As a Business Central enthusiast, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the newest release: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2025 (version 27.0). This update continues Microsoft’s momentum toward a more intelligent, connected, and sustainable ERP platform.

Whether you call it Business Central Wave 2 2025, BC Wave 2 2025, or the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central W2 2025 Release, one thing is clear: this update isn’t just evolutionary, it’s transformative.

Let’s dive into what’s new, what matters most, and how to prepare your organization to take full advantage of these innovations, with some practical upgrade tips to guide you through the process.

The Big Picture: Why Business Central Wave 2 2025 Matters

Each spring and fall, Microsoft delivers new capabilities for Business Central through its “Wave” updates. The Business Central Wave 2 2025 release represents the second major update of the year, and it’s a substantial one.

If you’re running Business Central Online, version 27.0 will roll out automatically, with the update window closing by the end of February 2026. On-premises customers can follow traditional upgrade paths.

Why this matters: Microsoft is strategically strengthening the integration of AI, analytics, and automation, while also expanding its sustainability and compliance capabilities. This strategic move means more time saved, fewer manual touches, and clearer insights, all wrapped in a more approachable interface.

Intelligent Automation Takes Center Stage

Copilot Evolves from Assistant to Partner

In Business Central Wave 2 2025, Microsoft’s Copilot gets sharper, more flexible, and more business aware. Users can now:

• Autofill contact details automatically using context-aware AI.
• Summarize documents and records with customizable prompts that developers can extend using AL code.
• Provide more specific guidance to Copilot agents when reviewing tasks, allowing nuanced instructions.
• Search with natural language, thanks to the enhanced Tell Me feature that recognizes intent instead of just keywords.
• Hide Copilot summaries when you prefer to focus purely on data.

Together, these features move Business Central closer to a future where the system doesn’t just assist you; it actively collaborates with you.

The Rise of Business Process Agents

A standout of the BC Wave 2 2025 release is the new Sales Order Agent.

This AI-driven capability can read incoming emails, interpret data from attachments, and create draft quotes or orders automatically.

It understands item availability, maps staff to salespeople, and suggests delivery dates, essentially performing as a digital coworker.

That means that your sales team can focus on more strategic tasks, while the Sales Order Agent handles routine order creation and management, improving efficiency and reducing manual work.

This shift from “assistant” to “agent” marks a turning point. At Liberty Grove, we see this as the start of a new automation era, where Copilot evolves into a trusted team member rather than a tool.

Smarter Commerce: Shopify Integration Reinvented

E-commerce remains a driving force, with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central W2 2025 delivering powerful enhancements to the Shopify connector. Businesses can now:

• Assign sell-to and bill-to details per company location, ideal for multi-branch operations.
• Map Shopify staff to Business Central salespeople to ensure accurate commissions.
• Synchronize market-specific prices automatically between platforms.
• Access better diagnostics and troubleshooting tools for the connector.

These features strengthen Business Central’s position as the hub of a multi-channel commerce ecosystem, giving organizations both agility and visibility.

With these enhancements, businesses can streamline their operations, ensure accurate commission calculations, and maintain consistent pricing across platforms, all of which contribute to a more efficient and profitable e-commerce strategy.

Accounting and Financial Control: Better, Faster, Smarter

Financial management is the heartbeat of Business Central, and the Wave 2 2025 update introduces meaningful refinements, empowering you with improved financial and analytics tools:

• Excise tax automation for industries dealing with regulated goods.
• The ability to create multiple fixed-asset cards for better tracking across departments or regions.
• Alternative posting groups for employees, streamlining payroll or expense entries.
• Enhanced financial reports with new data fields for Word/Excel add-ins.
• Updated Power BI apps across sales, purchasing, inventory, projects, and finance, with drill-back capabilities to the originating data in BC.

For CFOs and finance teams, these enhancements translate directly into reduced reconciliation time and improved audit readiness.

The new features in the ‘Accounting and Financial Control’ section can improve financial management by automating tax calculations, providing better asset tracking, simplifying payroll processes, and enhancing financial reporting, all of which save time and improve accuracy in financial operations.

Insights That Matter: Reporting and Analytics in BC W2 2025

The Business Central W2 2025 Release doubles down on analytics. Microsoft has open-sourced Power BI apps, giving users more freedom to customize dashboards. Deferral reporting and revenue recognition are more accurate, while new drill-down features allow users to click a number in Power BI and jump directly into the transaction in BC.

It’s a simple change with significant implications: real-time transparency and self-service analytics that empower decision-makers without IT bottlenecks.

Local Compliance and Global Reach

Microsoft continues to strengthen country-specific localizations in the Business Central Wave 2 2025 update. Highlights include:

• Enhanced Czech localization (alternate posting groups, unreliability flags, Intrastat demo data).
• UK localization is now structured as an extension, simplifying maintenance.
• US 1099 e-filing integration with the IRS IRIS portal (preview).

By modularizing local features, Microsoft makes global deployment more straightforward and consistent, which is a significant advantage for international businesses.

Developer Power and Technical Enhancements

Developers and partners will appreciate several under-the-hood advances in Business Central Wave 2 2025:

• Cancel builds and publishes directly from Visual Studio Code.
• New AL functions to truncate table data safely during testing.
• Enhanced SQL call visibility in performance profiling tools.
• Expanded telemetry and diagnostics, improving transparency in cloud environments.
• The ability to extend Copilot behaviors with AL code, allowing partners to build business-specific AI experiences.

These features make Business Central not only more capable for end users but also more enjoyable for the developers who craft solutions around it.

Supply Chain and Operations: Subtle but Impactful

Wave 2 2025 adds refinements that streamline day-to-day operations:

• Users can personalize more page fields and columns, tailoring the workspace to their role.
• The “Calculate Consumption” report can now use predefined defaults for consistent results.
• Sales and purchase posting lines can be sorted by type and number, improving review efficiency.

They may seem like minor details, but these quality-of-life improvements add up to smoother workflows and happier teams.

Sustainability and ESG: Data-Driven Responsibility

One of the most forward-looking areas in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central W2 2025 is its expanded sustainability management module. New capabilities include:

• Tracking energy use and greenhouse-gas emissions in CO₂ equivalents.
• Managing Scope 3 value-chain emissions, aligning with global ESG frameworks.
• Creating CSRD preparation reports for European compliance.
• Approvals for sustainability journals to enforce data governance.
• Updated Sustainability Manager Role Center, providing a cleaner, role-specific interface.

For organizations taking ESG seriously – and every business should – these updates move sustainability reporting from spreadsheets into the ERP core.

User Experience: Small Changes, Big Difference

Wave 2 2025 includes thoughtful UI and security touches that elevate the everyday experience:

• Resizable panes for Copilot, Help, and Page Scripting, giving users control of their workspace.
• A new “Concealed Text” field type for storing sensitive data safely.
• Better bulk-action support on lists.
• Improved error summaries and contextual hints for data entry.

At Liberty Grove, we view these refinements as part of a broader trend, where Business Central is evolving into not just a powerful tool but also an enjoyable user experience.

Planning Your Upgrade: Practical Tips

Upgrading to Business Central Wave 2 2025 should be strategic, not stressful. Here’s my tried-and-true approach:

1. Spin up a sandbox first: test preview features safely.
2. Audit your extensions and ISVs for compatibility.
3. Stage your rollout: pilot with one department before going company-wide.
4. Train your champions: power users drive adoption faster than memos.
5. Monitor performance telemetry post-go-live to spot regressions early.

Done right, your upgrade becomes less of a project and more of an evolution.

The Leadership Lens: What This Wave Really Means

From my CEO seat, here’s why I think Business Central Wave 2 2025 is significant:

• AI isn’t optional anymore. Copilot and Agents are becoming part of everyday ERP workflows. The winners will be those who embrace, not fear, automation.
• Insight beats information. With Power BI deep-links and AL-extendable summaries, Business Central is turning raw data into guided decisions.
• Compliance is a strategy. ESG, tax, and localization features not only reduce risk but also enhance credibility and operational excellence.

At Liberty Grove Software, our mission is to help clients not just upgrade systems but elevate their businesses. This release gives us more tools than ever to make that happen.

