With Convergence 2013 only a month away, eBridge Connections is completing some finishing touches to ensure we’re fully prepared for the big week! This year the event will be held in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from March 18th-21st. eBridge Connections will be sending two of our Microsoft Dynamics Integration Specialists, as well as our Sales and Marketing Manager, who are all hoping to make some valuable connections and meet some interesting people throughout the week. The eBridge Connections team has planned some special promotional items for our booth so be sure to look out for us during the event!

eBridge’s booth will be located in Hall E close to the Service desk and Exhibitor Lounge. Our booth number is 857 which is only steps away from the Microsoft Dynamics GP and CRM Solution exhibits. We are also happy to announce our newly designed trade show booth, so come over and let us know what you think!

Our Microsoft Dynamics Integration Specialists will also have some very exciting cloud related news to share with you at the event so be sure to ask them about that! eBridge Connections is a Certified Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner and we have been working with Microsoft Dynamics products for over 20 years.

If this blog post hasn’t got you excited for Convergence yet then listen here for ‘the-cherry-on-top’ announcement for Convergence attendees. We will be bringing along some major eBridge swag. The highly anticipated swag items include  Stylus Pens for your smartphones and eBridge Sunglasses to help with the New Orleans sunshine. You’ll also have the chance to win an Apple iPad! Just be sure to bring a business card to our booth #857 to enter in the draw.

eBridge Connections looks forward to seeing everyone at #CONV13! Be sure to tweet us (@ebridgeconnects) or comment  about your booth number/location and we will stop by and say hello!

Education, Events, Integration, Integration as a Service, Uncategorized, eBRIDGE Blog #CONV13, integration solutions, Microsoft, Microsoft Convergence, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics Nav, Microsoft Dynamics SL, solution

As a small business starts to grow, organization and business management become major factors when making everyday business decisions. Resource management quickly turns into insight into new business opportunities but sometimes developing small businesses don’t have the resources to catch-up with their growth. Microsoft Dynamics is currently running a Business Challenge where they looking for three worthy businesses who are trying to gain more control over their growing companies with a giveaway of $45,000 toward new ERP software and implementation services.

In order to be considered for this giveaway you need to make a short video explaining how Microsoft Dynamics ERP could positively transform your business operations and increase your potential for future success. Once your video is complete, upload your video to the “Win To Grow” website and share it with as many friends and colleagues as possible to help you receive the most votes. There are currently only 4 videos uploaded so odds are in your favor! Three companies will then be awarded $45,000 toward their ERP systems. This money will be put toward licenses for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013, or Microsoft Dynamics SL 2013 and implementation services from a Microsoft Dynamics Partner. If this is something that interests you please read the full Terms & Conditions and upload your video today! This contest closes February 15^th 2013. Be sure to post your video entry in our comments so we can vote for your business!

CRM Integration, EDI Integration, Events, Integration, Uncategorized, Webstore Integration, eBRIDGE Blog Business Challenge, contest, Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics SL, eBRIDGE Blog, ERP, erp integration, Grow To Win, Integration, Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics Nav, Microsoft Dynamics SL

As promised, this week we wanted to follow up with the eBridge attendees to the Sage Summit 2012 to get some on-the-ground insight on the Summit and what it means for Sage accounting stakeholders moving forward!

Representing eBridge Connections at the Summit were two of our Account Managers, Neha Dar and Kevin Moffat.

We will start with Neha:

Neha, as a first-time Sage Summit attendee, how would you weigh the value of these types of conventions?

As a first time attendee I was not sure what to expect. I had heard the stories and read the manual. Needless to say, it was much more than advertised. These events are a phenomenal opportunity to meet like-minded people who are aiming to service the needs of customers thru technology.  Some of the main highlights were most definitely the commitment of the Sage team to educate their Business Partners and end customers alike. In addition to this, Sage has a lot of emphasis on networking and the benefits of that. The atmosphere is relaxed and extremely social.

What were some of the highlights of the summit for you?

One thing that struck me the most is that we are primarily viewed as an EDI Integration company.  This time we focused our attention on the eCommerce integration. With more and more people moving parts or all of their business into this space, this type of integration is essential

How do you see integration solutions from eBridge fitting in with the strategic vision of Sage over the coming months and years?

Our commitment to continue to service a large line of Sage products leaves us in a unique position as we are able to offer eCommerce integration with 20+ platforms, 100s of EDI trading partners and CRMs to a large customer base. Our Cloud based solution makes deploying the solution faster and a smoother process.

