Let's be real: dealing with system issues can be a major headache. But knowing how to categorize your problem when submitting a support case to Deltek can make all the difference in getting the help you need—fast. Choosing the right severity level ensures that Deltek can prioritize your case appropriately, saving you from unnecessary delays and frustrations.

So, let’s break down the four severity levels Deltek offers, what they mean, and how to make sure your issue gets the attention it deserves.

1. Mission Critical (Severity 1)

This is the "all hands on deck" level. If your system is completely down, producing incorrect data that could lead to major business blunders, or preventing you from working altogether—this is your category.

Examples of Mission Critical Issues:

• Your entire system crashes and won't let you log in.
• Financial calculations are way off, potentially leading to serious business risks.
• A major system failure with no workaround, grinding operations to a halt.

What Happens in Severity 1 Cases:

• Deltek immediately prioritizes Severity 1 cases as top priority.
• A dedicated Support Services Analyst will be assigned to your case full-time to ensure a rapid resolution.
• This level is used when there’s an imminent deadline or business-critical operations at risk, and there’s no reasonable workaround to mitigate the issue.

Why It’s Important: Mission-critical issues require swift action to minimize downtime and business disruption. This is why Deltek places the highest priority on these cases and dedicates full-time resources to resolving them.

2. Critical (Severity 2)

Think of this as the "high priority, but not a total meltdown" level. A major function isn't working properly, but you can still get some work done with a workaround.

Examples of Critical Issues:

• A key feature is glitching, but you’ve found a workaround to keep moving.
• A non-production system is acting up and causing delays.

What Happens in Severity 2 Cases:

• Deltek assigns a Support Services Analyst to tackle your issue during business hours.
• The case is treated with urgency, but since you have a workaround, it’s not as critical.
• The analyst works with you to identify the problem and find a long-term solution.

Why It’s Important: Your operations might not be at a full stop, but resolving these issues quickly is crucial to avoid further disruptions.

3. Elevated (Severity 3)

This level covers the "it's annoying but not a deal-breaker" kind of issues. Your system is working, but not as smoothly as you'd like.

Examples of Elevated Issues:

• A visual glitch that’s more of an eyesore than a real problem.
• A feature that’s sluggish but still functional.
• Formatting errors that don’t impact operations.

What Happens in Severity 3 Cases:

• A Support Services Analyst will take a look and work on a fix.
• These cases don't demand immediate attention but are still important.
• Issues may be escalated if they become more problematic.

Why It’s Important: Even small frustrations can add up. Getting them fixed ensures your system remains efficient and user-friendly. Deltek prioritizes resolving these issues promptly to maintain optimal system performance and user satisfaction.

4. General (Severity 4)

This is your "curious, but not in a rush" level. These cases are for general questions, feature requests, or minor bugs that don’t disrupt daily operations.

Examples of General Issues:

• You’re unsure how to use a specific feature and need clarification.
• A minor bug that’s annoying but doesn’t impact your workflow.
• Suggestions for future improvements.

What Happens in Severity 4 Cases:

• Support will get to these as part of their regular workflow.
• Since there’s no critical time constraint or major business impact, the response time may be longer than for higher-severity cases.
• Support staff will provide assistance based on normal procedures, and issues may be resolved in future product updates or patches.

Why It’s Important: Even small things matter—whether it's answering your questions or improving future system versions.

How to Choose the Right Severity Level

Picking the right severity level helps Deltek help you—quickly and efficiently. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Severity 1: If your business is at a standstill—submit ASAP.
• Severity 2: Major impact, but you can still function.
• Severity 3: Moderate impact with workarounds.
• Severity 4: Minor impact or general questions.

By understanding and accurately selecting the severity level of your issue, you help Deltek respond faster and more effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to your business. Remember, the more specific and detailed you are when submitting your case, the quicker and more efficiently your issue will be addressed.

Need Help Deciding? We're Here for You!

Still unsure which severity level fits your issue? No worries! Reach out to your Full Sail Partners Account Manager, and they'll help you submit your case with confidence. We're here to make your Deltek experience as smooth as possible!

Managing employee data across multiple systems can be a time-consuming and error-prone process for firms using Deltek Vantagepoint and ADP Workforce Now. The Blackbox Connector for ADP Workforce Now simplifies this challenge by seamlessly syncing employee data between the two systems. Designed with efficiency and accuracy in mind, this connector ensures your firm maintains a single source of truth while reducing the manual effort required to manage employee records.

What Is the Blackbox Connector for ADP Workforce Now?

The Blackbox Connector is an API-based integration that connects Deltek Vantagepoint with ADP Workforce Now. This pre-built connector automates the flow of employee data between the two systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the likelihood of errors.

As best practice, ADP serves as the system of initial input for employee data. When a new employee is onboarded in ADP, the connector triggers the creation of their employee record in Deltek Vantagepoint. All mapped fields—such as demographic details, orgs/departments, hire dates, pay rates, PTO, education, skills, and even custom fields—are automatically synced to the Deltek Vantagepoint Employees hub. This creates a streamlined process where the relevant data captured during onboarding in ADP flows seamlessly into Vantagepoint without duplication of effort.

Key Features of the ADP Vantagepoint Connector

1. Automated New Hire Sync:
   • Automatically provisions new employee records in Deltek Vantagepoint when new staff are added to ADP Workforce Now.
   • Transfers all mapped fields without requiring manual data entry.
2. Ongoing Data Synchronization:
   • In addition to new hires, updates mapped fields for active/existing employees, ensuring any changes made in ADP (e.g., pay rate adjustments or organizational changes, PTO data, etc.) are reflected in Deltek.
   • Enables a daily synchronization schedule, with an on-demand button available in Vantagepoint for immediate updates.
3. Seamless Termination Updates:
   • Syncs termination details from ADP to Vantagepoint, with timing logic and effective date configurations to manage the deactivation of employee records.
4. Customizable Field Mapping:
   • During setup, clients work with our team to map fields from ADP to Vantagepoint based on their specific needs.
   • Supports a range of standard and custom fields for tailored integration.
5. Operational Visibility:
   • The Blackbox Connector platform provides real-time visibility into the connector’s operations, including successful API calls and workflows.
   • Error logs allow clients to identify and address issues quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Benefits of a Seamless Integration

