’t wait until support ends or issues arise—reach out to the experts at Ascent Innovations LLC for guidance on upgrading and optimizing your GP environment.   Author: Abdul Hafiz​ Enterprise Solution Architect Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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Consignment Inventory or Vendor-owned Inventory

Consignment Inventory Table of Contents Consignment Inventory or Vendor-owned Inventory Consignment inventory is an element of supply chain management in which the vendor inventory is held at the customer warehouse. The customer doesn’t pay for the goods until the goods are consumed, and in most cases, pays only the amount consumed.   When receiving the inventory, the physical receipts and on-hand inventory transactions are posted in the system, without any general ledger postings.   At the time of actual consumption, the ownership changes and the financial (GL) transactions are posted.   The vendor can monitor the consumption of inventory at the customer site (usually through a Vendor Portal or system integration or EDI).   This concept has a lot of advantages for both customer and vendor and continues to gain popularity in recent years. Beneficial for long-term business between supplier and the consumer. Reduced transportation and inventory costs. Higher quality assurance as goods typically come from a focused production run and manufactured date Less risk in the form of purchasing and management approvals. Better cash flow for the consumer. Fewer variables in production planning. Reduced turnaround time leading to better end-customer experience. Supplier retains full ownership and visibility. More predictable demand forecasting and replenishment planning. Supplier gets to push any new products through its supply chain while still testing the demand. At the same time, the consumer (retailer) will be able to launch new product lines with minimal risk. As with anything, consignment does have some downsides. From the customers, there are risks associated with damaged inventory and stock counting errors. The disadvantages to suppliers are cash flow uncertainty and cost of unsold inventory. For non-durables, there are additional factors to be considered. How To Make Consignment Inventory Work For Everyone Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships Suppliers and consumers can reap the biggest rewards from Consignment Inventory by developing an honest partnership, working together to improve their processes, sharing inventory details and strengthen their supply chain management. Both parties can benefit immensely by using a good inventory management software that automates the processing of consignment orders based on current inventory levels and keeps all parties informed Use an Inventory Management Software with Consignment Inventory feature An optimal solution would be to invest in an inventory management software that is designed to handle consignment inventory. The software should track the goods shipped & ordered, utilization and replenishment levels, and additional information regarding the inventory in both physical and financial terms. The information should be transparent, and the information flow automated. The brief overviews below are real world application of this concept, and we will keep this discussion at a conceptual level to maintain client confidentiality. Scenario A: Due to the freight costs associated with moving large industrial equipment parts and the tremendous benefits of co-marketing, we helped one of our clients through this process of Consignment Inventory for a select few of their suppliers/vendors, also referred as Partners (as they truly are).   This process helped maintain a smooth production flow, meet the end-customer demand effectively and reduced freight costs. Being a 100-year company with strong trusted relationships with its business partners, made the execution go smooth. Scenario B: In the steel and metal fabrication industry the trucking costs and material handling costs directly have an impact the company’s tight profit margin.   To be globally competitive, this concept is taking root. Few companies have implemented inventory management software systems to build that ecosystem with their business partners both on the supply side as well as on the demand side. EDI-enablement makes the workflow highly automated, information flow instantaneous and decision process based on real-time data.   When executing this concept, this metal processing company took a step-by-step approach. Certain products were ear-marked on specific production lines and those specific raw materials (goods) could be stored by the vendors in the warehouse. Vendors were informed in advance on the warehouse capacity. Suppliers have configured their inventory systems accordingly to make their plans, safety stock levels for the smooth production runs. Company and the suppliers were excited to partake in helping execute such a process and take the trust to a new level.   Vendors were notified of the consumption which initiated two activities at the vendor’s side. The first is to issue an invoice for the material consumed and the second is to replace the consumed stock when the levels go below threshold. Additionally, suppliers got an insight on consumption in order to do their own Production and Material Planning.   