Dynamics NAV vs Dynamics 365 BC : What’s the Difference?

Microsoft Dynamics:

In the big family of Microsoft products, it can be difficult to choose the right tool. So while Dynamics AX became Dynamics 365 Finances and Operations and numerous apps have been added to the Dynamics 365 suite, I must admit that I receive phone calls from confused clients every now and then.

When Dynamics 365 Business Central was created, many have found that Dynamics NAV takes up less and less space, and that we would refer to Business Central instead when we spoke about ERP solutions for small and medium enterprises. What does that mean?

The difference between Dynamics NAV vs Dynamics 365 Business Central isn’t that big. It’s pretty simple actually. You want to learn how to distinguish one from the other? Understand the evolution of the Dynamics 365 suite? And understand which one is the best choice for you? I explain everything in this next blog post.

What is Dynamics NAV?

If you are looking to learn more about Dynamics NAV, we could talk more about Dynamics 365 Business Central. There’s a reason for this.

In fact, between Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central, NAV is part of the ERP suite Microsoft created to provide a complete solution to help enterprise managers manage their workload and increase their performance. Dynamics NAV is a product that can be operated on-site first, not on the cloud.

So, Dynamics NAV was filling a need for small or medium businesses. With more than 160 000 clients and more than 2.7 million users, it goes without saying that Dynamics NAV has won its bet. However, to better address the realities of its clients, Microsoft brought its two most popular solutions to the cloud.

Dynamics AX has become Dynamics 365 Finances and Operations while Dynamics NAV has become Business Central.

So, what’s the difference between Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Well, the difference isn’t in the apps or the main body of the solution. The difference is in the platform that each solution uses. Dynamics NAV vs Dynamics 365 Business Central: NAV can be implemented and operated directly on site. It’s installed on local servers. On the other hand, Dynamics 365 Business Central is hosted on the cloud. Business Central includes all the apps that you find in NAV, but they have been redesigned to work fluidly

and coherently on the cloud.

Dynamics 365 Business Central: a breath of fresh air

When I told you that Dynamics NAV could be found in Dynamics 365 Business Central, I didn’t lie. Business Central gathers the same apps that you trust and that let you manage your business from A to Z.

However, you’ll also find a solution that has been built for the cloud. That way, you’ll benefit from the fluidity, liberty and power of the cloud without the burden of on-site solutions.

Finally, you’ll find a solution:

Without silos – this allows to unify your enterprise and simplify your workload. Besides offering task automation and the integration of tools like Office and Outlook, Dynamics 365 Business Central is a solution that powers your enterprise and improves your efficiency.
Ready to evolve- with Business Central on the cloud, it has become even easier to put an ERP solution in place and extend its functions based on your growth. It allows you adopt it effortlessly.
Filled with important information – with data and a complete view of your enterprise, it gives you privileged access to analysis that will guide you to better decisions.

And so, can we expect to see Dynamics NAV 2018 take the same road?

Absolutely! Dynamics NAV 2018, according to the Microsoft, will become Dynamics 365 Business Central On-Premise. That way, the solution will join all the other Microsoft CRM and ERP solutions in the big family of Dynamics 365 for better coherence and efficiency.

Obviously, Dynamics NAV won’t change overnight: the solution will keep the same basic apps. The formula will allow a smooth transition to the new and powerful world of Dynamics.

In the fall, we should expect to see a formula for deployment on-site to meet the needs of enterprises that are still a bit worried about bringing their companies to the cloud.

Why make the transition over to the cloud with your ERP and Business Central?

We must admit that we expect to see the interest in cloud-hosted solutions expand. There are simply so many benefits.

First, because you can find a system that includes your data and your processes in the same place: no need to worry about servers or managing data backups. This way, the cloud offers the benefit of not having to deal with physical infrastructures and the costs of updating the technology. Everything is taken care of by your ERP partner!

Finally, with an ERP on the cloud, without its physical infrastructure to manage, is able to easily follow your growth. You just need to call your partner to get more hosting space, change your plan or order access to more apps. It’s that easy!

And there are a ton of benefits that I haven’t mentioned yet like savings, mobile apps or security. So if you want to know more, here’s a blog post for you.

The new function of Dynamics 365 Business Central: privileged access to apps on the cloud

As if there weren’t enough benefits to choosing the cloud. Business Central offers us the ability to download and install any extensions created by an independent vendor directly from the Microsoft AppSource. You’ll be able to test them, explore their functions, and keep them or uninstall them quickly based on your needs.