1. Eliminate Manual Data Entry: By automating data synchronization, firms reduce the time and effort required to manage employee records. This efficiency not only saves administrative hours but also allows HR and finance teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
2. Ensure Data Accuracy: Manual data entry often introduces errors that can cause downstream issues in payroll, project assignments, and compliance reporting. The connector’s automated workflows minimize these risks, ensuring consistent and reliable data across both systems.
3. Maintain a Single Source of Truth: With ADP Workforce Now as the primary input system of employee data, firms can rely on accurate, up-to-date information being reflected in Deltek Vantagepoint. This consistency enhances reporting, decision-making, and overall operational integrity.
4. Support Scalability: Whether your firm is growing or adjusting to organizational changes, the connector’s customizable mappings and robust infrastructure ensure it scales with your needs.

See the ADP Vantagepoint Connector in Action

Curious to see how the Blackbox Connector for ADP Workforce Now can transform your employee data management? Click below for an overview of the solution. You’ll get a firsthand look at how this connector streamlines data synchronization, reduces manual effort, and enhances accuracy.

Upgrading from Deltek Vision to Vantagepoint is a big step, and it can feel overwhelming. But fear not! With the right preparation, guidance, and tools, the transition can be smooth and set your firm up for long-term success. At Full Sail Partners, we’ve assisted numerous firms in navigating this process, and we’re here to share our expertise.

This checklist will help your firm prepare for the upgrade, ensuring a seamless transition. Let’s dive into the steps you need to take:

1. Explore Upgrade Resources on Full Sail Partners’ Website

Your first stop should be the Vantagepoint Upgrade Assistance Page on the Full Sail Partners’ website. This page consolidates everything needed, including links to resources from both Deltek and Full Sail Partners. It provides:

• Guides and best practices for upgrading
• Links to Deltek resources
• Exclusive tools and services from Full Sail Partners

In addition to Full Sail Partners' resources, Deltek offers several tools to assist with your upgrade, including the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and the Vantagepoint Readiness Portal. The CAP provides access to personalized consulting and technical support, while the Readiness Portal contains videos, training modules, and checklists to help firms navigate the upgrade process. Together, these resources ensure you have comprehensive support at every stage.

Navigating these tools will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and where to start.

2. Schedule a Vantagepoint Upgrade Consultation

Requesting a consultation with the Full Sail Partners’ team is an essential step. Consultants can:

• Assess your firm’s current setup
• Identify potential challenges or customizations
• Provide tailored advice and a clear roadmap for the upgrade process

Ready for a consult today? Request a Vantagepoint Consult by clicking here.

3. Get a Personalized Vantagepoint Readiness Report

The next step is to identify the issues before upgrading. Our Vantagepoint Readiness Report identifies things that need to be cleaned-up prior to obtaining your preview environment and upgrade. The cost includes a consultant that will meet with you to review everything and discuss areas of importance. The report gives you a snapshot of your entire database and the items your firm needs to address.

This is the most critical and helpful step. It starts you down the path of knowing what you need to know. This process includes:

• Reviewing your current database configuration
• Helping you prepare a preview environment for your new solution
• Identifying key areas for clean-up and adjustment

This readiness report ensures your firm is set up for success and ready for the next stages.

4. Review System Requirements and Compatibility

Before diving into the upgrade, verify that your hardware, software, and integrations meet the Vantagepoint requirements. The assistance page includes links to Deltek’s technical specifications. Ensure the following:

• Servers and workstations meet performance requirements
• Third-party integrations are compatible
• Current workflows are reviewed to identify custom configurations

5. Cleanse Your Data, Review Processes & Make Desired Changes

Upgrading is the perfect opportunity to declutter your system and review your firm’s processes. The Vantagepoint Readiness Report is the perfect checklist of where to target your efforts. Some common reviews and updates include:

• Archive old projects
• Update and validate contact information
• Standardize data fields for consistency
• User roles and security settings

Clean data and clear processes will make the transition smoother and your new system more efficient.

6. Backup Your Current Vision System

Creating a full backup of your existing system is critical. A backup ensures you can recover data if any unexpected issues arise. This backup should include:

• Project records
• Contact lists
• Financial data

It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

7. Configure Your Vantagepoint Preview Environment

This step may be handled internally, but many clients may ask for our assistance. Some of those things include technical services, weekly meetings, establishing new processes, training and configuration changes, and programming to automate clean-up. Some firms want to take the lead and only need guidance, while others want a more hands-on approach.

For projects that require more coordination, our firm will assign you a consultant to oversee the project and offer additional resources depending on what is revealed from the Vantagepoint Readiness Report. Should we need any additional custom scripts, that would be handled by one of our developers. Firms might also need assistance from one of our IT consultants for any technical items. It is hard to estimate needs since the readiness report helps to outline what is necessary.

8. Test the System in a Sandbox Environment

Before going live, testing is essential. A sandbox environment allows you to:

• Simulate daily workflows
• Run key processes, like project setups and reporting
• Identify and resolve issues

Involve team members from various departments to get a holistic view of the system’s performance.

9. Train Your Team and Make Adjustments

Your team’s success depends on their understanding of the new system. Full Sail Partners offers comprehensive training resources. To prepare your team:

• Host training workshops
• Provide access to user guides and videos
• Encourage hands-on practice in a sandbox environment

Deltek’s Vantagepoint Readiness Portal is also an excellent resource for team training. It includes interactive modules and videos tailored to various roles, ensuring every team member has the knowledge they need.

10. Make the Shift to Full Production

This step involves moving the preview environment to production. With our Transition Copy Scripts, firms can capture many of the changes in the preview environment and move them to production which eliminates having to redo things. The scripts can be run as many times as you would like at no additional charge.

