Microsoft Dynamics (NAV) or Microsoft Navision is especially designed for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Microsoft Navision fulfills the basic requirement of SMEs. Cost and time is the first concern point for SME. They are more focused on quality software at lower cost and implementation in lesser time. Standard implementation time for Microsoft Navision is less as compare to other branded software for SME. But for rich or customized implementation organization will have to pay a bit more because customization cost is expensive in Microsoft Navision.
Microsoft Navision should be considered as mature product especially for SME segment. It has more than 10 years of unbeaten presence in the ERP market. Navision developed by Denmark based Software Development Company which was bought by Microsoft Corporation in the beginning of 21st century. Microsoft Navision has a strong presence in the US, Europe and Africa market. Now they are making quite aggressive strategies for Asia market and Gulf market. One of the biggest competitors of Microsoft Navision is SAP Business One (B1).
Microsoft Navision has a native SQL platform and it is available on MS SQL Server. Microsoft SQL will give you more integration and reporting features. You can also use BI tools, Crystal reports. It also integrates with UNIX, Linux and Oracle.
Manufacturing is the strongest part of the Microsoft Navision. It has strong MRP (Material Requirement Planning) and production. In any ERP, implementation of manufacturing module is a very critical issue. Navision is uncovered through web portal, plus it is integrated with Microsoft CRM (Customer Relationship Management).
Microsoft Navision has its own proprietary language C/Side. Microsoft recommends MS SQL Server as the database platform, but you can implement with other database too. The future customization of Navision directions will be focused on XML web services and developers will be deploying on Microsoft Visual Studio.Net.
Nowadays, ERP system is as critical to the needs of any company. Any company cannot run competitively in the lack of suitably planned and prepared software and the better implementation.
