American Unit Releases Six Modules To Fill Microsoft Dynamics NAV’s Manufacturing Gap

American Unit Inc. has released six modules that collectively convert Microsoft Dynamics NAV into a comprehensive, integrated factory management and tracking system for manufacturers and distributors.

The Frisco, Texas-based systems integrator offers NAV add-on modules for shop floor control, change log history management, inspection management and quality control, engineering change management, automated physical inventory and real-time, RF-based "smart warehouse" data. The modules may be purchased individually or collectively and work out-of-the-box or customized.

Vice President Bill Martin said the modules are targeted to manufacturers and distributors who prefer the familiarity of a Windows-based system but need comprehensive functionality that NAV doesn't offer out of the box.

"We think the target market for this is very sizeable," Martin said. "It's much more competitive and affordable for the small to mid-market business with $8 million to $300 million in annual revenues. And no one else has anything like it (for NAV) which is a competitive advantage for us."

The impetus for the project was a billion-dollar manufacturer who was evaluating NAV and other alternatives and liked NAV enough to fund the software development to fill the gaps to make it a complete solution for this vertical, Martin said.

Bharath Lanka, vice president of American Unit's Microsoft Dynamics Practice, said the work began about five years ago for this large prospect who liked NAV but wanted an integrated solution for all departments from engineering, accounting, finance and purchasing to supply management and inventory control. Instead of creating customized software, the team of more than 25 developers filled the functional gaps with standardized modules that would work for other companies in the same industry, he said.

"We've taken NAV to the next level," Lanka said. "This is a perfect (...