During the Deltek Vantagepoint transition, firms can save time by capturing the changes made in the test environment. During the Vision upgrade, the upgrade scripts to Deltek Vantagepoint will bring over all of your data and custom fields. However, the field order is not retained, and screen design properties, saved searches, reports, and dashboard/dashparts will reset.

Using Full Sail Partners’ Transition Copy Scripts allows firms to retain their changes and eliminates redundancy and rework between each test upgrade and your final production environment. The execution of the scripts can be customized and/or run independently of each other.

11. Execute the Upgrade with Expert Support

When it’s time to go live, rely on experienced professionals to guide you. The Full Sail Partners’ team provides support to:

• Troubleshoot issues
• Minimize disruption
• Ensure a smooth transition

Key considerations include:

• Scheduling the upgrade during off-peak times
• Having IT and consulting support on standby
• Communicating a clear “go-live” plan to all users
• Using the Deltek Vantagepoint Readiness Portal to confirm upgrade dates provided by Deltek - This portal includes the specific timeline for your firm’s upgrade and ensures that everyone involved is aware of the schedule

12. Follow Post-Upgrade Best Practices

Your upgrade doesn’t end at go-live. Post-upgrade optimization ensures you’re getting the most out of Vantagepoint. Post-upgrade steps include:

• Monitoring system usage and performance
• Scheduling follow-up training sessions
• Staying informed about updates and new features

Scheduling regular check-ins to review system performance and address any user feedback is essential.

See All Vantagepoint Upgrade Resources in Mini-Demo

Upgrading to Vantagepoint is an exciting opportunity to enhance your firm’s operations. To explore all the resources available, including how to access the Vantagepoint Readiness Portal, watch my mini-demo. In it, you’ll find step-by-step guidance and practical tips to ensure your upgrade process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Click the image below to watch today!

If you’ve been using Deltek Vantagepoint but haven’t kept up with the latest versions, you might be missing out on some game-changing features. Versions 7.0, 7.1, and 7.2 are packed with updates that make navigating, managing, and automating your work easier than ever. From smarter navigation to advanced AI tools, these updates are designed to save you time and streamline your processes. Let’s dive into the highlights to see what you might have overlooked!

NOTE: Not all companies were upgraded to versions 7.1 and 7.2. For those companies that did not get 7.1 and 7.2, those features and more will be in 2025. 

Jump to each section by clicking below:

Smarter Navigation to Save You Time

Enhanced Search Capabilities

Efficiency Features to Speed Up Your Workflow

Data Management and Customization

Automation That Does the Heavy Lifting

Accounting and Project Management Improvements

Visual and Dashboard Updates You’ll Love

Why Update Now?

Smarter Navigation to Save You Time

🚀 Redesigned Navigation Menu (7.0)
Tired of hunting for what you need? The redesigned menu now includes nested items and collapsible fly-outs for a more streamlined user experience.

🔗 Open in New Tab or Window (7.1)
Right-click menu items or blue hyperlinks to open them in a new tab without losing your place. It’s a simple tweak that can make a big difference.

👤 Logged-In User Image Replaces the Gear Icon (7.1)
Your logged-in user image has replaced the gear icon in the upper right corner, giving a more personalized touch to accessing your preferences.

Enhanced Search Capabilities

🔍 Updates to Search (7.1)
Search now supports multiple values separated by semicolons, with operators like "equals" and "contains." Plus, you’ll find handy new filters for "this year" and "last year" to refine your results faster.

📥 Advanced Search and Download (7.2)
No more detours to print preview. You can now access advanced search and download directly via Other Actions or by clicking the three dots at the end of a row in Favorite Reports. This streamlined approach saves you time and clicks.

🔍 Advanced Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Search (7.0)
Searching within the Project Hub is now more flexible. Toggle on Advanced Search to customize how lower WBS levels are displayed. Select your desired results and list view display type for a more tailored search experience.

Efficiency Features to Speed Up Your Workflow

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts (7.0)
Speed things up with new shortcuts for navigating Vantagepoint like a pro.

📋 Jump to Row in List View (7.0)
Switch between grid and list views without losing your place. The record you’re reviewing stays in focus, so you can avoid unnecessary scrolling and stay efficient.

✅ Row Level Validations in Transactions (7.0)
Transaction entry just got easier. You can now move to a new row without completing every field in the current one. Validation happens only when you click Save, making it simpler to copy rows and update key details like amounts or account numbers.

📋 Bulk Updates for List View (7.0)
Simplify your data updates with the new bulk update feature for list views. Make updates to multiple records at once, saving time and effort when managing large datasets.

Data Management and Customization

📂 Data Import (7.0)
User-Defined Hub imports are now available directly in the web browser, marking the first step toward transitioning all data imports from desktop to browser. Imports respect locked and required fields, and you can use Settings to trigger workflows or bypass Screen Designer for smoother operations.

🆕 Track New Records (7.0)
Creating multiple new hub records? While doing so, the search bar is now replaced with “New Records,” allowing you to quickly view and manage all the records you’ve just created without creating a new search.

🛠️ Opt-In Features (7.0)
Not ready for every update? The Opt-In Features list in Settings lets you try enhancements before they become standard, making it easier to manage changes at your own pace.

Automation That Does the Heavy Lifting

🤖 Timesheet Assist (7.0 & Enhanced in 7.2)
This smart feature reminds users to complete their timesheets and suggests projects based on past activity. It’s now integrated into Mobile Time & Expense for even more convenience.

⚙️ Update Timesheet with Approved Absences (7.1)
Approved absences automatically populate timesheets, but you still have full control to edit as needed.

📅 Update Planned Hours from Approved Absences (7.0)
Approved absences can now flow directly into project plans with just a few simple configurations, saving you time and effort.

💾 Explicit Save in List View (7.0)
Make multiple updates to records and save them all at once. This reduces lag and makes updates a breeze.

🚀 Enhanced Navigation with Deltek Dela (7.2)
Deltek Dela takes accessibility to the next level by enabling users to quickly open applications and hub records—even when multiple records share the same name. This enhancement streamlines navigation and speeds up workflows, saving you valuable time.

