eRP as a service
Microsoft has developed two world leading ERP applications - Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) and Microsoft Dynamics AX (formerly Axapta).
Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 is a business-management solution for small and midsize organisations (< 200 users) that helps you to simplify and streamline your highly specialised business processes by rapidly adapting to the unique way you do business, enabling your people to be effective and your business to be competitive. It is a very flexible and functionally rich application. Sysco has delivered over 120 implementations in Ireland across manufacturing, distribution and service industries. |
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 is a comprehensive business management solution, also called ERP-solution, for midsize and larger organisations (> 200 users) that works like and with familiar Microsoft software. Microsoft Dynamics AX is built to make it easy to do business across locations and countries, by consolidating and standardising processes, helping to improve productivity, providing visibility across your organisation, and helping to simplify compliance. It is an industrial strength solution with many vertical industry specialisations which make it a more complex and expensive ERP solution big enough to run multinationals like Microsoft. |
What are the real differences?
First, project size is one metric that directly affects implementation costs. An AX implementation will require more resources than a NAV implementation, due to the more complicated nature of AX functionality. Another key factor is their databases. If a company is processing thousands of transactions per hour, then AX is probably a better fit. If a company requires a more flexible (i.e. adaptable) solution, then NAV is probably a better fit. Other differences may be more granular, such as how object handling differs within each solution. Most functionality differences give AX the slight upper hand. For example, AX delivers auto-allocation in its chart of accounts and has additional validation functionality for regulatory compliance. For budgeting, NAV is better due to its tight Microsoft Excel integration that AX does not have. Finally for financial capabilities, there are many standard AX capabilities that are not standard with NAV including: cash flow management, balanced scorecard, cost accounting, advanced payments, invoice registering, journal approval, free text invoices, deposit slips, and data intervals function. Sysco can, however, implement these on NAV if they are required.
The real question is what do you want this application to achieve for your business?
Based on the response you give, Sysco will determine for you which solution offers the most comprehensive capabilities for your industry. Please be aware: both products are becoming more and more alike from a user's perspective. And both products are worth serious consideration.
Priced from €99 per user per month, Ready NAV is a pay for what you want option for companies wanting to improve operational efficiency without impacting their cash flow, an important advantage in these difficult times.
