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If you are deploying Microsoft Dynamics GP, formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics, Microsoft Great Plains (and their predecessor Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Macintosh), we would like to review Great Plains customization support options in Chicago, Northern Illinois, North Western Indiana, Southern Wisconsin. Special emphasis on Dynamics GP software development, integration, custom programming and modifications.  If you have legacy version of Great Plains Dynamics or Great Plains Accounting, your options may differ, but we still should be positioned to help you with legacy Great Plains system recovery, redeployment on new Windows 2003 or 2008 server, including Great Plains Dynamics (and GPA) on Pervasive SQL Server 2000.  For new Dynamics GP customers in Chicagoland metro area we already described Microsoft Dynamics GP 11.0 and 10.0 licensing schemas and pricing policies, feel free to give us a call.  If your Dynamics GP implementation was screwed up by local Dynamics GP VAR, feel free to ask for second opinion and likely to preserve investment into GP software licenses:

1. Dynamics GP Customization Tools.  Historically, and still now in 2010, the customization tool of choice is Dynamics GP Dexterity.  Dex was architectured in earlier 1990th as the Shell coded in C programming language.  C was expected to outlive competing DB and Operating System platforms, such as Oracle, DBII, Microsoft Windows, Unix, Solaris.  Now we know that those old good days concerns are no longer actual and we are living through different paradigms (Internet, Thin Clients, Web Clients).  Whatever is the history, Great Plains Dexterity is very popular in GP customizations, as it allows you to incorporate custom modules directly into Dynamics GP security realm and user interface.  Dexterity programming should be outsourced to Dex developers with at least several years of experience, or better to Dynamics GP Dexterity technology partner, who is in Dexterity Source Code program.  If you are trying to recover and upgrade Dexterity customization, please be sure that you have Dynamics.dic or Extract.dic dictionaries with Dexterity Sanscript codes

2. Dynamics GP eConnect.  This is new paradigm in Microsoft Dynamics GP technology, where Dexterity logic is rewritten in SQL Stored Procedures (encrypted, so you cannot alter them).  Initially eConnect was dedicated to GP ecommerce programmers to open up Great Plains objects for ecommerce integration (Customer, Inventory Item, Sales Invoice, Price List, Address, etc.).  Later on with eConnect success, its methods were expanded to cover most of the Dynamics GP modules: General Ledger, US Payroll, Purchase Order Processing, Bill Of Materials, Project Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation.  Please, note that some of the Dynamics GP modules are not covered in eConnect, for example Invoicing module (which was historically budget option to Sales Order Processing).  eConnect also is lacking Batch posting logic, and if you would like to post your GP batches directly from ecommerce web application (Microsoft Visual Studio C# or VB.Net project), you would need to review and deploy Alba Spectrum posting server

3. Dynamics GP Extender – it is Microsoft Dexterity shell, which allows you to modify GP logic without being Dexterity programmer.  Enterprise version of Extender, available from eOne allows you to include Dexterity scripts (Sanscript codes).  Extender innovative idea is really great, however some drawbacks are related to Extender performance, especially for new Dynamics GP versions 11.0 and 10.0

4. Dynamics GP Modifier with VBA.  This technology is a bit outdated, but very efficient.  You can modify Dynamics GP existing screens by placing new fields (editable field, push buttons, etc.) and activating them by associated VBA scripts

5. Give us a call: 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com

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Corporate ERP version update should be planned and you should not rush into it just because somebody tells you about certain current incentives, or when new version is just (or finally) released.  Plus, maybe you do not like the idea of making experiments with your Corporate ERP application, and rather prefer to be reasonably conservative with it.  Still, upgrade is something that should be done at certain point of your Corporate ERP life cycle.  We are consulting and implementing various small and mid size business Corporate ERP applications: Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains Dynamics, Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac in historical retrospection), SAP Business One and we saw various upgrade scenarios and we would like to share with you the pluses and minuses and how it should be done in your case:

