Things that made me say "Wow!" about Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2018

After a fair wait (considering we were accustomed to a release every year), and after several rumors about its publication or delay, the new release of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, NAV 2018, includes some interesting features.

My reaction after a first look: Wow!

Although I had seen the Community Technology Preview (CTP) versions of the product, the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version was a surprise, as it often is. Microsoft (rightly) keeps many details hidden or little documented until the time of release.

The first thing you notice is that now Microsoft, in the product launch documentation (What's New), always presents the Web Client, while also maintaining the role-tailored client (RTC). As NAV evolves into a cloud-first application, it makes sense now to use only the Web Client or NAV Universal App for mobile devices.  The Web Client has now reached and passed the Windows Client, and most of the features related to user customization work only for the Web Client.

Microsoft has published a full list of new features on PartnerSource, as well as deployment and development documentation. I will review my favorite new features here.

Features for application users

User Personalization & Web Client: It is now possible for users to configure the Web Client individually, treating it like a desktop or interactive whiteboard where they can customize almost everything, including repositioning the Freeze Pane, moving and hiding page parts, ...