Digital Transformation and Cloud Technology for Nonprofits: Changing the World

November 1, 2018, 4:53 pm

≫ Next: Get started with the Partner Investment Engine (PIE)

≪ Previous: AKA Unites with Microsoft & NetHope to Bring Azure Cloud to Nonprofits

How Microsoft’s Azure Cloud is Helping Nonprofits with Digital Transformation

Cloud technology is virtually everywhere in today’s world, though thousands of nonprofits working in remote areas haven’t been able to take advantage of the benefits that it offers. In a nutshell, cloud technology allows users to access both software and hardware over the internet.

The centrally stored data that is the backbone of cloud computing technology offers several benefits for nonprofit organizations, specifically through maximizing the effectiveness of shared resources. In practical terms, the remote access offered by Azure Cloud for nonprofits allows grant writers to work remotely. Instead of having to travel into a central office, aid and humanitarian workers can spend more time in the communities they serve while managing to communicate with donors, send out reports, and stay on top of other office work.

At the same time, this nonprofit digital transformation can also help organizations drastically reduce operating costs, perhaps even allowing them to get rid of a costly IT department. For organizations that manage sensitive documents and information, services such as cloud CRM software for nonprofits can also help them reduce their technology risk.

The Partnership between Microsoft, NetHope, and AKA for Nonprofit Digital Transformation

Microsoft has been a global leader in helping nonprofit organizations adopt technological advances such as cloud computing services. To date, they’ve spent well over $2.5 billion to expand the digital transformation of nonprofits across the globe. Microsoft has also been instrumental in helping to lower the costs associated with this transformation.

AKA Enterprise Solutions recently won the 2018 Microsoft U.S. Partner for Social Impact Award for our work in helping diverse nonprofits on their path to digital transformation. As a Microsoft partner, AKA has been instrumental in helping humanitarian and aid organizations discover the benefits that cloud computing services can offer.

AKA has also been invited by the leadership at Microsoft to join the NetHope team. NetHope brings together over 50 global non-governmental organizations that specialize in improving IT connectivity among humanitarian organizations in developing countries and areas affected by disaster-related events.

D3: A Bold Plan for Digital Transformation

NetHope, Microsoft, and partners like AKA have a specific methodology to help advance the digital transformation of nonprofit organizations. It’s called the D3 framework, and it’s summed up in three words: Dream, Design, and Deliver.

The D3 framework connects nonprofit organizations with a pathway towards digital transformation. First, NetHope partners like AKA work with a client to create a “Dream Book” filled with ideas for transforming their organization. Next, we Design a solution that can meet and exceed their expectations. Finally, we Deliver on this solution, ensuring that it’s implemented properly for the nonprofit.

AKA Enterprise Solutions’ Contributions to the 2018 Global Summit

On November 5th, the NetHope Global Summit 2018 is set to begin in Dublin, Ireland. This year’s theme is focused on digital transformation. We here at AKA look forward to contributing as an important member of the NetHope team. AKA Enterprise Solution has a wealth of experience in helping nonprofits discover the benefits that come with a total digital transformation, and our goal is to share that experience with other NetHope partners.

For nonprofit organizations that are stuck in the office filling out reports and submitting grants, adopting cloud computing services and other aspects of digital transformation can help increase overall efficiency. Here at AKA, we’ve helped nonprofits like Commit2Dallas, Lifeworks, and others revolutionize the way they operate. Contact AKA Enterprise Solutions to learn more about how we can help your nonprofit organization do the same!

ABOUT AKA ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS
AKA specializes in making it easier to do business, simplifying processes and reducing risks. With agility, expertise, and original industry solutions, we embrace projects other technology firms avoid—regardless of their complexity. As a true strategic partner, we help organizations slay the dragons that are keeping them from innovating their way to greatness. Call us at 212-502-3900!

The post Digital Transformation and Cloud Technology for Nonprofits: Changing the World appeared first on CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365.

↧

Get started with the Partner Investment Engine (PIE)

November 1, 2018, 5:37 pm

≫ Next: New presentation on the Benefits of Winthrop Development Consultants products is now available

≪ Previous: Digital Transformation and Cloud Technology for Nonprofits: Changing the World

What is PIE?

