Ask the Expert | Microsoft Great Plains

At GCFA, our work is focused on supporting you in your ministry and administration. We work to help you become effective outlets of Christ's love through ministry. One of our services to support your work is Microsoft Great Plains hosting, support, and consultation. The following is a Q&A with one of our technical experts discussing Microsoft Great Plains: 

• Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do at GCFA: 

I’m Adam Fahey and I am the Microsoft Great Plains (Microsoft GP) Support Specialist at GCFA. I handle pretty much anything from user support to maintaining databases and integrations with the Microsoft GP system. In addition, I provide training, consulting, and security reviews.  

• What exactly is Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains? 

GP is an out-of-the-box Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. It is comparable to QuickBooks, but much more powerful. An ERP is a business process management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back-office functions related to technology, services, and human resources.  

• How can Microsoft Great Plains help administrative functions in my organization? 

Microsoft GP has a ton of uses for UMC-affiliated ministries. Most of our customers use Microsoft GP for accounting, bookkeeping, financial record storage, and maintenance. We have also assisted our clients with reporting, business analysis, sales, and purchase order processing.  

We can provide consulting and business process reviews to determine how Microsoft GP can fit your needs, as well as other tools at a more friendly cost than consulting firms offer. In addition, we supply our users with unmatched support, availability, and understanding of United Methodist policies and practices. 

• What is a Business Process Review (BPR) and what does it involve? 

When we conduct a BPR, we dive into your existing system to determine how it compares and translates to GP. We also conduct interviews with users about the current system and internal processes. Then we review the findings, generate functional requirements, and prepare recommendations to discuss with you. 

• New Systems can be scary and overwhelming. What assistance do you provide to help with the transition? 

We provide assistance with gathering and documenting the system requirements and formulating a project plan. We take care to stand by your side each step of the process. Depending on the type of transition, we also guide you through setup, configuration, testing, verification, and training. In addition, we have the knowledge and skills to assist with report design and integration of other compatible products. 

• How can I learn more about Microsoft GP and the services UMC Support offers? 

We are here to help you. Call us today at 866-367-4232 or email us at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org.