Ready for What’s Next? Let’s Build Your Wave 2 2025 Strategy

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central W2 2025 Release is a leap forward in intelligence, sustainability, and usability. But as with any significant evolution, success depends on preparation and alignment.

If you’d like help assessing your readiness, training your team, or mapping out a phased rollout, my team and I would be happy to work with you.

Let’s connect. Together, we can turn this update into a platform for your next stage of growth.

Contact Liberty Grove Software to start your Business Central Wave 2 2025 Readiness Checklist session today.

UST Education Series Presentation

Andrew Good has an upcoming UST Education Series presentation in which he will discuss what’s new in BC, describe the update rollouts for wave 2 2025, and explore strategies for managing your update schedule.

What’s New in BC 2025 Wave 2

November 18, 11:00 am-12:00 pm EST

About Andrew Good

Andrew Good, CEO, Liberty Grove Software

Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove Software, a leader in digital transformation, directs the company with strategic insights that deliver impactful results. With over two decades of expertise in Microsoft technologies, Andrew has guided businesses through digital transformations across various industries, including manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

Andrew’s extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge stems from his experience in engineering and maintenance, as well as his operational roles at Unilever and Sony Music. Fourteen years of working with Microsoft Dynamics BC/NAV follows successful projects in ERP, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (EAM), and quality systems.

His passion for technology is matched by his love for sailing, which inspires his leadership. Andrew parallels the precision required for navigating the seas with the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, providing tailored solutions that empower clients and optimize operations with innovative, Microsoft-based systems.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Andrew’s Newsletter on LinkedIn

As I speak with clients day-to-day, one question keeps coming up: What’s the right choice between Cloud vs On-Premises ERP?

Why?

An increasing number of companies are migrating ERP solutions, such as Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics SL, to Dynamics 365 Business Central to unlock potential, mitigate the high cost of maintaining legacy systems, and achieve faster innovation.

Businesses across the globe have come to recognize the importance of having a cloud-based ERP system. More companies and IT departments are switching from outdated on-premises ERP systems to more adaptable, affordable, and flexible cloud technology.

When comparing Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP, companies often consider cost, scalability, and security factors.

In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of cloud-based ERP and provide strong arguments for pursuing your ERP cloud migration.

Business leaders understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced business environment. For many organizations, this means upgrading their systems to ensure efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.

One significant digital transformation journey companies embark upon is moving to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). This transition is pivotal for companies seeking to harness the power of modern ERP solutions.

Here’s why this transition is essential and how it can benefit your business.

Why is the Move to Business Central Important?

1. Upgrade from NAV to BC

For businesses currently using Dynamics NAV, upgrading to BC is more than just a software update—it’s a complete transformation. Dynamics NAV has been a reliable ERP solution for many years, but as technology advances, so must your systems. Business Central offers a more intuitive interface, enhanced functionality, and seamless integration with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Power Platform.

Key Benefits:

This upgrade ensures your business remains competitive and can leverage technological advancements to drive growth and efficiency.

• Moving from BC On-Premises to SaaS

Transitioning to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model provides substantial benefits for those already using Business Central on-premises. The SaaS model offers improved accessibility, which means teams can work from anywhere they have an internet connection. It also reduces the burden of maintaining hardware and infrastructure, as Microsoft handles all updates and security measures.

Key Benefits:

This transition can lead to cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and greater agility in responding to business changes.

• Addressing Legacy Systems and Limited Support

Many businesses still operate on legacy systems that are no longer supported or are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. These outdated systems can hinder growth and expose your business to security risks. Moving to Business Central gives you access to a modern, supported platform with robust security features and regular updates.

Key Benefits:

When considering Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP and which is right for your organization, evaluate the comparisons above and how Cloud ERP could positively impact your business. The transition enhances your operational capabilities and ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations, giving you and your organization peace of mind and a solid foundation for growth.

Key Considerations for a Successful Transition to Business Central

While the benefits of moving to Business Central are clear, it’s essential to approach the transition strategically to ensure success. Here are some key points to be aware of:

Thorough Planning and Assessment

Before initiating the transition, thoroughly assess your current systems, processes, and business needs. Identify areas for improvement and set clear objectives for the migration. This planning phase is critical to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Actions:

• Conduct an assessment of your current ERP system and identify areas for improvement.
• Set clear objectives and goals for the migration, aligning them with your overall business strategy.
• Develop a detailed project plan outlining the steps, timeline, and resources required for the transition.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Engage key stakeholders, including employees, management, IT staff, and external partners, early in the process and maintain open communication throughout the transition. Ensuring everyone is aligned and informed will help mitigate resistance and foster a collaborative environment.

Key Actions:

• Identify key stakeholders and engage them in the planning and decision-making process.
• Communicate the benefits and objectives of the transition to all employees, addressing any concerns or questions.
• Establish regular communication channels to provide updates and gather feedback throughout the project.

Data Migration and Integration

Data migration is critical to the transition and must be accurately and securely transferred from the old system to Business Central. Additionally, plan to integrate Business Central with your organization’s other systems and applications.

Key Actions:

• Develop a data migration plan that details the steps for transferring data, ensuring accuracy and security.
• Conduct thorough testing of data migration processes to identify and address any issues before going live.
• Maintain accurate records by defining dimensions and establishing gatekeeper rules, which effectively require data accuracy checks to ensure data cleanliness.
• Plan to integrate Business Central with other systems and applications, ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow.

Training and Change Management

Provide in-depth training to employees to ensure they are comfortable and proficient with the new system. Additionally, implement change management strategies to support employees throughout the transition and address any challenges.

Key Actions:

• Develop and deliver training programs customized to different user roles and responsibilities.
• Implement change management strategies to support employees in adapting to the new system and processes.
• Provide ongoing support and resources to address team questions and challenges after the transition.

Continuous Improvement and Monitoring

The transition to Business Central is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Continuously monitor the system’s performance and gather user feedback to identify areas for improvement. Regularly reviewing and updating your processes is essential to ensure optimal performance and alignment with business goals. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Business Central will always be at the forefront of your business’s needs.

Key Actions:

• Establish a system to monitor Business Central’s performance and effectiveness.
• Gather user feedback and conduct regular reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and enhance the system’s performance.

Cloud vs On-Premises ERP: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Embrace the Future with Business Central

The journey to Business Central is a strategic move that positions your business for future success. Whether upgrading from Dynamics NAV, transitioning from on-premises to SaaS, or moving away from legacy systems, Business Central provides a comprehensive solution that meets your needs. Embrace the change and unlock the potential of your business with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This transition is about change and the exciting opportunities and growth it can bring to your business.

By carefully planning and executing the transition, engaging stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy, providing comprehensive training, and fostering a culture of perpetual improvement, companies can achieve a successful and smooth migration to Business Central. This strategic move will empower your organization to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment, driving growth and innovation for years.

Cloud vs. ERP: Are you ready to take the next step toward Business Central?

So, Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP. Do you know which is right for you?

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to transition from Dynamics NAV to BC, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth digital transformation that will increase organizational efficiencies and profits.

Still on the fence? The many new features in the Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade tells the Cloud vs. ERP story and demonstrate how Cloud ERP trumps On-premises. The upgrade also illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to the product – and the companies that use it to maximize efficiencies.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its team of experts can guide your organization through the Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP decision and the transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

About Andrew Good

Andrew Good, CEO, Liberty Grove Software

Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove Software, a leader in digital transformation, directs the company with strategic insights that deliver impactful results. With over two decades of expertise in Microsoft technologies, Andrew has guided businesses through digital transformation across manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

Andrew’s extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge comes from Engineering, Maintenance, and operational roles at Unilever and Sony Music. Fourteen years of working with Microsoft Dynamics BC/NAV follows successful projects in ERP, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (EAM), and quality systems.

His passion for technology is matched by his love for sailing, which inspires his leadership. Andrew parallels the precision of navigating the seas and the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, offering tailored solutions to empower clients and optimize operations with innovative Microsoft-based systems.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Andrew’s Newsletter on LinkedIn

The Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade includes many new features and improvements to enhance business efficiency and profitability. Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove, recently presented the upgrade’s features.

