Selecting the right microsoft nav versions is pivotal for maximizing your ERP investment.
With perpetual and SaaS options plus on-premises and cloud deployment paths, a strategy anchored to core business objectives simplifies navigation.
This guide explores how critical elements—functionality, security, and reporting—should steer your Dynamics NAV evaluation and upgrade planning.
We’ll outline key questions to ask so you can choose the version that delivers the capabilities you need now and in the future.
Align Functionality with Roadmap
Dynamics 365 Business Central’s continuous update model means new capabilities launch every six months.
- Consider which features serve critical processes today and multi-year roadmap
- Compare recent releases to see where functionality gaps exist
- Regularly revalidate priorities against Microsoft’s release plans
Having a dynamic list of must-have functions lets you determine the minimum viable Dynamics NAV SKU and paths for expanding later.
Key Functional Considerations:
- Core financials & supply chain tools needed for operations
- Manufacturing features like bills of materials, routings, planning
- Field service and project management for service businesses
- Will you run standalone or integrate with Office 365, SharePoint, etc.?
- Do you plan to leverage Power BI, Power Apps at some point?
Documenting critical requirements now and into the future ensures you get (and stay on) the right Dynamics NAV track.
Prioritize Security and Compliance Capabilities
With growing cyber threats, security and compliance should be top-level decision drivers.
- How stringent are your data protection and privacy requirements? Factors like industry regulations, geographic coverage, and internal policies impact your needs.
- For cloud, assess Microsoft’s certifications against standards like FedRAMP, HIPAA, and GDPR.
- With perpetual licensing, understand the infrastructure and resources you must provide.
- What identity management and access controls are non-negotiable? Dynamics NAV capabilities vary by deployment type and version – know exactly what you need for users, devices, data, apps, networks.
Locking down platform security and compliance readiness avoids costly missteps.
Determine Actual Reporting Needs
Dynamics NAV delivers extensive built-in reporting through tools like Power BI Embedded plus the ability to integrate Microsoft and third-party options.
- Identify essential operational reports required
- Will pixel-perfect financial statements or custom visualizations be necessary?
- Carefully evaluate licenses – do you need Power BI Pro for designers or Premium for dedicated capacity? Start with current must-haves for spend efficiency but leave room for expansion as needs evolve.
By methodically focusing version and deployment decisions on business-critical functionality, security imperatives, and analytics requirements, you can maximize short and long-term Dynamics NAV/Business Central value.
Conclusion
Finding the right Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central edition that truly matches your business requirements is crucial for ERP success.
Between the dizzying array of perpetual licensing or SaaS options, on-prem vs cloud deployments, and Microsoft’s constant software updates, charting the optimal path forward can feel overwhelming at times.
