Microsoft Copilot for Sales is an AI assistant designed with sales teams in mind. It helps improve efficiency in closing deals and streamlines work through integration with Microsoft 365 applications.
Now, Microsoft has introduced Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales in 16 additional languages. This enables companies to communicate more effectively with customers around the world. The supported languages include:
Arabic
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
Hebrew
Hungarian
Korean
Norwegian (Bokmal)
Polish
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
These languages join the list of those already supported by Copilot: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
New Languages Will Be Added Soon
We are always improving. Today, Copilot for Microsoft 365 may not yet understand every colloquial expression or linguistic convention in a given language. We are continually refining Copilot’s language capabilities and encourage users to provide us with actionable feedback. We are also continuing to expand the list of supported languages, and will share more in coming months.
If you want to learn how Copilot for Sales supports sales teams in creating offers, managing orders, analyzing sales data, and maintaining customer relationships, contact us through the form below. We will show you how to streamline your sales process!
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system we offer to our clients, provides a wide range of features supporting various aspects of business operations, including finance, sales, purchasing, warehousing, manufacturing, and customer service.
Thanks to our partnership with Data Courage, we can now offer even more advanced capabilities. We are introducing three new extensions from Data Courage: AI Customer Intelligence, AI Financial Intelligence, and AI Item Intelligence, which will enhance functionalities in the areas of customer relationship management, financial optimization, and inventory and production management.
What capabilities will the new features bring?
Thanks to AI Customer Intelligence, our partners will be able to better understand their customers—their behaviors, preferences, and needs. The key features of AI Customer Intelligence include:
Detailed Data Analysis – Gaining insights into customer behaviors, preferences, and needs allows for discovering correlations in sales data, supporting better planning of marketing strategies.
Customer Segmentation Based on Behavior – Enables a more personalized approach and more effective marketing communications.
Churn Analysis (Identifying Risk of Customer Attrition) – Allows for early identification of customers at risk of discontinuing services or products and taking preventive actions.
AI Financial Intelligence is a tool that streamlines financial management, reducing time and the risk of errors in financial reports. It enables, among other things:
Quick P&L Analysis – Automatically generates P&L reports based on the chart of accounts.
Simple Version Management – Stores and manages multiple versions of P&L reports.
Accurate Data Mapping – Automatically maps P&L data to the chart of accounts, ensuring consistency in financial data.
AI Item Intelligence will help optimize inventory management and improve sales performance. The benefits include:
Better Understanding of Key Products – Access to data on product performance and characteristics supports more effective assortment management.
Support for Sales and Marketing Strategies – Analysis of seasonal trends and sales performance aids in the efficient planning of campaigns.
Detailed Product Data Analysis – Insights into sales history and trend identification enable faster, data-driven decision-making.
How to implement the tools?
All applications are fully integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. They are easy to use and intuitive, even for users without advanced technical knowledge.
These solutions are ideal for business owners, managers, sales teams, marketing teams, and finance teams who want to better understand their customers, optimize financial management, and effectively manage products and inventory.
If you would like to implement these solutions in your company, please fill out the form – we will contact you and present an offer tailored to the specific needs of your business.
Microsoft has introduced a native integration between the ERP systems Dynamics 365 Field Service and Dynamics 365 Business Central. This integration addresses the needs of companies that require full synchronization of financial and operational activities.
Key Capabilities
Dynamics 365 Field Service is a powerful tool designed for companies providing on-site services, such as installations, repairs, maintenance, or inspections. Improving operational efficiency is made possible through capabilities such as:
Data Synchronization: Automatically transfers data between systems, ensuring consistency and simplifying the management of all business operations.
Product Inventory and Pricing: Enables automatic inventory updates and accurate order creation.
Projects and Accounts: Facilitates seamless project tracking and client billing.
Resource Scheduling: Automatically synchronizes resources, allowing for billing based on actual usage.
Accurate Invoicing: Minimizes billing errors through automatic data synchronization between field activities and financial systems.
Efficient Planning: Assists dispatchers in scheduling technicians’ work with the help of the Copilot feature.
Mobile Access: Empowers technicians in the field with access to essential information, even offline. Capabilities like Inspections, Guides, and Remote Assist further enhance their efficiency.
New Operational Capabilities
After integration with Dynamics 365 Business Central, the system offers:
Full Operational Visibility The integration provides businesses with immediate insight into all aspects of operations—from financial management to resource management. Real-time data synchronization facilitates better planning and faster decision-making.
Process Automation Automating key processes, such as invoicing, accelerates the payment cycle, improves cash flow management, and reduces the risk of errors, thereby increasing profitability.
Support for Frontline Workers The integrated mobile app allows field workers to access essential information in real-time, speeding up task execution.
