Dynamics NAV vs. Dynamics 365 Business Central: Spotting Similarities and Differences

When it comes to Microsoft, one thing that makes it a primary choice for organizations is the variation in the solutions. Irrespective of the size of the business, Microsoft designs the finest range of Dynamics solutions for all.

However, the variation in the options makes it a bit confusing at times for the customers to choose the best product. Consider the range of ERP solutions from Microsoft Dynamics, it leads to a little dilemma at the customer’s end when it comes to selecting the right solution amongst so many options.

Most of the time, this confusion turns into uncertainty about the usability and benefits of the product for a particular business. Since the launch of Dynamics 365 Business Central, there has been some uncertainty created within the industry when people compare Dynamics NAV and Business Central.

In the next few minutes, we will go through a detailed and defined check of the Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central Features, marking all similarities and differences. Let’s begin.

Background Check

Originated from Navision, Dynamics NAV was more of an accounting application acquired by Microsoft in 2002. Following that, Microsoft rolled out its other CRM and ERP solutions which were further introduced under the name of Dynamics NAV featuring all ERP features. Since then, the legacy continued to grow and Dynamics NAV started to have upgrades year after year until 2018 and turned DynamicsSmartz to be the Dynamics 365 Business Central Partners.

As of 2016, Microsoft announced the launch of Dynamics 365 which was the rebranding of ERP and CRM product line. Further, a newer version of Dynamics NAV was launched under the name of Business Central in 2018.

The Similarities

If you are planning to get a Microsoft Dynamics NAV upgrade, make sure you know that it is designed on the same core functionalities as Dynamics NAV. Though the core functionality and UI for these two looks similar, there are minor variations in navigation. Some of the common features include boot process, inventory, controls, worksheet, and configuration on import data.

The Differences

When it comes to differences, there is only a difference of platform as Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based solution while Microsoft Dynamics Navision Implementation is an on-premise solution. All in all, Business Central brings you a more advanced experience with greater access to apps and customization options.

If you migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central, it will bring you a better integration advantage with Office 365 and features like Power BI. Aside from this, it brings you optimized search capabilities, customizations, seamless upgrades, lower maintenance costs, and subscription licensing.

Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central – The Final Move

Even though both products offer similar functionalities, Dynamics 365 Business Central helps meet the needs of futuristic business operations through cloud and power BI. The cloud advantage makes it more convenient for the users to gain access to project data, even if multiple stakeholders are involved in the process.

Dynamics NAV is a great solution for those who need an advanced and secure on-premise solution to manage internal operations and are ready to bear all costs associated with server implementation within premises. On the other hand, Business Central comes as a complete package that not just satisfies the business needs but helps you have progressive integrations for expanding businesses. In the end, it is entirely the specific business requirements and choices that define the usability and benefit of a product.

Good Luck!

With massive industry experience on Microsoft Dynamics technology, DynamicsSmartz always aims at helping its clients with selecting any ERP, CRM, or field service automation Dynamics 365 solutions.

Get professional guidance on adopting Dynamics 365 Business Central with our experts. Plan your free consultation session today!