A consignment replenishment order is a document that is used to request and keep track of inventory quantities of products that a vendor intends to deliver within a certain date interval by creating ordered inventory transactions.   Typically, this will be based on the forecast and actual demand of the specific products. The inventory that’s going to be received against the consignment replenishment order remains in the ownership of the vendor.   This topic includes information about how to physically receive vendor-owned inventory on-hand without creating general ledger transactions, how to start a production process where the vendor-owned inventory can be physically reserved. and how to change the ownership of the raw material in order to be able to process the consumption as part of the production order processing. There’s also some information about how vendors can monitor consumption of their inventory using the vendor collaboration interface. The Dynamics 365 Supply Chain: It is always delighting to the company when a major ERP solution like Microsoft Dynamics has got it right and most of the requirements were part of the standard feature set.   The consignment (replenishment) order effectively manages vendor owned inventory by marking the ownership of the received inventory to the vendor. Such receipts of inventory are updated only in the inventory register without any financial (GL) effect. The best part of consignment inventory is that the on-hand quantities are available for reservation and other planning processes. Of course, before consumption of vendor-owned inventories, the ownership should be changed to … Read more

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Streamlining Supplier Management with Power Pages

Streamlining Supplier Management with Power Pages Table of Contents The Manufacturing Supplier Challenge In today’s fast-paced manufacturing industry, supplier relationships are critical to ensuring smooth production, quality control, and on-time delivery. However, many manufacturers still rely on outdated, manual processes for managing supplier interactions—resulting in inefficiencies, delays, and errors.   Common supplier management challenges include: Inefficient communication between manufacturers and suppliers Lack of real-time visibility into order statuses, quality control, and compliance requirements Manual processes leading to inconsistencies and human error Difficulty tracking supplier performance and compliance metrics The Solution: A Supplier Portal Powered by Power Pages A supplier portal built with Power Pages transforms supplier collaboration by providing a secure, real-time digital environment for managing quality control, order tracking, and compliance. How a Power Pages Supplier Portal Works Digital Supplier Onboarding & Compliance Management Suppliers can register, submit required documents, and complete onboarding digitally Automated compliance tracking ensures all certifications and documentation are up to date Quality Control & Inspection Automation Suppliers can access digital checklists and automated workflows for product inspections Real-time analytics provide visibility into defect rates, inspection results, and compliance trends Order & Shipment Tracking Suppliers can log in to view open purchase orders, expected delivery dates, and payment status Integration with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ensures real-time updates Suppliers can log in to view open purchase orders, expected delivery dates, and payment status Integration with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ensures real-time updates Performance Monitoring & Reporting Manufacturers can track supplier KPIs, quality metrics, and delivery performance Automated alerts notify suppliers about missing documents, upcoming deadlines, or quality issues Why Power Pages for Supplier Portals? Low-Code Flexibility – Quickly build and customize portals without complex development Seamless Integration – Connects with Dynamics 365, Power Automate, and Dataverse Enterprise-Grade Security – Protects sensitive supplier data with role-based access Final Thoughts A supplier portal built with Power Pages transforms supplier relationships by streamlining quality control, enhancing communication, and automating compliance tracking. Manufacturers that embrace digital supplier collaboration gain better visibility, reduce costs, and improve product quality—ultimately driving greater operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. About the Author Abdul Hafiz is a business and technology strategist with 25+ years of experience in optimizing and implementing ERPs to modernize finance and operations. As a Partner at Ascent Innovations, he has led growth and delivery for 14 years. He holds a master’s degree in computer and information sciences from the University of Illinois and advises executive teams on how to modernize the enterprise to drive profitable growth.   Author: Abdul Hafiz Enterprise Solution Architect Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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What is ABC Analysis?

