Jason Gumpert has reported at MSDynamicsWorld.com that the next release of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 now has a target release date of May 2014. The name of this release has recently been shifted from Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 SP3 to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 R2 because, well, it is huge and substantial. Among the new features will be new requisitions capabilities, a new workflow framework, the first phase of updated identity management, and a new procurement companion application (app).
The new requisitions capabilities are part of a phasing out of Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics GP. The new functionality will be built into the GP core, and it will be more comprehensive. Business Portal could be phased out for Microsoft Dynamics GP sometime between the latter half of 2014 and 2015, but Microsoft will continue to support it through its support lifecycle.
Microsoft is also working toward a new native workflow engine that will no longer rely on SharePoint. The new requisition capabilities will be among the first tools to use the new workflow framework. Microsoft is increasing the flexibility of workflows and improving the design and user experience.
Microsoft is also working to make Microsoft Dynamics GP logins simpler and more streamlined through improved identity management. This is a multi-phase project, and for this first phase, the focus is on improving the single company scenario for “on domain” users, so that they no longer have to authenticate separately for SQL.
The new procurement app will be available in the Windows store, and will enable any employees, even those who are not Microsoft Dynamics GP users, to place self-service procurement requests.