Streamlined Scheduling The Copilot feature enables dispatchers to accurately assign technicians to tasks, enhancing team efficiency.
Operational Optimization The integration accelerates company operations, significantly reducing costs and operational time.
Benefits for Businesses
The new integration is not just about streamlining operations but also delivering tangible financial benefits. Improved resource management and task scheduling reduce operational costs, while increased customer satisfaction from faster service can lead to higher revenue.
The promotion starts on August 1st. Get the details.
Microsoft Business Central is a business management system recognized by Forbes Advisor as the best ERP system of 2024. It helps manage various aspects of business operations, including finance management, accounting, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, sales, and customer service.
Starting August 1st, Microsoft is offering a 10% discount on the annual subscription of Dynamics 365 Business Central. The offer includes the system in two types of licenses:
Essential: Ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises that need basic ERP functions to manage finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and projects.
Premium: Designed for more demanding environments that utilize advanced features for manufacturing and service management.
Who is eligible for the promotion?
The promotion is intended for:
Primarily, customers who already have Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium.
Customers who have not yet used Microsoft services.
If a company doesn’t have a Microsoft subscription, it can make a purchase during the promotion period and then order Business Central with the discount.
AI-powered system: Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central includes the Copilot extension, powered by artificial intelligence. With the introduction of Microsoft Copilot, small and medium-sized businesses can easily integrate operations between Business Central and applications like Excel, Outlook, and Teams. This integration enables smoother data management and improved internal communication.
For more information about Microsoft 365 Business Central, click here.
Is your company eligible for the promotion?
How your company can benefit from the promotion? Contact us, and we’ll present tailored implementation options to meet your company’s needs. Fill out the form to learn more about taking advantage of our services under preferential terms.
On April 26-27, 2022, at the PURO hotel in Łódź, the IT Vision team had the honor of attending the annual meeting for RamBase Partners. Among the participants of the meeting, there were other leaders in the ERP system implementation market: DELEGATE, Gama System Polska Sp. z o. o., ARCUS SOFT, Todis Consulting.
A special place in the event’s program was occupied by practical workshops conducted by the RamBase team: Elin Seldal Rinden, Partner Development Manager; Hendrik Dybdahl, Customer Success Manager, Eldin Jakupovic, Business Analyst; Rafał Bruzda, Sales Manager, Marcin Feczko, Pre-Sales. A demo presentation of the RamBase system by Mr. Rafał Bruzda and a session on the value of the financial module by Ms. Małgorzata Kostyla, Chief Accountant – Autostore, combined with the practical side of operating the system, brought great value to the subsequent panel discussion.
The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere, full of good energy that encouraged the sharing of competences, ideas and perspectives.
The world of IT solutions for companies is constantly changing. From the moment where ERP was used only to support production, through highly customized and locally installed systems. Up to comprehensively supporting ERP systems installed in the cloud. Currently, however, the approach in which the basic management system is installed is gaining more and more popularity. And all additional functions of the company’s support are performed before add-ons or applications. This is why Microsoft created AppSpurce. This is where the company’s partners place their add-ons and extensions to the system. AppSource provides both customers and the partner community with excellent visibility into the availability of relevant standard solutions. And it gives you the opportunity to benefit from implementations that are easy to assemble, like Ikea furniture.
Customized systems – are they still “in vogue”
As we mentioned before, over the years, many systems have been adapted to the individual needs of each enterprise. Of course, this approach has many advantages. Users of such solutions had a system at their disposal that understood their needs well and supported their unique way of working. However, disadvantages can often be noticed with the time of using such systems. Developing a solution takes a long time and is associated with high costs and risks. However, many problems arise when performing an update. Often this is only possible with costly redeployment or up-grade is just very expensive. Customizations are one of the main reasons so many companies still use old (legacy) versions of their systems.
A big disadvantage of customized systems, especially when customization is advanced, is the time to implement them. If the system was almost entirely custom-made, its implementation could take years. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, companies don’t have that much time! They want to get the value from the management system as soon as possible. Additionally, if the implementation takes too long, the initial assumptions and processes may change. And yet the management system should support a modern company with modern processes.
Microsoft AppSource – buy the customizations you need
These experiences with customized implementations led Microsoft to create AppSource (Business Apps – Microsoft AppSource). It is an online store where you can buy (and sell) add-ons and applications supporting the work of Dynamics 365 family systems. Microsoft resellers (VARs) and their customers can use access to this global offer to create successful projects.
Currently, AppSource offers over 10,000 solutions for various types of Microsoft companies and products. On the other hand, Microsoft itself sets high standards in terms of both quality and availability. This is extremely important as these add-ons and extensions are used as part of its cloud offering. So that’s a big quality guarantee! AppSource is also good news for thousands of Dynamics 365 partners because they don’t have to develop all the solutions themselves!
