The manual for Microsoft Great Plains (more recently called Microsoft Dynamics GP) provides some support for beginners who are trying to learn the software, but the truth is, the software is so expansive, that a user can get lost as they try to figure out the multitude of applications. However, finding solutions to these applications is not as simple as looking up Microsoft Great Plains troubleshooting.

In order to get Great Plains software help as quickly as possible so that your business can expand its horizons, here are a few places that you can receive quality Microsoft Great Plains software support. And with a little luck, your business will be firing on all cylinders in no time.

1. Read the product overview and watch the Great Plains software tutorial for an introduction to the software.

2. Attend training classes as part of your Microsoft Great Plains help for beginners.

3. Join the Microsoft community to gain Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains help.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Watch the Great Plains tutorial for a cursory glance at what the software can do

As much as you might want to download the Great Plains software and tear right into it, it's wise to take the time to read the overview and watch one of a multitude of tutorials that they offer on the Microsoft website. This will begin to give you an idea on how you can apply the software to your business and enhance productivity and sales.

I recommend: Check out the Microsoft Dynamics website for a series of Great Plains software demonstrations on a myriad of topics. These cover the topics of financials, supply chains, product reporting and more. If you enter your phone number, they'll even call you. Also take a peak at the product overview. It's a great way for beginners to learn what to expect from the software.

Take training classes as a Great Plains guide to learn more about the software

Sometimes there is no better training for beginners than learning how to use the software by practicing on it. Attending training classes will give you a cursory education into all of the functions the software has to offer. Classes range anywhere from day-long seminars to several session courses. It just depends how much of Microsoft Great Plains software you want to incorporate into your business.

I recommend: Check out the website for Sherwood Systems. They offer training classes that range from the novice Microsoft Great Plains training to advanced solutions the software can provide. New Horizons Computer Learning Center, with locations scattered throughout the Nation, also offers such classes.

Create a user name and join the Microsoft community to obtain Great Plains help

When it comes to utilizing new software, sometimes it's best to go to the source. Because if you're having problems with some aspect of the software, or have a question, chances are someone else in the world has had the same question. By joining the Microsoft Dynamics Community you will have access to everything from articles to blogs, tech support and more. When you're a beginner, it's easier to work out the kinks this way than to spend hours trying to look for whatever solution you need within the software.

I recommend: Check out the Microsoft Dynamics Community for information that will help beginners. There are blogs on many different aspects of the Great Plains software. You can also contact Microsoft Support for more information as you become familiar with the product. They offer online chatting, email and phone support as well as articles solving common Great Plains issues.

Microsoft Dynamics/Great Plains is one of the most popular and well-used business programs on the market today. The Microsoft Great Plains program is a business package available through the Microsoft Business Solutions department. With the proper help, including Great Plains tutorial, Great Plains manual, Great Plains help, Great Plains guide, Great Plains user guide, Great Plains troubleshooting and Great Plains software tutorial, you can be well on your way to successfully meeting your business computer needs.

Microsoft Great Plains Help offers great functionality and security for increased productivity and ease of use. To use Microsoft Great Plains Help to its full potential, you should:

1. Check your current operating system to see which version of Microsoft Great Plains you have to find the most appropriate help.

2. Use free Microsoft Great Plains help options to get familiar with the program and ensure it will work for your needs.

3. Find Microsoft Great Plains tutorials to ensure you’re using the program to its full potential.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

See which version of Microsoft Great Plains you have

Most new computers come with Microsoft programs pre-installed and ready to use. While the Great Plains software isn't one that generally comes standard on a computer, having Microsoft products on your computer will make loading and using Great Plains an easy transition for you. Before you find Microsoft Great Plains training, check to see if you already have it and which version of Microsoft Great Plains you have to determine which help you need.

I recommend: Check out the Microsoft Dynamics/GP information, templates and training available from the Microsoft Dynamics/Great Plains help page for each version currently available. Visit the Dynamics community to connect with other Dynamics users and find solutions to your Great Plains problems.

Use free Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains help options

View the free Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains guide to get to know the program. Reviews or user groups are great sources for finding out how other business owners use Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains.

I recommend: Check out the press release carried by Reuters to find out about the advances Microsoft has made in their Great Plains Help department. MS Events offers a webcast with great information and help for users of Microsoft Dynamics/Great Plains.

Find Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains tutorials

Find and use Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains online tutorial to maximize your use of Microsoft Dynamic/Great Plains and increase productivity and other applications of the program.

