Retail Industry Corner

How can one transaction give you two customers?

_{By Crystal
Roach}

Sell Gift Cards. One customer purchases the gift card then the recipient later redeems the gift card. 83% of all Americans use gift cards and 50% would prefer to get a gift card than a traditional gift. 62% of all card users spend 30% more that the original amount of the card. More…

Ask Elsa

Question: How do I refresh the test data company

Answer:

Take a backup of the operating company, or the source company that you wish to refresh the test company with.
1. In Enterprise Manager, expand Microsoft SQL Servers, then expand the registered server that holds Dynamics data, then expand Databases
2. Right click the Company Database source, click All Tasks, and then click Backup Database.
3. In the SQL Server Backup window, click Remove then Add in the Destination section.
4. In the Select Backup Destination window, click the ellipsis button next to the File name field.
5. In the Backup Device Location window, browse out to where you wish to place the backup.
6. Type a name for the backup, typically <database> 090706.
7. Click OK repeatedly until you return to the SQL Server Backup window.
8. Click OK to start the backup.
9. When the backup has completed successfully, click OK.
Restore the backup in Step 1 over the Test Company.
1. In Enterprise Manager, right-click the destination test company database, click All Tasks, and then click Restore Database.
2. ***In the Restore as database field on the General tab, verify that the test company database is selected.***
3. In the Restore section, click to select the From device check box
4. In the Parameters section, click Select Devices, and then click Add in the Choose Restore Devices window.
5. In the Choose Restore Destination window, click the ellipsis button next to the File name field.
6. In the Backup Device Location window, expand the folders, locate and then click the live company backup file that you created in step 1.
7. Click OK repeatedly until you return to the Restore Database window.
8. Click the Options tab.
9. Click to select the Force restore over existing database check box.
10. Click OK to start restoring the live company database into the test company database.
11. When the restore has completed successfully, click OK.

Run the following SQL Script against the destination TEST database that will update the company id for the test company.

The script to complete this process can be located on our new techknowledge web site page. Click here…

SBS Partner Spotlight

Believe it or not, another year is drawing to a close. In the world of human resources, this is the opportune time to review five key areas for maintaining employee morale and confirming legal compliance.

Click here to review an excellent employer article on HR and Employment year end presented by Marta Carlson or carlsonHR and Scott Maichel of Amchek.

Marta Carlson of carlsonHR provides full service human resources support to both in-house human resources directors and to companies without in-house human resources personnel. Ms. Carlson has spent more than 10 years in the HR departments of a number of prominent companies. Should you have any questions regarding human resources issues, please e-mail martac@cox.net.

AmCheck: A Nation Presence with a Hometown feel. AmCheck is a locally owned and operated outsourcing company in San Diego that provides services that go beyond just payroll by integrating the administration of: HR, Benefits, Section 125, Work Comp, 401(k), General Ledger and Time & Attendance / POS As a privately owned local company; we specialize in adding value and going the extra mile - because every client matters. For more information regarding Amcheck please contact Scott Maichel at scott.maichel@amcheck.com.

Year End Closing Webinar

Join Software Business Solutions for a FREE Webinar on Great Plains Year End Closing.

When: December 19th at Noon

Where: At SBS office for lunch or at your desk.

If you are joining us for lunch, please arrive by 11:30 and call with your lunch order for Subway by 11:00.

Register at:

http://www.clicktoattend.com/?id=114093

Who Should Attend: Accounting Managers, Accounting Staff, and Great Plains Administrators

Topics Covered:

Processing and correcting 1099s
Preparation needed for closing
Payables, Receivables, Payroll, Fixed Assets, and General Ledger
Effects of Year End Closing on reporting
Can you process January transactions before closing December?
Can you process correcting entries after closing?
Your questions

Call Crystal Roach at 619-971-2892 or email croach@sbshelp.com If you have any questions or difficulty connecting.

Good news Convergence is back in San Diego

Sign up now for early discounts.

Convergence is the premier Microsoft Dynamics event, bringing customers, partners, team members, and industry experts together in an environment created for you to discuss solutions, address business needs, and establish a true community that can be leveraged throughout the year.

Convergence 2007 will take place in San Diego, California, March 11-14. This is your opportunity to participate in an exceptional program including a variety of speakers, detailed product demonstrations, and hands-on learning sessions. You will learn how to enhance your Microsoft investment now and in the future, and gain a stronger sense of community through interacting with industry leaders, Microsoft team members, partners, and other customers.

Convergence 2007 will help you:

Build skills across all Microsoft platforms and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge you need to optimize your business solution.
Interact with peers, partners, Microsoft team members, and top industry experts in both structured and informal settings.
Hear the vision and strategy of key Microsoft executive leaders and gain insight on the future of the company, product direction, and investments so you can align your business and take advantage of the benefits.

Last Year’s Stats:

Total attendance: 7,404
Thousands of repeat attendees, some in their 4th and 5th years of attendance.
97% of attendees are completely satisfied with their experience at Convergence.
98% of attendees stated they would attend Convergence again.

Throughout the coming months this website will be constantly updated with the most up to date and timely information.

https://www.msconvergence.com/public/home.aspx

Check it out or call Crystal Roach at (619) 971-2892 for more information.

Type	Before Jan 10th	Jan.11- Feb.9	Regular
Full Conference Pass	$1,095	$1,295	$1,395
Full Conference Pass - Group Rate*	$995	$1,195	$1,295
Guest Pass	$300	$300	$300

All prices are in US dollars. (USD)
† Please note all attendees must present a photo ID to check-in at the event.

*Group Registrations

Register at least three attendees from your organization, and you will receive an additional $100 USD discount for the third and all subsequent registrants. Counts of registrations per company will be based on Authorized Phone Numbers. Refunds for the third and any subsequent registrants will be processed by April 30, 2007. Refunds will be applied using the same payment method used for each registration. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Convergence Day Passes

Day passes are available for all conference dates at a cost of $600 USD. This pass includes access to all sessions and keynotes, meals and the Expo Hall.

Guests

Guests of registered Microsoft Convergence 2007 attendees may attend the following functions March 12-14, 2007:

Welcome Reception
Expo Hall and Receptions
Keynotes

Guests must be 21 years of age and will be required to wear an event name badge for admittance to the events above. For liability and security reasons, there are no exceptions for those under age 21, including infants or toddlers.