Change your approach to the system and profit!
The use of these standard solutions obviously requires the acceptance, readiness and ability of the company to change business processes towards a standard solution. Using this approach will also affect your current system provider. He will have to move from developing all the solutions himself to becoming the type of broker that best selects and configures the applications that are right for your business.
AppSource supports you in your pursuit of implementations similar to those used in IKEA furniture: fast, good and cheap. Thanks to this, implementations and system updates will be faster. The quality of your solutions and support will be better. All this at a more affordable price.
The latest solutions for programmers. Easier use of artificial intelligence solutions, improvements in the best NoSQL database or building advanced applications in the cloud. This is one of the topics discussed at this year’s MyBuild conference.
We present a dose of knowledge collected thanks to MyBuild – Microsoft’s conference devoted to the work of programmers and developers.
Applications using artificial intelligence
Microsoft has shown how easy it is to create applications that use artificial intelligence. The company provides a number of services that use AI. During the conference, we were able to learn about new solutions for Azure AI.
Azure AI is a suite of services that simplifies the development environment and enables the use of artificial intelligence in key applications. The presented news in solution concern, among others, are Azure:
Machine Learning
Cognitive Services
Cognitive Search
Bot Services
Learn more how to build applications using artificial Intelligence:
Azure Cosmos DB is the best NoSQL database service. It’s provided by Microsoft and allows you to easily create new applications. During this year’s My Build, we could also learn about the latest changes that further facilitate and simplify the work of programmers and developers.
The facilities for developers include, but are not limited to, changes and new solutions introduced in the Azure Cosmos DB service.
Solutions for programmers – Diverse SaaS applications with the Microsoft cloud
This year’s news also includes updates on developing applications in the SaaS model. And also support for Microsoft’s cloud. These two solutions correspond perfectly with each other. They allow programmers and developers around the world to create applications adapted to requirements of the changing market. With Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Azure and Teams, they can quickly and easily create modern SaaS applications in the cloud. And with Microsoft’s industry-specific cloud industry components, move faster and focus on the unique challenges of your industry.
With the use of Microsoft’s cloud, programmers and developers can work easier and more efficiently by focusing on the most important parts of the application. It is possible due to the fact that Microsoft provides ready-made components or solutions
What’s new for creating diverse SaaS applications from the Microsoft cloud is for example:
Ready-made solutions for industries
New no-code / low-code solutions
Third generation languages
Get to know the latest solutions for creating SaaS applications in the Microsoft cloud:
This is how Microsoft continuously improves its Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud ERP solution
Last April, Microsoft released the new version of her successful cloud ERP solution, Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft publishes new versions of her popular ERP solution every 6 months and the amount of innovation increases with every new release. It’s not just improvements in the ERP domain itself. But also in the integration and cohesion with surrounding solutions, such as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams. To continuously improve its solutions, Microsoft actively uses the brains and creativity of its implementation partners and end-users worldwide.
Last April, Microsoft released the new version of her successful cloud ERP solution, Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft publishes new versions of her popular ERP solution every 6 months and the amount of innovation increases with every new release. It’s not just improvements in the ERP domain itself. But also in the integration and cohesion with surrounding solutions, such as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams. To continuously improve its solutions, Microsoft actively uses the brains and creativity of its implementation partners and end-users worldwide.
Dynamics 365 Business Central – comprehensive business application solution
Dynamics 365 Business Central is a comprehensive business application solution that is designed and optimized for small and midsized organizations. In April 2021, Business Central exceeded 15.000 customers worldwide and the solution is currently growing at more than 1.000 customers per month.
Since Microsoft’s start in the cloud ERP arena, the company changed her version- and release policies. Traditionally, Microsoft was used to launch new major versions of her on premise ERP and CRM solutions every two years. During the past years, the company changed that rhythm to annual basis and eventually to the semi-annual schedule that is pretty much the standard in the cloud world. What is by no means standard is the extent of innovation that Microsoft publishes in her new versions.
Continuous flow of innovations
Based on Microsoft’s huge Research & Development budgets, the company can afford to have large numbers of developers work on the further improvement of her business solutions. This results in a continuous flow of innovations – often with a (much) greater volume and more business impact than her competitors. And these innovations are not limited to the ERP domain only. They can increasingly be found in the integration with ‘surrounding products’ like Outlook and Teams.
Especially the improved integration with Teams is important these days now that most organizations have their staff work from home office. Clearly, it’s a huge advantage that Microsoft is not just a vendor for business applications, but also has a leading position in office automation with Outlook and collaboration tools like Teams. Of course, other ERP vendors will be able to connect their solutions with Teams as well. However, the deep integration between Business Central and Teams is built up from the drawing board. And that brings much more value to the Microsoft Dynamics 365 customers.