The Partner Investment Engine (PIE) is an online tool that allows Microsoft partners to request funds to support the execution of key pre-sales and marketing activities with their customers. Microsoft’s US partner investments team handles partner investments, including both PIE offers and transaction and utilization incentives. Check out the image below to see how partner offers and incentives apply across the entire customer journey.

What does PIE do?

PIE strives to accelerate digital transformation opportunities around Applications and Infrastructure, Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Modern Workplace, and Business Applications by providing funding for pre-sales and post-sales services engagements with customers.

Each PIE program focuses on a set of Microsoft products including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Enterprise Mobility and Security (EM+S), Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Office 365, and Microsoft 365. Different programs target different types of activities. From marketing activities like executive roundtables, events in a box, hackfests, cloud workshops, solution roadshows to pilots, proofs of concept, Cloud Immersion Experiences (CIE), Architecture Design Sessions (ADS), and deployment and migration assistance, there’s a perfect option for whatever you may need.

Why should I use PIE? What value does it add?

For a partner like you, PIE programs make demonstrating the value of Microsoft products to potential customers a breeze. On top of this, PIE adds value to your customers by decreasing the cost of common pre-sales engagements used to evaluate IT solutions.

All managed and unmanaged partners in the US have access to the PIE portal, which allows for easy access to all US partner investment programs using a single platform. On top of this, you can apply for many investment programs using a consistent request process and see real-time status information on all pending requests.

Great! How do I get started with partner investments?

The easiest way to get started is to join our weekly office hour calls, where we review and answer questions about our pre-sales and post-sales investment offers. We’ll also discuss transactional and consumption incentive programs. Registration is simple. Sign up for an upcoming call here.

I’d like to learn more. Where do I go?

There’s plenty of ways to learn more. You can join our Partner Incentives & Investments Yammer group, which has information, updates, and announcements about partner investments. You’ll also find useful resources like our PIE how-to guide and materials from recent office hours. Yammer also has our FY19 investments overview, which details the partner competency requirements and other eligibility requirements for different offers.

If you have any questions about how to submit a claim, you can also contact our tier 1 support team at piesupp@microsoft.com

↧

New presentation on the Benefits of Winthrop Development Consultants products is now available

November 1, 2018, 8:30 pm

≫ Next: Partners launch Business Central in six new countries!

≪ Previous: Get started with the Partner Investment Engine (PIE)

Selling GP Power Tools for Microsoft Dynamics GP has always been an interesting affair. If you can get a customer to sit and watch a demo (live or on video from the GPPT Portal ), they immediately see...(read more)

↧

Partners launch Business Central in six new countries!

November 1, 2018, 10:08 pm

≫ Next: Monitoring SSIS package Job Status

≪ Previous: New presentation on the Benefits of Winthrop Development Consultants products is now available

To bring Dynamics 365 Business Central to new markets Microsoft works with local partners and leverages their deep knowledge on the local market and fiscal regulations to create an offering that meets...(read more)

↧

Monitoring SSIS package Job Status

November 1, 2018, 10:55 pm

≫ Next: Default parameters can be wrapped In extension classes COC

≪ Previous: Partners launch Business Central in six new countries!

Suppose we have scheduled our packages through SQL Server Agent Job and we receive the notification that one of our packages has failed. To get its details, within SSISDB, we can check the Standard Reports...(read more)

↧

Default parameters can be wrapped In extension classes COC

November 2, 2018, 12:13 am

≫ Next: MB2-717 Certification: (Microsoft Dynamics for Sales) – Global Search

≪ Previous: Monitoring SSIS package Job Status

Default parameters can be wrapped In extension classes In Build-8.1 you can override the default parameter by using class extension COC. Code reference There is the method in HCMWORKER table isEmployee...(read more)

↧

MB2-717 Certification: (Microsoft Dynamics for Sales) – Global Search

November 2, 2018, 12:18 am

≫ Next: Form Data Source Method override COC D365FO

≪ Previous: Default parameters can be wrapped In extension classes COC

As I prepare for my Dynamics 365 certification in sales (MB2-717), I am creating blog posts based on my revision. I hope that collectively these posts may prove useful to anyone also preparing for the...(read more)

↧

Form Data Source Method override COC D365FO

November 2, 2018, 12:33 am

≫ Next: 5 More Key Takeaways from the 2018 #UserGroupSummit

≪ Previous: MB2-717 Certification: (Microsoft Dynamics for Sales) – Global Search

Form Data Source Method override COC D365FO Here is the sample how can you override the form data-source event. In this demo we have created the extension of HcmWorker form data-source ( HcmWorker ). Here...(read more)

↧

5 More Key Takeaways from the 2018 #UserGroupSummit

November 2, 2018, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Form Data Source Field Method Override D365FO

≪ Previous: Form Data Source Method override COC D365FO

Are you suffering from 2018 #UserGroupSummit withdrawals? Us too!