1. What happens if I do not upgrade my Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, or Microsoft Great Plains 7.0, or Great Plains Dynamics 6.0 or earlier?  The answer depends: if you are on the version of Great Plains that is no longer supported – you are probably immune to the problems (as you already resolved them for you in the past, such as US Payroll Tax Updates, lack of Microsoft Business Solutions technical support for your legacy Great Plains version, your GP version incompatibility with current version of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 or even 2005).  Plus, in the case of archaic version you probably saved on Dynamics GP annual enhancement program fee (this fact also blocks your organization from getting access to new Microsoft Dynamics GP registration key, but maybe you don’t really care).  Maybe the point here is simple – if you are prosperous organization (or publicly traded company), you do not want to be too cost cutting on your Corporate ERP application budget and rather prefer to stay more current in MS Windows, Microsoft SQL and Microsoft Dynamics GP versions

2. If you have strong Corporate ERP upgrade policy.  Here you do not allow your organization to lapse in Corporate ERP annual enhancement programs and prefer to have active support contract.  For those of you, we recommend to consider couple of options.  First one would be conservative: wait until new Dynamics GP version (likely to be 11.0, this should be released in May 2010) to mature (in the sense of having at least first or even better second service pack released).  Second approach is more technology innovations oriented (or when you try to be official case study customer) – this approach assumes that Microsoft Business Solutions should be supporting its technology innovators in their desire to participate in beta new Corporate ERP version testing and evaluation.  So the answer on the question of When should be answered – wait two service packs release in conservative scenario, or try to be enlisted in experimental group of Dynamics GP customers

3. What should I do if my organization is in recovery mode and I need to upgrade from really legacy version of Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac or from Great Plains on Pervasive SQL Server 2000, Btrieve or Ctree.  For older GPA customers you should check with your Microsoft Dynamics GP chosen partner what is Software license upgrade cost and what is GPA upgrading to Dynamics GP 10 or 11 consulting fee (if they are not sure, feel free to call our office).  For Great Plains on Pervasive SQL or Ctree (typically 7.5, 7.0, 6.0 and earlier version), you may have pat of your Corporate ERP operations automated in such Great Plains Add-ons as Intellisol Advanced Purchase Order Processing and Project Accounting

4. When to Upgrade?  If you are on Microsoft Business Solutions annual support plan, consider upgrading to new version (if you are conservative) with the release of the second Service Pack (for Dynamics GP 10.0 there is Service Pack 4 out there as of February 2010, for Microsoft Dynamics GP 11, please stay tuned, we should let you know)

5. Additional Considerations.  What is we have Microsoft Dexterity customization?  Great Plains Dexterity custom module requires attention and special consideration, especially when your Dynamics GP application depends heavily on Dexterity custom logic and business processes.  Dexterity modification application should be given to professional Dexterity programmer to evaluate for upgrade purposes.  Crystal Reports – these typically do not require re-haul and should be expected to work with new version right away

6. How to Upgrade?  You should get a quote from your chosen Microsoft Dynamics GP partner.  Typically you should expect reenrollment fee, when you are not current with Dynamics GP annual enhancement program and do not have active contract.  If you have current contract with Microsoft Business Solutions (through your Dynamics GP Partner) – you should have access to new version reg key.  If you would like to try upgrade internally, please try it in test Dynamics GP environment first, be ready to place several GP update support cases with Microsoft Business Solutions and with your current Dynamics GP VAR.  On your own – install Dynamics GP from CD, apply latest Service pack (prior to launching Dynamics GP Utilities), then launch GP Utilities and good luck with upgrade discovery!

7. Give us a call: 1-866-528-0577 or help@albaspectrum.com

Have you ever been totally lost and wished that you had brought a GPS system with you? It would be even worse if you were stranded by sea! Indeed, the Global Positioning System, an unrivaled U.S. achievement, is a satellite-based technology that transmits microwave signals to users all over the world, allowing them to learn data related to time, date, velocity and location.

The GPS device communicates through a constellation of about 24-32 satellites that are orbiting out there somewhere in medium earth. (That’s medium, not Middle for all you Tolkien fans out there) The technology of marine GPS and land-based GPS systems is very similar. The primary difference is that the marine GPS is usually created with many exceptional features that would not be needed on an ordinary system. Marine GPS systems are created for boaters and yachters and come with the same quality assurance that people have come to expect from top selling traditional GPS’s like Garmin or Tom-Tom.

