Microsoft Dynamics NAV Software Review

1. Microsoft Dynamics NAV SoftwareReview Microsoft ERP Strengths &Weaknesses Competitive positioning in the ERP software market is highlighted with the following strengths andweaknesses. Microsoft Dynamics NAVStrengths Dynamics NAV strengths relative to the SMB ERP software competitivelandscape. • Dynamics NAV is strong in ease of use. Navigation is intuitive and follows a straight-forward business process design. Inputforms • often resemble traditional paper documents such as purchase orders or sale orders. Access to information via drill-down or filtering data using flexible criteria is plentiful. • Microsoft NAV harnesses the look and feel of Microsoft Office. Microsoft desktop savvy users will have a smooth, familiar user experience that reduces training time andcosts. • The ERP software includes a customizable codebase along with extensive development tools and available sourcecode. • International capabilities such as support for multi-currency, multiple languages and local taxation accounting features are quite strong, particularly for Europeancompanies. • NAV offers seamless integration to MS Office, SharePoint, and DynamicsCRM. • Available add-ons can combine with the core ERP software to deliver industry editions or highly specific vertical ERP solutions, such as Professional Services Automation (PSA), which includes project and cost accounting, timesheet management, resource management, and inventory control of items consumed in the deliveryprocess. • One of the stronger ERP solutions for Distribution and light Supply Chain Management when reviewing "off the shelf"functionality. • Microsoft NAV offers a somewhat unique (for ERP systems) service management function. Thismay be useful for fulfilling customer • service requests, dispatching technicians and delivering after the sale support. Service management tracks contracts and warranty information, is tightly integrated with Inventory and Manufacturing, tracks goods internally or at customer locations and offers a Job Scheduler for recurring servicetasks. • Several add-on modules and partner solutions are available to extend deficient functionalities and offer vertical market ERPsolutions. • Dynamics NAV is a reasonably priced ERP solution with the Advanced Management pack accommodating midmarket companies with a wide range of functionality, or the Business Essentials program for smaller organizations and offering less functionality, but a more rapid installation and quick time to value.

2. Microsoft Dynamics NAVWeaknesses Strategic and commonly cited ERP weaknesses include the following: • Dynamics NAV does not offer an integrated Business Process Management or workflow automation tool. It is possible to leveragethe • Windows Workflow Foundation using .NET or another development environment, but such effort is complex and resorts to custom programming. • While the User Interface is simple and easy to use, Microsoft has not yet adapted popular consumer technologies.Similarly, Enterprise • 2.0 and social business tools are scarce and mobile is limited to cross-browsersupport. • NAV may have a limited support life cycle, as more R&D and overlapping functionality are absorbed into DynamicsAX. • The ERP software delivers more breadth than depth. For example, while Microsoft says it is capable of handling Ecommerce, such handling largely consists of tying the accounting to the supply chain with a Configure–Price–Quote web storefront. Most ERP software manufacturers include more sophisticated storefronts when they deliver features such asE-commerce. • Euro-centric process designs and customizations may appear awkward for North Americanusers. • Process-based manufacturing automation within the ERP software is complicated. Although the system has individual features to support process manufacturing, trying to use NAVmanufacturing for batch or formula processing will be very difficult. • Advanced Management has a much higher total cost of ownership (TCO) than the Business Essentials pack. Selecting a la carte options or partner solutions will drive up TCO and affectROI. • Dynamics NAV is designed to be extensible via software customization, but customizing the ERP software can significantly increase Total Cost of Ownership due to higher maintenance costs, increased system administration (IT labor) and more time consuming and costly softwareupgrades. • While the Microsoft Dynamics marketplace contains many useful third-party add-ons, it can be time-consuming and difficult to distinguish the many add-ons from multiple partners due to similarities and overlap in feature sets and the challenge of assessing the quality of the partners and theirproducts. • With Advanced Management and à la carte options available, customers may also incur a tenuous time in determining whether native Microsoft functionality or a partner solution delivers a betterfit. ReadMore Top 7 Beneficial Steps For Successful ERP Implementation Microsoft ERP Strengths &Weaknesses