Premier Consulting & Integration, LLC

Your Partner In Success

Deltek Costpoint

Special Integration Scenarios

Written By: Sandy Froonjian

At PCI, our API team occasionally encounters unique integration scenarios that fall outside our usual process. There are two main scenarios that can occur: 1. If the client’s third-part software lacks API capabilities; 2. If the client’s Costpoint (or primary ERP system) is locally hosted. Our team is experienced in dealing with both scenarios, so you can trust us to handle them efficiently.

            If you’re having trouble integrating third-party software due to a lack of API capabilities or limited data transfer options, don’t lose hope! There’s another solution that can help you complete the integration successfully: utilizing an SFTP site.

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. A SFTP site is a secure, online folder where files can be uploaded and downloaded from. Instead of making GET request calls to the third-party software to grab data, a report of all the necessary data can be uploaded to the SFTP site, and the integration function can download it to get the data. Conversely, instead of making POST/PUT request calls to the third-party software to insert/update data, the integration function can upload a report of all the new data to the SFTP site. We can connect to any SFTP site the client would like us to, whether it is their own company’s SFTP site or their third-party software’s SFTP site. If neither of those are an option, we also have our own SFTP site here at PCI that clients are welcome to utilize.

            In some cases, our clients may have their Deltek Costpoint or primary ERP system hosted locally instead of in the cloud. It’s important to note that our integrations do not necessarily require Costpoint, but this situation applies specifically to those that do. If your Costpoint is locally hosted and you want an integration created, the main issue is connecting to your system. In order to connect in these circumstances, we use VPN’s (Virtual Private Networks). The client sets up a VPN on their end and whitelists our IP address so that when we try to make API calls to their network, it will allow that communication through. All PCI has to do is turn on our virtual private connection. Once both pieces are in place, we can connect just as easily to your system as we can with a cloud-based system!

            As you can see, just because we sometimes work with clients whose situations do not fit the typical integration protocol, we are still determined to make integrations work for them. As always, if you are ever unsure of what option is best for your company’s situation, reach out to PCI’s sales team, and they will be happy to assist you!

Contact a PCI sales representative today to schedule time to discuss your next API integration here.

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[Webpage] See what API capabilities PCI has to offer here.

Satisfy Every Need of your Government Contracting Business with PCI

Running a successful Government Contracting practice can be challenging. With so many business aspects to consider, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, PCI has you covered. Our client solutions are designed to help you conquer your practice goals and achieve new levels of success.

We offer a wide range of products and services that are not only budget-friendly but also user-friendly, allowing you to focus on what really matters – taking care of your bottom line. And the best part? Our solutions are incredibly beneficial, meaning you can increase your revenue while being provided top-notch care.

So why wait? Let PCI help you take your business to the next level.

Deltek Costpoint Services

For more than 14 years, PCI has been a trusted provider of implementation and service support for Deltek Costpoint. Our experienced consultants have hands-on knowledge of this ERP system and can offer expert guidance, training, and support to ensure your organization’s success in setting up the system. Check out our Costpoint Service Offerings here.

ARCH – Travel & Expense

Introducing PCI’s ARCH program: the ultimate travel booking and credit card reconciliation package suite for today’s Government Contractor. With ARCH, you can seamlessly integrate your travel booking process, reconcile credit card transactions, and effortlessly transfer data to Deltek’s Costpoint expense solution. Streamline your operations and stay compliant with ARCH.

Learn more about ARCH here.

Astrata API Integrations

Level up your solutions with PCI’s Astrata API integrations. Simplify your operational processes by consolidating them into fewer tools. Our powerful integration capabilities will empower your team to efficiently manage projects and gain comprehensive insights into your business.

Managed Accounting Services

Rest easy knowing your accounting is being handled for you! PCI’s staff is experienced in Deltek Costpoint accounting needs. We can save you time and money by handling your accounting tasks from bookkeeping to CFO level support. See the Managed Accounting Services PCI has to offer here.

Be sure to contact us today to set up time to discuss your business needs!

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PCI Announced as Deltek Pro™ Bookkeepers Partner – To Help Small Businesses Find Bookkeeping Professionals with Industry and Deltek Solution Expertise 

Red Bank, NJ – October 12, 2022 – PCI announced that it has been selected as a Deltek Pro™ Bookkeeper Partner, new partner program designed to make it easier for small businesses to find trusted accounting professionals experienced in their firm’s needs, who also have expert knowledge of Deltek solutions.  Initially launched for small government contractors, Deltek Pro Bookkeepers helps businesses maximize the value of Deltek Costpoint by managing back-office operations faster, more accurately, more cost effectively and within compliance.

Deltek identified the additional challenges and needs of its small business customers; unlike midsized and large enterprises, a small business’s accounting is typically managed by a small staff or outsourced to a third party. Outsourced accounting can make it difficult to accomplish month-end goals, reconcile project and financial data across disparate systems, or stay compliant with government contracting accounting requirements. The Deltek Pro Bookkeepers partner program helps solve those issues by connecting Deltek Costpoint customers with expert bookkeepers in their industry. 

“When a smaller firm is ready to graduate from QuickBooks® or similar generic accounting systems to a purpose-built ERP solution like Deltek, the firm may need support running their back-office functions. With Deltek Pro Bookkeepers, Deltek is helping small businesses connect the advisors that know our solutions the best, so customers will get experienced support from experts in their industry who are also experts in their ERP and accounting solutions. Firms will not only accelerate the time to value with their Deltek solution, but also meet their business goals faster,” said Pete Mann,  SVP of Corporate Development & Product Alliances at Deltek. “Deltek Pro Bookkeepers will be a game changer for small businesses using Costpoint.”