🧠 AI-Powered Project Smart Summaries (7.0)
Let AI handle the busy work. Smart summaries provide insights into your projects without the need for multiple reports.

Accounting and Project Management Improvements

📊 New Reports: Aged Unbilled Revenue and Project Forecast (7.0)
Gain better visibility into project financials and progress with these detailed new reports.

💸 Batch Billing Enhancements (7.2)
A single error in a batch no longer stops the whole process! Problematic projects are flagged and skipped, so you can resolve issues without holding up the rest.

🧾 Create Voucher from PO in Browser (7.0)
Voucher creation is now available directly in your web browser for a smoother, faster workflow.

📈 View Cost and Billing Rate Columns (7.0)
Plan more effectively with a side-by-side view of costs and billing rates in project planning. Access to cost is still restricted by security.

👀 See Employee Availability (7.1)
Need to reassign tasks? Employee availability is now visible directly from the employee card for better scheduling.

🛒 Purchasing Requisitions (7.0)
Streamline your purchasing workflows with optimized requisitions for Requests for Quotation (RFQ). This enhancement focuses your purchasing process for greater efficiency and accuracy.

📑 Create Billing Phases from WBS (7.0)
Save time on billing setup with the ability to generate billing phases directly from the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). This feature simplifies phased fee billing and speeds up the creation of billing terms.

💸 Update Fees Based on Compensation (7.2)
Project accountants and billers can now save time by updating fees in Billing Terms directly from Compensation. Easily identify and address variances between fee amounts in the billing terms and compensation areas for more accurate billing.

📒 General Ledger (GL) Account Review (7.0)
GL Account Review sets the stage for future enhancements, including user-defined fields in transaction entry. User-defined fields can be set up in 7.0 and the data added in GL Account Review after transactions are posted. Future updates will allow this information to be included during transaction entry.

Think of GL Account Review as a quick and easy way to view activity for one or more GL accounts or transaction types without running a full report, streamlining your financial oversight.

Visual and Dashboard Updates You’ll Love

🎨 Customizable Dashpart Titles (7.0)
Make your dashboards your own by customizing title bars and font colors.

📊 Funnel Dashpart (7.1)
This new chart type makes it easier to track projects by stage, giving you a clear visual of progress at a glance.

📊 Org-Level Reporting in Dashboards (7.2)
Get deeper insights with the new organization-level reporting feature in dashboards. Easily view metrics like hit rate, revenue, and cost by organization to support better decision-making and performance tracking.

📅 AR Collections Forecast Dashpart (7.2)
Forecast cash flow based on average collection periods for more informed financial planning.

📊 AP Detail Dashpart Base (7.0)
Gain better visibility into financial details with the AP Detail Dashpart Base. Access Voucher Review information, including Paid-When-Paid details, across multiple companies and currencies. Need a quick snapshot of payables due in the next 30 days? Use this base to create a KPI dashpart and stay ahead of your financial planning.

Why Update Now?

The latest updates to Vantagepoint are packed with smarter navigation, enhanced automation, and powerful dashboard features to simplify your workflows and free up your time for strategic work.

Want to see these updates in action? Explore Powering Project Success with Deltek Vantagepoint, our mini-demo series showcasing dozens of impactful features. Click the image below to discover how these tools can help you streamline your processes and drive project success!

The Full Sail Partners’ Vantagepoint Readiness Report remains the essential launchpad for any firm transitioning to Deltek Vantagepoint. This comprehensive tool is your guide to cleanup efforts and strategic planning as you consider the upgrade from Deltek Vision to Vantagepoint. It’s the perfect starting point for firms aiming to navigate the complexities of this process with confidence and clarity. 

Where to Begin 

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) and professional services firms increasingly focus on Deltek Vantagepoint. The mix of excitement and hesitation surrounding the upgrade is palpable. At Full Sail Partners, we’ve developed solutions to help ease the transition. Our clients frequently address questions like: 

• “What do I need to do before the upgrade?”
• “When should we plan the upgrade?” 
• “How will the upgrade impact our business operations?” 

The answers vary based on your Deltek environment and the state of your data. That’s where the Vantagepoint Readiness Report comes in. 

Start with a High-Impact Tool 

As a Deltek Partner with over two decades of experience, Full Sail Partners has guided countless firms through upgrades, implementations, conversions, and migrations. Many firms begin their journey by exploring resources like our Preparing for Deltek Vantagepoint webinar series, the Deltek Readiness Portal, or the Client Assistance Program (CAP). While these are helpful, the Vantagepoint Readiness Report offers unique insights into your specific database. The report provides clear insights, identifies potential issues, and offers a detailed plan to address data cleanup and strategic planning before the upgrade. Here’s why this tool is invaluable: 

• Alleviate anxiety: Gain a clear plan for areas that need cleanup and attention, allowing you to start with confidence while managing other responsibilities.  

• Quick and easy database inventory: In just 30 minutes, the report highlights potential duplicates and irrelevant records, saving countless hours of manual effort.  
• Consulting time included: A Full Sail Partners’ consultant will spend an hour reviewing the report with your upgrade team, helping you digest findings and plan the next steps. 
• Eliminate manual steps: Save time with an automated inventory script, allowing your team to focus on preparing data and preview environments.   
• Tailored insights: Get a detailed view of your specific Deltek environment, going beyond generic resources. Your Full Sail Partners’ consultant will develop a customized plan based on your goals.  We will discuss what items are crucial to address before the upgrade, while other topics can be completed at any time, and sometimes helpful to revisit after the upgrade. We will also discuss opportunities to save the work created in your test environment and apply it to your live database. 
• Uncover hidden data: Identify data from unused modules that may require cleanup before upgrading.  
• Customized next steps: Every firm’s use of Deltek is unique; our consultants help prioritize actions specific to your needs. Learn what modules are included and those that are no longer available in Vantagepoint, and how to best move forward. Discuss the merging of several Vision info centers into Vantagepoint Hubs. For example, the merging of Vision clients and vendors into Vantagepoint firms. We provide best practices combining these info centers.  
• Trusted expertise: Count on Full Sail Partners to guide you through your Deltek journey with proven strategies and support. 

