No more Dynamics NAV, but Dynamics 365 Business Central. And Microsoft hasn't just changed the name and logo. Business Central brings with it a few key benefits, solidifying Microsoft's leading position in ERP systems for SMEs.
Secure in the cloud and web-based
Business Central is no longer available as an on-premises solution. Microsoft is betting entirely on the cloud and Web-based with Dynamics 365 Business Central. Business Central incorporates the experience of decades of automating ERP processes, largely based on NAV, but supplemented by the best of other ERP packages. Microsoft has all the resources to make Business Central available as a cloud and Web-based solution in a secure and reliable way. While maintaining the flexibility that Microsoft partners need to customize and extend Business Central to fit a specific industry.
New functionalities
Microsoft continues to invest in the quality of its software by responding to new developments and using new technology. The latest developments were recently explained at Directions EMEA in Vienna, Austria. Because of the worldwide partner network and the huge and diverse customer base of Microsoft applications, new needs for functionalities are identified at lightning speed and responded to immediately.
Maximum benefit from Office 365 and other applications
Integration with Office 365 products such as Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint has been excellent for years. The Power platform with Power Apps, Flow and Power BI combines all capabilities and supports the collaboration of all products. Power BI provides powerful Business Intelligence that is accessible to every end user, but also offers advanced capabilities for BI specialists. Microsoft with Business Central has succeeded in making ERP extremely strong collaboration with other applications for maximum benefit.
"With Business Central, Microsoft has succeeded in making ERP work extremely strongly with other applications for maximum benefit."
Faster to implement
The Office 365 products, the Power platform and the development of add-ons and customizations beyond the standard product ensure faster implementation. Without too much customization, companies can deploy the system in combination with the other solutions according to their own requirements and wishes and thus achieve their goals.
Better support and easier upgrade
Because add-ons and customizations are no longer developed within the standard product, providing support becomes much easier. Functional adaptations are clearly defined and separated, making the operation of the software clearer and support easier. When upgrading to a new version, it is no longer necessary to extensively analyze which modifications and extensions have taken place over the years and how they should be translated to the new release.
Conclusion
Microsoft's leading position in the world of ERP systems for small to medium-sized enterprises is maintained with Dynamics 365 Business Central. In fact, with the above key benefits of Business Central, Microsoft further solidifies its position. Business Central is an extremely powerful, complete and user-friendly ERP platform that, by adding industry expertise from the right partner, forms a rock-solid solution for every company.
Remko Gaastra is in charge of Dysel North America. He manages a team of industry experts to make equipment dealers in North America more successful.