First of all, you will notice that many marine GPS’s today will feature special color displays (either CRT or LCD technology) that offer protection against the sun. If you have ever tried to use your GPS system outside of your car but couldn’t get a good view because of the bearing sunlight, you will appreciate this feature. Other features to look for in today’s marine GPS systems might include waterproofing. Why would you need to waterproof a GPS system? Not only might waves increase and flood your boat and electronic equipment, but the worst case scenario could happen and you could drop the GPS unit into the ocean! Ordinarily, you would have to kiss your GPS goodbye and spend the next few days wandering aimlessly. However, new sea-friendly GPS systems are so sealed and protected, they will actually function after being dropped into a body of water.

Other features worth noting for modern marine GPS includes special data on tide as well as prime fishing times. You could benefit from planning your traveling according to tide time, while enhancing your fishing expedition with GPS fish finders. A GPS fish finder may have numerous features; some that are as simple as tracking location, others that actually use sonar technology to locate fish and track the water depth. Generally, the more channels the GPS systems offer, the better, as this will allow for faster communication. Another handy new feature is that of a collision avoidance system that can track up to 10 objects that are near to you.

When taking a GPS system with you on a long oceanic journey remember to plan cautiously. Take several backups of batteries with you. Make sure the GPS is secured. Do not simply keep the GPS unattached in a lightweight bag or it could easily be tossed from the ship, giving you a true Castaway-Tom Hanks moment. Make sure there’s weight on the unit for your own protection. After all, when your miles out to sea, you are on borrowed time and the GPS is your one dependable guide home.

While GPS tracking technology is not new in a broad sense, it’s still quite unknown apropos public usage and access.  It was just one or two years ago that GPS tracking systems appeared in the marketplace and to this day, it’s easier to find somebody without GPS than with one.  

Many people out there do need to own one but haven’t any idea which one to pick.  There are such a lot of models to choose between, and with most GPS systems costing hundreds of greenbacks, it’s not totally irrational to be afraid to make a call.  This is the reason this list of some of the better systems out there was compiled to help come up with an informed choice on which is the best GPS tracking system for you and your money.  

Here are three reasons why you might want to buy a GPS technology for yourself :
1.  Retrieving the data from Laptop GPS : There are times when you would wish to collect info from your GPS and store it on your personal computer to research and process it for assorted applications that utilize such info.  All that it takes is a cable to connect with the laptop PC and some software to read the GPS information and what better way to connect than with a laptop GPS.

2. GPS car Tracking : With the increasingly technical sector of today, there are plenty of products that we find advantageous to our each day use.  One of those items is that of the GPS auto tracking system, which is an extremely popular contraption with drivers today.  The grounds and purpose of the GPS auto tracking system is that of an excellent way for fleet owners and bosses to be able to monitor their automobiles efficiently.

3.  Latest enhancements in Mobile GPS : While GPS technology doesn’t require a large amount of space, the software that adds the functionality anticipated by the consumer does.  Software, once made, gets improved by getting smaller.  Not all functions are required by all consumers and these are the facts that have ended in smaller GPS units that are permitting more mobile GPS technologies. GPS technologies are now cartable too you can always track on things when you’re even on roads or even watching a movie with your folks with no one left at home.  

There are not only three reasons of buying a GPS tracking machine but plenty of other also.  If you’re a tech-freak, GPS tracking system is a great purchase for you.  The enhancements in this device which are being seen will make your interest grow into it more and more, and not to mention, a lot easier.

I am Alby Heart and I use GPS tracking technology. If you want to more about GPS tracker, you can contact me personally.

Incredible invention of GPS had added to convenience of traveling for people all over the world. Many people are smitten by GPS. GPS refers to Global Positioning System and at present has around 27 satellites orbiting our planet. Of all these satellites, 24 are constantly receiving and sending information. The rest three are used as a backup, which can be used in case one of 24 fails.

The basic idea behind the working of a GPS is very simple. With GPS enabled receivers, one can send signals that are picked by four or more satellites and using received information, location is determined. This technology is undoubtedly beneficial for people who travel to different places. Where maps have become outdated and no distinguishable landmarks are found, GPS is the best technology to use. For making the use of GPS receivers elaborate, combine them with the detailed maps. All these maps work as coordinates related to places. Therefore, whenever GPS navigation finds coordinates of existing location and it is able to tell you where you are in context with the surroundings. GPS is necessary if you are traveling or settling in new city.