Maximize the Results 

The Vantagepoint Readiness Report identifies key areas that need attention or discussion before upgrading, ideally before obtaining a preview environment. The simple process involves running a script to generate a detailed Excel report. Here are some of the insights it provides: 

• Identifies potential duplicate vendors and clients
• Produces a list of workflows
• Compiles user-defined fields and grids
• Highlights custom report files in use 
• Flags duplicate columns across vendors, clients, leads, and contacts 
• Displays key formats for various info centers 
• Details labor cross charge, overhead allocation, and revenue generation settings 
• Shows database table sizes 
• Identifies unposted transactions, including timesheets and expense reports 
• Highlights plans non-compliant with Vantagepoint (iAccess) requirements 
• Flags info center numbering inconsistencies

Leverage Your Resources 

Investing in the right resources can transform a daunting project into a manageable task. The Vantagepoint Readiness Report is a prime example. With a typical turnaround time of about two weeks, depending on schedules, this tool provides clarity and direction. By rolling up your sleeves and letting the report do its magic, you can confidently identify and prioritize the next steps for your Vantagepoint upgrade. 

Let’s Get Started 

The Vantagepoint Readiness Report is just the beginning. Full Sail Partners offers a suite of additional resources to assist with your transition to Vantagepoint. Ready to take the next step? Let us know how we can help you make this year one of seamless upgrades and enhanced efficiency! 

Happy New Year and welcome to Jumpstart January—our month-long celebration of fresh starts, big ideas, and actionable insights to kick off 2025 with a bang! As we dive into the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the content that inspired and empowered you in 2024.

From blogs and webinars to live events, we’ve compiled the very best of what resonated with you last year. Think of this as your highlight reel, ready to help you jumpstart your goals and make smarter, data-driven decisions in 2025. Let’s jump in!

📝 Most Popular Blog Articles: Mastering the Financial Side of Projects

When it came to blog content, 2024 was all about tightening up your project finances. From mastering write-offs to demystifying work breakdown structures, these posts helped you manage the numbers like a pro:

1. Handling Write-Offs the Right Way
   Writing off expenses doesn't have to feel like guesswork. This article became your guide for tackling write-offs with confidence.
2. What’s New in Vantagepoint 7.0?
   Who doesn’t love new features? This blog spilled all the details on what made Vantagepoint 7.0 the MVP of 2024.
3. Simplifying Project Budgeting in Deltek Vantagepoint
   This fan favorite showed you how to turn project budgeting from a chore into a streamlined process.
4. Understanding the Impact of Work Breakdown Structures
   Structure matters! You loved learning how to set up WBS and OBS to keep projects running smoothly.
5. The Unknown Features of Timesheets in Deltek Vantagepoint
   Timesheets aren’t just for tracking hours. This post revealed hidden features that make them a powerful tool for project success.

🎥 Most Popular Mini-Demos & Webinars: Turning Data into Decisions

Last year, you showed us you’re all about working smarter, not harder. Our mini-demos and webinars brought dashboards, KPIs, and data-driven insights straight to your screen, helping you make informed decisions faster:

1. Webinar: What’s New in Deltek Vantagepoint 7.0
   If you missed this one, it’s worth a watch! Discover the features that made Vantagepoint 7.0 a game-changer.
2. Mini-Demo: Fun with Dashboards
   Dashboards aren’t just functional—they’re fun! This demo helped you visualize your data with style.
3. Mini-Demo: Exploring KPI Dashparts
   Make KPIs your secret weapon. This mini-demo showed you how to track what matters most.
4. Mini-Demo: Deltek Vantagepoint’s New Timesheet Assist
   Timesheet Assist became your new best friend in 2024. Learn how to streamline time tracking and approvals. 
5. Mini-Demo: Ready-to-Use Informer Dashboards
   You asked for ready-made solutions, and we delivered! This demo explored dashboards tailored for project and financial management.

📣 Most Popular Live Events: Learning from Industry Experts

Our live events in 2024 gave you a front-row seat to hear from your peers and industry experts. From marketing tips to project health insights, these events helped you embrace best practices and fresh ideas:

1. Charting a Course for Impactful AEC Marketing Meetings
   Let’s be honest, marketing meetings can feel like a slog. This event gave you strategies to make them effective and engaging.
2. Hear from Your Peers: Monitoring Projects’ Financial Health
   Real-world advice from real-world pros. This event shared practical tips for keeping projects financially healthy.
3. Hear from Your Peers: Embracing Change for Success
   Change is inevitable, but thriving through it is a skill. This session inspired you to adapt and succeed.

Jumpstart Your 2025 with Full Sail Partners

If 2024 was any indication, you’re ready to hit the ground running this year. Use these highlights as your launchpad for tackling challenges, improving processes, and achieving your goals in 2025.

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are embarking on a transformative journey toward modernizing their IT infrastructure. Imagine your business is like a spacecraft venturing into the vast expanse of a new digital universe. Instead of charting the stars alone, you can have a trusted mission control—a consulting partner—to guide you through the complexities of this digital cosmos. Welcome to the future of IT: Cloud Solutions.

What is a Cloud Solution?

To grasp the concept of Cloud Solutions, let’s explore this futuristic digital landscape. The “cloud” is a sophisticated network of servers and services that exists online, accessible through the internet. It’s not a physical entity but a metaphor for a model where your IT infrastructure is managed by a specialized provider. This partnership means that all aspects of IT—data storage, hardware, software updates, and security—are handled by experts, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Consider this: you run a cutting-edge architectural firm, renowned for your innovative design projects. Your architects are masters of design and creativity, but managing internal IT systems, keeping up with technological updates, and handling technical issues are outside their expertise. Additionally, purchasing and maintaining IT equipment represents a significant non-revenue-generating cost. A Cloud Solution offers the ideal remedy by taking these burdens off your shoulders. Advantages of Cloud Solutions

Cost Efficiency

Cloud Solutions bring a new level of financial predictability and efficiency. Instead of being burdened with large capital expenditures for on-site hardware and its ongoing maintenance, cloud computing allows you to shift to a more manageable and predictable financial model. By adopting a cloud-based approach, you benefit from a fixed annual cost that covers all your IT needs—hardware, software, updates, and support. This fixed cost model helps stabilize your IT budget, turning what was once a variable expense into a consistent, manageable investment.

