Exploring Top Microsoft Technology Trends and Dynamics Business Central Insights for 2023: An Interview with Nils Peemoeller

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential, and Microsoft continues to be a major player in shaping the digital landscape. As we come towards the end of 2023, there is a growing curiosity about the emerging trends and innovations from Microsoft.

Particularly, within the Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem, there's a buzz around the concept of "fast deployable solutions" that promise to revolutionize how businesses operate digitally.

To get more insights, DynamicsSmartz invited Nils Peemoeller, an expert with hands-on experience in Dynamics Business Central.

Let Us Quickly Get To Our Expert's Point Of View

Question 1- What, according to you, are some of the top Microsoft technology trends to watch out for in 2023?

If there's one trend that's grabbing attention in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem, it's fast deployable solutions. Speed and efficiency aren't just about convenience in the digital landscape anymore. They are absolute necessities crucial to the agility and competitiveness of businesses.

We've come a long way from when it was about migrating to the cloud. While the shift was transformative, ushering in many benefits like eliminating infrastructure, rapid online activation, and substantial long-term cost savings, the evolution doesn't stop there. The landscape has changed again, and the focus in 2023 is on buying your solutions directly from Microsoft App Source.

An undeniable power is inherent in Dynamics 365 Business Central, largely thanks to the vast partner network. This expansive ecosystem has many extensions, now popularly known as apps. But the true value of these apps lies in their availability. They must be as quick and convenient to deploy as the core solutions.

The trend is all about fast deployable solutions that offer self-service for customers and partners. With Dynamics 365 Business Central and its myriad apps and extensions, the focus is on empowering businesses with tools just a few clicks away.

Just think about it. With the right solution, you can start transforming your business operations quickly. This is an incredibly exciting development, offering the power to revolutionize how businesses deploy technology and grow, innovate, and compete.

Fast deployable solutions represent more than a new feature or tool within Dynamics 365 Business Central. They are fundamentally changing the game by enabling businesses to streamline operations and boost productivity at a rapid pace. And this, without any doubt, is the top trend for 2023.

It's no longer about just getting on the cloud but rather about making the most out of it. Embracing these fast deployable solutions is indeed the way forward.

Question 2: What are some opportunities you would be looking at next year?

I have a simple but powerful mantra: Investing time today to save time tomorrow. And I've been doing just that, pouring countless hours into our products with one primary goal - shortening the deployment time.

I understand that every second counts in the fast-paced digital business world. Therefore, I’m striving to make my products powerful, versatile, quick, and convenient to deploy. It's not about cutting corners but smoothing the path, simplifying processes, and ensuring that businesses can get up and running with our solutions as quickly as possible.

Question 3: Would you like to share some Dynamics Business Central Implementation/Migration tips?

As the Managing Partner, I've had the opportunity to be deeply involved in various Dynamics implementations. My team’s work has afforded me insights into the common misconceptions and challenges surrounding these implementations.

From what I've observed, many people underestimate the significance and implications of an ERP implementation. Responsible managers often perceive a Dynamics implementation as strictly an IT project. While it's true that it involves extensive IT infrastructure and processes, an ERP implementation goes well beyond that. In reality, it's a transformational undertaking that doesn’t stop at go-live but continues as the system and processes get fine-tuned over time.

Change management is a key component that must be considered for a successful implementation. And when we talk about change management, we're talking about everyone in the company, not just the IT department or the management team. It's about preparing the entire organization for the upcoming change, aligning them with the new processes and system, and ensuring smooth transition and adoption.

Digging into the real requirements of a company is a time-consuming task, but it's an essential. Every company has its unique needs and workflows, and understanding these is crucial to customizing and configuring the Dynamics system for optimal use.

But that's just one part of the puzzle. A significant part of successful change management is getting everyone on board. This involves transparent communication about the change, educating employees about the new system, and addressing any concerns or issues they may have. After all, it's the people who will use the system daily, and their acceptance and adaptability will determine the success of the implementation.

So, as we navigate through these Dynamics implementations, we strive to emphasize the transformational nature of the project. It's not just about IT but about the entire organization. This perspective is crucial to effecting meaningful and lasting change and, ultimately, to the success of the implementation.

Question 4: How can we leverage Microsoft 365 and Dynamics Business Central for improved collaboration?

As the Managing Partner, I've attended numerous Microsoft Dynamics conferences, and I've noticed a fascinating and somewhat concerning trend. Too often, people don't invest enough time in understanding the various Extensions and apps available within the Dynamics ecosystem. In an era where the right extension or app can significantly enhance productivity and streamline operations, this could mean missed opportunities for organizations.

Consider this scenario. A customer discovers a potentially transformative solution, but their responsible partner isn't familiar with the app. This leaves the customer feeling unguided and unsure despite finding a potential solution to their business needs.

In the intricate world of ERP, a good guidance system for customers is invaluable. With the many options available, choosing the right solution is not easy. It requires a clear understanding of the customer's needs, a comprehensive overview of the available options, and the ability to match them with their requirements.

We all need a clearer understanding, or at the very least, a comprehensive overview of the available ISV solutions. With this knowledge, we can provide our customers with the guidance they need to navigate the complex ERP space and find the solutions that truly meet their needs.

So here's a tangible action point for everyone involved in this ecosystem. Let's use conferences as a platform to get in touch and initiate dialogues. Resellers and ISVs should invest more time discussing existing features and understanding customer requirements. This mutual exchange of knowledge will enhance our understanding of the solutions available and empower us to guide our customers better.

In conclusion, the key to success in the complex world of ERP is knowledge - knowledge of the customer's needs, the available solutions, and the ability to match the two. Let's prioritize this understanding and use it to guide our customers towards the best possible solutions.

Get to Know Our Influencer

What is the best event that you attended recently? What were your key takeaways?

Recently, I've had the privilege of attending the Days of Knowledge hattrick in Birmingham (UK), Dusseldorf (Germany), and Odense (Denmark). It was all about sharing knowledge, learning, and networking.

These events always bring an array of pleasant surprises and valuable insights. Meeting and interacting with the MVPs were a source of inspiration while spending quality time with the Anveo Group team strengthened our camaraderie. Amidst all this, I also received a great book recommendation and even got the chance to record some exciting social media videos.

What's your success mantra?

“Keep learning, share what you know, help and inspire others to grow. Be proud of their progress. This is the key to success.”