More effective implementation of improvements
To continuously improve its Dynamics 365 solutions, Microsoft implemented a so-called feedback-loop. And promoted this new way of working in the market. This structure allows her thousands of implementation partners as well as her tens of thousands of end-users worldwide to propose product improvements. In the past, the development department was hidden in a kind of ivory tower. And it was hard to get new ideas accepted. Today, the Microsoft product managers check these feedback loops on a daily basis. And with every new product release, they report a fast growing number of ideas from partners and customers that were included as part of the solution. This is a great new way to further grow Business Central into the best ERP system for SMB companies in the world!
We joined the conference for RamBase partners. During the meeting, the company presented the latest changes and new solutions added to the RamBase system. We could also get to know the implementation of the system in Aarbakke “behind the scenes” and see how RamBase can support manufacturing companies and industry 4.0. The company’s representatives also briefly summed up the company’s recent successes.
RamBase new solutions
The most interesting topic of the meeting was, of course, the news in the RamBase system. Some of the latest solutions are:
Simple logging into the system
Better desktop access to the application
Improvement of the “drag and drop” function
New module of contracts / agreements
Mobile applications
Real-time access to data in the mobile application
The team responsible for new solutions at RamBase also introduced the functioning of BI and Power BI solutions, API connections, the activity of portals and the possibilities of the mobile application. Thanks to this, we were able to better see how the RamBase system is developing. Importantly, changes and new functionalities in the system are influenced by its users and implementation partners. The team when planning and preparing new solutions is largely guided by the demand for functionalities reported by its users.
Aarbakke – manufacturing and industry 4.0
Aarbakke is RamBase’s largest customer so far. The company has implemented a system for 300 users. RamBase supports manufacturing, industry 4.0 and all processes in the company. By adjusting the processes to the best standards, the company improves its functioning using RamBase solutions and good practices. The implementation in Aarbakke shows that the purchase of a new system is a good time to introduce changes in the company.
We know RamBase team better
During the meeting, we also got to know the sales team operating in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Great Britain and, of course, in Poland. They are people who support RamBase implementation partners in their daily work, helping to better understand the needs of customers and meet their expectations.
Working on the best care of our customers is not only about implementing the best solutions and helping to improve processes. To ensure the best quality of services, we constantly expand our knowledge and acquire new skills. In addition, we always like to be up to date with the latest information on systems and solutions.
Recently, we have broadened our horizons by participating in the My Build conference organized by Microsoft. The conference is a preview of new tools and solutions that will enable developers to better solve problems and efficiently create applications.
Microsoft supports developers
Although today our main associations with Microsoft are directed towards Office 365, Teams, the Xbox console or, less frequently, Dynamics 365 management solutions, Microsoft is a company created by developers. Therefore, a lot of its attention and work is devoted to building flexible solutions for developers. Solutions which facilitate the creation of applications that best meet the needs of the market and customers. The company provides the best quality tools and services that reduce the time from an idea to launching the application. As applications are becoming more and more important in supporting our reality, not only the professional one, Microsoft is trying to make it possible for everyone to create such solutions. Even if you have no development background. The My Build conference is an event devoted mainly to the work of developers and Microsoft applications.
The main tools that are recognizable around the world are primarily the Visual Studio family, GitHub and .NET. Building the application is supported by the Microsoft cloud along with Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. As data security is crucial in a world that is becoming more and more digital, Microsoft makes sure that the solutions created in its cloud, services and tools are protected by the highest security protocols.
Developers support – areas of change
Main changes announced during the conference regarded 6 main areas:
Azure
Developers community
Identity and security in the cloud
Microsoft 365 (Graph i Teams)
Power Platform
Windows
There was also an annual competition for young, talented developers. The cup was won by the Kenyan TEAM REWEBA, which programmed an IoT-based baby monitoring solution. The solution remotely analyzes infant parameters during postpartum screening and serves as an early warning intervention system.
Soon at www.dynamicserp.pl/ we will show in detail the most important announcements from My Build 2021.
Microsoft has announced new solutions for companies using their system on EU territory – “EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud”. What do these changes mean? Certainly, data processing in the EU, better cloud availability and even greater data security in cloud solutions.
As part of the announced plan, the data processed in the organizations will not have to be transferred outside the EU and will remain within its borders. Microsoft’s commitment applies to all cloud-based solutions: Azure, Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. The company’s efforts to ensure compliance and the highest data security have already begun. Microsoft plans to implement the project “EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud” by 2022.