Business Central has a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution, starting as a single-user version. As Windows evolved in 1995, Microsoft acquired The Vision and rebranded it as part of its suite of ERP solutions in 2005. The most significant evolution came in 2018 with the introduction of Business Central, a game-changing event for businesses, and the simultaneous introduction of NAV to take it to the cloud.

Microsoft updates Business Central, one of its most popular products, twice a year to keep it current and enhance its features, which companies rely on for efficient business management.

Here’s a detailed look at some of the Liberty Grove team’s favorite features of the most recent Business Central upgrade and how they can benefit businesses:

Enhanced Reporting and Analytics

The Wave 2 update elevates the reporting functionalities within Dynamics 365 Business Central, providing users with tools to gain deeper insights and conduct real-time data analysis. It is essential for informed and timely decision-making. New industry-specific templates and highly customizable dashboards make it easier for teams to visualize data and track key performance indicators (KPIs).

AI-Powered Insights and Forecasting

Business Central now leverages AI to provide predictive insights and forecasting capabilities. It helps businesses anticipate market trends, manage inventory more effectively, and make data-driven decisions that increase profitability.

Financial Management Improvements

The upgrade includes enhancements to financial management features, such as support for multiple VAT numbers and the ability to use installments on sales documents. These improvements streamline financial operations and ensure compliance with various government regulations.

Workflow Automation and Usability Enhancements

Business Central Wave 2 introduces new automation tools that simplify and expedite routine tasks. For example, Copilot can help create sales orders directly from chat, making the process faster and more efficient. Additionally, integrating with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code improves developer productivity by providing intelligent code suggestions and automating repetitive coding tasks.

Expanded E-Document Capabilities

The e-document feature in Business Central now offers more capabilities for sending documents, including integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service and expanded reporting capabilities for sustainability. That allows businesses to track their greenhouse gas emissions and other sustainability metrics, helping them meet regulatory requirements and improve their environmental impact.

Global Availability and Localization

Business Central Wave 2 expands its global availability, making it easier for businesses to operate in multiple regions and comply with local regulations. It includes support for various VAT numbers and country-specific features that cater to the unique needs of different markets.

Improved Integration with Third-Party Applications

The upgrade enhances integration with third-party applications, allowing businesses to connect Business Central with other tools and systems seamlessly. This interoperability ensures data flows smoothly across various platforms, reducing manual data entry and improving overall efficiency.

Core Application Functionality

• Copilot Integration: Enhanced Copilot capabilities for creating sales orders directly from Chat and generating product information faster.
• Sales Order Creation: Copilot can now assist in creating sales orders directly from Chat, making the process faster and more intuitive.
• Multiple VAT Numbers: Support for various VAT numbers to facilitate international business.
• Product Information: Copilot helps generate product information, such as Variables, Units of Measurement, and other details, more efficiently.

Integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service

• Service Orders: The integration now covers service orders, allowing for better coordination between Business Central and Field Service.
• Document Archiving: New capabilities to archive service management documents.

Sustainability Reporting

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: New reporting features to help companies track and report their greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in sustainability efforts.

Power Platform Integration

• Auto-Apply Templates: Templates are automatically applied when synchronizing data with Dataverse, streamlining data management.
• Subscription Billing: Improved management of subscription billing and revenue recognition.
• Shopify Connector: Enhanced integration with Shopify, including features like synchronizing product translations and defining shipping information.

User Experience Improvements

• Multi-User Warehouse Entries: More than one user can now post warehouse entries simultaneously, improving efficiency in warehouse management.
• Financial Reporting: New reports and demo data for financial reporting to help businesses better analyze their financial health.
• Project Planning: Users can add extended text to project planning lines, providing more detailed project information.

Application Enhancements

• E-Document Capabilities: Expanded capabilities for sending documents.
• Integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service: Expanded integration to cover service orders.
• Sustainability Reporting: New reporting capabilities for tracking greenhouse gas emissions.

Power Platform Integration

• Auto-Apply Templates: Auto-application of templates when synchronizing data with Dataverse.
• Subscription Billing and Revenue Recognition: Management of subscription billing and revenue and expense recognition.
• Shopify Connector: Improved Shopify connector for better integration.

Country and Regional Updates

• Legislative Capabilities: New legislative capabilities to help organizations stay compliant with various government regulations, ensuring they meet all legal requirements.

Conclusion

The Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade introduces features that streamline business processes, enhance decision-making, and improve financial management. Businesses can increase efficiencies and profit by leveraging AI-powered insights, automation tools, and expanded e-document capabilities.

The global availability and enhanced integration with third-party applications further solidify Business Central as a comprehensive business management tool for small and mid-sized organizations.

Microsoft Business Central offers a comprehensive solution that meets all your needs for managing complex business operations. With its robust tools for data management, synchronization, and correction, you can ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

Business Central is a powerful tool designed to manage complex business processes efficiently. By ensuring accurate static and transactional data, providing robust controls and workflows, and offering flexible user permissions, Business Central helps businesses maintain data integrity and operational efficiency.

Investing in Business Central means embracing a future-proof solution that supports informed decision-making and drives business success.

Ready To Make the Most of Business Central?

Liberty Grove can help you optimize Business Central to ensure your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you maximize Business Central and increase organizational efficiencies.

Related Reading

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central 2024 Release Wave 1

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Payment Automation in Business Central: A Strategic Advantage for Businesses

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs are crucial in enhancing the platform’s core functionality. Liberty Grove Software, a renowned Microsoft Partner, specializes in providing a range of ISV solutions that cater to businesses’ unique needs.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP offers business solutions with state-of-the-art functionality for a solid foundation to meet the most common business requirements.

Microsoft solutions are comprehensive and continually evolving to meet changing requirements for the market. However, customers with unique industry requirements may need more functionality.

The Liberty Grove Software team has decades of experience with best-of-class, proven Dynamics Business ISV solutions. It can recommend, implement, and support these third-party solutions to fit your operations seamlessly.

Recommended Business Central ISVs

Here’s a synopsis of some mission-critical Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs under the Liberty Grove Software umbrella:

YAVEON PROBATCH is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the life sciences industry. It offers a customized solution with a modular design for easy extension, ensuring more reliable and efficient processes2. This ISV extends Microsoft ERP with industry-relevant functions, making it a valuable addition for businesses in this sector.

CONTINIA provides innovative solutions for accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR), including expense management, AP matching, approval workflows, and document management. This ISV helps businesses streamline their financial processes and maintain accurate records.

FORNAV is a tool for creating and modifying reports for Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Business Central. It makes running legacy reports in Business Central easy, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses upgrading from NAV.

ANVEO specializes in business process solutions integrated into NAV and Business Central solutions. The company provides enhancements for mobile apps, web portals, Power Apps, and EDI, making it easier for businesses to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Lanham is a proven leader in advanced supply chain technology. It offers comprehensive management, from shipping and receiving to EDI. It is available in the cloud or on-premise and fully integrates with NAV and Business Central.

INSIGHT WORKS offers manufacturing and distribution apps, including warehouse management, inventory control, shop floor management, scheduling, Configure, Price, and Quote (CPQ). This ISV helps businesses optimize their production processes and improve overall efficiency.

Dynaway offers Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions that seamlessly integrate with Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their EAM solution helps businesses streamline maintenance operations, reduce costs, and extend asset lifetimes by providing tools for tracking maintenance assets, planning work orders, and managing spare parts inventory. This integration ensures a unified platform experience, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

Netronics provides Visual Production Scheduling (VPS) and Visual Jobs Scheduler (VJS) solutions for Dynamics 365 Business Central. These tools offer visual scheduling capabilities, allowing businesses to manage production schedules and resource planning more effectively. With features like drag-and-drop scheduling, transparency in planning, and improved resource utilization, Netronics’ solutions help businesses achieve better on-time deliveries, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance overall production efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Liberty Grove Software’s expertise in working with ISVs is invaluable for businesses leveraging Dynamics 365 Business Central. As a renowned Microsoft Partner, Liberty Grove ensures that organizations can tap into the enhanced functionalities offered by various Business Central ISVs to meet their unique operational needs.

