Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP Continues to Evolve with NAV 2016

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – Formerly “Navision”

Microsoft Dynamics NAV evolved over the years as one of the leading ERP systems for growing businesses.  You may know of Microsoft Dynamics NAV more commonly as it’s former name “Navision.”  Originally, “Navision” was the name of a Danish accounting package that was founded in 1983. Microsoft acquired this system in 2002.  In a series of acquisitions, today Microsoft maintains 4 business management systems under the “Dynamics” branding that are part of a category of “Enterprise Resource Planning” systems or ERP.  An ERP system is a collection of business management software functions that are designed to connect many different business units under one system. 

Over the years, the Microsoft Marketing team have been busy rebranding the original “Navision”  with several name changes. You may have heard of it referred to as  “Navision Financials”, “Navision Solutions”, “Navision Attain”, and “Microsoft Business Solutions”.  Finally in 2005, Microsoft re-branded this ERP product and called it “Microsoft Dynamics NAV”.  People call this system “NAV” as it’s one word, however, the correct terminology is spelling out each of the words “N A V.” So now that you are prepared to chat about NAV with it’s new correct name, keep in mind old habits die slowly.  Despite all Microsoft’s efforts to maintain branding consistency, still users todaycontinure to call it “Navision.”

So what is Microsoft Dynamics NAV anyway? 

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is recognized as one of the leading global Enterprise level software for mid-sized businesses  designed to handle the complex interworking of a company’s financials, inventory, warehousing, sales, purchases, manufacturing, ect. Microsoft Dynamics NAV  streamlines supply chain operations and get a much better idea of trends and business data through advanced detailed reporting all under one system.  This makes real-time data readily available so businesses can make smart decisions keeping a daily pulse on the business rather than the traditional means of making decisions after month end reports are tediously gathered.

Through its history, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, has been released with many editions to help gain access to this vital business intelligence and to make it both easy-to-use and customizable to adapt to an organizations unique business needs.

Top 3 Enhancements to Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016

1. Business Intelligence: By utilizing a robust data base, such as Microsoft SQL reporting service, business data can be generated and shared for analysis across the enterprise.

2. User Interface:  A “RoleTailored” User interface was introduced in 2008 to increase productivity by having employees log onto their user interface screens that corresponds with their work title to access task that are most relevant to their position.  There are 21 “out-of-the” box roles such as Accounting Manager, Bookkeeper, IT Manager, Machine Operator, President, Purchasing Manager and Sales Manager to give some examples.  All of these RoleTailored Client or RTC roles are customizable and new roles can be added in addition.

3. Customization:  Also in 2008, part of the RoleTailored Client user interface design was part of a new ERP architecture called the Three-Tier Graphical User Interface or “GUI”. In this configuration, the data resides in the SQL data base (called the Data Tier), and the top tier accounts for the RTC User Interface called the Client Tier.  The middle tier, is called just that or sometimes the Server Tier.  This Middle Tier is a multi-tiered environment that is designed to host and execute all the business logic and makes a significant departure from the previous 2-tier ERP architecture. Having this additional layer makes NAV more scalable and customizable with the addition of NAV’s Web Services which makes it easy for other programs and systems to Integrate.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV continues to be updated and released on a more frequently basis.  You know when you invest in NAV that Microsoft will work on continuous improvements.  Since it’s creation in 1983, you can imagine there’s a lot of deep functionality to meet the needs of a variety of businesses and industries. The lastest version, called Dynamics NAV 2016, has improvements in financial management, document management, enhanced business insights, expanded cloud connectivity with other cloud-based services, plus integration with other Microsoft applications such as CRM, Office 365, and Mobile Technology.

Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics “Navision” NAV

Posted by iCepts Technology Group, Inc. An Accelos and Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner in Pennsylvania

About iCepts Technology Group, Inc. Middletown, PA

We are a Microsoft Dynamics NAV Partner offering implementation, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV in: PA, DC, DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, VA, WV, and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. We also offer implementation, service, and support for Accellos One Warehouse Management Systems in: PA, DC, DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, VA, WV, and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region.

As experienced SCM, WMS and ERP consultants and value added resellers (VARs), we provide start to finish services for the solutions we represent Microsoft Dynamics NAV for Distribution and Manufacturing, Accellos Warehouse Management System (WMS), Server virtualization, open source VOIP phone systems and infrastructure and security. We provide services that cover process analysis, implementation, training, security and networking. Naturally, we also provide full ongoing support for years after implementation to help our clients succeed. We are your one stop shop for your business technology needs.

Contact us for additional information by clicking HERE or...

Phone: 717.704.1000
Email:  info@icepts.com

Another version of this blog was posted on September 21, 2016 on iCepts blog