Microsoft is a guarantee of security
It’s worth to emphasize that cloud solutions are compliant with EU law requirements. This applies to data security or GDPR. Already, many services within the Azure cloud can be adapted to process data in the European Union. However, no matter where your data is processed, Microsoft uses world-class encryption and robust lockbox solutions.
Microsoft has already started work so that basic cloud services can both store and process in the EU all personal data of users from the commercial and public sectors in the EU. The plan includes all personal data contained in diagnostic data and data generated by services, as well as personal data used in providing technical support.
EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud – Microsoft’s data center available in 13 European countries
It is worth recalling that already in 2009 Microsoft opened the first data center in Europe. Currently, Microsoft operates (or announced the opening) data centers in 13 countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The hubs provide cloud services that help drive digital transformation, increase competitiveness, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Information technology is key to recruiting an employee
The candidate selects a new employer based partly on the quality of your IT system
The role of information technology in our daily lives is constantly increasing. Its importance is no longer surprising. Technology is important not only in our private life, but also in business life. We are currently doing more and more work in front of the computer. Especially when we work from home. Recent studies show that office workers appreciate well-implemented systems. About 80% of respondents indicate that information technology determines whether a person can work optimally. More and more often, bad solutions and poor implementations are a reason not to accept a new job offer. Or even leave the current employer.
The company’s IT system may be the dealbreaker to start cooperation
The state of the employer’s IT can be decisive when it comes to finding a job or a quitting. For one third of the youngest generation of employees (millennials), positive opinions about the IT situation in the company are a reason to start working. For a third of employees, technical stress and restrictive IT systems may be enough important reason to find another job.
The ‘2021 State of Work’ report by Workfront (an Adobe subsidiary) shows that there are differences between countries and generations when it comes to decisions related to IT frustration or positive experiences. 37% of all millennials consider the state of information systems when choosing a job, compared with 26% of Generation X. In half of the cases, British and American workers indicate that they want to leave if IT constrains them. In the case of Germany, this affects more than a quarter of the workforce.
The right IT system is the key to employee satisfaction
No wonder academics consider well-designed information systems important in their work. About 80% indicate that information technology is (very) important to improving their productivity. Only committed managers are considered more valuable and significant. A third of respondents indicate that they could be more productive and engaged if they will have better IT support. Examples of this support include better delivery of information for planning and prioritization, for remote collaboration, with an intuitive user interface. And the automation of daily routine tasks.
IT is also seen as an important tool for good collaboration with other employees. About 60% of respondents say they rely on information technology. For example, due to collaboration, work management, communication, planning and organization. 80% of respondents believe that teamwork is essential to keep a job.
Win the war for talents
With teams constantly aging, winning the hearts of young and talented new employees is a key factor for many companies. So if you want to succeed in this ongoing “war for talents“, it’s worth making sure that your IT solutions, business processes and internal collaboration are simply perfect.
In your everyday work you most likely use Microsoft solutions. Office 365 programs are no stranger to you. You know Word or Excel. You use chats and conversations on Temas. Office 365 are the most basic tools for office work. But did you know that when combined with Dynamics 365 management systems, the capabilities and importance of Office products increase? Find out what the integration of Microsoft Office 365 with Dynamics 365 solutions gives.,
CombiningMicrosoft Office 365 with Dynamics 365 management systems extends the possibilities and functionalities of your solutions. Both the Office suite and the management systems. Thanks to it, you can work even better by using additional functions.
Integration of Microsoft Office 365 with Dynamics applies to:
Word
Excel
Outlook
Share Point
One Note
Teams
Combining Office 365 solutions with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 system does not only improve everyday work. It is also an extension of the functionality of the Dynamics system. Office 365 extends both Business Central, Dynamics 365 Sales and all other solutions from the Dynamics 365 family.
Microsoft has announced Dynamics 365 new release wave 1. As part of wave 1 in 2021 there are some crucial changes in the system. Microsoft implemented over 20 new applications and 10 customers enhancements. Changes were made in areas such as: dimensions, finance and bank reconciliations, sales, relations management, inventory and manufacturing.
The areas of change for Dynamics 365 this year were customer onboarding, better integration with Microsoft products and the highest quality business solutions.
New release 2021 wave 1 – better efficiency
New realase 2021 wave 1 od Dynamics 365 is primarily better efficiency. Main change in efficiency are:
20% faster to open Role Center
98% faster to post Payment Journal
40% faster posting of background documents batches
3-5x reduction of SQL reads with Dynamics 365 Sales Integration
Web Services up to 25% faster
API Performance up to 5-6x faster
Report Performance up to 36x faster
New realase 2021 wave 1 is also an even better integration of Dynamics 365 with Power Platform solutions.
