Choosing the right ERP is like investing in the right place. If done right, you will have an ERP system for long-term success, allowing you to handle business operations efficiently and support business growth. An ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics Navision, has been a trusted solution for years. It provided robust financial management and operational automation. However, the addition of AI and cloud architectures to Dynamics 365 Business Central has forced businesses to make a tough choice.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Navision: How do these two compare, and what are the differences? This blog dives deep, comparing Microsoft Dynamics Navision and Business Central. To help you make an informed decision, we will look at the benefits of each and see what system is best for your business model and requirements. This guide will help if you are wondering about the differences in upgrading from Microsoft Navision Dynamics to Business Central or not.
What is Microsoft Dynamics NAV?
Microsoft Dynamics Navision, a.k.a., Dynamics NAV is an ERP system designed to solve operational challenges for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It does so by providing organizations with advanced tools to manage and improve finances, manufacturing processes, customer service, and the supply chain. On top, the centralized system makes it easier to smoothly and easily perform all business functions.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV has always been a robust and trusted choice, which it still is. But with the rise of AI and cloud technology, an upgraded version of Microsoft NAV was released, namely “Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.” This upgrade offered improved integration and automation features with better scalability options.
Key Features of Microsoft Dynamics NAV
To understand better and decide smartly, have a look at the following features Microsoft Dynamics NAV offers.
Financial Management
Businesses can easily manage budgets, cash flow, spending, accounts payable and receivable, and general ledgers and have multi-currency transactions all from a single platform. Moreover, financial workflows can be automated for speedy approvals and submissions, reducing errors, effort, and time spent improving financial visibility.
Supply Chain Management
Businesses can track and manage business inventory, improve relations with vendors, monitor and improve warehouse processes, and manage procurement—all through Microsoft Dynamics Navision. Moreover, they can optimize their stock levels, reduce wastage, and satisfy more customers with better order fulfillment through automation.
Production Management
Microsoft Navision Dynamics has a BOM, Bill of Materials management feature in addition to capacity planning, production order tracking, and machine scheduling. By utilizing these features, you can easily streamline operations, minimize business downtime, and utilize resources efficiently for maximum results.
Sales & Customer Service Results
To improve customer service and sales, Dynamics NAV has order management, sales pipeline forecasting, and contract tracking features along with added CRM capabilities. With NAV offering personalized and improved customer experiences, improved customer satisfaction, and managing service requests, it should not be a problem anymore.
Customization & Extensibility
One of the biggest advantages of the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics Navision is its customization ability. Because of its high level of customization and extensibility, businesses can modify modules, integrate different third-party applications, and even extend functionalities. Thus, fulfilling your needs and overcoming business challenges is easier than ever.
Business Intelligence & Reporting
The built-in business analysis tools provide businesses with custom reports exactly how you want them, insights and business intelligence, data analysis, and tracking KPIs. If you want extended functionality, then integrating Microsoft Power BI will bring a real-time dashboard enabling you to make data-driven decisions.
Benefits of Dynamics 365 Business Central
Accessibility
Because Business Central is a cloud-based ERP system, it can enable any business to access real-time data from anywhere at any time and from any device. Thus, increasing accessibility and on-the-go access. Moreover, your employees can log in securely to manage things even while working remotely.
Collaboration
Business Central can be seamlessly integrated with Microsoft applications, making collaboration easier and smoother. From sharing insights to tracking projects and everything in between, it becomes seamless without having to switch between applications.
Scalability
Scalability is another benefit businesses can rely on when choosing Business Central. From adding new users to extending functionality, you can customize the application to support business scalability without disruptions.
Reduced IT Burden
Infrastructure maintenance, security patches, and system updates are all managed by Microsoft. This approach takes a giant workload off your staff while ensuring peak business performance with the latest technology. This approach allows you to maintain focus on your core business operations.
Data Analytics
Integrate Business Central with Microsoft Power BI to transform your raw data into actionable insights. Making monitoring and analyzing trends in sales and customer behavior easier, forecasting financial issues, and making informed decisions based on data rapidly with changing market trends.
Enhanced Security
Business Central offers improved built-in security features like access-based control, automatic compliance tracking, encryption, and more. Allowing you to protect financial data and manage & optimize user access easier.
Industries That Benefit the Most from Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Manufacturing
Manufacturing industry businesses can easily track inventory, monitor quality control, and plan production with Dynamics NAV. Further, it allows real-time reporting and process automation, which can reduce time and resources used, minimize errors and delays, and improve overall efficiency.
Retail
Businesses in retail can leverage its POS integration, pricing management, and customer loyalty tracking with NAV, allowing them to accurately update and stock inventory and easily manage sales.
Wholesale & Distribution
Microsoft Dynamics Navision allows businesses to manage logistics and warehouse operations. Managing and improving relations with suppliers, order fulfillment, and automated order management can be optimized as well.
Services Industry
Dynamics NAV has features like project management, resource scheduling, and cost tracking. These features make it easier for companies in the services industry to ensure accurate billing, contract management, and profitability analysis.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Navision: What’s Changed?
Cloud vs. On-Premises
Dynamics NAV is a traditional on-premises ERP system, but businesses need to manage the servers and infrastructure themselves. Inversely, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP that brings updates and remote accessibility, making IT maintenance expenses lower.
Modern User Interface
Compared to the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics Navision, Business Central has a modern and intuitive infrastructure. So, Business Central makes it much easier to navigate and understand the system. However, seamless collaboration and integration with Microsoft applications is similar in both.
AI & Automation
Business Central obviously includes AI features that help enhance overall business processes like financial forecasting and workflow automation. On the other hand, Microsoft Dynamics Navision users do not have added AI features, but they can upgrade easily.
Scalability & Integration
Compared to Microsoft Navision Dynamics, Business Central offers better integration for Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, and other third-party apps. This improvement is major because of the cloud architecture of Business Central.
Which platform is the right choice for you?
Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Ideal for businesses looking to improve scalability, leverage Microsoft’s ecosystem, and use cloud technology.
- Improved integration with the Microsoft product suite and improved scalability features.
- Modern user interface, which is easier to navigate and has a lower learning curve.
- Offers subscription-based licensing, simplifying your cost management.
- Offers features and tools for complete sales lifecycle management, including customer relations and sales tracking.
- The system provides integrated tools for data analysis and decision-making.
Dynamics NAV
- On-premise solution for secure and comfortable on-site solution with added server implementation and hosting costs.
- Businesses need to have on-premise infrastructure and server management.
- Higher level of customization for businesses with unique requirements.
- Licensing needs to be purchased based on servers and not the number of users.
- Microsoft Dynamics Navision is approaching end-of-life, making it not so future-proof.
- Includes features like finance, supply chain, service management, and more.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central vs Microsoft Dynamics Navision Consultant?
Choosing the right ERP is one thing; working with an experienced Microsoft Dynamics Navision developer and consultant is another. Whether you choose Microsoft Dynamics Navision or decide to go with Business Central, a smooth implementation, customization, and seamless implementation decide long-term results. Consultants certified for this job will assess your requirements and areas of improvement and inform you of the best possible choice.
Business Central and Microsoft Dynamics NAV developers customize modules, integrate third-party applications, and develop industry-specific extensions. With expert development support, your business can operate at maximum efficiency.
