Article

As a New User of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Should You Delay Adoption to Await the Revolutionary New Version?

by Vjekoslav Babic
NAV Consultant, Microsoft Services, Microsoft

How should prospective customers of Microsoft Dynamics NAV plan their adoption, in light of the dramatic changes coming within the next few months in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009?

The dilemma is this: should you implement the existing current version, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 SP1, or should you wait for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009?

The obvious answer, given the breadth of the coming changes in user interface and architecture (as described in my previous column), would seem to be to wait. I would argue against that approach.

If you have an urgent need for an ERP system to meet your business goals, and you know that Microsoft Dynamics NAV is the right choice, there is really no need to wait. Since Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 is, from a business logic perspective, providing essentially the same innovations as Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 SP1, you are losing more than you are gaining from waiting.

Here are five suggestions which can help you implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 SP1 successfully, and at the same time prepare for a smooth transition to Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 at little in the way of extra cost:

  • Postpone the customization, not the implementation. Whatever your business management solution currently is, it is likely that standard processes in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 SP1 provide much better functionality (otherwise you wouldn't be considering it). Try implementing the standard functionality, and parameterize the system to fit your needs wherever possible. It will result in a robust solution--maybe not 100% of where you would like it to be, but probably much closer to your objectives than your existing system. Then, after Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 is released, you deploy it, and then implement customizations if you still feel you need ...

    FREE Membership Required to View Full Content:

    Joining MSDynamicsWorld.com gives you free, unlimited access to news, analysis, white papers, case studies, product brochures, and more. You can also receive periodic email newsletters with the latest relevant articles and content updates.
    Learn more about us here

    Get full access
Business Central Dynamics 365 Dynamics NAV
About Vjekoslav Babic

Vjekoslav Babić is an independent Microsoft Dynamics NAV consultant, trainer, author and blogger, with 10 years of experience in NAV and 16 years of experience in IT.

As a solutions architect and a project manager with a leading Microsoft Dynamics President's Club service provider company, as a Microsoft Dynamics NAV consultant with Microsoft Services, and as an independent consultant, he has been working on Microsoft Dynamics NAV implementations ranging from tiny one-man-bands to international mega-corporations, delivering services and trainings all over the world.

In 2008, Vjekoslav co-authored the acclaimed book "Implementing Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009". Vjekoslav runs an active blog about NAV implementation, project management and development best practices, acts as a columnist and editorial advisory board member at MSDynamicsWorld.com, and as a columnist in a number of other web or printed periodicals in Croatia and worldwide. Vjekoslav is also a frequent speaker at Microsoft or Microsoft Dynamics conferences.

Since spring 2010, Vjekoslav has been awarded the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

More about Vjekoslav Babic