What is ABC Analysis? Table of Contents What is ABC Analysis? ABC analysis is the process of classifying the inventory into A, B and C classes based on their relative significance to business, either by their monetary value, utilization, carrying cost or any other factor. This allows leaders to allocate the company’s resources to maximize the efficiency. https://www.ascent365.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bf463f6f-eb9f-4259-bf9e-f80048d3_3400.mp4 Class A: Very important for an organization. High value, so tighter control, accurate records and frequent valuation required. Small (5-15) % of items account for Large (65-80) % of the value (consumption, costs, activity, etc. Class C: Is not critical for company’s operations. Comparatively low value so management will not lose sleep on the accuracy of inventory. Large (80+) % of items account for a relatively small (<15) % of the inventory value/consumption. Class B: Essentially in between classes A and C. Value at par with quantity. There is no fixed or globally followed percentage or factor. Every business can do it differently, and in fact with sophisticated ERP systems, can do the classification on multiple factors and report/track simultaneously. How is ABC Analysis applied? Inventory planners can forecast the demand and manage the appropriate stock levels, in order to minimize carrying costs and avoid obsolete / low-demand (dead) stock. Companies can prioritize having quality trade agreements with suppliers on Class A items, at the best possible combined costs (item costs, shipping costs, services, quality, RMA, etc.). Optimize inventory by stocking up on popular/high-demand items and reducing stock of slow-moving items. Reducing the risk of running out of stock or plant slowdowns. Effective utilization of working capital. ABC classification can be applied to better understand the impact of price updates on margins. Continuous process improvements using periodic tracking and refinement of classification is important. The leadership can then prioritize resources for optimizing Class A items compared to doing the same for Classes B or C. For example, cycle counting. Enable informed stock replenishment decisions on changing the safety levels, etc. Introduction to Inventory Control Every business has a need to optimize their inventory and supply chain, and many times than not, it is a constant challenge. A proper inventory control helps organizations to manage the business uncertainties and fluctuations. Furthermore, as the cost of inventory is a sizable portion of working capital, organizations employ various inventory controlling techniques for effective utilization of available resources with minimal risk to business. In the advent of modern inventory control techniques, organizations can control the inventory better. Applying such control techniques require vigor and most often being smart with classification of items, especially when dealing with hundreds to sometimes few thousands* of items. The inventory control techniques are applied selectively/discriminately to items. The inventory is classified based on its importance and specific inventory control is applied to each class, thus, optimizing the effort to manage large number of items.   If you have few thousands of items, there is usually a better option to use item variants or dimensions, to optimize your item list.   The most common and very widely used classification is the ABC classification, to classify items based on its relative importance to business, i.e. based on monitory value, availability of resources and carrying cost. The Law of Vital Few ABC classification uses the Pareto’s principle, popularly known as ‘the 80–20 rule’, also referred as ‘the law of vital few’. The law states that for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of causes. When applied to inventory, the same is interpreted as 20% of the items may account for 80% of total cost in the given period. A sample diagram represents the classification of items based on inventory investment. It can be noted that 10% of items contribute to 70% of inventory investment, which is termed as the ‘significant few’ or otherwise called the A-class items. The next 20% of items that contribute the 20% of investment are termed as B-class items. The rest 70% of items, the major portion of items, contribute just 10% of inventory investment, which can be termed as the ‘insignificant many’ or C-class items. Thus, the classification provides the opportunity to apply different rigor but appropriate control techniques to respective class of items. While the A-class items deserve tightest control and most frequent review, B-class items can be put into medium level of control. C-class items can be managed through the simple rule of thumb. The sample used here is 70-20-10, and this ratio varies by organization. Benefits of ABC Analysis The classification of items into A, B& C yields many tangible and intangible benefits to the practicing organization. Smarter management of working capital: ABC analysis leads to The classification of items into A, B& C yields many tangible and intangible benefits to the practicing organization. A smarter management of working capital to manage optimal on-hand inventory and safety stocks, based on the consumption pattern and lead-times. Item replenishment policies can be derived from ABC analysis. Better Planning and forecasting: The ABC analysis help the planners to be more precise and effective in their demand and consumption forecasts. Wiser negotiations with vendors: With the insight of the vital few and insignificant many, negotiations with vendors become more wiser for price, lead time and delivery. Strategic pricing: Product pricing gets a shot in the arm as the analysis identifies the ‘vital few’ for profits and sales revenue. Marketing strategy and selling techniques could be revised based on the item classification to maximize revenue and profits. Optimized physical verification: Physical verification of stocks based on ABC classification helps organizations to effectively utilize organizational resources. While high value ‘vital few’ items could be checked more frequently, the low value ‘insignificant many’ can be checked seldom. There is a flip side to ABC classification that skips the cost of shortage or the effect of an item going out of stock, which is managed through the VED (Vital, Essential, Desirable) analysis. Frequency of the movement of an item is omitted in ABC classification, which is covered under FSN (Fast, Slow, Non-moving) analysis. How to use ABC classification? ABC analysis is usually running on 4 different parameters/factors of … Read more