If you are wondering how GPS works, the satellite supporting GPS receiver takes two circles around earth in day while transmitting the information to us. GPS receiver takes the information and helps the users find the exact location. For calculating the position of users, GPS receiver needs to be locked in with atleast three satellites for finding two-dimensional and four satellites for finding three-dimensional position of users. After the user has found out the current location, satellite also offers information regarding track, speed, sunrise as well sunset time, distance to the destination and a lot more for making it easy for the traveler.

Each satellite moves constantly on its orbit, completing two rounds in less than a day’s time. GPS satellites are powered with the help of solar energy with backup batteries onboard that lets them run smoothly in case of solar eclipse. Each of this GPS satellite has little rocket boosters that allows them to move in the determined path. Signals that are part of GPS are important and one needs to have an understanding of them. GPS satellites usually transmit low power signal that travel with the line of sight, which means that they can pass through glass, plastic, clouds but not any of the solid objects like mountains and buildings.

Even with positive benefits of the GPS navigation system, some inaccuracies can occur. These can be in the form of signal mutipath, receiver’s clock errors, troposphere and ionosphere delays, satellite shading and geometry, orbital errors, satellite signal degradation. Overall GPS is a very useful and beneficial technology for its users. What better than spotting your location without wasting any time? GPS is one technology on which you can really rely for finding exact position anywhere in the world. The best part is that you can buy different models of GPS receivers so that you can enjoy the desired results without burning a hole in your pocket.

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It is natural for a business to have its ups and down. Since everything is beyond your control no matter how you strive of putting all things into its right place, sometimes it still fails. Sometimes you just assume that everything is fine though it’s not.

Forget about all your worries because with GPS tracking, all will turn into proper places, everything will easily be tracked. The GPS tracking system has helped reduce cost in both personal and professional life of a person and the benefits have been huge.

GPS tracking isn’t for every business, but if your company employees drive company vehicles, it is best suited for you. With active GPS tracking technology, you can monitor a driver’s speed and location in real time. That’s how convenient it is. A unit in a car or truck records the vehicle’s speed and location, sending the information back to your office instantaneously. Or consider the cheaper passive GPS tracking technology, which records a driver’s speed and location on an onboard unit, which can be accessed later when the driver returns to the office.

The GPS tracking system is designed so that you can track your trucks, containers, trailers, and other vehicles easily.  By the use of fleet management you will know when your assets stop, sit idling and the road they are on.  With the latest GPS Tracking systems, you can monitor the activities of all your vehicles.

A GPS Tracking System works this way:

You may have heard of GPS technology as a navigational tool. 24 satellites constantly emit signals to be received by handheld computers, such as the GPS Magellan units. A microchip then processes the signals to determine the user’s location. Many then display this information on a map, so you can see exactly where you are and how to get to your destination.

GPS vehicle tracking works in a similar fashion, with a couple extra steps. As in GPS navigation, a GPS tracking unit, stored in a vehicle, uses satellite signals to calculate the vehicle’s location. It then calculates the vehicle’s speed and stores or transmits this information to be accessed by a third party.

As of now, there are already some technical support teams that function, focusing on user-centered design and usability applications. To improve its range and provide for different markets, many GPS services have many add-ons to enhance the performance.

Since the foundation of any company is to stick on their philosophy that in order to maintain long term business relationships, it  must be based on reliable service, high quality and strong industrial design and information technology support to adapt to the rapid changes in the markets and the business world.

These companies have dedicated themselves in the use and development of GPS products and applications, including Bluetooth GPS Receiver with SiRF Star 3 chipset, GPS Car Tracking System (Integrated GPS with mobile communication technology), Personal GPS Burglar – proof Tracker, GPS Data Logger, GPS Post-tracking System (off-line tracking). Many companies have invested so much to manufacture products designed to flexibly and rapidly customize their GPS to meet market demands.

These GPS vehicle tracking products are designed and built to provide precise information so that the services of the company who uses them can monitor their fleet as well as enhance the quality of their services.

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Many marine electronics feature multifunction systems that already include GPS, such as GPS/fish finder combos and GPS/chart plotter combos.  Getting a handheld GPS for your boat might seem redundant if you already have a GPS/chart plotter combo or a stationary GPS but consider the benefits.

Unlike chartplotters or standard GPS receivers, portable units are a lot less expensive. Handheld GPS units are just as reliable and accurate as your other options so low price becomes a major benefit.