Luckily, there are more key takeaways to share to help relive the excitement.

Here are some more you’ll want to keep in mind, whether you attended or not, as you move forward with your Dynamics plans and strategies in 2019.

1. Save the Date(s)!
The next CRMUG #UserGroupSummit is happening from Oct. 13 to 19, 2019 in Orlando, FL!

(Disney World, anyone?)

In addition, CRMUG announced the 2020 summit dates. The location is TBD, but, if you really like planning ahead, you can mark your calendars for Oct. 5, to 9, 2020.

2. Suffering from Session Withdrawals?
There are links to CRMUG 2018 #UserGroupSummit sessions available for viewing online.

You can catch up and watch them here once you log in to your Dynamics 365 User Group account.

3. Keynote Highlights
The Microsoft Business Application Keynote, delivered by James Phillips, was all about “Powering Digital Transformation with Microsoft Business Applications”.

Attendees walked away with key insight on new and enhanced technologies within the Dynamics Community, including:

Business Central
Power Apps
Resource Assist
and Layout

Phillips highlighted Polaris Industries’ usage of Dynamics 365 during his presentation to help the audience see it in action, and show them how to use telemetry data.

Kelly Roofing of Florida and their usage of Dynamics 365 was also featured during the exciting keynote.

You can replay it here!

4. PowerApps Stole the Show
Conversations happening all over the 2018 CRMUG #UserGroupSummit were surrounding the use of PowerApps!

Key subtopics that people were most excited about include …

A free version of PowerApps now available for download
You need Office 365 in order to use PowerApps
265 Data Sources are currently available with PowerApps, with no coding needed
Power Suite is made up of Power BI, Flow, and Apps
PowerApp Types include the Basic Model and Enhanced Canvas
You can embed PowerApps inside of your Dynamics Platform
PowerApps are currently for internal use only, due to needing Office 365 to use it
Microsoft is working on the external utilization of PowerApps so that customers can also use the apps
PowerApps work on multiple devices, including desktop
App Ideas that stood out included: Using your mobile location to display an account while onsite so that sales just needs to add notes rather than look up the account
Apps displaying SharePoint files were shared

You can download the presentation slides to get the details and learn more about PowerApps here!

5. GDPR Updates
GDPR Compliance was also a HUGE topic of conversation at the 2018 CRMUG #UserGroupSummit. Around this topic, there were some common talking points among attendees of all types …

GDPR will be enforced and investigated in the United States of America by the FCC
As an organization, you do not have to completely remove a person’s data if they request it, ONLY IF removing that data will create another regulation or compliance issue (i.e. financial audits)
If you have a specific business reason to keep the data, it may be okay depending on the type of data that is being retained – this requires further research by your organization to determine whether or not you are compliant
Even though this is an EU regulation, it is best for organizations to treat everyone under these rules, as it is anticipated the regulation will continue to expand
If you are working on GDPR (i.e. Showing efforts towards corrective action), you will most likely not be fined the first time
Include a GDPR agreement in your business documents and agreements
If you share data with another company, you are ultimately responsible for everything they do with the data as well
Microsoft Compliance Manager is a free tool designed to help you manage GDPR processes and projects; it can assist you with “to-dos”
Compliance = Process + People + Technology

You can download the presentation slides and get more information on why GDPR is more than a report you can’t forget here!

Learn more about what you missed at this year’s CRMUG #UserGroupSummit when you read about 4 more of our initial takeaways.

If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM User or Admin powerhouse, join us for our next Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM User Group Webinar.

Register here.