The robust solutions provided by ISVs like YAVEON PROBATCH, CONTINIA, FOR NAV, ANVEO, Lanham, INSIGHT WORKS, Dynaway, and Netronics are seamlessly integrated into Business Central to drive efficiency, accuracy, and business growth.

Supercharging Dynamics 365 Business Central

Liberty Grove’s extensive experience and commitment to delivering best-of-class Dynamics 365 Business Central ISV solutions means businesses can rely on their expertise to recommend, implement, and support these third-party tools. By bridging the gap between standard ERP capabilities and specific industry requirements, Liberty Grove empowers businesses to maximize their investment in Dynamics 365 Business Central, ensuring a comprehensive and effective ERP solution that evolves with the market demands.

Partnering with Liberty Grove Software enhances your business operations with state-of-the-art ISV solutions and provides the confidence and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Embrace the full potential of Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs with Liberty Grove’s unparalleled expertise and comprehensive support.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you optimize Dynamics 365 BC to meet your organization’s specific needs.

Related Reading

Transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

The Importance of Keeping Business Central Data Clean

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is often the central transaction system for an organization. As such, it needs to be a trusted source of information for the daily operations and reporting. So, ensuring Business Central data is clean is essential to being a trusted resource.

Following his recent UST Education session, our CEO, Andrew Good, will explore the various Business Central resources and techniques to ensure your data starts and remains clean.

And that trusted data is based on a couple of critical areas:  

1. Ensuring the setup data is correct and keeping it clean, and when you have transactions, making sure that those flow through, have the information they need, and are gathering it as they proceed through the business.
2. Having the tools to fix issues when they arise.

This blog will address:

• The various data sources and techniques to ensure the data starts and remains clean.
• Tools to correct transactions when things go wrong.

Andrew will share some techniques to keep your static and transaction data clean. He’ll also discuss correcting transactions if they go wrong in Business Central. Because we’re going to review several different areas, we’re not going to get into any area in depth, but you will walk away with a sense of how you can set things up and keep things under control.

Overview of Business Central: A Brief Introduction

Business Central is an all-encompassing business management solution designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for small to medium-sized enterprises. It integrates various business processes, providing finance, sales, customer service, and supply chain management tools. Business Central enables organizations to make informed decisions, improve productivity, and foster growth by unifying these functions.

Business Central has a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution, starting as a single-user version. As Windows evolved in 1995, Microsoft acquired The Vision and rebranded it as part of its suite of ERP solutions in 2005. The most significant evolution came in 2018 with the introduction of Business Central, a game-changer for businesses, and the simultaneous introduction of NAV to take it to the cloud.

This evolution is crucial for you to understand, as it sets the context for the current capabilities of Business Central.

The result was that Business Central was on premises for legacy customers hosted in the cloud through data centers and private hosting or as a software-as-a-service solution (SaaS), or the cloud as we now refer to it. In 2023, many things happened. The ecosystem has continued to grow from both a user and a partner perspective. Microsoft introduced AI to Business Central last year, and the ecosystem has exploded with apps that fill in the gaps with Business Central, which is good at providing base functionality.

The Flexibility of Business Central

Organizations may have unique needs related to multi-company manufacturing or specific needs such as Food and Beverage. For instance, a manufacturing company might need to track production across multiple locations, or a Food and Beverage company might require specific inventory management features. Some apps address these differences between the base product and your needs.

If we look at critical static data that you would have in Business Central, there’s a lot of setup information, such as General Ledger sales, purchasing, manufacturing, inventory, and warehouse.

Then, you must consider those accessing the system, so user setup is essential. What permissions do they have within the system?

For example, we can start with Finance and consider various functional areas in the system. We have critical base data such as our chart of accounts and the dimensions used within Business Central posting groups. These are the background tables that record a payment from a customer. What balance sheet account has the payment hit? How does that flow into the General Ledger set up in the background so that users don’t have to pick GL accounts on a transaction-by-transaction basis?

As we move away from Finance and look at some of the other operational areas of the system, we will have customers, vendors, items, and bills of material routings. We also have work centers, machine centers, and work center groups.

That makes for a considerable amount of data you want to store correctly initially and continually as time passes.

Your organization’s chart of accounts might morph. You may need to adjust your chart of accounts by adding new accounts or dimensions. You may want to gather information in a more detailed fashion, so there might be several changes you wish to make related to dimensions.

The intent here is not to get into the dimensions in significant detail but from a Business Central perspective. You might have a typical chart of accounts where transactions flow and accumulate underneath those accounts in the General Ledger and its entries.

Dimensions are the ability of Business Central to stamp additional characteristics on each transaction. Those additional characteristics your team may have worked with when they had a segmented chart of accounts represent the various segments.

Business Central provides tremendous flexibility to accumulate data so that you can go back and look at how your organization is performing. But suppose you’re going to analyze the data down the road. In that case, you want to ensure that people aren’t adjusting a chart of accounts, changing an account number, adding new dimensions, or blocking dimensions without your control.

With these things under control, you start to have Clean Master Data or static data that you can trust.

Maximizing Efficiency with Microsoft Business Central

A robust ERP system like Microsoft Business Central is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. This powerful tool helps manage static and transactional data, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Here’s how Business Central can benefit your business and why it stands out as a top choice for managing complex business processes.

Managing Static Data

Comprehensive Setup: Business Central allows you to manage extensive static data, including pricing locations, warehouse descriptions, and more. This static data forms the foundation upon which dynamic business processes are built.

Project and Service Management: Business Central integrates project management and service management functionalities, streamlining various aspects of your business operations.

Handling Transaction Data

Versatile Journals: Business Central offers a range of journals to manage different types of transactions. These include:

• Financial and General Journals: For recording standard financial transactions.
• Recurring General Journals: For repetitive financial entries.
• Fixed Asset Journals: For managing asset transactions.
• Sales and Purchase Journals: For sales and purchase-related entries.
• Manufacturing Journals: For consuming and outputting manufacturing components.
• Item and Warehouse Journals: For inventory adjustments and warehouse management.

Transaction Tracking: Sales orders, purchase orders, and production orders in Business Central automatically build and post journals in the background, ensuring comprehensive transaction tracking and accuracy.

Key Tools and Controls

Role Centers: Each user in Business Central is assigned a role, providing a customized interface relevant to their specific tasks. That ensures users have access to the tools they need without unnecessary complexity.

Workflows for Data Validation: Business Central’s workflow functionality helps validate data setup for customers, vendors, and items. It ensures data integrity and smooth operations. For example, setting up a vendor approval workflow ensures no one can engage a vendor until their setup is fully approved, maintaining data accuracy.

Permissions Management: Business Central allows you to control user access through permission sets and security groups. That ensures that users have the appropriate access based on their roles, maintaining data security and compliance.

Dimensions and Data Integrity

Setting Up Dimensions: Business Central allows the setup of multiple dimensions to characterize transactions. These dimensions help categorize data meaningfully, enhancing reporting and analysis capabilities.

Default Values and Gatekeeper Rules: By setting up default values and gatekeeper rules, you ensure that all necessary data characteristics are present before posting transactions to the general ledger. That prevents errors and maintains data integrity.

Validation Rules: Business Central allows you to establish validation rules to prevent invalid data combinations. It ensures that only accurate and relevant data enters your system, simplifying reconciliation and reporting processes.

Benefits of Business Central

Integration with Dynamics 365: Business Central integrates seamlessly with other Dynamics 365 applications, offering a comprehensive solution for mid-sized organizations.

Enhanced User Experience: The intuitive interface and role-specific dashboards make Business Central user-friendly, reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity.