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Cross-Functional Workflow: Non-D365 Applications Need to Keep Up with D365

Cross-Functional Workflow: Non-D365 Applications Need to Keep Up with D365 Table of Contents Share Cross-Functional Workflow: Non-D365 Applications Need to Keep Up with D365 Implementing D365 Finance & Supply Chain is a major step in modernizing business operations, but it’s not the finish line—it’s just one leg of the race. If your legacy applications aren’t keeping up, you’re dropping the baton every time data moves between systems, undoing the speed and efficiency gains D365 was meant to provide.   A well-run ERP is like a relay race—each team (or system) needs to execute their part smoothly and seamlessly pass the baton to the next. If one runner is faster but the baton keeps getting fumbled, the race isn’t won—it’s lost in the handoffs.   The reality is that many companies implement D365 but fail to modernize the applications that interact with it. The result? Manual workarounds, data silos, integration issues, and inefficiencies that slow everything down.   If you’re sensing that processes aren’t flowing the way they should, it’s time to look at what’s happening in the handoffs. How Legacy Applications Disrupt the Flow Process Gaps and Data Blindspots Create Bottlenecks Aging applications weren’t designed to integrate with cloud-based ERP systems like D365. That means data handoffs are slow, error-prone, or reliant on manual exports and workarounds. Orders get processed in D365 but don’t sync properly to fulfillment systems. Financial reports require manual data pulls instead of real-time updates. Inventory updates lag behind, creating discrepancies between sales, purchasing, and warehouse teams. Every dropped handoff forces teams to run faster to make up for lost time, leading to more stress, inefficiency, and operational risk. Technical Debt Slows Down Progress Legacy applications often contain years of patches, custom scripts, and outdated code. They work—until they don’t. Performance issues and system crashes slow down operations. Security vulnerabilities create compliance risks. Custom fixes make upgrades expensive and time-consuming. If your IT team spends more time maintaining old systems than improving business processes, it’s a sign the baton isn’t just being dropped—it’s getting tangled in technical debt. User Experience: The Hidden Obstacle to Productivity A slow, outdated interface isn’t just frustrating—it creates real productivity losses. And as your teams adopt D365, the antiquated nature of your legacy systems becomes painfully clear. D365 enables real-time visibility, but outdated systems don’t – Users are forced to manually extract and re-enter data, creating delays and errors. D365 is designed for modern workflows, but legacy apps aren’t – What once seemed like a small inefficiency now becomes a major bottleneck. D365 empowers mobile and remote teams, but legacy systems don’t – If users can’t access critical tools from anywhere, they revert to manual workarounds. If teams are avoiding the system or working outside of it, the technology isn’t supporting them—it’s slowing them down. As companies modernize with D365, the gaps between what’s possible and what’s holding them back become impossible to ignore. Ensuring a Strong Handoff: Application Integration A successful D365 implementation requires more than just ERP—it requires modern, well-integrated applications that keep the baton moving without friction. Disconnected applications create data silos, leading to inconsistent, outdated, or incomplete information across departments. If finance, sales, and operations aren’t seeing the same numbers in real time, decision-making slows down, errors increase, and inefficiencies multiply.   With proper integration, data flows seamlessly across all business functions:   Orders from your CRM automatically update inventory and fulfillment in D365. Financial transactions sync instantly, eliminating reconciliation delays. Supplier updates reflect in procurement planning, preventing stockouts. Without integration, each of these steps becomes a manual, error-prone process, forcing teams to waste time chasing down the right information instead of acting on it. If Your ERP is Fast, Your Other Systems Need to Keep Up D365 isn’t an island—it’s part of a larger digital ecosystem. If your legacy applications can’t keep up, the business won’t move at the speed it should.   Application modernization isn’t about changing everything overnight—it’s about ensuring that the baton is passed smoothly, so your business wins the race instead of making up for lost time.   If your D365 implementation isn’t delivering the efficiency you expected, let’s talk. We’ll help you identify what’s slowing things down and modernize the systems holding you back. About the Author Abdul Hafiz is a technology leader with 25+ years of experience in optimizing and implementing ERPs to modernize finance and operations. As a Partner at Ascent Innovations, he has led growth and delivery for 14 years. He holds a master’s degree in computer and information sciences from the University of Illinois and advises executive teams on how to modernize the enterprise to drive profitable growth. Author: Abdul Hafiz Enterprise Solution Architect Icon-linkedin Share Latest Posts You might also like:

