In the dynamic landscape of business applications, the journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge cloud solutions is a tale of innovation, adaptation, and progress. One such journey is the evolution of Great Plains Software, which became Microsoft Dynamics GP and now extends into the realm of cloud-based applications like Dynamics 365 Business Central and Payroll NOW by Integrity Data. This blog post delves into the evolution of Great Plains Software, the significance of its Payroll module, and the shift towards cloud-based ERP systems, culminating in the introduction of Payroll NOW.

The Early Days: Great Plains Software

Great Plains Software was founded in 1981 in Fargo, North Dakota, by a visionary team led by Joseph Larson. Doug Burgum became a shareholder in March of 1983 and bought out the other investors in ’84 to become the owner and president. The company’s mission was to provide robust, reliable accounting solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Great Plains Software quickly gained a reputation for its innovative products and customer-centric approach.

One of the key milestones in the company’s history was the development of the Dynamics product line. This suite of applications offered comprehensive business management solutions, including financial management, supply chain management, manufacturing, field services management, and payroll and human resources. The success of the Dynamics product line established Great Plains Software as a leader in the ERP market.

The Microsoft Acquisition and the Rise of Dynamics GP

In 2001, recognizing the potential of Great Plains Software, Microsoft acquired the company for $1.1 billion. This acquisition marked a significant turning point, as Dynamics GP was integrated into Microsoft’s suite of business applications. Under Microsoft’s stewardship, Dynamics GP continued to evolve, incorporating new features and functionalities to meet the changing needs of businesses.

Dynamics GP became a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, offering a wide range of capabilities. Among its standout features was the Payroll module, included at no extra cost. This module covered essential payroll and HR functions such as payroll processing, managing employee records, direct deposit, and tracking vacation and sick time.

The Payroll Module in Dynamics GP

The Payroll module within Dynamics GP allowed organizations to set up, enter, and maintain employee payroll records and transactions efficiently. It supported direct deposit, enabling seamless transfer of funds to employee bank accounts. Additionally, the module integrated with other Dynamics GP modules, ensuring that payroll data was consistently updated across the system. This integration was crucial for maintaining data accuracy and streamlining operations.

Organizations using Dynamics GP’s Payroll module benefited from features such as:

  • Automated payroll processing, reducing manual errors and saving time.
  • Comprehensive employee record management, including personal details, job roles, and compensation information.
  • Direct deposit capabilities, ensuring timely and secure payment of salaries.
  • Tracking and managing vacation and sick time, helping organizations maintain accurate records and comply with labor regulations.
  • Seamless integration with other modules, such as financial management and human resources, providing a holistic view of business operations.

The Shift to Cloud-Based ERP Systems

In today’s fast-paced business environment, cloud-based ERP systems like Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) are increasingly popular due to their speed, accessibility, and convenience. Many organizations are transitioning to BC to leverage these benefits. However, unlike Microsoft Dynamics GP, Business Central lacks built-in payroll capabilities.

The Gap in Business Central

This absence of payroll functionalities in BC means that businesses using it must seek external solutions to manage their payroll processes. This gap can be a significant drawback for companies that require integrated payroll systems to ensure seamless operations and data consistency across their organization.

Introducing Payroll NOW by Integrity Data

To address this shortcoming, Integrity Data developed Payroll NOW, a comprehensive payroll solution embedded within Business Central. Payroll NOW brings the robustness of GP payroll into the cloud-based environment of BC, offering enhanced features designed to streamline, simplify, and speed up payroll processes.

Features of Payroll NOW

Payroll NOW is designed to provide a seamless payroll experience within Business Central. Some of its key features include:

  • Automated payroll processing, reducing the administrative burden on HR teams.
  • Comprehensive employee record management, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Direct deposit capabilities, enabling secure and timely payment of wages.
  • Integration with Business Central, ensuring data consistency across the organization.
  • Compliance with local labor laws and regulations, helping businesses avoid legal pitfalls.

Conclusion

The journey from Great Plains Software to Microsoft Dynamics GP and now to cloud-based solutions like Business Central and Payroll NOW highlights the evolution of business applications to meet modern needs. As businesses continue to grow and adapt, leveraging advanced ERP systems will be crucial for maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we will delve deeper into the key considerations when replacing GP payroll.

Interested in Learning More?

Download our White Paper, “Legacy to Leading Edge: Migrating from Dynamics GP Payroll to Payroll NOW Inside Business Central.”

You will discover our expert tips and insights for a seamless transition from GP to Payroll in Business Central. This invaluable guide, built on years of experience, can help you save time, avoid headaches, and reduce costs by following our proven advice for successful migrations.

Integrity Data HRP – Your Complete HRIS for Dynamics Including Payroll for BC

Integrity Data HRP is your complete HR, Timekeeping and Payroll platform from within Dynamics GP and D365 BC. Everything works together effortlessly so you can focus on what really matters, your people.

  • Escape the piles of paper and keep everything in one digital employee file.
  • From Applicant to Retirement, you can manage Recruitment & Onboarding, Benefit Elections, Performance Reviews, Certifications & Licenses, Reports, Payroll, Time & Attendance, and much more, all in one solution.
  • Employee Self-Service Portal is included for both Business Central and GP.
  • Full-Service Tax Filing and ACA Reporting Services available as well.

Reach out today and our no-pressure solution experts will answer your questions to see if we are a good fit for your organization.

Integrity Data has been serving the Dynamics community since 1996. Our passion is to help HR and payroll professionals own their time so they can focus on helping their people. As always, your people are our priority.

Integrity Data HRP Screenshot