Deltek Pro Bookkeepers are trained professionals that not only understand Deltek solutions but also understand small businesses and meeting the needs of the government contracting industry.

“PCI was founded on the belief that we could provide value to small businesses in a big way. When we started our accounting services team it was designed to allow small business to get the capabilities and intelligence in the back office that Costpoint afforded large enterprises. Our team has done just that; 13 years later we are now one of the largest service providers for Deltek Costpoint.  With the formal recognition of our services under the Deltek Pros™ brand it furthers our reach and gives additional strength to our offerings.  We look forward to a long partnership with Deltek and are thankful for the opportunity to lead the charge in this launch,” said Marty McGann, Owner, Premier Consulting & Integration.

Firms that take advantage of the services offered through Deltek Pro Bookkeepers will get access to services including journal entry, time & expense processing, accounts payable, month end close, reporting and more. While Deltek Pro Bookkeepers has launched for Costpoint customers, more Deltek Pros™ services for other Deltek solutions are planned to launch in 2023.

“Premier Consulting & Integration was instrumental in our migration from QuickBooks® to Deltek Costpoint. They made what we thought was going to be a nightmare into a blissful dream. Deltek Pro Bookkeepers managed accounting services are also extremely helpful in the transition to a new software,” said Shaun Doughty, President of COMSETRA LLC.

More information on Deltek Pro Bookkeepers can be found on Deltek’s Project Nation blog.  

About Deltek
Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management, and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. www.deltek.com  

About PCI
Premier Consulting & Integration, LLC (PCI) is the leading provider of financial management consulting services, implementation and audit support for government contractors and marketing agencies. Our consultants combine 40+ years of relevant experience acting as former CFO’s, controllers, and accountants. We offer small business solutions that are affordable, easy to use and profitable. www.premierconsultingllc.com

API Acronyms Uncovered

We live in a world filled with acronyms. For those who are not familiar, an acronym is an abbreviated formed word, formed by letters of other words and pronounced as a word.

The Application Program Interface (API) world is no different when it comes to abbreviations and acronyms. We have outlined some common API acronyms below.

  • API – Application Program Interface
  • WIC – Web Integration Console
  • SOAP and REST– types of API calls that can be made
    • SOAP – Simple Object Access Protocol
    • REST – Representational State Transfer
  • CRUD – Create, Read, Update, Delete
  • SFTP– Secure File Transfer Protocol
  • AWS – Amazon Web Services
  • SSS – Simple Storage Service
  • VPN – Virtual Private Network
  • SQL – Structured Query Language
  • CSV– Comma Separated Values
    • Type of file that can be used if SFTP sites are used
  • JSON and XML– Formats data from API calls can be in
    • JSON– JavaScript Object Notation
    • XML– Extensible Markup Language
  • 200, 400, 500 responses– responses that tell you if the API call was successful or not
    • 200– indicates successful API call
    • 400– indicates an error caused by the user
    • 500– indicates an error caused by the server
  • DNS– Domain Name System
    • Service that enables a link between domain names and the IP addresses with which they are associated
  • IP Address– Internet Protocol Address
    • unique string of characters that identifies each computer communicating over a network
  • SSL– Secure Socket Layer
    • Uses a public key to encrypt data transferred over the connection to communicate securely with the web server
  • TLS– Transport Layer Security
    • Authentication and security protocol widely implemented in browsers and Web servers
  • HTTP– Hypertext Transfer Protocol
    • protocol for information systems that allows users to communicate data on the World Wide Web.
  • HTTPS– Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
    • Adds SSL/TLS to the HTTP for added security
  • DB/DBMS– Database/Database Management System
    • Secure system where data is stored
  • SDK– Software Development Kit
    • Collection of software development tools in one installable package
  • CLI– Command Line Interface
    • Processes commands to a computer program in the form of lines of text
  • GUI– Graphical User Interface
    • Type of user interface where users interact with electronic devices using visual representations

We hope you have learned a new acronym or two from this today!

PCI offers cutting-edge solution integrations to complement and enhance your Deltek product investments. Our consultants help to identify and bridge gaps between various business systems, offering several third-party integrations into Deltek Costpoint and Deltek WorkBook. Our API capabilities include data pulls and custom-built integrations.

To learn more about API integrations, visit our LINK API Integration page.

PCI Launches Astrata Platform for Deltek Costpoint Integrations

PCI is proud to launch Astrata, a solution to enhance our customers software integration capabilities and user interface.

Astrata is a new solution providing simple integrations with banks, credit card providers, travel management systems and payroll providers; allowing all data to be stored in Deltek Costpoint.

PCI’s Astrata platform takes third party software integrations with Costpoint to a whole new level. Astrata excels where most middleware falls short, providing an interactive, customized integration for every customer.

With partnerships across many industries, the Astrata platform provides repeatable and reliable integrations for Costpoint users. Far too many companies in the Government Contracting space claim integrations to different platforms, but in reality, they have never connected the platforms to an ERP. With Astrata, every integration is established and simply applied to your system with the customization you need to meet your business requirements. With unique capabilities like Costpoint payroll tax services, credit card reconciliations and payroll reconciliations, Astrata offers integrations that will have a positive impact to your organization’s productivity.

“I could not be prouder of the effort put forth by the team at PCI to develop a tool that will change how people work!” said Martin McGann, Founder and Owner at PCI.

Learn more on PCI’s Astrata solution here.