Title: What Was Navision?
1What Was Navision?
2If youve spent any time in the Microsoft
Dynamics community, youve probably heard the
term Navision mentioned, especially by those
who have worked with ERP systems for a long time.
This is because Navision was one of the most
popular accounting software products before
Microsoft Dynamics NAV came along. In fact, for
many ERP users, it was their first experience
with something other than QuickBooks. Navision
is the forerunner to Microsoft Dynamics 365
Business Central and Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Its
an accounting system with simplified business
processes, automation of day-to-day tasks and
advanced financial reports. In the '80s, a
Danish software company called PCC A/S (Personal
Computing and Consulting) produced Navision.
After its success, the firm rebranded itself
Navision Software. Many businesses liked it
because, unlike other systems at the time, it
could be run from a server and let multiple
people use it at once. Donavan Lane tells how he
was persuaded to switch to Navision after ripping
the battery out of a computer while it was
posting a transaction and having the data remain
intact in his Addend Analytics Story blog
series. Navisions Primary Market Small to
Mid-Size Manufacturers/Distributors Navision is
an accounting software program designed
specifically for mid-sized companies. It offers a
combination of simplicity and flexibility that
makes it an excellent accounting solution for
established, smaller businesses that have
outgrown their single-user solutions but still
require a simplified financial management system.
3Although developed for and sold directly by
Navision, the softwares business model was part
of what made it so adaptable. The programmes were
designed in an out-of-the-box solution that
partners such as Addend Analytics could tailor to
each clients specific needs using their
development experience. Customers were more
likely to be satisfied with the system as a
result of this strategy, and the partners
expanded into a thriving network of their own,
with specialists focused on specific
industries/sectors volunteering their expertise
to assist businesses get the most out of the
programme. Norwegian software developer Navision
had a hit on its hands when it created its
accounting program, which employed a strategy of
creating business products for distribution by
multiple partners. This technique, combined with
the scale and diversity of its market, helped
Navision become a huge success, eventually
attracting Microsofts notice. Navision Becomes
NAV In 2002, Navision became the first
billion-dollar acquisition by Microsoft outside
the US. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said of the
acquisition "As a long-term partner in user
experience, we believe that the convergence of
Windows Vista, Office 2007 and Windows Mobile
will benefit both PC and cellular phone
users. Our combined vision, business strategy,
and product portfolio will help small and
midmarket clients transform their businesses and
improve their operations. While we remain
committed to delivering the best technology for
our enterprise customers, we also want to help
organizations in this important market segment
seize opportunities to be more productive, agile
and competitive.
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5Microsoft Dynamics NAV partners include Addend
Analytics and many other companies. Navision was
renamed Microsoft Dynamics NAV shortly after
that. Microsoft has acquired and renamed four
major ERP systems, including Dynamics AX
(Axapta), Dynamics GP (Great Plains), and
Dynamics SL (Solomon). Microsoft Partners
included several of the current Navision
partners, including Addend Analytics. The
Influence of Navision Today Navision is a
business management system that includes
financial, supply chain and manufacturing
modules. Although much has changed since 2002,
the influence of Navision on NAV and, later,
Dynamics 365 Business Central has been
long-lasting. Business Central is still sold
through a partner network Addend Analytics keeps
up with product changes, thanks to Microsofts
additional resources. In addition to ERP systems,
we can now offer Cloud Services (such as Azure
and Microsoft 365). This customer-centric
approach has definitely survived the
acquisition. Business Central still appeals to
the SMB market Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an
enterprise resource planning solution that is
flexible and powerful. Dynamic 365 was created
specifically to cater to the needs of small
businesses. Microsoft has taken special care to
guarantee that the pricing model and other
aspects are tailored to the needs of this sort of
company. The breadth of capabilities delivered by
a piece of software that has been created for the
same industry for over 30 years is truly
remarkable.
6Business Central has lost none of its flexibility
to meet unique, industry-specific needs In many
ways, the Navision softwares key differentiator
has only gotten stronger over time. It is a
feature-rich and stable program that can deliver
excellent results especially with the right
partner support. Organisations that utilise cloud
technology to ensure data is available at any
time, from any location, and on any device can
benefit greatly. On top of this, Cloud ERP
systems offer businesses a convenient way to
securely store sensitive data and utilise
advanced reporting tools. Microsoft Dynamics 365
for Finance and Operations is helping companies
around the world today, whether it is a midsize
or large organization. Addend Analytics has a
team of expert Microsoft Navision ERP consultants
who can help you find the best solution for your
company's needs. Whether you need to make
improvements in your supply chain management, or
want to integrate your back office with your
Microsoft Dynamics CRM software, we have the
experience needed to help you get there. To know
more about Dynamics 365 ERP visit us now.