↧

Form Data Source Field Method Override D365FO

November 2, 2018, 1:05 am

≫ Next: upgrade D365 For finance and operations from 7.x to 8 by Tommy Skaue

≪ Previous: 5 More Key Takeaways from the 2018 #UserGroupSummit

Form Data Source Field Method Override D365FO In this demo I will show to create extension class of form data source Field class and override method thorough COC. Here is the annotation code to create...(read more)

↧

upgrade D365 For finance and operations from 7.x to 8 by Tommy Skaue

November 2, 2018, 2:38 am

≫ Next: MB6 – 898 Use People Analytics and Personnel Management in Dynamics 365 for Talent

≪ Previous: Form Data Source Field Method Override D365FO

My fellow MVP Tommy Skaue wrote a series of Blog posts about upgrade D365 For finance and operations from 7.x to 8.+. On linkedin.

Tommy Skaue wrote

I made a series of blog posts going through the #MSDyn365FO upgrade process from 7.x to 8.+ this week, aiming at the ones who perhaps have less complex upgrade scenarios. I realize some have overlayerings and tons of customizations they need to get ready through a code upgrade process, but maybe my posts can inspire still. Having to manually service the 7.x the next few months, until we all go #evergreen #OneVersion can be avoided if your application and organization is ready to get on 8.+. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Upgrade from 7.x to 8.+ series | Post 1 | Start in LCS https://lnkd.in/dYrztCZ
Upgrade from 7.x to 8.+ series | Post 2 | Deploy Dev and Grab source DB https://lnkd.in/dK3Kp7g
Upgrade from 7.x to 8.+ series | Post 3 | Validate Code and Data in Dev https://lnkd.in/dY93H3P
Upgrade from 7.x to 8.+ series | Post 4 | Setup a new Build https://lnkd.in/dennhvH
Upgrade from 7.x to 8.+ series | Post 4 | Upgrade Sandbox and finally Production https://lnkd.in/dwXtK33

↧

MB6 – 898 Use People Analytics and Personnel Management in Dynamics 365 for Talent

November 2, 2018, 3:50 am

≫ Next: Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Test GP PowerShell By Getting Available Commands

≪ Previous: upgrade D365 For finance and operations from 7.x to 8 by Tommy Skaue

The next point under Understand the Dynamics 365 for Talent Environment (25 – 30%) is; Use People Analytics and Personnel Management in Dynamics 365 for Talent Describe features of the People...(read more)

↧

Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Test GP PowerShell By Getting Available Commands

November 2, 2018, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Transaction Level Post Through General Ledger

≪ Previous: MB6 – 898 Use People Analytics and Personnel Management in Dynamics 365 for Talent

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2 was released on the 2^nd October. In this series of posts, I’ll be going hands on and installing the majority of the components; some of them, such as Analysis Cubes for Excel, which are little used, I won’t be covering.

The series index will automatically update as posts go-live in this series.

After install GP PowerShell, to make sure it has installed correctly, we can use the Get-Command statement to get the available GP PowerShell commands.

Launch the relevant version of GP PowerShell from the Windows Start menu and type the following command:

Get-Command -module GP2018

Administrator: Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 PowerShell

In the next post, I’ll show how to create a company using PowerShell.

Click to show/hide the Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2 Series Index

Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2
Download the Installation Media
Installing the .NET Prerequisite
Install Dynamics GP Client
Deploy System Database
Add Sample Company
Desktop Client First Run
Create A Company
Install eConnect Prerequisites on Server
Install eConnect on Server
eConnect Services and Permissions
eConnect Incoming Queue Bug Fixed
Web Client Prerequisites
Add Web Client Runtime Feature
Configure Web Client
Install Web Client Help
Install GP Web Resource Cache
Verify Web Management Console Functions
Install Web Client Resource Cache
Web Services on Media Broken
Install GP OData Service
Configure & Use OData Service
Install GP PowerShell
Test GP PowerShell By Getting Available Commands

Read original post Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Test GP PowerShell By Getting Available Commands at azurecurve|Ramblings of a Dynamics GP Consultant

↧

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Transaction Level Post Through General Ledger

November 2, 2018, 4:38 am

≫ Next: Create a button flow

≪ Previous: Hands On with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Test GP PowerShell By Getting Available Commands

With the release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2, users can now 'Post Through General Ledger' at the transaction level in several windows. In prior versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP, users...(read more)