Scalability and Flexibility: Whether you operate on-premises or in the cloud, Business Central scales with your business needs, providing the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

Optimizing Business Operations with Microsoft Business Central

Microsoft Business Central provides a robust ERP solution for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and ensure data integrity. This platform offers comprehensive tools to manage static and transactional data effectively, ensuring your business runs smoothly. Here’s how Business Central can benefit your organization:

Ensuring Data Integrity

Defining Dimensions and Gatekeeper Rules

Defining dimensions and setting gatekeeper rules, essentially mandatory checks for data accuracy, are essential to maintaining accurate records. For example, if you’re dealing with inventory, you might require an item type code for every transaction. By setting this as a gatekeeper rule, any transaction missing this dimension will prompt the user to correct it, ensuring consistency and accuracy. The advantage is that once set on an item, this information flows seamlessly into transactions, reducing the need for manual entry.

Master Data Management – Synchronizing Data Across Entities

If your organization operates across multiple legal entities, such as international branches, master data synchronization is vital. Business Central allows you to set up a parent company with standardized charts of accounts, dimensions, and other data. This data can then be synchronized across all local companies, ensuring consistency. For example, a client with 47 companies uses this feature to keep their data in sync, making consolidation processes much more efficient.

Correcting Data and Ensuring Accuracy

Dimension Corrections

Mistakes happen, and Business Central provides tools for corrections when someone records data incorrectly. The Dimension Correction tool, a feature that allows you to update previously posted entries, ensures your records remain accurate. This tool is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your financial and operational data, as it allows you to correct any errors without compromising the accuracy of your records.

Audit Trails and Transaction Reversal

Business Central maintains a sequential ledger for all transactions, providing a complete audit trail. If a transaction is incorrect, you can reverse and replace it, ensuring transparency and accuracy in your records. For instance, if a sales transaction was recorded incorrectly, you can use the Transaction Reversal feature to reverse the entry and replace it with the correct one, maintaining the accuracy of your records. This feature is particularly useful in maintaining compliance and accountability.

Practical Tools for Data Management

Workflows for Data Validation

Workflows in Business Central help validate data setup, ensuring the correct configuration of customers, vendors, and items in the system. For example, a vendor approval workflow prevents using a new vendor until the setup is fully approved, maintaining data integrity from the start.

Permissions and Security

User access control is essential for data security. Business Central uses permission sets and security groups to manage user access based on their roles, ensuring users have the appropriate access while maintaining data security.

Real-World Applications

Managing Complex Transactions

For businesses involved in manufacturing, Business Central handles complex transactions like production orders. A release production order allows you to manage the production process, from component consumption to final output. This feature ensures that you can track and record all aspects of production accurately.

Keeping Data Clean

Timely Review and Validation

Regular review and validation of transactions are crucial for data accuracy. With Business Central’s proactive approach, you can set up workflows and validation rules to ensure all necessary data characteristics are present before posting transactions. This proactive approach empowers you to prevent errors and maintain the integrity of your data.

At Liberty Grove, we have one client in the manufacturing area where about three different departments touch a given item (or four!), so the engineering department sets up the new item. When they’re ready for approval, it goes from engineering to the production department to purchasing, and then ultimately, finance reviews everything and completes the approval process.

So, in that case, the client has four levels of approval before that item is used. That focus on control has paid dividends since they implemented a rigorous process and control in and around the item approval process.

At Liberty Grove, our CRM system spans both countries that we work in, and we have one CRM entity, but in the background, we have two legal entities for the transactions. One of the ways to set up a template effectively in Business Central is to set up a recurring journal.

You can establish setup templates in Business Central for customers and items, allowing you to have different types of customers, such as service or parts customers. You can set up templates, and they will populate your typical choices.

And lastly, timely review of transactions. You can resolve an issue and revisit the business process if you find it. Root cause analysis is crucial. Consider this technique when you’re running into problems in your system.

Keeping Business Central Current

Microsoft updates Business Central significantly twice a year and in a minor way another ten times a year, meaning there is a monthly update to your system when you’re in the cloud. It’s in the background, and Microsoft manages it. Additionally, you can schedule when to upgrade your sandbox, which is your test environment, versus your production environment.

Microsoft’s learning environment has evolved significantly, and there are a couple of tools related to workflows. In addition, there are tools for dimension corrections and master data management available in Microsoft Learn.

The principles and the concepts of clean data apply to any system you’re working with, whether it be CRM or accounting. If you have control of your static data and limit access to those who can access, approve, or change it, you know your transactions are trustworthy. You’re in an excellent spot to move forward, consider your techniques for dealing with exceptions when they occur, and make necessary changes.

Conclusion

Microsoft Business Central offers a comprehensive solution that meets all your needs for managing complex business operations. With its robust tools for data management, synchronization, and correction, you can ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

Business Central is a powerful tool designed to manage complex business processes efficiently. By ensuring accurate static and transactional data, providing robust controls and workflows, and offering flexible user permissions, Business Central helps businesses maintain data integrity and operational efficiency.

Investing in Business Central means embracing a future-proof solution that supports informed decision-making and drives business success.

Is Your Business Central Data Clean and Optimized?

Liberty Grove can help you make the most of Business Central to ensure your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you ensure your data in Business Central is clean and easy to analyze and understand so you can make informed business decisions.

Related Reading

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central 2024 Release Wave 1

Transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Ensuring food safety and compliance is paramount in the ever-changing food and beverage industry. Increasingly, Food and Beverage manufacturers utilize ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems to manage compliance requirements and ensure quality assurance in response to consumers’ increasing demands, tightening industry standards, and growing food recalls.

The Food and Beverage industry, with its numerous complex supply chains and innovative products, is no exception to the rule that regulatory compliance can be one of the most time-consuming and cost-intensive aspects of conducting business.

Technology, on the other hand, has the potential to simplify this process. That’s where an ERP like Liberty Grove’s DynamicsFoodERP, powered by Dynamics 365 Business Central, can be a game-changer for food and beverage manufacturers.

ERP and Its Role in the Food and Beverage Industry

ERP is a powerful software solution that integrates and manages various organizational business processes. Consider it the hub of your operations, linking multiple departments and optimizing data flow.

But what does ERP do? It goes beyond simply handling data. ERP enables companies to automate and streamline operations, enhancing decision-making, efficiency, and production. It provides a consolidated platform for storing and accessing all vital information, making it easier for employees to collaborate and achieve common goals.

In the food and beverage business, ERP systems play a critical role in managing complex processes such as inventory control, quality assurance, supply chain management, and other business aspects. By integrating these processes into a single system, ERP systems enable firms to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

In the food and beverage industry, ensuring compliance with industry standards without compromising quality is not just a goal but a necessity. ERP systems, with their sophisticated quality control modules, enable end-to-end monitoring of product quality parameters. They gather essential data from raw material inspection to finished product testing, allowing you to identify and correct errors as they occur.

ERP enables firms to meet regulatory requirements by offering a single repository for documents, certifications, and safety processes. It ensures your items satisfy the highest quality standards and protects your brand’s reputation.

Transparency and Traceability

ERP provides transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. Its capabilities include batch tracking, expiration date management, and recall management, which assist firms in maintaining quality standards and complying with safety laws.

Consider the situation in which a food product is found to be tainted. ERP enables businesses to immediately identify faulty batches, track their sources, and take appropriate action to prevent further distribution. It protects both customers and the company’s reputation.

In addition to compliance, ERP improves production planning and management, optimizes inventory levels, cuts waste, and lowers prices. It gives real-time demand forecasts, ensuring you have the correct products at the right time, preventing stockouts, and increasing customer satisfaction.

For example, assume you manufacture a range of health beverages. An ERP enables you to analyze sales data and consumer preferences to forecast demand for various types of drinks accurately. It also lets you plan your production schedule accordingly, ensuring enough inventory to fulfill client demand while reducing waste.

ERP software can also help manage multiple recipes and track ingredient costs, allowing you to make more informed pricing decisions. Estimating the cost of ingredients, labor, and overhead will enable you to set the most profitable pricing for your products while remaining competitive.

ERP Systems Assist with Inventory Management and Control

Efficient inventory management is critical in an industry with perishable items and stringent rules. ERP solutions give Food and Beverage managers real-time visibility into inventory levels, allowing them to optimize stock replenishment and lower carrying costs. ERP provides automatic reordering, barcode scanning, and serial number tracking capabilities to help you keep correct stock records and minimize overstocking or stockouts.