I recommend: Partners with RMS offers web seminars about the Retail Management System, a sub-program offered in Dynamics/Great Plains. Progent is a consultation firm offering consultations for businesses using the Microsoft Dynamics/Great Plains system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Download and save or print any Microsoft Great Plains tutorial you find to share with employees, new hires and others who might need the information.

Microsoft Great Plains help, or as it's presently known Microsoft Dynamics GP, can assist your company manage enterprise resources, finances, supply chain and customer relationships. Each of these aspects of the business work together, to enable your company to operate effectively and maximize profits. If you can find the necessary ratings and advice for a Great Plains tutorial and resources, it'll also help make your company more efficient and lower costs.

In order to obtain the Microsoft Great Plains help advice and ratings, you'll need to know the basics of the software platform. From this knowledge base, you'll then be able to discern which resource is best for your company's needs. One of the best options is to ask a Great Plains reseller for any available materials to further your Microsoft Great Plains expertise. However, before you contact a reseller in your area, there are few items to consider:

1. Use online forums and Microsoft resources for Great Plains manual and help advice and ratings.

2. Review the companies offering a Microsoft Great Plains guide available online.

3. Examine the Great Plains troubleshooting and tips articles.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate the online Great Plains software help information resources

Probably the best source for Microsoft Great Plains is the Microsoft website itself. You can review all the necessary information in one location and interact with users of the software. There are also companies that offer specialized training and help for the software platform.

I recommend: Study the resources, user guides and tutorials available at Microsoft for further details. Contact a representative from the Alba Spectrum Group for advice and ratings information.

Utilize the Great Plains software support and training on the Internet

Many guides and tutorials available offer advice, ratings and training data regarding the Microsoft Great Plains software package. Whether you're looking to obtain certification or just wanting to maximize the utility of the software, these resources can prove invaluable.

I recommend: CTS Guides offers an excellent library of Microsoft Great Plains support data. Study the Street Directory advice prior to upgrading to the Microsoft Great Plains software.

Assess the Great Plains instructions tips and advice information

Finding the right tips and tricks information is the secret to using any software platform and this is no different with the Microsoft Great Plains platform. These tips can save your company time and money with a few simple clicks of the mouse or a change in installation procedures. Any Great Plains software tutorial usually includes an advice and tips section as well.

I recommend: The Interaction Media Group offers Microsoft Great Plains integration advice. PC Magazine also has an excellent review of the software package. Answering Service is another Great Plains integration resource website that offers advice for your company.

Microsoft Dynamics, formerly called Great Plains, is a popular business program used by businesses of all sizes in various industries. Dynamics is an Enterprise Resource Planning software that integrates an organization's data and processes into one software package. Dynamics covers processes such as sales, finance, accounting, customer service and planning. Setting up and using Microsoft Great Plains/Dynamics can be a daunting task, but there are many sources that provide help. Get to know what some of these are to find the right solution for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Service plans

Microsoft service plans for Microsoft Great Plains/Dynamics products provide access to technical support, product updates and user training. There are various plans available.

I recommend: Check out the Microsoft Dynamics site for information about what is covered and various support options.

Communities

Microsoft Dynamics Communities are made up of other Dynamics users. Users can assist each other through forums and postings. It's a great way to get answers to questions and ideas for using the products. Members include users, integrators and other technical and non-technical users. Users are broken down by categories like sales, finance and customer support .

I recommend: See the Dynamics Community website to sign up, see what users are saying and find a group that fits your needs.

Webcasts

One of the training and support resources that Microsoft provides to Dynamics users is events and webcasts. They include demonstrations, overviews of the products and advanced training materials.

I recommend: Check out wiseGEEK for an explanation of what a webcast is, and how to use them effectively. See Microsoft Events for listings of all the Dynamics webcasts available and summaries of what is covered.

Consultant

A third party Dynamics consultant can work with your company through all the steps of installing, configuring and using Microsoft Dynamics. They evaluate your business needs and your technical environment and can provide customization to integrate Dynamics with other software and use it in your environment

I recommend: See Navigate Into Success for definitions of the various types of Dynamics consultants and what their functions are.

Classes

There are many opportunities for Dynamics training classes, including standard classroom training throughout the United States and online training. Topics range from beginner to advanced courses.

I recommend: See the class descriptions at New Horizons to get an idea of what types of training are available.

Certification

Certification in Microsoft Dynamics provides advanced learning and is an important tool for companies that use Dynamics as well as system integrators who support Dynamics. Certification is available through the Microsoft Certified Professional program.

I recommend: Prometric is one provider that administers tests for Microsoft certification. See its website for information about Dynamics certification, which is now part of the Microsoft Certified Professional program.