Not only does this make budgeting easier, but it also eliminates the financial strain of unexpected IT expenses. With Cloud Solutions, you’re investing in a streamlined, cost-effective approach to managing your IT infrastructure, freeing up resources to focus on growing your business and pursuing innovation.

Robust Security

Data security is a top priority in the digital realm. Cloud providers invest in advanced security measures, including encryption, regular audits, and compliance with stringent standards. Furthermore, cloud facilities are designed to withstand physical threats like natural disasters, ensuring your data remains protected and accessible.

Sustainability

Embracing cloud computing aligns with environmental stewardship. Cloud Solutions contributes to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprints by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing electronic waste. This supports broader sustainability goals and corporate responsibility.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The cloud’s most transformative feature is its accessibility. It enables you to access data and applications from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. This flexibility supports remote work, enhances collaboration, and keeps your team productive regardless of their location.

Choosing the Right Digital Transformation Consulting Partner

As you prepare for this digital voyage, partnering with an experienced consultant is crucial. So, what are some key traits of successful consultants?

1. Dependability: A great consultant consistently delivers on their promises and provides reliable service.
2. Attention to Detail: Precision matters. Top consultants produce flawless work and manage every aspect of your IT environment with meticulous care.
3. Expert Knowledge: Seek consultants with extensive experience in cloud technologies. Their expertise will guide you through the intricacies of cloud solutions and help you make informed decisions.
4. Critical Thinking: Exceptional consultants evaluate all potential solutions thoroughly, considering various factors to identify the best fit for your needs.
5. Resourcefulness: Effective consultants are adept at finding creative solutions to complex challenges, leveraging their industry knowledge and connections.
6. Effective Communication: Good consultants ask insightful questions and listen attentively to your needs, ensuring their recommendations align with your business goals.

Embark on Your Digital Journey with Full Sail Partners

As you venture into the digital future, Full Sail Partners is your mission control, offering the expertise and support needed to navigate the cloud’s vast opportunities. Available consulting services and free webinars provide valuable insights into the benefits of cloud computing, helping you make the most of this technological leap.

With just a click, you can begin your journey towards a more efficient, secure, and sustainable IT environment. Embrace the future with confidence, knowing that your digital transformation is guided by expert hands.

So, while you may not be exploring distant galaxies, the journey to digital transformation is just as exciting and essential. Partner with Full Sail Partners and chart your course to a future where technology enhances your business capabilities and drives success.

In today’s fast-paced business world, efficiency is key. As organizations continue to embrace digital tools to streamline workflows, Deltek has introduced a powerful new assistant: Deltek Dela™. This AI-powered digital assistant, integrated directly into Vantagepoint, allows users to interact with their data using natural language queries. It’s designed to simplify your work by helping you find critical project details, team member information, and even draft written content with ease. One of the most compelling features of Dela is its ability to assist with content creation, and in this blog post, we’ll explore how it can be used to create personalized holiday mailing cards.

What is Deltek Dela™?

Dela, an AI-powered assistant, is designed to make Vantagepoint more intuitive and efficient. By using natural language, users can easily query data from various hubs within Vantagepoint, such as Projects, Employees, Firms, and Contacts. This allows for seamless data analysis and content creation, all in real-time, without the need for complex navigation.

Dela is especially useful for ad-hoc analysis, drafting written content, and summarizing data, making it a versatile tool for both everyday tasks and larger projects. However, while it’s powerful, Dela does have some limitations, including access to only certain types of data and hubs (without user-defined fields and grids). Despite these restrictions, the tool proves to be incredibly effective when paired with free-form text entries, such as those found in the Activities grids.

The Holiday Mailing Card Use Case

One example of how Dela can simplify your workflow is in the creation of personalized holiday cards. Consider a firm that regularly sends out holiday greetings to its clients. While this is a thoughtful gesture, the time it takes to craft individualized messages can be overwhelming—especially when trying to incorporate personal details like special milestones or activities associated with a client.

This is where Dela shines. By querying activity data related to a specific contact, users can easily draft personalized messages in just a few steps. Let's walk through how this process works using Dela’s functionality.

Step 1: Querying Activities

First, users can query Dela for specific activity information tied to a contact. Activities are a crucial part of the Vantagepoint system, allowing users to record detailed notes and interactions with clients. These free-form text entries often include valuable insights like the client's personal interests, upcoming or past milestones, and important life events—perfect for creating personalized content.

Because the Notes section of Activities is free form, it is extremely easy for normal system users to add information. There is no need for them to find a correct dropdown, grid entry, or checkbox in the record. As long as users are trained to use Activities, they can simply add whatever information they deem interesting about the contact.

For instance, let’s say one of the firm’s contacts, Allen, had a meeting with a Project Manager concerning a current project. During that meeting, he mentions that his wife is pregnant. Afterward, the Project Manager adds a note to the Vantagepoint Activity for this meeting:

“Allen mentioned his wife is having a baby in 5 months.”

This Activity is stored in Allen’s profile but locating that detail manually would be time-consuming. Instead, Dela can quickly summarize this information and help users generate a meaningful message.

A simple prompt to Dela could be: “Based on the activities for this contact, create a personalized holiday email for him.”

Step 2: Dela Responds

Once the prompt is entered, Dela quickly processes the data and generates a draft email. Here’s an example of what Dela might provide:

In just a few seconds, Dela has generated a thoughtful, personalized message that acknowledges Allen’s life event—without the user needing to sift through Activity entries and notes or manually write the email.

Step 3: Editing and Sending

Once the message is generated, the user can easily review and edit the content before sending it. With Dela’s integration into Vantagepoint, there’s no need to switch between different platforms or tools. The user can either click a button to send the email directly or copy the content to paste it elsewhere.