Improvements connected with fast system implementation. IT Vision has been offering quick implementation of the Business Central system for a long time. We offer two paths of rapid implementation:
From the perspective of the future customer, it is not only the possibility of faster implementation of the system that is important. The streamlined onboarding process will make it easier to start working with the system quickly and efficiently.
Global availability
Microsoft is constantly expanding the global availability of Business Central, an ERP system ideal for the SME sector. View the map and learn about the global reach of the solution.
As part of the changes made, the memory capacity and prices were updated. New user-dedicated memory capacity has been added.
From 2016 Dynamics NAV and Navision are no longer Microsoft’s flagship solutions for the medium-sized enterprise sector. On-premise solutions have been replaced by Dynamics 365 Business Central, which is based on the cloud. It is a solid cloud solution for small and medium-sized companies. After the appearance of Business Central on the market, many NAV customers are wondering what future waits for their system. And whether they can count on support from the supplier. And from implementation partners. The answer is simple: Dynamics NAV will continue to be supported by Microsoft. This information was confirmed by Mike Morton, general manager of Dynamics NAV and D365 Business Central at Microsoft Corp.
ERP and CRM systems are long-term investments
It is obvious that investments in management systems or business software are long-term investments. Companies do bear the large costs to use the ERP or CRM system for several weeks or months. That’s why it’s so important to know that the solution you’re investing in will be supported in the future. When making an investment, you want to be sure that you will receive the support you need.
The most important information on Dynamics NAV
We summarize the most important information about Dynamics NAV. We also present a scenario of transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Which is a great continuation for NAV or Navision.
Dynamics NAV highlights from Mike Morton:
“Microsoft is publishing an overview of the support and lifecycle policies on all her products including Dynamics NAV on an ongoing basis. You can find that information here: Microsoft Lifecycle Policy | Microsoft Docs”
“Microsoft is committed to continue the support on Dynamics NAV, to continue with new releases and to keep these products on the roadmap for as long as we can foresee. There is no secret plan to stop releasing new on-premise versions”
“We want to align our on-premise product and our cloud product as much as possible, but there will also be innovations that are cloud only. An example is the integration with Teams, that is only part of the cloud offering and not of the on-premise offering“
“We expect that the vast majority of innovation and the new capabilities will be at the cloud product. So we do want to encourage every Dynamics NAV customer to migrate to Business Central. We believe that the cloud product gives the best experience for our customers and is the most cost-effective scenario in the long term”
Dynamics NAV – update or migration to Business Central?
The good news for NAV/Navison customers is that support will continue. Microsoft also plans to release new versions. However, if you want to take advantage of Microsoft’s innovations, consider migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central. On this solution for the SME sector Microsoft focuses its activities. And here it creates the most of new solutions and innovations. So, if you use Dynamics NAV, it is worth preparing a migration scenario to Dynamics 365.
If you’re using NAV and you’re not ready to migrate to yet, it’s worth updating system to latest version. Thanks to this, you will provide yourself with support for the coming years.
IT Vision offers Dynamics solutions in various scenarios, tailored to the needs and expectations of customers:
On-premise – based on the customer’s own infrastructure;
Hybrid – ERP installation in the same version as on-premise, but based on IaaS – infrastructure in the cloud – e.g. Microsoft Azure;
Cloud – Dynamics fully in the cloud model.
We also have prepared solutions supporting the migration of older versions of ERP systems to modern Cloud ERP solutions.
The Envision Forum is behind us. During this year’s forum speakers talked about digital transformation and about the progress of Polish companies in this process. Many of the discussions focused on security, digital competences, and the importance of artificial intelligence.
Among the speakers there were, among others:
Brad Smith – President, Microsoft
Mark Loughran – General Manager Microsoft w Polsce
Jean-Philippe Courtois – Executive Vice President, Microsoft
Jared Spataro – Corporate Vice President, Microsoft
Charles Lamanna – Corporate Vice President, Microsoft
James Eckart – Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft
Digitalization
One of the main topic was digitalization. This process has affected most companies and employees over the past year. However, it has been a trend among developing companies for years and we will be still observing it. The digital nature of companies and their solutions is a key factor to success.
At this year’s Envision forum, we learned about the history of many companies: Link4, CCC, Rossman, PKO BP, Żabka and Budimex. This diverse catalog of companies using Microsoft 365 or Teams solutions shows that digital solutions support organizations regardless of the industry in which they are implemented.
Appropriate competences
Representatives of those companies emphasized that not only buying new technologies is important. The most important are the appropriate competences that allow us to use this technology properly. An example of focusing on competences is also the Power Platform solution, which, using low-code, allows you to create appropriate solutions without knowing any coding.
