There is a need for accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in managing business finances. Whether it’s a small enterprise or a big corporation, the accounting system it employs can great plains accounting software determine the smoothness of your financial operations. One such time-tested solution is Great Plains accounting software.
Created in the early 1980s, Great Plains soon came to be acquired by Microsoft and developed as one of the trusted applications to manage accounts, financial reporting, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Nowadays, it’s known more popularly as Microsoft Dynamics GP; but many professionals and companies still say ‘Great Plains accounting software.’
This will definitely take one into an extensive take on the history, the functions, the advantages, the prices, the alternatives, and the practical examples of Great Plains accounting software. The guide is comprehensive yet practical and easy to digest for specific categories of people: whether one is an entrepreneur researching software options, an accountant seeking tools that make work flow more efficient, or a business owner wondering how to smoothen financial operations.
What Is Great Plains Accounting Software?
Great Plains accounting software is an integrated business management and financial accounting solution. It was originally developed by Great Plains Software Inc. in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1981. Microsoft acquired the company in 2001 and rebranded the system as Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains).
The software provides businesses with tools for:
- Financial Management – General ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliation.
- Business Intelligence & Reporting – Advanced reporting, dashboards, and analytics.
- Human Resources & Payroll – Employee management, payroll processing, and compliance tools.
- Supply Chain Management – Inventory, purchasing, and order processing.
- Project Accounting – Budgeting, time tracking, and cost management.
Unlike simple bookkeeping tools, Great Plains accounting software is a comprehensive ERP system. It can handle not only accounting but also broader business processes like supply chain management, payroll, and project management.
The Evolution of Great Plains Accounting Software
To understand its current relevance, let’s briefly explore the history of Great Plains software:
- 1980s – Early Development
Great Plains Software was created to help small and medium-sized businesses manage accounting more efficiently. Its design focused on flexibility and customization. - 1990s – Rapid Growth
The software gained popularity in the United States and internationally. It became known for its powerful reporting features and scalability. - 2001 – Microsoft Acquisition
Microsoft acquired Great Plains for approximately $1.1 billion, integrating it into its business solutions portfolio. This marked the beginning of its rebranding as Microsoft Dynamics GP. - 2000s – Expansion as ERP
Microsoft added new modules, making Great Plains more than just accounting software. It became an ERP system capable of supporting supply chain management, HR, and business intelligence. - Present Day
Although some newer solutions (like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) have emerged, Great Plains accounting software remains in use by thousands of organizations worldwide, thanks to its stability, rich features, and long-standing reputation.
Key Features of Great Plains Accounting Software
Great Plains offers a wide range of features that make it stand out from other accounting platforms. Some of its most notable capabilities include:
1. Core Financial Management
- General Ledger (GL): Handles multi-currency and multi-company accounting.
- Accounts Payable & Receivable: Streamlines billing, collections, and vendor payments.
- Bank Reconciliation: Automates bank statement matching.
- Fixed Assets Management: Tracks depreciation, acquisitions, and disposals.
2. Business Intelligence & Reporting
- Built-in reports for financial statements, sales, and expenses.
- Integration with Microsoft Excel and Power BI for advanced analytics.
- Role-based dashboards for executives, accountants, and managers.
3. Human Resources & Payroll
- Employee data management and payroll automation.
- Tax compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Self-service portals for employees to view pay stubs and benefits.
4. Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Tracking: Monitors stock levels and reduces shortages.
- Purchasing & Procurement: Automates vendor management and purchase orders.
- Sales Order Processing: Handles order fulfillment efficiently.
5. Project Accounting
- Tracks project budgets, expenses, and revenue.
- Time tracking for employees and contractors.
- Real-time profitability analysis.
6. Security & Compliance
- Role-based access controls.
- Audit trails for compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and other regulations.
Benefits of Using Great Plains Accounting Software
Businesses that choose Great Plains accounting software enjoy several advantages:
1. Comprehensive Functionality
It is more than just accounting software—it’s an ERP solution that integrates multiple aspects of business management.
2. Scalability
Great Plains can support small businesses with a handful of users and large corporations with hundreds of employees.
3. Integration with Microsoft Products
Seamlessly works with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Power BI, and SQL Server, making it ideal for businesses already using Microsoft tools.
4. Customizability
The software can be tailored to industry-specific needs through add-ons and third-party integrations.
5. Robust Reporting
Great Plains provides in-depth financial reports, dashboards, and KPIs for informed decision-making.
6. Strong Community Support
With decades of use, there is a large ecosystem of consultants, developers, and forums available for support.
Who Uses Great Plains Accounting Software?
Great Plains is popular among mid-sized and large great plains accounting software companies across industries such as.
- Manufacturing – Managing supply chain and production costs.
- Healthcare – Handling payroll, billing, and compliance.
- Nonprofits – Grant accounting and donor management.
- Retail & Distribution – Inventory and sales order processing.
- Professional Services – Project accounting and client billing.
Organizations with complex accounting needs often prefer Great Plains over basic tools like QuickBooks.
Great Plains Accounting Software vs. Modern Alternatives
While Great Plains is powerful, some businesses compare it with newer cloud-based systems. Let’s look at how it stacks up:
| Feature | Great Plains (Dynamics GP) | Dynamics 365 Business Central | QuickBooks Enterprise | NetSuite ERP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premise & Hosted | Cloud-based | Desktop & Cloud | Cloud-based |
| Scalability | Medium-Large | Small-Large | Small-Medium | Medium-Large |
| Integration | Strong with Microsoft | Deep with Microsoft | Limited | Broad |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Subscription-based | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Established businesses | Growing companies | Small businesses | Large enterprises |
Challenges and Limitations
Like any software, Great Plains accounting software has some drawbacks:
- Cost – Licensing, implementation, and customization can be expensive.
- Complexity – The system requires trained users and may be overwhelming for small businesses.
- Limited Cloud Capabilities – While it can be hosted, it was originally designed as an on-premise system.
- Updates – Some businesses worry about the long-term future of Dynamics GP, as Microsoft promotes newer solutions.
Pricing of Great Plains Accounting Software
Pricing depends on:
- Number of users.
- Modules purchased (financials, payroll, supply chain, etc.).
- Deployment (on-premise vs. cloud hosting).
- Implementation and customization needs.
On average, implementation costs can range from $15,000 to $75,000+, depending on complexity. User licenses typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 per user, plus annual maintenance fees.
Tips for Implementing Great Plains Accounting Software
- Assess Your Needs – Determine which modules your business requires.
- Hire Certified Consultants – Work with Microsoft Dynamics GP experts for smooth setup.
- Plan for Training – Ensure employees are properly trained to maximize efficiency.
- Budget for Ongoing Support – Factor in costs for updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Consider Future Growth – Choose modules and configurations that can scale with your business.
Is Great Plains Accounting Software Still Relevant in 2025?
Yes. Despite the rise of cloud-based ERP systems, Great Plains remains widely used due to its reliability, feature richness, and integration with Microsoft products. Companies with complex financial structures still value its robust reporting and customizability.
However, businesses starting fresh may consider newer platforms like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or NetSuite for cloud-native solutions.
Conclusion
Great Plains accounting software has been a cornerstone in business financial management for over four decades. From its origins in Fargo, North Dakota, to becoming Microsoft Dynamics GP, it continues to help businesses streamline accounting, payroll, supply chain, and project management.
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