Also, an ERP can link with warehouse management systems, allowing for seamless pick, pack, and ship operations. This connection streamlines the supply chain, increasing order fulfillment accuracy and decreasing transit time.

Recipe and Product Costing

The profitability of food and beverage industries depends on accurately determining the costs of recipes and products. ERP systems include extensive recipe management features that enable detailed cost analysis. ERP estimates each product’s actual cost by considering ingredient costs, labor charges, overheads, and packaging costs.

This information lets you make more educated pricing decisions, uncover cost-cutting opportunities, and maximize profit margins. ERP also allows you to run “what-if” analyses to see how ingredient pricing fluctuations or production process changes affect product costs.

Supply Chain and Distribution Management

A well-organized supply chain is essential for delivering items on schedule and keeping customers satisfied. ERP systems improve supply chain performance by integrating supply and demand planning, procurement, manufacturing, and distribution operations.

ERP helps firms simplify operations, detect bottlenecks, and increase efficiency by offering real-time visibility into inventory levels, manufacturing plans, and order fulfillment status. With capabilities like automatic order entry, efficient route planning, and delivery tracking, ERP enables you to meet client requests quickly and effectively.

The Effect of ERP on Operational Efficiency: Streamlining and Reducing Waste

A top advantage of ERP software in the Food and Beverage sector is that it streamlines processes and reduces waste. ERP improves operational efficiency and reduces errors by automating tasks previously performed by humans. It also helps avoid redundant data entry and ensures proper information flow.

With better process visibility and control, your staff can detect bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and cut expenses. Real-time data analytics means data-driven decisions, elimination of guesswork, and risk mitigation.

Enhanced Decision-Making Through Real-Time Data

ERP software offers real-time visibility into numerous aspects of your business. You can effortlessly obtain essential information, including inventory levels and sales performance. This real-time data allows you to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.

ERP’s integrated reporting and analytics capabilities facilitate the development of personalized reports, the monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs), and the acquisition of insights into trends and patterns.

A data-driven decision-making process enables Food and Beverage manufacturers to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, maintain a competitive edge, and increase profits.

Improved Customer Service and Satisfaction

Flawless customer service is essential in the highly competitive food and beverage industry. An ERP system assists manufacturers in delivering products on time, managing inventory levels, and providing accurate order information, thereby improving customer service.

ERP’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) connection centralizes customer data, enabling enhanced customer segmentation, targeted marketing campaigns, and personalized support. By comprehending consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, you can improve overall satisfaction, construct enduring relationships, and enhance customer loyalty.

Enterprises in the food and beverage sector increasingly depend on ERP solutions. By selecting the appropriate system and implementing best practices, ERP can assist manufacturers in achieving long-term growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and increasing productivity.

Choosing the Right ERP System for Your Business

Before beginning your ERP journey, you must evaluate your business requirements. Take stock of your pain issues, process inefficiencies, and growth goals. When designing your ERP system requirements, consider scalability, flexibility, and ease of use.

A thorough needs analysis can help you determine the features and functionalities of your company’s needs, ensuring that the ERP system you choose corresponds with your business goals.

Conclusion

ERP offers valuable insights into consumer preferences, trends, and behavior. By analyzing marketing, sales, and supply chain data to identify patterns and trends, Food and Beverage manufacturers can more effectively customize their services to meet their customers’ requirements, resulting in increased consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.

ERP is a game-changing technology in the food and beverage industry. It guarantees compliance, reduces costs, enhances performance, increases efficiency, and streamlines operations. In the current fast-paced and competitive industry, Food and Beverage manufacturers can maintain a competitive advantage and flourish by implementing an ERP system.

Is Your Food and Beverage Company Compliant? Time for an ERP?

Liberty Grove can help you implement an ERP solution that will ensure you’re always on the right side of compliance laws.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how the Liberty Grove team can help you ensure compliance throughout the supply chain, guarantee quality, and maximize profits.

Related reading:

Food Traceability | How Cloud ERP Can Help

Compliance Matters: 8 Ways ERP Can Help Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Modern ERP for Food & Beverage: Enhancing Traceability & Recall

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

As technology evolved, businesses using Microsoft Dynamics NAV have been steadily transitioning to Dynamics 365 Business Central in recent years. As more NAV users transition, more companies ask if the benefits of transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central outweigh the pain and risk.

As any manufacturing executive knows, digital transformation is no mean feat.

It’s a minefield of possibilities – some good, some unthinkable.

Meet Alex, the CIO of a mid-sized manufacturing company, who is contemplating the transition from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC).

Alex knows the potential benefits: streamlined operations, enhanced data analytics, and cloud-based agility.

However, he harbors concerns about the migration process. The risk of data loss during the transition weighs heavily on him, as does the possibility of extended downtime that could halt production.

He’s also wary of his team’s learning curve and potential resistance to change.

Moreover, Alex is conscious that his professional reputation is on the line; a smooth transition could solidify his status as a visionary leader, but any significant setbacks could be career setbacks.

He’s methodically evaluating every angle, seeking to balance innovation with the assurance of continuity in his company’s operations.

5 Areas to Consider

The following are 5 focus areas Alex is considering in his decision to upgrade from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Microsoft Cloud

Data security, a top concern for most IT professionals, is well-addressed with the Microsoft Cloud. Renowned for its robust security measures and stability, Microsoft Cloud, backed by over 3,500 cyber-security professionals, provides a sense of confidence and peace of mind. With such a robust support system, your IT staff can focus on productivity, free from the worries of managing servers and navigating through ever-changing security regulations.

Cost

While Dynamics 365 BC may not be a cheaper alternative to Dynamics NAV on-premise, it does offer a clearer understanding of your monthly costs, enabling your team to budget and plan more effectively.

The shift to the cloud represents a significant financial change, reallocating ERP spend from infrastructure, costly servers, and upgrades to licensing fees.

The transition from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 BC is the final ‘upgrade’ you must pay for. Once you’ve implemented Dynamics 365 BC, updates occur frequently and at no cost, ensuring you’re always on the most recent version.

Modern Platform

Dynamics 365 Business Central boasts an intuitive look and feel that significantly reduces users’ training and ramp-up time. Its user-friendly interface, similar to other Microsoft solutions, makes it easy to use and adaptable. Moreover, Business Central’s flexibility allows users to access it anywhere, anytime, providing the freedom to work from any location.

More Functionality and Apps

Business Central expands on Dynamics NAV’s fundamental capabilities, including new features such as focus mode, late payment prediction, fuzzy search, and more. New apps and add-ons are introduced to AppSource daily, enhancing Business Central’s capability.

Business Insights

With Dynamics 365, businesses can readily embrace the benefits of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to become more efficient and reduce manual processes. ML can help with equipment monitoring, spam filtering, ad targeting, image detection, forecasting, and more. Microsoft’s Power Platform, comprised of Power BI, Flow, and Power Apps, gives you more accurate and timely data to help you make better business decisions.

The Benefits and Risks of Migrating from Dynamics NAV to BC

How to Overcome Risks

Migrating from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) can be a significant step for companies looking to modernize their ERP systems.

Engaging experts who have experience with the migration process can provide valuable insights and assistance and ensure that you navigate the following steps for success:

• Detailed Planning: Develop a comprehensive migration strategy that includes schedules, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Data Backup and Testing: Before migration, perform a complete data backup and test thoroughly to detect and fix any issues.
• Training and assistance: Provide intensive training and assistance for your team to ensure they are educated on the new system and ready to embrace it in their daily work. Employee buy-in will significantly facilitate a smooth transition.

Conclusion

With the help of a digital transformation expert with migration process experience, like Liberty Grove Software, Alex can adopt a series of best practices to address data migration risks. Planning and preparation are crucial; he should develop a comprehensive migration plan with a detailed data mapping strategy.

Data cleansing is essential to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness, which will help prevent issues during the transition.

A professional partner will also help Alex use Microsoft’s built-in migration tools to facilitate a smooth transition from Dynamics NAV to Business Central.

Testing the upgrade process in phases on a test server before going live will help identify and mitigate potential problems early.