Security
Speakers also focused on solutions and data security. It is automatically provided by the Microsoft cloud and additional solutions offered by the company. Microsoft spends over a billion dollars a year on issues related to increasing the security of its products.
James Eckart, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft, while speaking about cloud solution said that “in the Cloud only the sky is the limit”. With those words he emphasized how important is to implement solutions in the cloud. Cloud is not only secure but enables easy scaling and adding new solutions which is crucial for companies which want to develop. Not only businesses, but also the reality is changing very dynamically. This is why the ability to scale your systems is so important.
James Eckart also emphasized that the observed movement from point applications to platform solutions that allow for quick and safe actions is very important.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence will play a bigger, and bigger part in the world. Work is already underway on the use of AI in road traffic regulation or in the management of planting and harvesting.
Microsoft Teams
Companies whose stories we saw at the conference emphasize the meaning of Teams application. But in approach to Teams is important to see it as a comprehensive tool, a company working model, not to see it just as a messenger. As the LOTOS Group has shown, advanced security and cooperation capabilities allow for remote work even with sensitive documents that require special security procedures.
As Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft, says our work didn’t move to home office. It moved to the cloud. Even if we return to companies full-time, to our locations, our work will remain in the cloud. It is worth remembering when implementing new solutions.
Customer-centricity
At the conference, participants also talk about an increasingly important customer-centricity. Because approach to running business has changed. Now we shouldn’t be focused on our products or services. But we should focus on meeting the customer’s needs and experiences. Customer’s needs should be the trigger for our changes. Then should we focus on increasing competitiveness, innovation, and digital competences. However, we should remember that the customer’s needs are the starting point for this process.
Summary
Most companies in Poland are aware of the importance of digital transformation. For it is not only a chance for development, but even a necessity. However, Polish companies present a very different speed of digitization. It should be remembered that digitization is not about improving systems or approaches. But it is about creating a new business and a new approach. Unfortunately, many companies still forget about it. Similarly, they should remember that the digitization process is about creating new processes, and not transferring analog processes to the cloud.
How well is your current ERP vendor weathering the crisis?
We have been in this worldwide COVID-19 crisis for almost a year now. Most of us have found our way through trial and error where others are still struggling. An interesting question is how well your current ERP vendor is doing. Do they benefit from the greatly increased demand for digitization? Or do they find it difficult to keep up with today’s fast innovation pace? An analysis.
Analysis – ERP vendor after a year of crisis
If there’s one thing that we’ve all learned during this crisis, it is that IT keeps our society going. Whether it is working from home office, digital consultation with doctors or e-learning for our children. This is of course also the case with business applications. Companies all around the world are forced to make the most of their solutions.
With that realization, the question arises how your vendors are doing these days. And how well they are weathering the crisis. After all, the success of your operation relies more and more on the support, strategy, financial performance, innovation and continuity of your ERP vendor.
Here’s a list of relevant questions that you use in the conversations with your vendors. Their answers will help you to get a better insight in their current position. And more importantly, in their ability to continue their support for your technology, business processes and performance in the near future.
List of questions for the ERP vendor
What was your total turnover in 2020? How does that compare to 2019?
What was your net income in 2020? How does that compare to 2019?
How many employees did you have by the end of 2020? How does that compare to 2019?
How many new customers did you win in 2020? How does that compare to 2019?
How many customers did you have by the end of 2020? How does that compare to 2019?
What is your R&D budget for 2021, and what is the trend in your R&D expenses?
Do you have an up-to-date product roadmap – ideally a publicly accessible one?
Do you have a strategy to move from today’s single category ERP/CRM products towards a platform approach?
The role of ERP and CRM systems is shifting. Traditionally, the emphasis was on improving the internal efficiency. With separated systems per department, business unit and/or subsidiary. While that may be practical for these entities, it didn’t really help to create an accurate overview. Since it showed what happened in the near past – not in the near future. In today’s fast changing markets, companies must use integrated business software to manage their entire business in a pro-active way. So if your current ERP and CRM system still function as a rearview mirror, you’d better exchange it for a periscope!
ERP and CRM – the key is to connect the entire company
Anyone who has to draw their information from sub-systems that are not (wholly) connected and also communicate moderately with each other must work hard to arrive at relevant steering information. And that is exactly the process that is taking place in many companies at the moment! In the process of compiling management information, these companies have to perform many repetitive actions every month. Which, as a result, requires a lot of processing time and avoidable costs.
Let’s take a project. For a healthy project result, it is important to monitor costs tightly. So you can intervene if the costs are out of step with the progress. But that requires up-to-date information all the time! After all, anyone who only finds out afterwards that action should have been taken is too late. Anyone who relies on outdated information for the controls of your company watches a rearview mirror all the time. And so can wait for accidents! After all, both opportunities and problems come to light too late.