↧

Create a button flow

November 2, 2018, 6:09 am

≫ Next: Building Spirograph using PowerApps

≪ Previous: Microsoft Dynamics GP 2018 R2: Transaction Level Post Through General Ledger

Today, I will be discussing about how to create a button flow. MS Flow has provided us with number of templates which we can utilize as per our needs but here i will be creating a flow from blank. Let's...(read more)

↧

Building Spirograph using PowerApps

November 2, 2018, 6:12 am

≫ Next: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Helps You Grow at Your Pace

≪ Previous: Create a button flow

Over the past few weeks, people have been demonstrating some cool games, built entirely using PowerApps. The reason being, that there was a contest from ThoseDynamicsGuys . If you are interested in finding...(read more)

↧

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Helps You Grow at Your Pace

November 2, 2018, 7:18 am

≫ Next: Vote to Fix Security for GP Self-Service user type!

≪ Previous: Building Spirograph using PowerApps

Your business is growing and succeeding. That’s a good thing. But with growth comes change. Perhaps your business processes have become more complex, and increased demands are placed on your time and resources. Undoubtedly, your customers demand a higher level of service. Growing your business doesn’t have to mean a bigger budget and hiring more employees. There is another way to meet the challenges.

These days, cloud computing is changing the way small and mid-size companies operate by making it easier for them to address the challenges inherent in growth. With a Microsoft business solution, tailored by Western Computer to fit your needs, you can gain control over your financials and cash flow, streamline operations, and stay connected with customers all in one integrated system.

Follow Your Own Path

Growth demands that you work smarter, not harder. The mobility offered by cloud computing opens up new and efficient ways of working from anywhere at any time. You’ll always be able to access data and insights that improve your customer interactions. With a business management system from Microsoft, repeatable processes such as invoicing can be automated. This automation allows your team to focus on other tasks, effectively getting more work done without increasing the number of employees.

Upfront costs are drastically reduced as you no longer need to spend money on servers, hardware, and IT services. The Cloud’s pay-as-you-go offering will allow you to scale as you grow your business and always keep within your operational budget. Cloud-based business solutions from Microsoft and Western Computer give your small or mid-size business the same capabilities enjoyed by big companies. You’ll get performance, enterprise-grade security, and low maintenance without the big-company price tag.

Transform your business by transforming your IT from a headache into a flexible, affordable driver of innovation. As a growing business, you can now use technology to automate operational processes and provide more personalized customer experiences. With the flexibility of the cloud, you can scale your business solution quickly and with minimal upfront costs, allowing you to implement new ideas generated throughout your organization more quickly than you thought possible.

If you’re looking for the freedom to grow your business at your own pace, Western Computer is here to guide you each step of the way. With flexible, scalable technology that simplifies your operational processes and helps you work more efficiently, you’ll have the tools you need to make a bigger impact using the resources you already have.

Contact Western Computer today and let us show you what Microsoft Dynamics 365 can do for your organization now and as you continue to grow.

↧

Vote to Fix Security for GP Self-Service user type!

November 2, 2018, 8:00 am

≫ Next: How to clone a record and set its lookup field to new parent in Dynamics 365 CE

≪ Previous: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Helps You Grow at Your Pace

There has been a few GPUG forum posts and discussion on the community regarding the GP security issues around the new user type SELF-SERVICE that was introduced with the release of GP 2015 R2 (there was...(read more)

↧

How to clone a record and set its lookup field to new parent in Dynamics 365 CE

November 2, 2018, 8:01 am

≫ Next: How Will You Measure Success? (Part 1)

≪ Previous: Vote to Fix Security for GP Self-Service user type!

I would like to create a copy of an existing “template” record (custom entity) and then set the lookup on the new record to a parent, in this case the account from where I start the on-demand...(read more)

↧

How Will You Measure Success? (Part 1)

November 2, 2018, 8:06 am

≫ Next: Dynamics 365 Business Central: permissions for downloading symbols

≪ Previous: How to clone a record and set its lookup field to new parent in Dynamics 365 CE

There’s an old rule in project management: If you can’t measure it, it didn’t happen. This is important because, at the end of any initiative, you have to be able to show what the initiative accomplished...(read more)