If you are looking for an ERP solution from Microsoft, you might be confused by the options available. Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV are both popular choices, but they are not the same. In fact, Dynamics 365 Business Central is the successor of Dynamics NAV, but with some key differences.
In this article, we will compare the two solutions and help you decide which one is best for your business needs. We will use the keyword “Dynamics 365 business central NAV” to refer to both solutions interchangeably.
What are Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV?
Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV are both ERP solutions that help you manage your business processes, such as finance, sales, inventory, purchasing, manufacturing, and more.
They are designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need a comprehensive and flexible solution to run their operations efficiently and effectively.
However, there are some differences between the two solutions that you should know before making a decision.
What are the differences between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV?
The main difference between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV is their deployment model.
Dynamics NAV is an on-premise solution that can be installed on your local servers. Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based solution that is hosted on Microsoft’s servers.
This means that you can access your data and applications anytime, anywhere, and on any device with an internet connection.
Another difference is the user interface. Dynamics 365 Business Central has a more modern and user-friendly interface than Dynamics NAV.
It also uses AL language for programming, which allows for more customization and extensibility than the C/AL language used by Dynamics NAV.
A third difference is the integration with other Microsoft products.
Dynamics 365 Business Central is part of the larger Dynamics 365 suite, which includes other applications such as Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and more.
You can easily connect and share data across these applications using the Common Data Service.
You can also leverage the power of Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Azure, and AI to enhance your business capabilities.
What are the benefits of Dynamics 365 Business Central over Dynamics NAV?
Dynamics 365 Business Central has several benefits over Dynamics NAV that make it a better choice for most businesses. Some of these benefits are:
Scalability
You can easily scale up or down your resources as your business grows or changes. You only pay for what you use, and you don’t have to worry about hardware maintenance or upgrades.
Security
You can rely on Microsoft’s cloud security to protect your data and applications from threats and breaches. You also get automatic backups and disaster recovery options.
Updates
You can enjoy the latest features and improvements without having to install or download anything. Microsoft takes care of updating your system regularly and seamlessly.
Support
You can access Microsoft’s support team anytime you need help or guidance. You also get access to online resources, community forums, and training materials.
How to choose between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV?
The choice between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV depends on your business needs and preferences.
If you prefer more control and customization over your system, you might want to stick with Dynamics NAV.
However, if you want a more modern, flexible, and integrated solution that can help you grow your business in the digital age, you should consider switching to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
To help you make the best decision, we have created a table that summarizes the main features and benefits of each solution:
Feature | Dynamics 365 Business Central | Dynamics NAV |
Deployment | Cloud-based | On-premise |
User interface | Modern and user-friendly | Traditional and less intuitive |
Programming language | AL | C/AL |
Integration with other Microsoft products | High | Low |
Scalability | High | Low |
Security | High | Low |
Updates | Automatic | Manual |
Support | High | Low |