Systems installed in the 1990s still play a vital role in many businesses. However, the conversation about upgrading these solutions often arises. While upgrades offer new features and capabilities, not everyone can undertake them due to various constraints, such as time, cost, or more immediate business challenges. So, the question emerges: Can you teach an old NAV new tricks?
The Value of Older NAV Systems
Old Microsoft Navision and Dynamics NAV systems from the 1990s have stood the test of time, providing incredible value for money. Many of these systems were initially implemented by individuals who are still part of our team, at TNP.
Upgrade Challenges
Businesses often face obstacles when considering upgrades. Time, cost, uncertain future, or more pressing issues can make the upgrade path seem unattainable.
The Possibilities for Improvement
Despite the challenges of upgrading, older NAV systems can be enhanced in various ways, providing similar benefits to an upgrade.
Enhancing Old NAV Systems with Add-Ons
One approach involves integrating add-on solutions. These additions breathe new life into older NAV systems, optimising their functionality. Examples of add-ons include:
Continia Document Capture
Continia Document Capture is one of our favourite NAV add-on solutions. It adds a powerful document scanning capability that creates purchase invoices and matches them to purchase receipts. The beauty is that Continia still supports old versions, right back to NAV 3.7. Find out more at www.continia.com.
MobileNAV, Anveo, and Tasklet Factory
These handheld app tools can be used for a wide range of NAV-related tasks. They provide out-of-the-box functionality like warehouse automation, service engineer support, and salesperson automation features. Running on iOS, Android, or even Windows Mobile, these solutions are a great way to quickly add handheld access to your NAV solution. Find out more at www.mobilenav.com, www.anveogroup.com, and www.taskletfactory.com or talk to your Engagement Manager.
Our nHanced Assets
The nHanced suite is a range of assets created by TNP over the years – many of which can be delivered to older versions of NAV. Tools that help with dashboarding, user security management, email automation, incident management, and credit control are examples. Speak to your Engagement Manager and see what’s possible.
Jet Reports
Jet Reports from insightsoftware is a brilliantly simple Excel reporting tool that plugs right into your NAV solution. It's surprising that some companies with NAV solutions don't have this. If your company doesn't, you really should get it! It's not expensive and it's a no-brainer. For more information, visit www.insightsoftware.com/microsoft/microsoft-dynamics-nav/ or talk to your Engagement Manager.
Sana Commerce
Sana Commerce is a great ecommerce package that plugs into your NAV solution, adding both B2B and B2C capabilities for ordering goods from you. It’s an out-of-the-box solution, but of course, it has the capability to design the website to fit your brand. For more information, visit www.sana-commerce.com or speak to your Engagement Manager.
Power BI
Power BI is Microsoft’s brilliant business intelligence tool that is fast becoming the de-facto BI reporting tool. Although highly integrated with Dynamics 365 Business Central, it can equally be used with older versions of NAV or any other SQL related database. You can start small with a quick project to analyse the G/L entries or item ledger pulling in customer and item data to make a leap in your NAV reporting. It’s brilliant. For more information, talk to your Engagement Manager.
Power Apps
Power Apps is the Microsoft development platform for creating any app. Think Microsoft Access but for phone, handheld, tablet, web, as well as for PC users. If you need an app for a specific purpose, you (or we) can use Power Apps as the development tool and integrate with your old NAV data. For more information, talk to your Engagement Manager.
Leveraging External Tools
Another approach is to leverage external tools, including business intelligence tools, automation tools, handheld app technologies, and even Microsoft Excel, to transform old NAV systems for users and customers.
The Importance of Continuous Improvement
Understand the importance of continuous improvement, even without a full upgrade. Learn how businesses can move forward and become more efficient by implementing new tricks on their old NAV systems.
The possibilities for improving older NAV systems are extensive. Numerous add-on products and third-party solutions are available to enhance older versions of NAV. In fact, if you have any previous versions of this magazine, you'll see plenty of 'Lipstick on a Pig' stories!
In summary, older Dynamics NAV systems can remain highly valuable with the right enhancements. Businesses need not feel constrained by the inability to undertake costly upgrades. By exploring add-ons and external tools, they can maximise the potential of their older NAV systems, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to teach an old NAV new tricks. Additionally, we offer a service that allows upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Contact us for more details.
Even in a world of rapidly evolving technology, the age-old saying holds true: "You can teach an old NAV new tricks." Older systems can evolve and adapt, providing lasting value to businesses willing to explore the possibilities.
If you're eager to explore these options and improve your older NAV system, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts or learn more about the solutions mentioned in this article. Your old NAV system may have more tricks up its sleeve than you think.
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