Dela offers additional customization options, such as the ability to adjust the tone of the email. For example, users could choose a more formal or informal style depending on the nature of the client relationship. The integration with Vantagepoint also ensures that all the relevant details, such as the firm’s branding and contact information, are included in the email template.

Why Dela’s Capabilities Shine with Activities Data

This holiday email example highlights one of Dela’s most impressive features: its ability to interpret and summarize free-form text entries in the Activities grid. These notes can range from personal milestones (like Allen’s baby news) to project-specific insights. While these activities can be time-consuming to sift through manually, Dela effortlessly distills them into concise summaries.

Furthermore, since Dela retains the context of the conversation, users can easily follow up on previous queries. For example, if the user asked for the activity summary and then wanted to see additional details about Allen’s current project, they could follow up with another simple prompt like, “What is the latest activity recorded for this contact?” This fluid, conversational interaction makes Dela a natural tool for generating content and obtaining real-time data insights.

By leveraging Dela’s capabilities alongside the free-form text in Activities, users can quickly generate meaningful, personalized content for clients, improving both the quality of interactions and overall productivity.

Enhance Workflow and Productivity with Deltek Dela™

Dela exemplifies how AI-driven tools can enhance workflow and productivity, especially when paired with rich, unstructured data-like Activities. The ability to turn detailed, free-form notes into cohesive and personalized messages in mere seconds can save professionals time and effort, while also fostering stronger client relationships. Whether you’re sending out holiday greetings, drafting follow-up emails, or simply summarizing project activity, Dela is a powerful tool for getting the job done quickly and efficiently.

This example of using Dela for personalized holiday messages is just one of many ways this tool can streamline your workflow. By understanding how Dela interacts with the data and hubs within Vantagepoint, users can harness its full potential to make their tasks easier and more effective.

Learn how Deltek is powering the future for project-based companies with a recap from their most recent user-conference, Deltek ProjectCon. Click the image below to learn more.

Deltek ProjectCon 2024 united innovators, leaders, and tech enthusiasts to explore the future of project-based solutions. Our crew was fully engaged in the discussions and demos, discovering Deltek’s latest advancements and their practical applications. Whether you missed the event or just want a recap, here are the highlights that caught our attention.

AR Forecast Collections Dashboard

For finance professionals, staying ahead of cash flow is key. Jenny Labranche, Senior Finance Consultant, shared her enthusiasm for Deltek’s new AR Forecast Collections Dashboard:

Deltek has put together a forecast tool to track your cash coming in because we all know that cash is king in any business.

Expected in the 7.2 or 2025.1 release, this tool promises to streamline cash forecasting and collections, giving firms better control over their financial health.

Clarity Meets Vantagepoint Dashboards

Joel Slater, Client Solutions Manager, was interested in the integration of Deltek Clarity A&E Study benchmarks directly into Vantagepoint dashboards:

Clients can compare their own specific data and results against the greater industry through the Deltek Clarity study.

This feature provides businesses with actionable insights, making it easier to align their performance with industry standards.

Simplifying Billing and Contract Management

Ease of use remains a top priority for Deltek, as highlighted by Lisa Ahearn, Senior Consultant, who had two exciting updates to share.

I learned that they are planning on putting billing terms in a list view, which is awesome for all of our billers. Deltek is also bringing document management to contract management so we can finally attach our contracts to our line items for our contract management.

These enhancements are designed to streamline critical workflows, making it easier for firms to manage billing terms efficiently and improve the organization of contracts.

Flexibility and Adaptability: The Future of Deltek

Sarah Gonnella, VP of Marketing and Sales, praised Deltek’s commitment to adaptability:

Deltek is really focused on flexibility, adapting to how people work, and providing relevant content through AI. Their roadmap through 2026 is full of innovative developments.

The spotlight on tools like Deltek Dela™ and Harmony™ reflects their intent to enhance user experience by integrating platforms like Microsoft Teams and offering personalized, data-driven insights.

Solving Business Challenges with AI Innovations

Jake Lucas, our AI Developer, highlighted the growing potential of artificial intelligence in addressing unique business needs:

A big aha moment has been having conversations with different people and getting a renewed perspective on how AI can solve certain business needs. It’s been fascinating to see the scope of what people are thinking about when it comes to using AI to run their business better.

He emphasized how AI tools like Deltek Dela are meeting immediate challenges while leaving room for future enhancements.

AI and Data Synchronization: Enhancing Business Intelligence and Building Trust

Jake Lucas also presented his session on the transformative role of AI in data processing and real-time synchronization. He noted that as businesses increasingly adopt AI to optimize workflows, real-time insights become essential for tracking performance, forecasting cash flow, and monitoring project progress.

Real-time data synchronization, as demonstrated by our BlackBox Connector integrations, can deliver down-to-the-minute updates that help organizations optimize resource management and make faster decisions. Having immediate access to data enables businesses to react quickly to shifts in project dynamics or staffing needs, driving efficiency and adaptability.

Jake also emphasized the importance of trust and transparency in AI-driven insights, addressing a critical concern for organizations adopting these advanced tools:

A big takeaway was seeing how AI is improving but still needs that critical element of trust from the users. It’s essential to understand the data and processes AI is using to ensure its accuracy.

With AI playing a growing role in complex data processing, ensuring transparency in how insights are generated is vital. Businesses must be able to trace the sources and methodologies behind AI-driven conclusions, fostering confidence and trust in decisions shaped by this technology.

Optimizing Vantagepoint Investments with Terri Agnew

Terri Agnew, Principal Consultant, led a session as well where she explored how a Navigational Analysis can help maximize Deltek Vantagepoint's capabilities to improve performance.

A navigational analysis is like dumping out a puzzle on the table. The process is about putting that puzzle back together—understanding your system, identifying pain points, and finding solutions to streamline processes.

She showcased strategies to leverage Vantagepoint’s data to drive more informed decision-making. Her practical insights demonstrated how to close the gap between data analysis and actionable outcomes, leaving attendees equipped with tools to immediately optimize their processes.

