A beginner’s guide to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

On April 2, 2018, Microsoft released its new cloud-based enterprise resource planning tool to 14 countries around the world. Known as Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, the new software brings the full power of Microsoft Dynamics NAV to the cloud.

While Business Central won't reach Australia's shores until later this year, as a trusted Microsoft Partner, Eagle360 can't wait to start implementing it and help businesses across the country succeed.

In preparation for the Australian launch, we've decided to give you an in-depth look at what you can expect from Business Central, and how it will change your organisation for the better.

Expanded capabilities

Once known as Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Business edition, the new Business Central has many more capabilities, including:

• Financial management.
• Supply chain and inventory management.
• Sales and service management.
• Project management.
• Manufacturing.
• Operations management.

The software can thus take care of all aspects of your operations, no matter what type of business you run.

A fully integrated solution

Business Central is designed for those companies that have outgrown their traditional enterprise management and accounting software. Traditionally, when a company grows they expand the technologies they use to include things like CRM (customer relationship management) software and inventory management tools.

However, it's often difficult to integrate existing accounting software with these new tools. This means employees have to spend a lot of time on manual processes and data management as they try to connect all these disparate technologies. This can in turn lead to a number of issues such as multiple databases, as well as reports and accounts that have errors or missing items.

Business Central, on the other hand, fully integrates all of these disparate platforms onto the cloud. Different capabilities can be used all in one system from anywhere, any time, allowing for true integration of business processes. The new technology can also connect with familiar Office tools such as Outlook and Word.

Further, Business Central is fully mobile-enabled, making remote work much easier, helping to take workplaces into the modern era. 

Automation leaves you to work on the tasks that matter

The complete integration that Business Central allows means that much of an organisation's workflows and processes can be automated.

Accounts are updated in real-time as purchases are made at point of sale. Inventory management systems will be able to update stock levels and place new orders when significant purchases are made of a particular item.

This frees employees from the more mundane business tasks and lets them work on what matters – adding value to the company.

Real-time data

Another key benefit of Business Central is the quality of data it can produce. The advantages and indeed necessity of accurate data in business is now clear, but that doesn't mean that all companies have access to the same information.

Because Business Central takes care of all aspects of the organisation, it can gather data on all areas in real-time. This means that business owners can finally have a complete picture of how their organisation is performing. It will enable them to see and predict trends, find out what's working and what isn't, and ultimately improve their business' bottom line.

Customisation

Business Central can grow as your business does. New features can be added or taken away as and when they're required, while applications such as WorkFlow and PowerApps enable Microsoft Partners to add custom apps to the platform.

Interested? Eagle360 is a trusted Microsoft partner. We perform a range of technology appraisal and implementation services, and we can't wait to start working with clients to help them realise the benefits of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.

To find out more, reach out today.