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Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing Table of Contents Modern Manufacturing What Is Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing? Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing is a cloud-based solution designed specifically for manufacturers, helping them become more agile, efficient, and resilient. It brings together powerful tools like Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Power Platform to create a connected, intelligent manufacturing ecosystem.   With built-in AI, IoT, and automation capabilities, manufacturers can get real-time insights, streamline operations, and proactively manage risks—helping them stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Key Capabilities of Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing 1. Strengthening the Supply Chain Supply chain disruptions and unpredictable demand can create major challenges for manufacturers. Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing helps businesses gain visibility, plan smarter, and reduce risks. Real-time supply chain visibility – Use AI-powered insights in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management to monitor supplier performance and identify risks before they become problems. Better demand forecasting – Improve planning with AI-driven models that predict demand trends, helping manufacturers balance supply and demand more effectively. Warehouse & fulfillment optimization – Streamline inventory tracking, warehouse operations, and order fulfillment to reduce delays and costs. 2. Improving Production & Quality Keeping production efficient and maintaining high quality are critical for success. Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing gives manufacturers real-time insights and automation tools to improve output and reduce waste. Production monitoring & optimization – Track factory operations in real-time and use AI-driven analytics to optimize processes and reduce downtime. Automated quality control – Leverage AI-powered inspections and real-time tracking to ensure product quality and reduce defects. Digital twins & simulation – Simulate production changes before implementing them, allowing for smarter decision-making and improved efficiency. Empowering Workers with Smart Tools Modern manufacturing requires a connected workforce with access to the right information at the right time. Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing provides tools that help employees work smarter. Connected workers – Use Microsoft Teams, Power Apps, and HoloLens 2 to improve collaboration, training, and productivity on the factory floor. Hands-free assistance & training – Enable employees to receive remote guidance and training through augmented reality tools like Dynamics 365 Guides. Enhancing Customer & Field Service Customers expect fast response times and proactive service. Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing helps manufacturers improve engagement and service quality. Preventative field service – Use AI and IoT to predict equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime and improving customer satisfaction. Stronger B2B customer engagement – Build better relationships with customers using AI-driven sales, marketing, and customer insights tools. What’s Next? Microsoft’s Continued Investment in Manufacturing Microsoft is constantly adding new features to help manufacturers stay competitive. Some of the latest innovations include: AI-powered summaries – Quickly generate concise summaries of manufacturing data using AI, making it easier to find key insights. Faster portal creation – Build customer and partner portals using AI-driven natural language tools, reducing development time. Autonomous AI assistants – Improve customer support with AI-driven virtual agents that interact with users in real time. Stronger cybersecurity & compliance – Enhanced authentication and security features to protect sensitive data. Why Ascent Innovations? With 16 years of experience in Microsoft ERP, analytics, and digital transformation, Ascent Innovations helps manufacturers get the most out of Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing. Implement AI-powered manufacturing solutions for supply chain, production, and field operations. Connect Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, and Dynamics 365 to streamline processes and improve decision-making. Use real-time analytics to improve forecasting, efficiency, and business performance. Strengthen customer engagement, security, and compliance to future-proof operations. Take Your Manufacturing to the Next Level The future of manufacturing is all about agility, intelligence, and automation. Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing provides the tools you need to compete today while preparing for tomorrow.   Want to get started? Contact Ascent Innovations to learn how we can help you maximize your investment in Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing. About the Author Abdul Hafiz is a business and technology strategist with 25+ years of experience in optimizing and implementing ERPs to modernize finance and operations. As a Partner at Ascent Innovations, he has led growth and delivery for 14 years. He holds a master’s degree in computer and information sciences from the University of Illinois and advises executive teams on how to modernize the enterprise to drive profitable growth. Author: Abdul Hafiz Enterprise Solution Architect Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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What is Application Modernization?