Keeping Up with Deltek

Deltek ProjectCon is a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and technology enthusiasts who share a passion for enhancing project-based solutions and we had a great time interacting with everyone who attended! The insights and tools showcased this year—from AI advancements to streamlined workflows—highlight the tremendous potential for businesses to optimize their processes and achieve greater success. Whether you attended or simply followed along with our highlights, the value of being part of this forward-thinking community is undeniable.

If you want to stay up to date on all things Deltek, visit our webinars page to see what’s on the horizon. We’d love for you to join us as we continue exploring the latest innovations and solutions for project-based firms!

When evaluating a CRM or ERP system, a critical component of the decision-making process is assessing the data migration effort. Beyond the software and consulting costs, data migration presents its own set of challenges and expenses. As organizations move to the latest ERP systems, such as Deltek or similar ones, understanding the migration process becomes key to ensuring a smooth transition.

So, when you're asking yourself, "Should I migrate my existing data to a new ERP system?", here are the 6 essential questions you should ask:

#1 How Valuable is the Data?

One of the first steps in the data migration process is to understand how valuable the data is to your current and future business operations. In today’s world of data-driven decision-making, your data is likely more valuable than ever.

With the rise of the latest software development, high-quality, accurate data has become a business asset. Data that isn’t frequently updated or no longer relevant might not be worth migrating. However, real-time data on sales, finance, and customer interactions should be prioritized. In some cases, you may need to archive historical data rather than fully migrate it.

When considering whether to bring data to the new system, consider these four questions:

1. Is the data frequently updated and is it accurate? 
2. How often is the data accessed/needed? 
3. Do you use the data in reports? 
4. Do you need the data to make business decisions?
5. If your answer to these questions is rare or never, then the data is probably not worth migrating to the new system.

#2 How Organized is the Data? 

Organized data is essential for smooth ERP migration. Data that isn’t structured properly or with inaccuracies will cause significant roadblocks during migration. ERP migrations should be focused on data cleanliness and consistency.

Some existing data that is being considered for migration may not be consistent across a given data field in a database record. For instance, inconsistencies in key fields (e.g., a phone number field containing text instead of numbers) will need to be corrected before data is moved. Migrating to any latest ERP system requires standardizing data fields to ensure compatibility.

So, evaluating the amount of manual clean-up required can help determine if the information is worth migrating. 

#3 How Long Would It Take Someone to Manually Enter the Data? 

One of the main concerns in an ERP migration is the sheer volume of data that needs to be transferred. As mentioned earlier, certain data is more efficiently entered manually into the new system. It is crucial to evaluate the effort versus the cost. Small data sets or data fields with only a few records may be better handled manually, but large-scale migrations benefit significantly from automation.

If a particular field contains only 50 data records, is it worth the cost of migrating it programmatically to the new system? On the flip side, underestimating the time and effort required for manual data entry can significantly extend the implementation timeline. Our experience has shown that when a firm opts out of a recommended data migration based on analysis, the success rate of the overall implementation tends to decrease substantially.

#4 Is A Conversion Utility Available for my Data?

In today’s ERP landscape, conversion utilities are often available to help automate and simplify the data migration process. These tools can significantly reduce costs and time, especially when migrating to popular ERP systems like Deltek. If a conversion utility is not available, working with a data migration expert who can create custom scripts may be necessary. Be sure you evaluate the cost of these custom tools before starting your migration process. 

#5 What is the Data Migration Vendor’s Migration Process? 

Selecting a vendor with a well-defined and proven migration methodology that addresses the preservation, security, and speed of migrating your business data is key to a successful ERP migration. As an example, below is Full Sail Partners’ migration methodology: 

1. Data Mapping/Assessment – This step involves defining the scope, outlining the migration strategy and approach, and establishing the desired timeline. A proposal will be provided, detailing the costs involved.
2. Data Cleansing – During the mapping phase, data that needs cleansing will be identified. The necessary data will be cleaned and organized in the current system to prepare it for migration. The data migration expert will also analyze the existing data and ask relevant questions to assess its quality. Improving the quality of source data in the current system enhances the success of automated data conversion.
3. Test Migration – Once the migration scripts are created and the data is verified with the client, a test database will be set up for review.
4. Migration Validation – After receiving the test database, the client will examine the data in the new system to confirm it has migrated as expected.
5. Final Migration – After the data is validated, a final migration date is scheduled. Typically, all data is backed up based on the timing of a firm's billing cycle or payroll cycle. The final migration is performed over a couple-day period. Once the final migration is complete and reconciled the system is ready for use, minimizing downtime between the old and new systems.
6. Post Migration – If any issues with the data are discovered after the final migration, occasional post-migration updates may be required to address those issues.

#6 How Experienced is the Migration Expert? 

ERP migrations are complex projects, and the expertise of the migration team can make or break the process. Experienced ERP consultants and migration specialists focus on data strategy and digital transformation.

Most data migrations require a mapping document. This defines the scope and ensures that the data will be imported correctly. An experienced data migration consultant provides this mapping document as well as valuable insight on potential issues that might occur during the data migration process. Before proceeding with data migration, it's important to understand the role and expertise of the data migration specialist within the firm.

Is their primary responsibility focused on data migration, or are they handling multiple tasks? Do they have experience migrating data like yours? A seasoned migration expert typically specializes in this area, dedicating most of their time to migration. Selecting the right expert is crucial, as it can minimize post-migration cleanup and ensure the data is accurately and efficiently transferred to the new system. be necessary. Be sure you evaluate the cost of these custom tools before starting your migration process. 

Data Migration Success Involves a Well-Thought-Out Plan

In many cases, migrating data is a must when implementing a new ERP system. However, by considering these 6 critical factors—data value, organization, manual entry requirements, available conversion utilities, vendor process, and expert experience—you can ensure a smoother transition and get the most out of your new system.

Data migration has evolved significantly over the years. Still, the key to success lies in a well-thought-out plan, comprehensive data assessments, and collaboration with experienced vendors and experts. If you're still unsure about your data migration process, then see how Full Sail Partners can help you with personalized migration strategies tailored to your specific needs by clicking the image below.