Many organisations around the globe find themselves on the threshold of the cloud era these days. Oftentimes they have already migrated some of their applications to the cloud, such as their productivity tools. However, many are still hesitant to migrate their core ERP and CRM applications. After all, these are the systems that automate their primary processes. Of course it is important to look closely at aspects such as security, data access and costs. But where do you think you can expect the real innovation in the years to come?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is available for a number of years now. And this cloud ERP solution for small and medium businesses is doing very well! The number of users is growing rapidly. As well as the number of available localizations and partners that actively sell BC. And Microsoft’s “IKEA-like” approach with an extensive offering of add on’s via her AppSource marketplace helps customers to implement BC fast, cheap and good.
Question comes up what the next best step is for you as an on-premise Dynamics NAV user. Is it smart to continue the use of your trusted NAV solution for a few more years? Or is it better to prepare yourself for a switch to Business Central?
An important but often underrated argument is the expected innovation. While MS once claimed that NAV and BC would remain ‘on-par’ in terms of functionality, it is clear that this is no longer the case. Logical too, because cloud technology makes things possible that simply cannot be done in an on-premise environment. Just think of all the recent innovations around Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT!
A suitable metaphor between on-premise and cloud is the comparison between a landline phone and a mobile phone. You can make phone calls with both. And although the concept of the fixed telephone is old, this model will continue to function for a long time. Question is which innovations you have seen in the past 5 years. And expect in the next 5 years.
It is obvious: the cloud is where ERP vendors including Microsoft put their R&D budgets. So you should expect a continuous flow of innovations in Business Central. While NAV continues to do what it always has done.
If you are active in an industry where innovation is of great importance for winning and retaining customers, you would do well to benefit from the continuous innovation in BC.
Interested in discussing the matter further? Then do contact us today.
