Two years ago, there was a lot of discussion about what Dynamics 365 might imply for companies utilising Dynamics CRM. We now have practical knowledge and a clearer grasp of the differences between Microsoft’s new service and its predecessor. To help you decide if switching to Dynamics 365 is worthwhile, this post will compare the features that Dynamics 365 provides over Dynamics CRM.

What is Microsoft Dynamics NAV?

The Microsoft Dynamics NAV is mainly a part of the business software. This is frequently an ERP solution that helps businesses manage background tasks and maintain daily operations.

A few industries handled by Dynamics NAV include warehouse management, business intelligence, dynamics 365 construction industry, e-commerce and retail, financial management, inventory management, human resources, manufacturing and distribution, project management, and service management.

Although it lacks all the capabilities of a complete CRM, it also has certain sales and marketing skills. The Microsoft Dynamics portfolio, which also comprises CRM and ERP software, includes Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

The product Dynamics 365 is not fully new. It also isn’t just one piece of software. It combines ERP with CRM, giving you the greatest means of integrating your business’s many components and storing your data in one location.

It is a repackaging of the more well-known Dynamics products, which are now grouped under the Dynamics 365 brand. It is a cloud-based software with many features that lets you manage all the tools and apps you need to run your business.

Although they may be connected via Microsoft’s Common Data Service for Apps, a data repository that helps Dynamics 365 apps standardise and exchange data between themselves and other MS platforms, the products are still separate legal companies.

Key Differences Between Microsoft Dynamics 365 And Microsoft Dynamics NAV

  1. MS Dynamics 365 Is Solely Cloud-Based, Whereas NAV Is Accessible Both On-Premise and in the Cloud.

As was previously said, MS Dynamics 365 operates on a cloud-based platform. When you subscribe to Dynamics 365, you’ll become a full-fledged cloud-based employee. You can only access the Microsoft products you’ve subscribed to by visiting Microsoft and signing in to your account. NAV, however, is a cloud-based and on-premises software option.

On contrast to MS Dynamics Business Central, which was newly published, on-premise NAV is for businesses that choose to run their systems locally. In contrast, it is for mobile users who wish to experiment with NAV in the cloud.

  • Customisation

NAV’s great degree of customisability is one feature that makes people adore this programme. They may access the source code and alter the programme to suit their requirements.

That is not possible with Dynamics 365. Instead of customising, you must add apps from an online shop with software created by a sizable community of Dynamics partners and independent software vendors (ISVs).    

  • Industry-Specific Solutions

NAV’s great degree of customisability is one feature that makes people prefer this programme. They may access the source code and alter the programme to suit their requirements.

That is not possible with Dynamics 365. Instead of customising, you must add apps from an online store with software created by a sizable community of Microsoft partners in UAE and independent software vendors (ISVs).    

  • Subscription-Based Pricing

Users of Dynamics 365 pay a monthly subscription cost rather than an upfront lump sum of money. Many businesses choose this because it puts less strain on their cash flow requirements. Because it is a SaaS model, you also get updates from Microsoft as long as you continue to pay the costs. However, NAV users must buy the most recent version to receive the most recent upgrades.

  • Deployment

Dynamics 365 is only offered as a cloud service. It is provided as software-as-a-service (SaaS), implying that although you possess a licence for the programme, you obtain the right to use it by signing up for a subscription plan. Furthermore, Azure servers are used to host the applications. Data storage is not a concern for the end user in the dynamics 365 construction industry.

On the other hand, Dynamics NAV may be set up on a company’s server or a third-party (or private) cloud. Each user of the NAV programme must obtain a licence, which limits flexibility.

Large worldwide corporations deploying across several locations and perhaps continents were the main target audience for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations Enterprise Edition, also formerly known as Dynamics AX. The powerful capabilities of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations surpass that of Dynamics NAV when a company has various accounting groups in various entities within a consolidated corporate structure.

Microsoft has created a wide range of productivity applications, including Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365. They assist with various business tasks and raise productivity inside your organisation. It is challenging to deploy them independently, manage them, and carry out all required upgrades while keeping a tight watch on your business. This is why you want a trustworthy IT partner.

Being a reputable and trustworthy Microsoft partner in UAE, CETAS has created a framework with tools, best practices, and support teams to give clients the best-in-class service. With their industry-ready solutions, created and deployed on the Microsoft Dynamics platform, you can meet the unique business demands of your sector while gaining an advantage over generic business solutions.

Sarah Administrator