What is Dynamics NAV?
Dynamics NAV, previously Navision, serves as a versatile Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. This system facilitates the automation and integration of essential business functions such as sales, purchasing, operations, accounting, and stock management.
It comprehensively addresses diverse business processes, spanning from financial and procurement activities to warehouse management and comprehensive reporting. Noteworthy for its high adaptability, Dynamics NAV is easily customisable to suit the unique needs of businesses across various industries.
Dynamics NAV is now Business Central
Through progressive development, Microsoft has evolved Dynamics NAV from a single-user accounting application to a multi-user, on-premise network solution. Its functionality has expanded beyond native accounting to encompass operations, sales support, warehouse management, project management, and more.
In 2018, Microsoft introduced the latest iteration, rebranded as Dynamics 365 Business Central. Reflecting its renewed emphasis on business operations, this version introduces new or enhanced features designed to provide company management with an immediate, up-to-date overview of various operations through a customisable dashboard.
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, formerly known as Dynamics NAV and initially branded as Navision, is a versatile end-to-end solution encompassing the entire spectrum of business processes. As a vital component of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 suite, it offers exceptional flexibility, allowing seamless customisation to meet diverse business requirements.
With a proven track record, Business Central has successfully served 160,000 customers and receives regular enhancements from Microsoft. This Enterprise Resource Planning solution not only provides rich functional breadth but also supports deployment in various environments, including the public cloud, private cloud, or on-premise, ensuring adaptability to different business landscapes.
Dynamics NAV vs Dynamics 365 Business Central Comparison Table
| Dynamics NAV | Dynamics 365 Business Central | |
| Comparison | – On-premises ERP solution – Locally hosted | – Cloud-based ERP solution – Utilises cloud infrastructure – Enhanced accessibility and flexibility |
| – Requires customisation and third-party add-ons for parity | – Offers anytime, anywhere access on any device – Comprehensive set of built-in features and functions | |
| – Licensed on a per-server basis | – Licensed on a per-user basis | |
| – Server cost is incurred irrespective of user count | – Users are the only ones paid for in the system | |
| Integration | – Limited functionality, version-dependent | – Full functionality includes all Microsoft products |
| Objects | – NAV Objects require a purchase for customisation | – 49,999 objects available for free use on the cloud |
| Search Interface | – Basic search interface with potential data duplication | – Advanced search with automatic categorisation and smart search capabilities (e.g., search for misspellings or imprecise terms) |
| Reporting | – Limited | – Power BI |
| Deployment | – On-premises, Cost for Server maintenance and backup management. | – Cloud (No need to maintain servers and backups), although the On-Premises option is also available. |
| User Interface | – Desktop-based | – Web-based application with improved design, enhanced navigation, and a more productive platform |
| – Utilises C/AL coding in the interface | – Employs AL language in the code for enhanced customisation capabilities, facilitating easier management of extensions and upgrades in the long term | |
| – Seamless integration with widely-used Microsoft products, including the entire Microsoft Dynamics suite (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales – CRM) and Office 365 applications like Outlook and Excel. Enhanced productivity through automated operations. Native connectivity to Microsoft’s Power Platform allows end-users to create powerful workflows and integrations without extensive coding. | ||
| Hosting | – Only On-Premises capability. – Need to invest in and manage your own in-house servers. | – SaaS solution on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, allowing you to choose the data processing region. – Benefits include enhanced security, reduced risk of data loss, and improved accessibility for your team. – Cloud hosting facilitates smoother upgrades and extensions with new coding. |
| Upgrades | – No Automatic Upgrades. | – Bi-annual releases with sequential and automatic upgrades ensure your systems are always up to date. – For on-premises or private cloud versions, upgrades are manual but simpler compared to NAV. – Third-party apps and customisations are designed to stay compatible with each new Business Central update. |
| – Manual updating with associated fuss and cost | – Seamless transition to the most optimized Business Central version | |
| – Handling hotfixes and cumulative updates at own cost | – Option to delay updates for up to 90 days, but staying up-to-date is advisable for improved user experience and security | |
| – Customizations written in C/AL language, integral to the core | – Modifications in Business Central use AL language, creating extensions that leave the core system untouched, simplifying upgrades |
Is it worth it migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central brings significant advantages.
Cloud hosting eliminates server concerns and costs, managed seamlessly by your ERP partner. The scalability of the cloud ensures easy growth adaptation, and the move offers added benefits such as cost savings, mobile app accessibility, and enhanced security.
In essence, Business Central provides a streamlined, scalable, and feature-rich solution, contributing to increased operational efficiency and overall savings for your business.
How to migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Transitioning to Dynamics 365 Business Central from on-premises is straightforward. Organizations can easily migrate to Business Central online, gaining access to cloud benefits like Machine Learning, Power BI, Power Automate, and more for enhanced functionality and suggested actions.
Microlabs is here to assist you in making your transition more seamless. Our trusted consultants are ready to guide you through the migration process, ensuring you unlock the full potential of cloud benefits including our complimentary end-to-end funding assistance. Book an appointment now and get personalized recommendations from our experts.
How much does it cost? (licensing, modules & users)
Curious about Dynamics 365 Business Central costs? Unlike Dynamics NAV, Business Central operates on a monthly user-based payment model, offering flexibility without a hefty upfront investment. This means you can adapt your ERP budget as needed, and modifications can be easily made with a call to your Microsoft partner, ensuring better alignment with your financial goals.
Here’s a breakdown of the Dynamics 365 Business Central costing based on licensing, users, and modules:
| LICENSING OPTIONS: Dynamics 365 Business Central offers two main subscription licensing options: – Business Central Essentials – Business Central Premium. Both plans are user-licensed and are quick to implement and easy to configure. Additionally, there’s a ‘Team Members’ licensing option for additional users. |
| USER TYPES: – Full User: Designed for employees heavily involved in daily Business Central operations, such as customer service, sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. – Additional User or Team Member: Geared towards ‘light users’ who don’t require the full capabilities. They might engage in activities like viewing data reports, logging expenses, or time tracking. |
| MODULES: Essentials License Modules: – Financial Management – Supply Chain Management – Customer Relationship Management – Project Management – Warehouse Management – Human Resources Management Premium License Modules (Includes all Essentials modules plus): – Service Management – Manufacturing |
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As an IMDA-approved vendor, Microlabs is uniquely positioned to help your business unlock significant savings on your Dynamics 365 Business Central implementation. Through our grant expertise, we can guide you towards securing up to 50% funding from programs like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC), and Enterprise Development Grant (EDG).
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