Portability is quite possibly the second most obvious benefit of handheld GPS. If you want to be able to use your GPS both on and off the boat, say in a car or while hiking, then you need a handheld unit.

On the other hand, small size has a major drawback – small screen and small buttons. In rougher weather conditions hitting just the right keys or making out waypoints might become difficult.

Another drawback of portability is that it implies having to rely on batteries to operate your handheld GPS. In addition to monitoring battery charge levels in your handheld and keeping replacement batteries handy, make sure to select a model that can run on external power as well as on batteries.

Even if you already have a GPS system in place, you might find a handheld unit helpful. For example, if you use a computer connected to a GPS receiver, you already know that you won’t be able to see much on your computer screen unless it’s below deck or otherwise shaded. By choosing a handheld GPS with a screen that can be read in direct sunlight, you solve this issue and get access to GPS info at all times.

If you are looking for a portable GPS to augment your built-in marine GPS, the Garmin Geko series offers a super light weight, and relatively simple GPS in a waterproof case with WAAS-enabled navigation. The Geko connects to a PC for user-configurable trip planning and can store up to 10,000 trackpoints.

Garmin’s Oregon series is considered by some to be one of Garmin’s best handhelds. It has a large 3 inch display that is easy to read and performs well in strong sunlight. The Oregon supports turn-by-turn street navigation as well as Garmin’s famous BlueChart G2 3-D map views for marine navigation, ocean and lake bed contours, harbors and coastal roads. Garmin offers a full range of United States coastal waters, inland lakes and international waters in addition to its extensive worldwide land map coverage. Simply select the map set you are interested in and use the SD-card slot to install the maps. The Oregon series is also PC compatible for instant configuration and uploading waypoints, favorite routes, etc.

Another great handheld GPS is from the marine electronics heavyweight, Lowrance. The Lowrance Endura Sierra is a high performance GPS with a full range of features that comes fully loaded with detailed topographic maps so you will lose no time in beginning your outdoor adventures.  It has a large 2.7 inch color display and includes extensive outdoor trails as well as on-road maps. This hot little GPS also has a built in MP3 player and video player.

Mini GPS trackers are largely in the use of people these days for reliable security options and complete peace of mind. It is a kind of device that alleviates you to know about the precise location and position of any vehicle or a person at regular intervals. With so much race of adopting innovative technology, we see a large number of mini trackers every day coming in a very small size. 
Let’s have a quick review on the working and the technology used in the mini trackers. These mini trackers basically employ GPS technology (Global positioning system). With the help of GPS technology, quick and secure transmission of data comes about. This transmission facilitates you in determining the information of a person or asset from anywhere. In addition, it also uses GPS tracking software to determine the more comprehensive details of the activities of a person. Some GPS trackers have an environment sensor which records different sounds and also determines the activities taking place around you.
Various kinds of mini GPS trackers are available for viewing: http://www.chinabuye.com/cheap-electronics/gps-tracker

  Let’s take a short overview of GPS technology here. GPS positioner has the tendency to determine the messages and its distance from other satellites. The position of the receiver can be found by using simple algorithm. Many GPS systems use the derived units like speed and velocity to calculate the changes in the environment. The first design of GPS was developed in the early years of 1940. This particular GPS positioner was utilized during the World War 2. With the passage of time, the GPS systems were modified and now these GPS positioners are used in a large number of devices.
   These trackers can be used for many purposes such as personal tracking for security purposes and law enforcement, vehicle tracking for stolen vehicle searching and asset tracking for animal control. One such mini GPS tracker is “Smallest Mini Tri-band Personal GPS Tracker TK102″ whose common applications are fleet management, protection of vehicles and other assets, and tracing of criminals. Talking about the features of this brand, it weighs only 35 kg. Its GPS sensitivity is 159 DBM and is accurate up to 5m. Its battery has an extensive standby time of 48 hours (2days). The storage temperature of this device could be in between -40 degree Celsius to 80 degree Celsius while the operational temperature lies in between -20 degree Celsius to 55 degree Celsius. In addition, it has a GPS antenna which could also operate in unfavorable and harsh conditions.
  These sufficient reasons offer you to buy this high quality Mini GPS tracker in a low price to monitor your target by using special GPS technology.
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