Thank you, Neha. Your input has been very informative.

Now we will speak with Kevin Moffat:

Kevin, as a veteran Sage Summit attendee, what was unique about this summit as compared to previous years?

Aside from being in Nashville TN this year VS the previous year in Washington DC, all show dates had a mixture of End Users and Re-sellers.

I also noticed there was better scheduling of the breakout sessions so that they ultimately would not interfere with the tradeshow hours. That alone was a huge positive for both attendees and vendors.

Is there anything that jumps out as a general theme for this particular Sage Summit?

What really stuck out for me while attending the conference this year was the strong emphasis on the use of eCommerce. I’ve been noticing as each year goes on, there are more customers and vendors interested in attending the information sessions surrounding eCommerce related topics. Myself, working for a company that specializes in Sage Integration to 20+ eCommerce Shopping carts; this excites me to see and to be a part of.

What were some of the highlights for you, and what did you take away from the Summit which will leave you better equipped to accommodate Sage users in need of an integration solution?

One of the biggest changes this year for Sage was their re-branding of all of their product lines. Having been a vendor at this year’s show allowed me to fully understand Sage’s desired direction with their products and where they’re envisioning the company being in 5-10 years down the road. Coming back to eBridge equipped with this knowledge will allow me to provide my clients with more insight to the Sage product. As well as demonstrating to them how our integration solutions are able to compliment and grow with their Sage ERP.

Thank you, Kevin.

If you have attended a Sage Summit, or plan on attending in the future, drop us a comment and let us know your thoughts!

We hope everyone has a great weekend!

Cheers,

The eBridge Team

Events, Integration, Webstore Integration, eCommerce e-commerce, e-commerce integration, eBRIDGE Blog, Sage, sage accounting integration, sage mas 90

Microsoft’s annual ERP & CRM conference, Dynamics Convergence 2012 has just wrapped up in Houston, Texas. As usual, Microsoft launched the conference with a blizzard of new product announcements and feature surprises. Here is what you need to know:

Q4 releases of GP 2013 and NAV 2013 will be enabled to run on Windows Azure
As has long been expected, the next generation of Dynamics ERPs will be enabled to run on Windows Azure, Microsoft’s cloud application platform.  At Convergence, Microsoft announced that Dynamics GP 2013 and Dynamics NAV 2013 will both be released in Q4 2012 and capable of running in Windows Azure. A beta version of GP 203 will be released in May.

Microsoft says that the VAR/partner ecosystem will continue
Despite their new cloud product line, Microsoft executives renewed their commitment to the partner/VAR channel. In his keynote address, Kiril Tatanirov, President of Microsoft Business Solutions said that “our partners remain a very important part of our ecosystem, whether it’s private or public cloud.”

Social is coming to Microsoft Dynamics CRM
A raft of social features for Microsoft Dynamics CRM were announced, including native social media analytics, greater integration with Windows Mobile applications and new options to provide social customer service through Dynamics CRM. This new release, called Dynamics CRM 2012 will begin shipping in Q4.

You can read the official press release from Microsoft here and the keynote speeches here.
Will you consider running Dynamics ERP on Windows Azure? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Events Convergence, CRM, Dynamics, Microsoft

Last week, our CEO Colin Brown was in attendance at the 2010 eCommerce Expo at the Olympia in London, UK. The show had an incredible turn out and we had the opportunity meet and speak with a number of new potential partners. In addition, we had the chance to meet face-to-face with a few of our friends that we’re already working with:

Read more…

Events, Integration AspDotNetStorefront, colin brown, commerceguys, eCommerce, expo, partners, volusion

Today is Earth Day. Why not celebrate by taking initiates to green your office? Here are a few tips:

• Turn down the contrast when printing drafts to save toner
• Reduce margin size and single space lines to save paper by fitting more information on each page.
• Save files electronically instead of in hard copy
• Use your computer to send faxes and eliminate the need for hard-copy faxes
• Keep indoor plants in the office to absorb air pollutants
• Place recycling bins near printers to encourage employees to recycle
• Use conference calls instead of traveling to meetings

As of 9am EST today, eBridge clients have helped save 1,392 trees by processing their documents electronically on ePortal

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Nazma
Team Leader, Support Services

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We recently found out that the launch of the new Sage PFW 2010 ERP is just around the corner. The new version is packed with value-added features designed to streamline your business practices and improve efficiency. Without going into too much detail, here’s a shortlist of some new functionality found in version 2010:

• Increase your flexibility in 1099 generation by printing a single 1099 for vendors with multiple locations and/or subsidiaries while maintaining the separate vendor records you need.

