When the ERP system NAV (formerly Navision) is getting on in years
If an ERP system is getting on in years, some bits and bytes are only doing their job sluggishly and behind every click there is a new exciting (usually unwanted) challenge, scepticism about the system per se can certainly increase and sometimes also the blood pressure. When upgrading your system, you should choose the right path - we'll show you what you need to bear in mind.
Some users realise, quite rightly, that the user interface has lost a lot of its appeal. In addition, working with the archaic-looking masks does not exactly motivate users to perform at their best. It is not uncommon for users to flirt with a new model and view their existing companion with suspicion in their day-to-day work.
But that doesn't have to be the case! Why not simply combine the advantages of the familiar with the new?
Giving the relationship new momentum
A new look and a rigorous refreshment programme for the existing system can easily put an end to this trend. This will inject new vigour and greater efficiency into your day-to-day work.
And it is by no means necessary to be afraid of a new project or the associated changes to the existing system. The latest version of NAV is called Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). Thanks to the wealth of upgrade projects already carried out from NAV to BC and the resulting knowledge, the right tools are already in the toolbox to successfully carry out an upgrade.
Each individual department can benefit from such a refresh and optimisation programme that is tailored to the ERP. Not only in terms of the visual appearance, which is presented to the respective user via an optimised role centre and the look and feel typical of Microsoft products, but above all in terms of the inner values... (at least for us đ).
Optimised work thanks to the new possibilities
Here is a small excerpt of the added value that is conducive to rebuilding relationships:
For example, Financial Accounting can cancel clearances already set for debtors and creditors without any problems. Complete journals can also be cancelled with just one click. Thanks to the optimisation work carried out on the system, cost accounting and a liquidity analysis are also on board.
The sales department can also rejoice, as the successful facelift means that the integration of D365 Business Central in Outlook already begins there. Contacts can be created from emails received with a simple mouse click and information on the business cases stored in D365 Business Central can be called up. In addition, a quotation, for example, can be created immediately from Outlook and sent directly by e-mail.
In marketing, it is now possible to easily integrate the "Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement (CE)" software, which specialises in marketing activities, via a supplied interface. Marketing automation optimises the management of enquiries from interested parties, the generation of campaigns and the direct, target group-oriented sending of newsletters in no time at all.
Other benefits after an upgrade or redesign to refresh relationships include the modern Microsoft Power BI (Business Intelligence) analysis views, which are already included in the standard BC. This allows company-relevant figures to be presented to management quickly and easily in an attractive way. This gives an enormous boost to the transparency and controllability of a company.
Use of new technologies
The intelligence of the system has also been raised to a new level. With the updated system, artificial intelligence (AI) is already built into the standard system. This can be used, for example, to calculate a future order proposal for purchasing based on the previous year's values. Automated image recognition makes it possible to recognise objects, articles or attributes independently. Image recognition can also be used in the marketing module to recognise gender and age. You can also use AI to recognise text in emails for customer orders. The article and quantity are recognised automatically and a quote is generated automatically.
Advantages for production
Over the last few years, NAV and currently BC have also discovered a new side to production that has long been desired but not yet discovered: the assembly parts list. This means that an assembly of components can now be mapped in a very simple form in D365 Business Central, in which the value flow from purchasing to the sale of the item is 100% guaranteed in the warehouse.
Putting the relationship basis on a new footing
Of course, it should not be forgotten that even with such an attractive appearance and appealing added value, the technology must not be neglected. All of the above should, of course, be able to be used in a reliable and low-maintenance form, as has been the case for years. This is guaranteed by a new "3-tier architecture". Depending on requirements, you can decide how the face of the application should be displayed - in the web client, tablet client and even on the smartphone with the phone client. Regardless of which variant is chosen, the system is always ready for mobile use from anywhere.
A D365 Business Central system set up in this way is also supported by the manufacturer. This is accompanied by a free rejuvenation programme as standard:
Once a month in the form of a cumulative update (CU) and every 5 months in the form of a new major version.
Operation is possible on-premise (server in-house or hosted), on Azure (hosted by Microsoft) or, ideally, as a SaaS (Software as a Service - operation & hosting at Microsoft) solution.
Our conclusion
An ageing ERP system can affect efficiency and user experience. However, a targeted upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can help to modernise both the look and functionality of the system and increase productivity.
By upgrading the system, your company will be optimally equipped for day-to-day requirements, especially in view of the constantly growing and optimising competition.
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