How to hit the ground running, ERP implementation tips

ERP Implementation Tips

Microsoft Dynamics NAV has proven time and again to be an essential tool for companies that want to make use of enterprise resource planning software in the most effective ways. For ERP software, companies hope to have a sense of familiarity with the platform and the ability to implement the software quickly, with few or no roadblocks.

A clear illustration of the importance of a successful ERP implementation occurred at Greenland Fedha Limited, which is a micro finance organization that works in Africa to help Kenyan tea farmers with funding and money management. Included in the functions that the company performs is the need to handle finance, manufacturing, customer relationship management, supply chains and analytics, explained AllAfrica.com. More specifically, GFL leveraged Microsoft Dynamics NAV to improve its business operations, including establishing a mobile payment solution.

At the same time, the new version of NAV, expected later in 2015, is leaving many organizations excited about the potential changes to workflow management, e-services integration and other new features.

Microfinance in Africa

No matter where a company operates, it needs to ensure all manner of workflows function at the highest levels possible. This is why ERP has become such an essential component of improving internal and external processes. However, there's no magic incantation to make an ERP fit to the needs of an enterprise, which means that a business has to understand what functions it requires most before selecting a provider.

"We realized that to get ahead, we needed to use technology," said Godfrey Waikato, GFL ICT manager said on AllAfrica.com. "We chose Microsoft Dynamics NAV because we could see Microsoft is trusted, well-known, offers a lot of after-sales support and most importantly has good relationships with its partners. This was the fastest implementation that we had ever seen with no down time at all."

GFL implemented Dynamics NAV cloud-based solution pretty rapidly. In total, the implementation took just three months, and in the end the company had integrated every component necessary for the optimal performance of the organization. For instance, GFL can access accounting, procurement, invoicing, inventory management and loan issuance with the mobile tool. One of the most important functions of the ERP platform is its ability to sync information from locations that are separated by large geographical expanses. Managing inventory, for example, can be very challenging in rural Africa, but NAV helps eliminate the issue.

After implementing the solution, GFL has been able to increase the number of loans it sells to farmers. The organization is also on track to begin moving into other aspects of financial services in the way of mobile banking so that it can diversify its offerings.

New improvements on the way

According to MSDynamicsWorld.com, companies can expect an update to Dynamics NAV this year. Bearing the code name Corfu, the new version of the ERP software will address three main management areas: workflow, documentation and e-services integration.

Michael Nielsen, principal engineering director for Dynamics NAV, explained one of the big changes to the application is the fact that it will use a single code base across all interfaces, whether it's the mobile, Web or desktop version. Also, in all likelihood the Web client platform will become a single-page layout so that users will stay on a single URL even when they perform different tasks. The goal is to create the most responsive environment possible.

Given the enormous potential that Microsoft Dynamics NAV brings to companies already, the future upgrades of this software appear to be very exciting indeed. If you are looking for a partner to help you evaluate and implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV, The TM Group of Michigan has years of experience working with organizations in many industries such as manufacturing and distribution.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is available as a cloud or an on-premise solution, please feel free to contact The TM Group today at 888.482.2864 or visit our website at www.tmgroupinc.com. We would be happy to discuss all your options in more detail. We look forward to hearing from you and designing the perfect solution for your company.