Microsoft dynamics NAV is one of the four ERP solutions of Microsoft, this software was launched by Microsoft after the acquisition of Denmark based firm Navision A/S who was original developer of this product. This product is focused on small and medium sized companies with vast features. The software comes with a set of features for manipulating and customizing the ERP for user's need which is an exceptionally powerful tool, development language can be utilized by capable programmers to rapidly customize the application and separate stored procedures are not required to be written for handling the SQL database at the back end, the language can handle both the tasks which makes customization extremely easy and effective.
Microsoft dynamics NAV helps in integrating all the departments of organization through single application, it has modules like financial, human resource, supply chain, manufacturing, business intelligence, sales and marketing and project management. Microsoft dynamics ERP has special provision for companies working at different sites and in different countries. It provides a strong and powerful core application which can adjust according to the special needs in terms of functionality or according to the special job requirements.
Microsoft dynamics NAV has strong and capable financial management module and with its multi site and international capability it becomes even more powerful and efficient for large or medium organization working at different locations. However this software contains very basic human resource options and does not provide deep functionality which may be required by its buyers. Manufacturing module which comes with the basic edition does not contain sufficient features to support all the activities of a manufacturing unit though few functions are available as add on components.
Project management module of dynamics NAV is also quite naive in terms of facilities which again may not be admired by manufacturing units. Basically Microsoft dynamics NAV by its basic functions and facilities appears more suitable for wholesale and distribution companies as it has strong features to support multi divisions and working locations.
Microsoft dynamics NAV is capable of working with multiple currencies and can provide flexible reporting for providing necessary information desired and suited to the local needs of the divisions and in the format required at the parent office. Strong tools to online access integrated and updated data improves operational efficiency and productivity of the employees. It is easy to implement compared to other Microsoft products, it is easy to integrate this software with legacy systems which also reduce time of implementation process and increase ROI.
Overall Microsoft dynamics is an easy to implement, easy to use, improves connectivity and easy to customize ERP software with few excellent features for multi-site working, business intelligence and data accessibility. But this ERP may not suite to the needs of all the medium sized companies as it requires too much customization to fit in the requirement set of certain industries. Too many add on components are required to make ERP capable of working for everyone and availability of features is very imbalanced in the business essential and advanced management editions of the ERP.