What is Application Modernization? Table of Contents The Business Case for Modernization Businesses today rely on custom-built applications to support critical operations, but many of these systems were developed years ago and struggle to keep up with modern cloud environments, AI integration, and automation needs.   As technology advances, companies face a fundamental choice: modernize or fall behind.   Legacy applications often introduce: Complexity and technical debt that increase maintenance costs Aging infrastructure that creates security and performance risks Poor user experience with outdated interfaces and workflows Limited AI and automation capabilities that restrict innovation   Ignoring these challenges leads to rising costs, security vulnerabilities, and operational inefficiencies, making it harder for businesses to compete in a digital-first world. Why Modernize Legacy Applications? Many legacy applications, particularly monolithic architectures, present significant challenges: Difficult to update due to tightly coupled systems, making feature enhancements costly High operational costs from ongoing maintenance and resource-intensive infrastructure Scalability limitations requiring entire applications to scale instead of individual components Security risks from outdated software and lack of modern compliance controls Inability to integrate AI, automation, and cloud-native capabilities By modernizing applications, organizations can reduce costs, accelerate development cycles, and create more flexible, scalable systems. How to Approach Application Modernization A successful modernization strategy starts with a clear assessment of the current application landscape. Companies should categorize their applications based on: Business value – How critical is the application to operations, customer experience, or competitive advantage? Complexity and dependencies – What systems and integrations rely on this application? Potential ROI – What measurable benefits will modernization deliver? Applications that are both high-value and easier to modernize are often the best starting point, while complex, deeply integrated systems may require a phased approach. Key Modernization Strategies Different applications require different modernization approaches. The four primary strategies include: Rehosting (Lift & Shift) Moves applications to the cloud with minimal modifications Improves scalability and reduces on-premises infrastructure costs Best for applications that need quick cloud migration with minimal disruption. Replatforming (Migration to PaaS) Moves applications to cloud platforms with minor code adjustments Leverages managed services, auto-scaling, and high availability Retains core functionality while improving flexibility Refactoring (Cloud Optimization) Restructures applications to leverage cloud-native architectures Converts monolithic applications into microservices or containerized environments Enhances performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Rewriting (Full Rebuild) Completely redesigns applications using modern frameworks Unlocks AI-driven capabilities, automation, and future-proof technology Ideal for applications needing extensive modernization Key Technologies for Application Modernization Modernizing an application isn’t just about moving it to the cloud—it’s about adopting the right technology stack to enhance performance, scalability, and long-term flexibility. Programming Languages: Java, .NET, Python, JavaScript (React, Angular, Vue), Go, Rust Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, hybrid cloud environments Data & Integration: SQL & NoSQL databases, GraphQL, API-driven architectures Microservices & Containers: Kubernetes, Docker, serverless computing DevOps & Automation: CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, automated testing AI & Automation: Machine learning, NLP, robotic process automation (RPA) Each of these technologies plays a role in making applications more agile, scalable, and intelligent, enabling businesses to innovate faster while reducing IT overhead. Modernization is More Than Just Cloud Migration One common misconception about modernization is that it simply means moving applications to the cloud. While cloud adoption is often part of the process, modernization is about rethinking how applications function—making them more modular, efficient, and aligned with business objectives. Some organizations take a gradual transformation approach to break apart monolithic applications over time. Others may benefit from API integration strategies, allowing modern applications to interact with legacy systems without requiring immediate replacement. The Business Impact of Modern Applications A well-executed application modernization strategy delivers: Lower costs by optimizing infrastructure and reducing maintenance requirements Greater agility with faster time to market for new features and capabilities Improved security through modern compliance standards and risk management Better user experience with intuitive, high-performance applications Future-ready systems that can easily adopt AI, automation, and next-gen innovations Final Thoughts Application modernization is not just an IT initiative—it’s a strategic business decision that impacts efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth.   By choosing the right modernization strategy, leveraging modern architectures, and focusing on business-driven outcomes, organizations can ensure their applications remain a competitive advantage rather than a technological burden. About the Author Abdul Hafiz is a business and technology strategist with 25+ years of experience in optimizing and implementing ERPs to modernize finance and operations. As a Partner at Ascent Innovations, he has led growth and delivery for 14 years. He holds a master’s degree in computer and information sciences from the University of Illinois and advises executive teams on how to modernize the enterprise to drive profitable growth.   Author: Abdul Hafiz Enterprise Solution Architect Icon-linkedin Latest Posts You might also like:

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automate-work-while-on-the-go