Lastly, training the end-users on the new system is vital for a successful transition, ensuring everyone is comfortable and proficient with the new features and workflows of Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Is It Time for Your Organization to Move from Dynamics NAV to BC?

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to transition from Dynamics NAV to BC, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth digital transformation that will protect your organization and your reputation.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its team of experts can guide your organization through the transition from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Related reading:

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central 2024 Release Wave 1

Leveraging AI in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Liberty Grove Software helps manufacturing firms compete by automating tedious operations with Microsoft technologies. Our extensive manufacturing knowledge has established us as the preferred Microsoft partner for assisting mid-sized manufacturers in increasing production.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

The food business is one of the most strictly regulated in the world. Food traceability has become a crucial concern for manufacturers and consumers, with an increasing emphasis on food safety and quality.

This article will cover the significance of traceability in the food sector and discuss how a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system like DynamicsFoodERP from Liberty Grove, powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365, may assist in making food traceability simple.

Because of advancements in regulatory compliance, there is a steadily increasing demand for greater control in the Food and Beverage industry. Industry leaders work harder than ever to guarantee quality standards to accommodate increased customer demand while meeting higher expectations.

Regardless of such precautions, the grim reality is that most producers will eventually have to deal with a food quality issue that necessitates the product to be recalled from shop shelves – or directly from consumers after purchase. With this possibility in mind, manufacturers are turning to modern technologies to help them overcome such a crisis.

The best safeguard for firms is to deploy a cloud-based ERP solution enabling traceability throughout the organization and distribution cycles – this allows companies to recall the product promptly, fulfilling expected timescales.

Influences in the Industry

Several issues are driving the need for stricter food safety regulations.

While the industry is striving for greater control, external pressures also directly impact how manufacturers in the Food and Beverage industry conduct business.

Food and Beverage executives are learning that transparency is the best way ahead. It’s simply too dangerous to get caught up in the aftermath of a recall, mainly if harm was caused to consumers by spoilage or contamination.

High-profile leaders are collaborating with communications teams to harness the role of corporate citizens, championing the tighter requirements set by governments.

Food and Beverage manufacturers are likely to learn about a problem through the Internet – think customer reviews on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp (among others), as these are go-to platforms for dissatisfied customers to vent their disappointments. Having a long-term communications strategy for dealing with issues on the Internet can be highly effective. Meanwhile, it’s essential to maintain a well-trained and prepared customer service team, as manufacturers may expect to hear directly from individuals and businesses with whom they do business.

Factors Affecting Cost

Increased regulation requires firms to do more to preserve their brand and position in a competitive market. The downside of more robust industrial controls has one evident disadvantage: price hikes are hurting the cost of food. Some producers will raise market pricing to pocket revenues while making little attempt to improve operations.

A better-managed system provides the ability to conduct a food recall from start to finish.

Manufacturers require a completely traceable system to successfully resolve a food recall, beginning with the ingredients’ source, tracking the item(s) to the processing plant, and eventually identifying the store and possibly even the point of sale to the consumer.

Modern conveniences, particularly refrigeration, allow producers to deliver things rapidly and to any location, usually within 24 hours. Outdated issues, such as seasonality and distant locations, no longer play a role in the distribution of goods. Consumers may now eat anything they want, whenever they want, as long as they’re ready to pay the price.

The Advantages of an ERP

More than ever before, customers want to know where their food comes from. Manufacturers are grappling with the information age, and today’s consumers are demanding more information than prior generations.

For example, health-conscious customers are likely to request specifics. You can expect consumers to inquire about the source farm(s) of their goods – are they local or organic – and whether animal-based food sources have plant-based diets that are filler-free and live in a free-range environment.

Consumers are increasingly more interested in personal nutrition, health, and ethical activities. Their purchase decisions directly impact their chosen lifestyle. Regarding food safety and traceability, this is a revolution.

News headlines show glimpses of system failures with immediate consequences for customers. Examining your business system, interpreting the results, and implementing a timely plan to limit hazards to the people purchasing your products is critical.

Advantages of a Modern ERP Solution

A contemporary cloud-based ERP system can help organizations in the food and beverage industry in various ways. Some examples are:

• A modern ERP system will keep producers ahead of the curve regarding compliance with mandated food safety standards. Meanwhile, it assists the organization in better organizing its processes for maximum efficiency; this improves workflow and relations between departments within the organization, various offices separated by locale, offsite partners, and customers (whether they are meeting sales associates face-to-face or ordering from a web-based storefront).
• Investing in a business tool capable of running the entire firm and adopting additional software systems positions today’s manufacturers to meet expanding industry expectations. The sooner a firm deploys an ERP solution, the better it will thrive in today’s changing business environment.

An ERP system will provide the resources to guide a Food and Beverage manufacturer through an inquiry, providing information from robust datasets so that a company can mitigate crises and correctly handle incident outreach.

An ERP solution will remove the uncertainty from production, processing, and distribution while offering clients the assurance they want.

What exactly is food traceability?

Food traceability refers to the ability to track and trace the transit of food goods from farm to fork.

It’s critical to ensure food safety and quality and prevent and manage food recalls. Food makers can use traceability to swiftly identify and pinpoint the source of any contamination or quality issue, lowering the risk of harm to consumers and protecting the brand’s reputation.

Traceability and Its Importance in the Food Industry

The food business is subject to stringent rules imposed by government bodies such as the FDA. Food traceability is critical for achieving these rules and customers’ growing demands for transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. Traceability also assists manufacturers in improving their manufacturing processes by identifying inefficiency and improvement opportunities.

Other food safety programs, such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which includes the Safe Quality Food (SQF) standard, a GFSI-benchmarked certification program, are recognized globally and required by many retailers and food producers before they will buy a company’s products. Food distributors serving British stores must follow the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, a widely used certification standard among food manufacturers worldwide.

Furthermore, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) method, an internationally recognized method of identifying and managing food safety-related risk, manages food safety through analysis of biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the production phases: raw material production, procurement, handling, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of finished products. Many of the world’s leading manufacturers and vendors now employ the HACCP system as the foundation for their food safety management programs and GFSI audit methods.

Solutions for Food Traceability

Food traceability software is one of the most effective ways to establish food traceability.

The finest food traceability software enables enterprises to track and trace items from raw ingredients to finished goods at every level of the supply chain. This software gives real-time data on product flow and status, making discovering problems or concerns simple.

How Can an ERP System Aid with Food Traceability?

Integrating all areas of a manufacturer’s operations, such as manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain management, an ERP system can help simplify food traceability. An ERP system provides a single source of truth for all data connected to a manufacturer’s activities, making it simple to track and trace items at every level of the supply chain.

An ERP system can also assist manufacturers in meeting laws such as the FDA food traceability rule by providing real-time data on product movement and status. This data is easily accessible and evaluated, allowing for identifying and isolating any quality or safety concerns.

The final FDA rule mandates that firms that manufacture, process, pack, or store food on the Food Traceability List (FTL) keep records that include Key Data Elements (KDEs) relevant to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). Covered businesses and farms, retail food venues, and restaurants will be obliged to provide information to the FDA within 24 hours or a reasonable time agreed upon by the FDA.

Finally, food traceability is critical for guaranteeing food safety and quality, complying with government rules, and addressing consumer needs for transparency and responsibility.

An ERP system helps simplify food traceability, integrating all areas of a manufacturer’s operations, giving real-time data on the movement and status of products, and making it easier to identify and isolate quality or safety concerns.

Is it Time to Consider a Cloud ERP?

Liberty Grove can help you use many tools and services to help you achieve a successful Food and Beverage Cloud ERP deployment that will improve your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability – and ensure the traceability of products should a crisis occur.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how DynamicsFoodERP can help you through a smooth Cloud ERP deployment and give you the data insights you need to improve productivity, giving you a competitive advantage.

Related reading:

7 Ways Food and Beverage ERP Can Help Track Food Quality

Increase Employee Productivity with A Modern ERP Solution

7 Ways Food and Beverage ERP Can Help Track Food Quality

DynamicsFoodERP: What Is It and How Can It Help You?

