Budget Import & Export

Dynamics GP has a very easy to use import and export function that allows you to create budgets in Excel and update budgets in GP, based on amounts you have in Excel.

All this functionality is available from the Budget Selection screen.  Navigate to:  Cards  >>  Financial  >>  Budgets

I created this short video to show this functionality in action.

One very important caveat:  Make sure that you validate the information in GP after importing or updating budget information from Excel.  There is no error reporting on the import function if the import does not properly import the data.

I usually create a quick FRx report for this purpose.  But you could also simply export the information from GP, to a new spreadsheet (make sure not to overwrite your original spreadsheet).

Bottom-Up Collaborative Budgeting

Now is a good time to take a look at FRx Forecaster. The recent release of FRx Forecaster 7.0 provides a new user interface that is much more compelling than the previous releases. The new interface will make it much easier to get others within your organization to use the product.

I see FRx Forecaster primarily as a collaborative tool; the benefits of which, are realized when a number of people are involved in the budgeting process. If you are responsible for creating and managing the budget for your organization by yourself, FRx Forecaster is probably not for you. Continue to use Excel. But if you have several other people involved in the process, FRx Forecaster provides control and security that eliminates the headaches of managing dozens of Excel spreadsheets with countless versions.

FRx Forecaster allows input worksheets to be distributed to individuals in your organization so that individuals only get the information they are allowed to view and modify. Individuals can add notes and additional lines of detail and explanation, but cannot ruin the structure of the worksheets, that traditionally wreaks havoc on Excel-based systems.

FRx Forecaster also provides three small applications that can be used to walk individuals through the budget process. These include Fixed Assets, HR, and a user-defined model; that traditionally is used for sales, but could be used for other purposes.

More good news: If you currently own or are acquiring an Advanced Management (BRL) system, The FRx Forecaster Server and one user are included.

If you do not budget alone, check out FRx Forecaster.

Review Dave McClure’s review of budgeting offerings.