Merit Momentum

January 2009 Newsletter

Inside this Issue:
Product Spotlight: Rapid Configuration
Convergence 2009 New Orleans
Tips and Tricks: Why Attend Convergence?
Microsoft Dynamics AX Webcast
Microsoft New Customer Offers

Product Spotlight: Rapid Configuration for 2 Week Implementation

The Rapid Configuration Tool for Microsoft Dynamics GP can be used for any new customer deployment – small or large – and is designed to quickly configure core application setup data to meet industry or company-specific needs. By using one of thirteen available industry templates, or a customized configuration template created in Excel 2007, a new Microsoft Dynamics GP company can be configured easily within the intuitive user interface.

Mobile Life Ventures recently chose to implement Microsoft Dynamics GP in two weeks using the Rapid Configuration Tool with Merit Solutions.

Mobile Life Ventures was recently acquired by a Chicago-based private equity company, and they needed a central system put in place that would work in conjunction with their retail POS system to track sales transactions and financial reporting.

Merit Solutions was able to meet the two-week go live date on time and under budget. From day one, Mobile Life Ventures was importing hundreds of financial records representing thousands of inventory and initial sales transactions from nearly 100 locations. 

Read more to learn how Mobile Life Ventures was able to have Microsoft Dynamics GP live within two weeks. Contact Merit Solutions to learn more about our Rapid Implementation services.

Convergence 2009 New Orleans

Convergence 2009 New Orleans

Merit Solutions is exhibiting at Microsoft Convergence in Booth #840. Be sure to stop by and  connect with experienced Merit Solutions' team members at this expert trade show. Explore Merit Solutions' proven Microsoft Dynamics AX software development services, and discover innovative ways you can improve your business performance.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn how to more effectively use Microsoft Dynamics solutions to easily analyze financial data and respond to changing business conditions.
• Gain clearer understanding of reporting and process automation capabilities to more effectively forecast and manage cash flow and compliance.
• Learn how Microsoft Dynamics solutions can give their advisors and representatives access to comprehensive client information and insight.
• Discover new ways Microsoft Dynamics can help improve fiscal responsibility and the delivery of public services.
• Use accurate financial tracking and reporting to boost efficiencies and improve accountability.  

The Convergence Session Catalog is now available for viewing online.
Armed with feedback from previous events and the results from the "Call for Topic" survey, sessions for Convergence 2009 are rapidly coming together to provide you with an abundance of learning opportunities. Now available in the Session Catalog, concurrent sessions and interactive discussions are formulated into ten separate ‘tracks’, and are further broken down by their target audience and skill level for a self-tailored education experience. Be sure to check back to the Session Catalog frequently (located under the “Content” navigation) for the very latest information as we continue to add content daily.  

Bill Burke Presents "Risk Management" at Convergence 2009
Merit Solutions' President Bill Burke will be presenting a concurrent session for Microsoft Dynamics GP. The session, titled, "GP20 Successfully Managing Your Business Risk with Microsoft Dynamics GP" will be presented along with Randy Pack. Dedicate your time in this session towards a focus on how companies can reduce their risk and increase their security with Microsoft Dynamics GP. We'll spend time reviewing audit trails and electronic signatures and will overview security functionality, with a heavy emphasis on risk management.

Tips and Tricks of the Month: 10 Reasons to Attend Convergence

There are many reasons to attend this year's Microsoft Convergence in New Orleans. Here is our Top Ten:

  1. Learn how to thrive in a challenging economy.
    In today’s difficult economic environment, there has never been more value in attending Convergence. The market will turn around, make sure your firm is positioned to compete when it does. Convergence attendees will get exposure to new technologies, will better understand their current business management software, and will have the insights they need to unleash their solution’s full capabilities

  2. Learn how to get more out of Microsoft Dynamics.
    This year, Convergence is geared toward helping attendees leverage their Microsoft Dynamics solutions to increase visibility into operations and maximize efficiencies. Attend a session for tips and tricks on how to exploit Microsoft Dynamics and get ahead of your competition.

  3. Learn about upcoming releases.
    Convergence can give you a heads up on all of the new features in upcoming Microsoft releases. Gain great exposure to new technologies and product roadmaps.

  4. Learn what works from other customers.
    Convergence provides the perfect opportunity for you to interact with other Microsoft Dynamics customers to learn what works in the real world. Ask questions and get answers to many of the challenges you are experiencing.

