Brought to you by Macdonald Consulting Group January/February Issue
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, safe and peaceful new year

In this edition
Tech News
Industry Definitions
Questions Answered
Industry Spotlight
Behind the Scenes
Partner Links
Useful Links
About MCG

Welcome to the MCG eInformer. The intent of this publication is to ‘inform’ companies of the business technology and tools available to them today and into the future. eInformer is a bi-monthly publication distributed via E-mail. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged.

Accounting Today magazine has issued its annual list of "Technology Pacesetters" for 2001. Macdonald Consulting Group is included as one of 80 business solutions consulting firms in the U.S. to achieve this distinction. "Technolgy Pacesetters" are selected for the magazine by industry peers and the business community for their leadership and innovation in their various fields.

In the issue's article titled "After False Start In 2001, E-Comm Market Expected To Surface In 2002," MCG President Ruth Menter is quoted, saying "Middle-market businesses are just beginning to see the value in solutions that integrate the Web with their transaction processing systems. The next few years, although not necessarily 2002, will definitely be the tipping point in the use cycle of the web."

MCG has recently experienced success with a Microsoft Great Plains software implementation project which included the design of an e-Commerce web site and its integration to the back-office system. The project utilized Microsoft Great Plains' eSell module which gives the client the freedom to maintain their website, modify text and graphics, change products, create promotions, and track visitors and leads, as well as export the orders into their Dynamics back-office. This web site can be seen at Landmark Publishing.
en•ter•prise\‘ent-e(r)-,priz\ n: a: a unit of economic organization or activity; esp: a business organization.

Enterprise is one of the most widely used words in the technology industry, but is often misunderstood. MCG defines an "enterprise" solution as one that integrates an organization's 'back office' (accounting system) with a 'front office' system such as a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution. This allows a company to keep its sales staff out of the accounting system, yet have access to pertinent accounting data from within the CRM software. Data could include current month-to-date and year-to-date sales figures, payment history and any other key data a salesperson may need when calling on a client.

In addition, an Enterprise solution might include an organizations help desk, technical support, marketing, and supply chain management activities to name a few. These key components could be replicated in an organizations eBusiness or electronic commerce strategy. We see this as rapidly becoming a preferred way to conduct business.

To summarize, an enterprise system is one that incorporates all of an organizations data into one integrated system.

Question:
Do I need SQL for my new accounting software?

Answer:
Although you will need a database engine to store your system's data files, you do not necessarily need to use a SQL database. A SQL platform is highly recommended, however, for its stability, security and back-up capability.

Question:
Does PO (Purchase Order module) make it easier to receive invoices?

Answer:
The inclusion of Purchase Order functionality with Accounts Payable ensures that you receive only the goods authorized for purchase.

Think your business is too complicated and specialized for Best MAS 90 and MAS 200 or Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise? There are hundreds of third party companion modules for specific industry needs, from Agriculture to Zoology.

Here are just a few examples:


  • Telecommunication
  • Transportation
  • Automotive
  • Distribution
  • Property Management
  • Restaurant
  • Not-For-Profit
  • Insurance
  • Lumber
  • Internet
  • Finance
  • Specialty Manufacturing

Future issues of eInformer's INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT section will examine select industries such as the ones listed above and presenting a solution for Microsoft Great Plains and Best Software products. We will also be bringing you information about Customer Relationship Management solutions, Siebel FrontOffice and SalesLogix, for managing customer relationships.

Macdonald Consulting Group's Authorized Training Center

Training of end-users is imperative in the deployment of any business management system. Training also allows users to completely understand the software so they can perform work tasks efficiently and become self-reliant. Technology is the tool, and a trained operator makes it work effectively.

MCG’s training center has won numerous industry awards for its class quality, certified training instructors and comprehensive schedule of classes. The award winning facility offers hands-on, instructor-led classes and provides each student with a documentation manual to be used as a day-to-day reference tool for using their business accounting software solution. Classes include Best MAS 90 and MAS 200, Microsoft Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise, BusinessWorks, FRX, F9, Crystal Report Writer and other applications.

Conveniently located in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta's financial and entertainment district, our state-of-the-art training facility has three classrooms. Two classrooms accommodate up to twelve students and the third accommodates up to eight students.

VISIT OUR TRAINING CENTER SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION


Formerly Sage Software
MAS 90 and MAS 200

Application Service Provider

Customer Relationship Management

Financial Reporting Tools

Home of Dynamics, eEnterprise and MSGP Siebel FrontOffice

Microsoft Corporate Web site

Financial Reporting Tools

Customer Relationship Management
Information resource and service dedicated to the Georgia technology community.
Your resource for success for Customer Relationship Management

Our Mission...

As a company and as individuals, we strive to exceed clients’ expectations, promote their self-reliance, and enhance their productivity with business management solutions. We are committed to leading our industry by applying the tools of technology with professionalism and integrity.


Serving the Southeast since 1990, Macdonald Consulting Group (MCG) is a full service consulting firm specializing in business management software. We offer comprehensive services to businesses across a wide cross-section of industries, and our integrated approach provides clients with the tools they need to successfully direct their businesses. Our solutions include business process analysis, business management software, implementation consulting, authorized classroom training, on-site training and software integration. MCG is a leading reseller of Best MAS 90 and MAS 200, SalesLogix customer relationship management software, and Microsoft Great Plains Business Solutions. For more information, visit MCG at www.mcginc.com, call us at 404-841-6240 or email us at info@mcginc.com.


Contact Information:
Business Solutions
Greg Went
404-995-6201


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