Most people don’t get too excited about cloud ERP, after all it is a dull subject for most. That said, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is a new kid on the block, and they are making a lot of noise in this space. Business Central is part of the same platform where people go to get Outlook, Word, Excel etc. It’s part of Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Business Central manufacturing ERP is gaining a lot of fans.
A big reason why Business Central is becoming so popular has to do with how it is licensed. Business Central is among the first cloud based ERP systems that fully supports manufacturing processes, and is truly month-to-month subscription based.
The dirty secret in the cloud ERP world is that most of the big systems are cloud and they are subscription – but they are year to year licenses. When you go looking into the bigger players, you are often laying out tens of thousands of dollars to get started. This is better than when ERP systems had a six figure price tag just to get going. With this new pricing model, for the Small and Medium company Microsoft Business Central manufacturing is far better.
Read our in-depth article on the five best cloud manufacturing ERP systems.
Get Started Fast and Cheap
You can get started with Business Central, as a manufacturing company needing ERP, for as little as $95 Canadian a month. That’s it. One user, $95 month to month. Put in your credit card and start today. Starting with Microsoft Business Central manufacturing is as easy as that.
That doesn’t include training, which we’ll talk about below, but it does include the software running in the cloud, server-less and super easy.
With the urgent problems many businesses experienced during the pandemic (mostly related to working from home, remote workforces etc.), many businesses have been re-evaluating their ERP systems. COVID 19 exposed problems with the configuration, implementation and the technology of manufacturing ERP. This has lead to an explosion of Business Central interest.
Learning Business Central | The Classic Implementation
Business Central is actually Microsoft Dynamics NAV. That’s why Microsoft Business Central manufacturing is so powerful because it leverages all of what NAV could do. If you look in the Help/About screen of Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018 you will find the version is 11.0. If you look at the Help/About screen of the first version of Business Central you would find version 12.0. That is no coincidence. Business Central is actually Microsoft Dynamics NAV. They are the same product, just sold in different ways and with a new web interface.
As cloud manufacturing ERP engagements roll out, users need Business Central manufacturing training. You will find that the vast majority of resellers are still implementing it like they did Dynamics NAV. The approach they take to implementing and training Business Central has really not changed that much, despite major changes to the product.
This classic implementation tends to be very heavy on “discovery” – which is the process of the partner learning about your business. If you are a manufacturing company, this means you are going to be teaching them manufacturing 101. The partner is going to use this consulting time, along with their strong abilities to custom program. In the end, most customers end up with a lot of consulting hours, a lot of programming hours, and a bit of training.
That can make these classic implementations tend to be harder to get government funding for, as they are heavy on consulting and programming – which is not always covered by funding.
Learning Business Central | The Quick and Dirty Way
Stealing a page from Netsuite, which was one of the earliest cloud ERP systems, many Business Central partners are offering “Quick Start” training programs. These are meant to get you up and running with the system fast and cheap. These fixed-fee implementations are entirely cookie-cutter. The partners who sell these training packages will spend a brief period of time learning about your business (if any at all) and guide you through a standard training program intended for anyone in any industry.
For those businesses where accounting processes are the most important, this can work great. They are definitely the step up from Quickbooks.
Learn about the key differences between Dynamics 365 Business Central vs QuickBooks for small to medium-sized manufacturers.
For the typical manufacturing company, these training programs leave a lot to be desired.
The partner is not really all that interested in training best practices or industry specific techniques. You may learn the basics of how Microsoft Business Central manufacturing capabilities can be used, but you’re not guided as to how best to use them for your business. Cloud manufacturing ERP can be complicated to implement because manufacturing companies are complicated.
This approach can be easier to get government funding for, but end up leaving the company with a lot of extra costs and training over and above the original package.
Learning Business Central | A Fixed Fee Business Focused Way
Some partners (such as Sabre Limited) have started to train customers not just to use Microsoft Business Central manufacturing features; but also to implement industry best practices. This can be done by partners that specialize in specific industry verticals.
There has been research done into this by a number of sources. An ERP partner with a specific industry background (such as Microsoft Dynamics manufacturing partners) has been shown to have a higher success rate implementing systems. In fact, it has been well established that partners inexperienced in an industry dramatically increases the failure rate of ERP implementations.
If you blend this high skill partner with a structured fixed fee implementation methodology, you get a very easily funded training program for ERP. For instance, Sabre Limited designed its Business Central training programs to act more like a college course than the typical ERP implementation. At the same time, the focus on change management and best practices means more quality time training staff.
The deeper focus on manufacturing leads to greater chances of success, and the well defined program makes it easier to fund. Definitely a win/win for everyone.
The Latest in Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing
Manufacturing ERP systems are continuously evolving, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is at the forefront of this transformation. With its latest updates and features, Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing is setting new benchmarks for efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Here’s a look at some of the most recent enhancements and what they mean for businesses looking to stay ahead today.
Enhancements for Efficiency and Productivity
Business Central has introduced many features aimed at streamlining operations and boosting productivity. Noteworthy among these is the introduction of barcode printing and scanning capabilities, simplifying inventory management and logistics. Additionally, enhancements in time sheet entry and General Ledger Allocations help with smoother financial operations, allowing you to distribute costs and revenues more efficiently.
The ability to edit in Excel directly from item journals and warehouse worksheets is another game-changer, making data manipulation and analysis more accessible to users. This integration between Business Central and Excel shows Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
AI and Copilot Innovations
The expansion of Copilot capabilities within Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing marks a significant leap forward in ERP systems. Marketing text suggestions, expedited bank account reconciliations, and the easy integration of generative AI into solutions are just the tip of the iceberg. These AI-driven features not only boost productivity but also pave the way for more intelligent, automated business processes.
Embracing Cloud Migration and AI Transformation
With programs like “Accelerate, Innovate, Move” (AIM), Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing is facilitating a smooth transition to the cloud, empowering organizations to overcome challenges and thrive in a competitive landscape. The integration of next-generation AI into Business Central further enhances workplace efficiency and creativity, demonstrating Microsoft’s vision for a future where businesses work smarter, not harder.
The continual updates and enhancements to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are a clear indication of Microsoft’s dedication to innovation and improvement. For manufacturing companies looking to leverage the power of a cloud ERP system, staying updated with these advancements is crucial. By embracing these new features and capabilities, businesses can not only improve their operations but also position themselves for success in the digital age.
Want to learn more about Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing?
At Sabre Limited, we are experts in manufacturing. We stand among the best Microsoft Business Central Manufacturing implementation partners across North America. What sets us apart from our competitors is that we use fixed fees instead of time and material billing and we always put the customer first.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Production Manufacturing
- Job Shop Manufacturing
- Engineer-To-Order / Custom Manufacturing
- Project Manufacturing
- Architectural Manufacturing
- Industrial Equipment Manufacturing
If you’re interested in learning more about what Sabre Limited can offer, we’ve been dedicated to helping small to medium-sized manufacturers learn and adopt Microsoft Business Central. Learn more about how much Dynamics 365 costs.
Reach out, and let’s explore how we can contribute to the success of your manufacturing journey. Contact us at info@sabrelimited.com or call (519) 585-7524. We look forward to hearing from you.
