New Excel Data Entry Templates

New SmartConnect Excel Templates

It is simple, easy, configurable and saves customers both time and money. It sounds too good to be true, but it is exactly what the new Excel data entry templates from eOne provide. Download Templates Now. If you have heard enough already you can Skip straight to the GL Journal entry video or Skip straight to the PO entry video.

Shown for the first time at Convergence 2009 in New Orleans, the new SmartConnect templates are now ready for partners and customers. Microsoft has always preached the depth of integration between Dynamics GP and the Office products but it has always been one way - pushing data from Dynamics GP to Excel. These new templates from eOne turn that around and allow for data to be keyed right into Excel, which in turn immediately creates unposted records in Dynamics GP.

eOne has helped partners harness the power of SmartConnect by building the 'FREE' templates for distribution. With templates for SOP, PO, IV transactions, IV adjustments, AP we have most bases covered and have provided examples of the many other templates that can be built, and how easy it really is. (For a list of all the transactions that can be created follow this link).

Reasons to use the new templates:

There are many varied reasons why customers are so excited about these new templates and are putting them into action:

• Save in GP license costs: Rather than buying a new GP user, have your staff enter data into Excel instead.
• Remote users: Those employees that do not have or need network logins can now update GP directly from Excel, from home or from remote locations. E.g. Have your project managers enter AP invoices from wherever they may be. Have your external accountants enter journals without needing to log into GP etc.
• Love of Excel: All accountants, and most GP users are familiar with Excel for day to day use. Given a choice of where to enter data, the majority of users will choose Excel.
• Simple data entry: If you have ever had people say "that GP screen is too complex and hard to use" the SmartConnect templates are your answer. Build simple data entry forms for users that make sense for them, and then update GP without ever logging in.

How the templates work:
VBA for Validation: We have used VBA to build some validation checks into the spreadsheet to ensure only good data is used in the integration e.g. that the Debits-Credits on journals or that there is a valid site assigned to PO lines etc.
SQL Data Connection: If the user has access to the network they are able to check important entries against the GP database directly from Excel. For example it makes no sense to try and transfer a quantity of an item that you do not have. So the template will check transfer quantities against the Qty on hand in GP, and warn the user if they need to review these numbers. If the user is external and has no access to the network, they are able to use the same template, but disable the real time SQL connection.
SmartConnect: When you hit submit on the template, this triggers the SmartConnect map to run via the SmartConnect Web service. The user need not be a GP user, need not be connected to the network, all they need is an internet connection. The SmartConnect map ships with the template, so you are ready to go when you complete the download, and import the map.
Documentation: To get things started for you, we have included comprehensive documentation with each map, including how to install it, how to configure on your system and exactly what it does field by field.
Saving my entry: When you submit to GP via an Excel Template, the Excel file is saved with a data time stamp and unique name, and then clears out the template ready for your next transaction.
Can I have eOne modify or build a new template for me? Absolutely, the eOne professional services team can do just that. If your customer needs to customize the template to fit specific needs, or build a brand new one from scratch then let us know. Our team are experts in SmartConnect and can build templates specifically for your needs. If you have a specific request please contact Chris who can assist with your request. Chris Dew