Now that we’ve explored the features, pricing, and other details of both NAV and Business Central, you need to realize why it’s essential to upgrade and migrate from the outdated version of NAV to its latest, more powerful, new system version, which is Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.
Introduction:
Microsoft Dynamics NAV has long been a trusted Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for businesses looking to manage finances, operations, and supply chain activities. However, as businesses grow, so do their requirements. Modern businesses need more flexibility, agility, and advanced capabilities to meet the challenges of a digital-first world.
Dynamics 365 Business Central was developed with these evolving needs in mind. It offers a more modern, cloud-based ERP system that integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications and third-party solutions, providing businesses with a unified platform for managing their entire operation.
On-premise vs. Cloud
NAV ERP has primarily been an on-premise application, although there is the option to have it hosted on Microsoft Azure. On the other hand, Business Central has always been cloud-based from the start, and one of the main purposes of rebranding the ERP system was to shift towards a flexible and more efficient cloud application.
Updates and Support
Business Central follows a modern approach to software updates, with bi-yearly releases introducing new features, improvements, and security patches. It will receive automatic updates on the cloud, while the on-premise Business Central solution must be updated manually. This contrasts with Dynamics NAV, which will no longer receive active support from Microsoft.
Accessibility and Collaboration
One significant advantage that Dynamics 365 Business Central holds over Upgrade NAV to D365 Business Central is its accessibility and collaboration features. Being a cloud-based solution, Business Central allows users to access their data and perform tasks from anywhere with an internet connection. This fosters collaboration among team members, especially those working remotely, and ensures real-time updates across the organization.
Ease of Integration
Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is based on the AL language, while Upgrade NAV to D365 Business Central is based on the C/AL language. The key factor here is that customizations, additional development, and integrations become much easier with the AL language. As such, Business Central provides better support for building and consuming web services and APIs. With the increasing emphasis on RESTful APIs and web-based integrations, AL simplifies the process of connecting with external systems and services.
Intuitive User Interface
Business Central introduces a modern and intuitive user interface, streamlining navigation and ensuring a role-tailored experience. This contributes to increased user adoption and productivity, as users can quickly access relevant information based on their responsibilities.
Dynamic Scaling
Business Central’s cloud-based infrastructure, powered by Microsoft Azure, allows organizations to scale their operations dynamically. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses with fluctuating workloads, ensuring optimal resource utilization without the constraints of traditional on-premise setups.
Advanced Analytics and Reporting
With a strong emphasis on advanced analytics, Business Central leverages Power BI to provide actionable insights. Robust reporting features empower users to generate customized reports, visual dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs), enabling businesses to make data-driven, informed decisions and actionable strategies.
Cloud Cost Models
The cloud-based nature of Business Central often translates to cost-efficiency. Organizations can benefit from the cost model of Business Central, as instead of paying a fixed rate for the entire server, they only pay for user access to the system. Further, with minimal hardware requirements as compared to on-premise systems, significant infrastructure costs are also saved