  5. Interact with Microsoft Support Team Members.
    Many of Microsoft's product / support team members make the trip to Convergence every year. Run through any application with a team member over your shoulder to get live, one-on-one product support.

  6. Network at Sponsor Gatherings.
    You will be able to meet with other customers, prospects, Microsoft employees, and industry experts to establish relationships, gain knowledge, gather business insights, and increase your understanding of Microsoft Dynamics business management solutions.

  7. Get hands-on with new applications.
    Microsoft Convergence provides the perfect opportunity to try many applications in a structured environment. Learn about additional modules or new products without the worry or setup, installation, or licensing fees.

  8. Learn about Third-Party ISV solutions.
    Microsoft Dynamics has a wide variety of Third-Party software vendors with applications designed to extend and enhance your solution. With Microsoft's Gold Certified Partners, there is probably a solution designed to fit your needs.  

  9. Learn about other Microsoft applications.
    Convergence isn't just about Microsoft Dynamics. Related applications like Microsoft Office, SQL Server, etc... are represented as well. These products play an integral part of the Microsoft Dynamics family, and help you better leverage your Dynamics application.

  10. Quick ROI
    It is easy to measure your ROI from attending Convergence. If you learn how to save two hours a week, you have gained one day per month in productivity. How much is that time worth to you?

Contact a Merit Solutions representative to set up a live meeting at Convergence!

Webcast: Use Microsoft Dynamics AX to Improve User Productivity

Please join Merit Solutions for this exciting Microsoft Dynamics AX event.

Looking to maximize your operational productivity? Organizations are constantly faced with making critical business decisions which requires having accurate and timely data. Learn how Microsoft Dynamics AX can encourage your users to capture the data in the first instance, allowing you to gain visibility throughout your entire organization to make those informed decisions.

Microsoft Dynamics AX can help your organization:

  • Familiarity leads to a faster learning curve resulting in more effective user adoption

  • Increase visibility in your organization for more informed business decision making

  • AutAutomate business processes for more consistent and predictable results 

Register now to attend this Microsoft Dynamics AX webcast.

Wednesday, February 18
1:00 - 2:00 PM CST

Microsoft New Customer Offers

Microsoft Smartpay! Zero Payments for Six Months

SmartPay from Microsoft offers total IT financing with no payments for six months, so you can address your IT infrastructure while retaining critical cash flow. Get the solid expertise of Microsoft along with the rest of your IT solution in one streamlined package with SmartPay. After the initial six-month payment period, the loan balance is paid in regular monthly payments for the remaining 36 months, or 30 months for licensing agreements.

Redeem By: 6/30/2009

Microsoft Dynamics 0% Financing Promotion

0% Financing available to new Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers. Help maximize your budget or use of capital, finance the IT solution you require now and help drive productivity. Please visit www.microsoftfinancing.com for more information on this 0% for 36 months promotion.

Redeem By: 3/20/2009

Manufacturing Makeover Offer

A Microsoft Dynamics (US) promotion for medium sized manufacturers that wish to take advantage of the rich functionality offered by Microsoft Dynamics GP. This offer is for manufacturers either looking for a new or replacement solution. This offer provides a 25% discount off of the standard list price for each user above 11 users (i.e., discount applies to the users 12 and higher). This offer is not valid for those companies that have purchased Microsoft Dynamics GP prior to the start date of September 29, 2008.

Redeem By: 3/20/2009

Outgrown QuickBooks Trade-In Offer

Take advantage of the “Outgrown QuickBooks Trade In Offer*” - a Microsoft Dynamics (US) promotion targeting businesses currently using QuickBooks that wish to take advantage of the rich functionality offered by Microsoft Dynamics GP. The promotion is comprised of an escalating trade-in value based on Microsoft Dynamics product edition and number of users purchased that can be applied to the purchase of Microsoft Dynamics user licenses.

Redeem By: 3/19/2009

Don't see any offers for you?
Visit www.microsoftincentives.com for more great offers!

Merit Solutions, Inc.
1749 S Naperville Rd., Ste 200
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 614-7133

Monthly Quote

“A lot of other technology companies have events such as Convergence, but the response that we get from our client base far exceeds anything from any other event that I've ever attended.”

- Andy Vabulas, IBIS


Merit Solutions | 1749 S. Naperville Rd., Suite 200 | Wheaton | IL | 60187
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