Automate work while on-the-go Table of Contents Automate work while on-the-go In today’s, matrix management structure of the global workforce especially in newer industries, there is a need to inform and get approval of your absence (eg. vacation) so that your project managers are part of your scheduling decisions.   We have used an example here of a Parallel Approval workflow, multiple persons are required to approve items, in this case vacation requests. Each person’s approval is independent of all other approvers. The same logic applies to Payables, Quality Assurance, Project/Service quotations, etc.   This flow automates an employee vacation request process that requires approval from all persons (or teams) that the employee supports regularly. Employees use a SharePoint list to request vacation. Vacation approvals are required from the employee’s direct manager, the Sales team, and the Human Resources team. Each vacation request is routed to each approver for a decision. The flow sends email with status changes and then updates SharePoint with the decisions.   Before you create the flow, create a SharePoint Online list; later, we’ll use this list to request approval for vacations.   The SharePoint Online list you create must include the following columns: Make note of the name and URL of the SharePoint Online list. We use these items later to configure the SharePoint – When an item is created trigger. Create your flow from the blank template 1. Sign in to Microsoft Flow. 2. Select the My flows tab. 3. Select Create from blank. 4. Select the Create from blank button. Add a trigger 1. Enter SharePoint into the search box. 2. Find, and then select the SharePoint – When an item is created trigger. 3. Select the Site Address and the List Name for the SharePoint list that your flow monitors for new items. Get the manager for the person who created the vacation request 1. Select New step, and then select Add an action. 2. Enter get manager into the Choose an action search box. 3. Find, and then select the Office 365 Users – Get manager (V2) action. 4. Insert the Created By Email token into the User (UPN) box on the Get manager card. This action gets the manager for the person who created the vacation request in SharePoint. Name and save your flow 1. Provide a name for your flow, and then select the Save icon to save the work we’ve done so far. Note: Select the Save icon periodically to save the changes to your flow. Add an approval action for immediate manager 1. Select New step, and then select Add an action. The brief overviews below are real world application of this concept, and we will keep this discussion at a conceptual level to maintain client confidentiality. 2. Enter approval into the Choose an action search box. 3. Select the Approvals – Start an approval action. 4. Configure the Start an approval card to suit your needs. Note: The Title and Assigned To fields are required. You can use Markdown to format the Details field. Insert a parallel branch approval action for the sales team 1. Select the down arrow that’s located between the Get manager (v2) and the Start an approval cards.   2. Select the plus sign that shows up on the down arrow after you select it.   3. Select Add a parallel branch.   4. Select Add an action. 5. Search for, select, and then configure a Start an approval action that sends the vacation request to the sales team. See the steps used to Add an approval action for immediate manager if you’re not sure how to add the Start an approval action.Note: Use the sales team’s email address in the Assigned To box of the Start an approval 2 action. Insert a parallel branch approval action for the human resources team 1. Repeat the steps to insert a parallel branch for the sales team to add, and then configure a Start an approval action to send vacation requests to human resources.   Note: Use the human resources team’s email address in the Assigned To box of the Start an approval 3 action.   If you’ve followed along, your flow should resemble this: Options after adding parallel branches After you’ve added actions to parallel branches, you have two options for adding more steps to your flow:   1. Use the small Insert a new step button (the circular plus button that appears when you select any white space on a branch or the area immediately below a branch). This button adds a step to that specific branch. Steps you add with this button run after this specific branch completes.   2. Use the larger New step button at the bottom of the entire workflow. Steps you add with this button run after all branches complete. In the following sections, we use the small Insert a new step button to perform these steps on each branch:• Add a condition that checks if the vacation request was approved or rejected.   • Send an email that informs the employee of the decision. • Update the vacation request in SharePoint with the approval decision.   Then, we use the larger New step button to send an email that summarizes all decisions made on the vacation request.   Continuing… Add a condition to each branch 1. Select any white space on the Start an approval branch. 2. Select the small Insert a new step button (the circular plus button that appears after you select the white space in the previous step). 3. Select Add a condition from the menu that appears. 4. Select the first box on the Condition card, and then select the Response token from the Start an approval category in the dynamic content list. 5. Confirm the list (in the middle of the Condition card) is set to is equal to.6. Enter Approve (this text is case-sensitive) into the last box.7. Your condition card should now resemble this example: Note: This condition checks the response from the Start an approval action that goes to the employee’s manager.8. Repeat the preceding steps on the Start an approval 2 (the approval request to sales) and Start an approval 3 (the approval request to human resources) branches. Add email actions to each branch Perform the following steps on the IF YES side of the Condition branch.Note: Your flow uses these steps to send an email when the request is approved:1. Select Add an action on the IF YES branch of the condition. 2. Enter send email into the search box on the Choose an action card. 3. Select the Office 365 Outlook – Send an email action. 4. Configure the email card to suit your needs. … Read more