An ERP solution is not one-dimensional software. There are many dependencies in an ERP system that must be taken into account when setting up and using the solution. The implementation of an ERP system is therefore not nearly as easy or intuitive as the implementation of other business software. Consequently, almost all companies – regardless of whether they are large corporations or small and medium-sized companies – are looking for the help and experience of an ERP implementation partner who can provide active support here. But there is an ERP system that companies can implement themselves: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: The Solution for Small and Medium-Sized Companies
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a comprehensive ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies. It is the cloud variant of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Business Central is ideal for companies with fewer than 100 users. The solution can be so lean during implementation that you have little implementation effort and can get started after a short time. And if you plan well and follow the tips below, you can also implement the ERP system yourself – without a permanent partner.
Why can Business Central – in contrast to most other ERP Systems – be Implemented by Yourself?
Surely many of you are now asking yourself this question. What is different or so special about this ERP system that companies can shoulder the implementation themselves? Here we have summarized the most important reasons and advantages:
- Business Central is a very widespread standard solution. In USA alone, an estimated 90,000 installations (including the previous version Dynamics NAV) are in use. So you can rest assured that you will no longer have to struggle with teething problems. Furthermore, the solution has been tried and tested and offers a very good ratio of functionality to complexity.
- Business Central is preconfigured and there are corresponding wizards for commissioning functional areas, e.g. there are wizards for setting up financial accounting, VAT, etc.
- Business Central already contains many document templates that can be adapted with common Microsoft programs (e.g. Word). You don’t need a developer to make customization to your business documents. Ideally, you can even get by with the standard templates.
- Business Central has a living community that offers you help at short notice without having to contact service providers or the manufacturer. Sometimes that can be the quickest way.
- And the manufacturer itself also offers comprehensive, continuously updated online help for Business Central.
Introducing Business Central Yourself – You Should Think About This
Always remember the following principle during the introduction: “As much as necessary, but as little as possible at once!” You should never underestimate the introduction. So resist the temptation to set up everything that Business Central has to offer in terms of functions and possibilities – and that is above average for an ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies – right at the first attempt. Business Central is designed to grow with you. Of crucial importance are:
- A comprehensive documentation
- A series of video instructions that ideally also explain special business transactions
Introduce Business Central Yourself in 6 Steps
In the following, we describe a tried-and-tested approach we recommend when introducing Business Central.
- Accounting is the basis of every ERP system. Even if you don’t initially plan to do your financial accounting in Business Central, a minimal setup must be in place. The reason: The postings of individual modules always arrive in the financial accounting. If, for example, an invoice is posted, an open item is also created and the value of the stock – in the event that you have sold goods – is reduced. That’s exactly what an ERP system is all about.
- Master Data: If you sell goods, then you need at least articles and customers (debtors) and suppliers (creditors). Theoretically, you can get by without suppliers in the first step. You can either create all master data manually or import them via Excel.
- After the master data comes the processes. If you sell goods, then of course order processing is an option. Of course, there are dependencies between processes and master data. So, it is certain that master data will be changed again based on the findings in the process. But that’s not a problem, because you can try everything in a test client.
- The processes work, then you can use the business documents/receipts (delivery note, invoice and purchase order) as supplied by Business Central, or adjust the layout.
- If you haven’t already done so when setting up processes, you should test each business transaction again to make sure that everything works.
- If the tests were successful, nothing stands in the way of GoLive. Then you can work with the new solution from day X.
How to Get to Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Do you dare to introduce Business Central yourself? Then you only need the licenses and you can start. You can get these from Microsoft, for example, or directly from us. In terms of price, it makes no difference to you. However, if you purchase Business Central from us, in addition to the licenses you will receive everything you need to be successful with your new ERP system.
- We provide you with a test access. What you need for this is a Microsoft 365 account. If you don’t already have one, we can provide/set one up for you as well.
- You get exclusive access to a video library that explains step by step how to set up and use Business Central.
- We also provide you with all the information that will make the setup easier for you – be it through exclusive white papers or informative articles on our blog.
Help with Implementation of Business Central – Consulting Services by Dynamics Square
Introductory Packages and Workshops for Business Central
And if you still need support, you can book Business Central introductory packages via the Microsoft AppSource – or on our website. Here we offer a free two-hour Business Central introductory workshop. But also many workshops and coaching sessions that will help you specifically with the finance modules or projects, or coaching specifically tailored to you in terms of content. All workshops are designed as help for self-help.