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central / Microsoft Dynamics NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

Profit margins in the food and beverage industry have often been modest. That’s primarily because companies in this sector must bear various expenses while providing a cost-effective final product for everyday consumers – including paying personnel, procuring ingredients, maintaining equipment, and obtaining distribution contracts.

The measures reflect the reality of the situation.

So, what can manufacturers do to increase profit margins?

Of course, a food and beverage manufacturer can be financially successful; we’re talking about products that practically everyone needs, so there will always be consumer demand. But how do you capitalize on those needs?

Maintaining or increasing your bottom line takes a sound strategy and informed decision-making in a competitive market.

Read on to learn about three of the most crucial best practices in food and beverage management that can increase profit margins and how purpose-built enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology can support your efforts on these critical fronts to help you steer your company toward a more prosperous future.

Top 3 profit margin makers that manufacturers can implement with ERP

1. Succinct inventory control

In the food and beverage sector, getting the most out of the raw materials you’ve bought and the final items you’ve made is a relatively straightforward aspect of profitability management, – but it can’t be an afterthought. If you want to be sure you’re getting a decent return on your material investments, this area of operations deserves closer examination.

Excellent expiry date management is essential in this situation because spoiling is one of the significant causes of waste in the food manufacturing industry. Use first-expiry, first-out (FEFO) picking methods after recording the expiration dates of all the lots you receive, ideally in a wholly digital interface like that offered by food ERP solutions.

Your finished products should go through the same procedure. At the end of your supply chain, the retailers and restaurants will be pleased if you log the freshness ranges and ensure the products are transported in time to maximize their shelf life. That also provides customer happiness and promotes brand loyalty.

Finally, remember that maintaining proper stock levels is essential for preventing shortages at crucial times. Again, ERP systems give you complete visibility into your warehouse and the inventory you have on hand, and they can even place orders for you automatically based on parameters you specify, ensuring that you’re never in a bind and unable to meet your production goals.

2. Reliable demand prediction

You can increase your earning potential as opportunities in the market appear by being aware of what to anticipate regarding consumers’ appetites for the products you create. Several factors can influence consumers’ desire for any food and beverage product, making obtaining accurate and trustworthy demand estimates challenging.

Fortunately, ERP platforms designed for the food business give you access to the resources you need to create accurate forecasts. By integrating historical sales data and information on new market trends, you can determine when to increase the production of some lines while reducing that of others that might not be as popular during particular seasons or circumstances.

It will also assist you in deciding what ingredients to buy because you’ll be able to predict whether you’ll need more ingredients to achieve more significant achievement targets. The ability to cut or stop placing standing orders for other materials is another advantage if the items that depend on them are not profitable in the current market.

3. Dependable effectiveness and financial analytics

Identify and eliminate inefficient processes to maximize the efficacy of your production systems since they can be a significant financial drain. At the same time, you must be aware of when the supermarkets and restaurants you serve don’t accept a particular item in your lineup.

The analytics features you need to investigate problems in your processes and pinpoint their underlying causes are included in ERP software for the food sector. That makes it easier to resolve the issue that is causing the problem. You’ll constantly be aware of how well operations are being carried out thanks to an innovative system like a Food & Beverage ERP system since updates arrive in real-time.

Additionally, ERP designed for food and beverage enterprises like yours has tools for tracking the profitability of your items based on the inputs they need and how well they sell. With that knowledge, you can decide what to prioritize, reduce, or eliminate items for your future product lineup.

Tastier profits unlocked

Every food and beverage company has higher profitability as one of its main priorities. You need every advantage to stay abreast of the competition. If you want the best chance of achieving your financial goals, an ERP system specialized to your market is necessary for the above advantages and many more.

Yet, buying and installing any ERP program is insufficient if you want the cash to start coming in. You require a platform from a supplier who has in-depth knowledge of the food and beverage sector and has created their product with end users in mind, including the adoption of a user-friendly interface and industry-specific capabilities to meet your most challenging difficulties.

Ready to realize greater profits with a Food and Beverage ERP system?

The team of ERP consultants at Liberty Grove Software can direct you toward the best ERP solution for your business.

We’ll be with you through evaluation, project planning, implementation, testing, training, and ongoing support to ensure your digital transformation success.

For a free consultation on how a Food and Beverage ERP can help your food manufacturing organization become more profitable, contact Liberty Grove.

Related reading:

Critical Success Factors for the Food Manufacturers (libertygrovetech.com/website_c6b6bfc4/)

Is Your Food ERP Delivering a Solid ROI? (libertygrovetech.com/website_c6b6bfc4/)

Best 10 Reasons to Move Your On-Premises ERP to the Cloud – Liberty Grove Software

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

One of the top questions on the lips of many executives today: Is our organization recession proof?

As a Food and Beverage executive, you are likely considering the state of your ERP solution and whether it can weather future economic storms.

While the recession probability of the U.S. hovered near zero after the initial phase of the global pandemic from September 2020 to March 2022, it rose to over 30 percent in April. Sadly, it reached 50 percent by June of the same year. 

We get it: knowing how well your chosen solution will hold up over time is crucial to your success.

Your ERP should be a flexible, adaptable foundation for your company’s operations to run smoothly.

It shouldn’t just be a single technology. Future difficulties, environmental shifts, and the advent of new technology are all considerations in whether your current system is robust and can weather the storms of change. 

‘Out-of-the-box’ thinking is no longer sufficient

Because of the capabilities of industry-specific ERP solutions, the more standard packages are no longer sufficient for Food and Beverage companies. Solutions claiming to be all things to all people may fall short of the requirements needed in a particular sector. It’s crucial to have faith that the software is made for the food sector when choosing a system to last.

The best providers should assist you in customizing their solutions to your significant demands, but not every firm can consider a fully customized system. Nevertheless, it’s crucial that you feel confident that experts in the food industry have developed the system you choose. It comes down to two factors:

Industry-specific modules for tasks like warehousing can significantly improve daily operations by speeding up the search for the best answers.

You can be sure that a professional Food and Beverage ERP provider will concentrate all enhancements on the upcoming difficulties and shifting nature of the sector.

Finding the appropriate source is essential

Your relationship with your supplier is equally important as ensuring any software or hardware you purchase is appropriate for the Food and Beverage sector. Consider the supplier’s service to be of equal importance and inquire:

• Do they comprehend my company’s unique needs and requirements?
• How will they support the ERP solution’s implementation?
• How effective is their support system? Will they contribute to employee training and rapid resolution of problems?

Consider your ERP partners as more than just suppliers; they will play a significant part in the transformation of your company.

Global versus local

A sizable portion of the food ERP industry has always consisted of small, regional vendors that provide services to local businesses. Although many people find local expertise and the prospect of a personal relationship attractive, this approach is no longer the most effective. Consider the sector’s difficulties, such as addressing climate change and rising food consumption, not to mention the recent pandemic and the challenges it brought. Significant concerns call for effective solutions and engagement from bigger businesses that can allocate more funds to R&D.

The smart money is to continue with them because of the significant position that firms like Microsoft have in the global food ERP sector with their Dynamics platforms. Finding a vendor that can offer all the software benefits while having a solid support system and a vision for how ERP may help your organization is challenging for the food industry.

Scale and scope: preparing today for tomorrow’s needs

Even if you believe your solution currently benefits your company, it’s crucial to consider whether this will continue to be true. Is your existing solution well-integrated enough to let you scale up quickly in light of the development of your business?

Beyond this, your company’s direction is another important consideration. Ensure your ERP is adaptable enough to handle changes like introducing additional packaging lines, growing your personnel, or investing in new technologies.

Delivery options

On-premise hardware and software were once the standard method for delivering ERP in the food business, but more adaptive cloud-based approaches are now taking place. There is a lot to be said about comparing on-premise ERP and cloud-based ERP, but solely in terms of flexibility for the future, cloud-based solutions offer greater flexibility.

SaaS (Software as a Service) ERP ensures that updates are immediately available, reducing the time required of your IT team. Additionally, it makes it simpler for companies and providers to collaborate to pinpoint areas that need improvement.

Whether you’re considering upgrading your ERP or implementing a system for the first time, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth ERP solution and improve your odds when it comes to recession proof.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.