What is Dynamics NAV?
Dynamics NAV (now Business Central) is a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution targeted towards SMEs to optimise and streamline their business functions. Targeted towards SMEs, Dynamics NAV/Business Central provides businesses with an all-in-one, centralised software platform from which to operate their daily functions and business needs. When each department is synced, managers are provided with a holistic overview of their business, eliminating data duplication and siloes which jeopardise the effective communication of information.
Furthermore, NAV/Business Central boosts productivity by enabling users to focus on the ‘real’ analytical and managerial needs of the business, rather than wasting time dealing with administrative tasks and manual reporting.
Features and Functionality
Some of the main features of Microsoft Dynamics NAV include financials, reporting, supply chain management, service management, and more such as:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Warehouse Management
- Financial Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Forecasting
- Inventory Management
- Project & Jobs Management
- Service Management
- Human Resources
- Payroll
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Point-of-Sale
Which industries are best suited to Dynamics NAV/Business Central?
The features and functionality of Dynamics NAV/Business Central are particularly suitable for small to medium businesses in the manufacturing, supply chain, warehousing and distribution industries as they can best optimise the vast array of production control features.
Whilst Dynamics NAV/Business Central is popular with the above industries, this does not limit the software to just these types of businesses. Microsoft’s world-class ERP software is customisable to specific industry needs and consultants at Austral Dynamics are here every step of the way to ensure that NAV/Business Central is the perfect software solution for your business.
How can your business grow with Dynamics NAV/Business Central?
Due to its large breadth of capabilities, cost-effectiveness and customisation, Dynamics NAV and now Business Central have seen exponential success among businesses globally. Often, it is the progressive step forward for growing companies who have outgrown their accounting software such as MYOB, Quickbooks or Xero. Dynamics NAV/Business Central is also capable of regulating multiple currencies and is available in over 40 languages.
As a Microsoft product, NAV/Business Central are naturally able to be integrated with the with Microsoft Office suite ie. Excel, and other popular add-ons, features and applications such as SharePoint and Outlook.
Additionally, Dynamics NAV/Business Central can be integrated with Power BI.
Dynamics NAV vs Dynamics 365 Business Central
In 2018, Microsoft rebranded Dynamics NAV as Dynamics 365 Business Central. Along with the name change, there are several added features and functions to Business Central. These include:
Can be hosted in the public cloud
Dynamics 365 Business Central provides users with the alternative to host their software through the cloud. This means that companies can subscribe to Software as a Service (SAAS) (i.e. pay on a per user and per month basis).
Easier to upgrade and update
With Dynamics NAV, all developments and modifications were written in the C/AL language, which was fundamental to the core system. Unfortunately, this meant that whenever updates and upgrades were required by the company, the entire system needed to be reviewed, collapsed and potentially redeveloped. With Dynamics 365 Business Central, modifications are now written in the AL language. Subsequently, the core system remains untouched and customisations are linked externally without having to alter the core coding. This means that upgrades and updates are much easier.
Modern User Experience
Alongside the rebranding of the name, Business Central offers users a completely revamped and modern user interface. Key features and functions have been optimised for maximum user efficiency. For example, navigation is streamlined with the back button displayed prominently on the left of the page. This allows users to stay focused on the data and task at hand.
Upgrade to Business Central
Speak to one of our consultants at Austral Dynamics today to upgrade from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central!
Book a Free Consultation with us or give us a call at (+61) 2 9763 2040