• Reduce limitations by generating and printing 1099 forms for all user-selected vendors, regardless of the dollar amount spent. You can even specify a minimum value.

• Run your Inventory period-end processing more smoothly with a GAAP-compliant method of purging files using the new INTXDH Purge Utility.

• Save time and reduce errors by easily autopopulating the Return Entry screen with the information from the original invoice using the new Find Historical button.

• Stay compliant and save time by assigning a tax key on the Shipment Entry screen to indicate whether freight is taxable or nontaxable.

• Make better inventory decisions with the new Inventory Aging Report, which shows you at a glance how long items have been sitting in inventory.

• Save time and resources with the new Batch Warning System, which stops or warns you when requisitioning, finishing, or closing a batch that does not meet one or more of your defined criteria.

Wondering what Sage PFW is?

Designed especially for the small to midsized company transacting business throughout the global marketplace, Sage PFW ERP is an award-winning financial and process manufacturing solution. Sage PFW meets the complex challenges that transcontinental accounting and manufacturing present.

And for all of our current customers wondering if their eBridge integration solution will be compatible – the answer is yes.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, Events, Integration edi, ePortal, Integration, Sage, Sage PFW, update

Even though St. Patrick’s Day landed on a Wednesday this year, the eBridge team still celebrated with style. The Social Committee arranged a night of food, drinks, and bowling for the evening.

Despite Mikhail’s (pictured below) best efforts, his team fell short of victory.

The St. Patty’s Day eBridge Bowl-Off 2010 Champs are:

• Dubravka
• Kim (aided by non-eBridger husband Jim)
• Maryann
• Elias

The winners had an average score of 127/bowler, but apparently left their modesty at the alley – Dubravka was marching the trophy around the office this morning .

Thanks to everyone who came out!

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

Events Events, Social Committee

What is eManifest?

eManifest is the third phase of the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) program established by the Canada Border Services Agency. Earlier phases established guidelines for air and marine carriers to submit pre-arrival shipment information to the CBSA electronically. eManifest expands the ACI program to require both railway and highway carriers to submit electronic documentation for shipments entering Canada.

The primary motive behind the program is to ensure the right information is provided to border officials at the right time. This expedited process will help to improve the flow of low-risk shipments across the border.

How will it affect me?

If you or the companies you do business with have a sizable volume of shipments that enter Canada, you should set aside some time to familiarize yourself with eManifest. As the program is phased in (details below), companies will be required to electronically send information such as crew, ETA, and shipment contents to border officials in advance.

While this may seem like an inconvenience to some, it is really a blessing in disguise. It may take your company and partners time to adapt, but eManifest will ultimately result in a more efficient and streamlined importation process. This translates into a direct positive impact on your supply chain and overall supplier relations.

When will I be required to comply with eManifest?

Complete details on the timeline for eManifest’s implementation can be found on the CBSA’s eManifest website. Some of the important upcoming high-level dates to take note of include:

• Spring 2010 – Highway Carriers begin transmission of cargo and conveyance data
• Fall 2010 – Rail Carriers begin transmission of cargo and conveyance data
• Summer 2011 – Freight Forwarders begin transmission of secondary information
• Spring 2012 – Importers begin transmission of importer admissibility data (IAD)
• Spring 2014 – eManifest fully implemented

What about eBridge?

eBridge is actively monitoring the implementation of eManifest. We are exploring potential ways in which we can enrich our services to offer integration that interacts with this new online platform. As more information is made available, we will be sure to keep you informed.

Kevin Martin
Assistant Marketing Professional

EDI Integration, EDI Tips and Tricks, Education, Events, General EDI, Integration edi, import, news, online

The eBridge Social Committee held a bake sale to raise money for the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.  Our bake sale raised $206.10.  With the Canadian government matching donations, our total contribution is $412.20.

In the wake of such a devastating crisis, it sometimes feels there is little we can do as individuals, small companies or even large corporations to help.  However, the global fund-raising effort for victims of the earthquake in Haiti is gaining momentum, so please consider making a donation.  Every dollar makes a difference.

The following websites provide information on how you can help:

US:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34835478/ns/world_news-americas/

Canada:

http://www.cbc.ca/haitirelief/

Thank you.

Nazma
Team Leader, Support Services

Events, eBRIDGE Blog Charity, eBridge, Events, Social Committee