ERP and CRM system in a company should be like a periscope
Fortunately – modern, innovative and well-integrated ERP systems are available today. Tailored to your industry, affordable and relatively easily adaptable. These solutions take care of the transactions at the operational level for you. But also help you with up-to-date steering information. In addition, you save on administrative operations, which already contributes directly to a better margin.
Are you currently automated based on island solutions? Then the choice of such a modern solution means replacing your rearview mirror with a periscope. One that can look backwards and forwards as desired. And which also displays the current position of your company at any time. This improved view is sure to help your business move forward!
Meet Power BI – a tool for advanced data analysis:
Is RamBase the best system for manufacturing companies? We ask Odd Magne Vea, RamBase’s CSO, and Paweł Prymakowski, CEO of IT Vision, how RamBase supports manufacturing companies. We answer the question of why it supports production better than other solutions. And explain how it is possible that the system can be implemented in just 8 weeks. Odd Magne and Paweł also answer whether the system is ready to support companies on the Polish market.
Maria Olszańska: Good morning. Today with me is Odd Magne Vea, CSO of RamBase Company and Paweł Prymakowski, CEO of IT Vision.
A brief history of RamBase
I would like to start this interview with quick introduction. RamBase system is an ERP born in Norway. It was originally created for Hatteland company. But when its creators saw the success of the system, they decided to share it with another entrepreneurs. So RamBase entered other markets, but when RamBase entered Polish market they joined forces with IT Vision. And it’s how IT Vision became the first implementation partner in Poland.
We have started this year’s first RamBase implementation in Poland. I think it a great opportunity to talk a about the system. And to let people know the system a little bit better.
Odd Magne, we can find in many places and resources information that RamBase is a perfect fit for manufacturing companies. Is it true? And if yes, why? What makes it special?
Odd Magne Vea: Hi, yes, as you said Maria. One of the special things about RamBase is it was originally made to support our own manufacturing company. And this also means that we have experienced the needs of the industry, first time ourselves. Unlike many other systems RamBase is built with a detail focused on manufacturing and the supply chain, where the finance system then is the result of all of these activities done in the manufacturing and the warehouse.
RamBase – a system for manufacturing companies
RamBase is not made for all types of different companies. We focus all our efforts on manufacturing and distribution companies. And the result is that we have deep and extensive functionality for our target industries.
My last point here is that RamBase is continuously updated automatically. That means that our customers don’t have to worry about technical installations, and updates, and all off these things. It also means that our customers automatically receive new and updated functionality. And that their system is never out of support.
Maria Olszańska: You mentioned several times that the specific functionalities of RamBase are the systems’ big advantage. And what are the functionalities that facilitates manufacturing? Are in RamBase some functions that other systems do not have (but should)? What are the advantages in production over other solutions?
Odd Magne Vea: A very important distinction with RamBase is that it is a fully ERP system with the specific functionality in the whole work process from the shop floor to the financial. Within the same system. And this gives our customers a great control of the whole business in one system. It means that finance can drill down into the transactions on the shop floor and have control over the full work process.
Complex needs of manufacturing companies
When it comes to functionality, we have focused on companies with complex needs in what we called regulated businesses. This means that our customers often have demanding customers themselves or regulatory report need. And very concrete examples are extensive support of traceability, serial numbering and documentation. That fits very well with many manufacturing companies and electronical manufacturing companies for instance. There is also very good integrated quality and deviation system built in to all the processes. The result of this is that our customers can realize lots of standard functionality within the same solution. And not have to use a lot of time and money to develop and modify other functionality.
Maria Olszańska: So, it is really good that we’re focusing just on manufacturing companies because we can give them what they really need. Because you as RamBase and Hatteland understand those needs.
RamBase vendors boast about the quick implementation of the system. Paweł, is it really possible to start running this system in just 8 weeks?
Paweł Prymakowski: RamBase and its projects methodology helps us to reduce significantly the time needed for the system implementation. Of course, the cloud model is also helpful. You don’t need to focus; you don’t even need to touch any technical problems. But what is important that most manufacturing functions that in typical ERP system requires some customization or add-ons. In RamBase are available just out-of-the-box so the time and cost are reduced.
Functionalities for production available “out of the box”
Also, I can add to what Odd Magne said about unique features for manufacturing. It is the fact that if you take a look onto sales order or production order you can see all the connected documents, you can see all the workflow, your status in the workflow, where are you, from one point.
So, on one screen, you need to have a big screen, but on the one screen you can see everything whatever is need for your everyday work. And what is the most impressive, what I have seen in the companies that uses RamBase in everyday work, is that on the production floor the guys have two boards in the work center. The one is with the tools like screwdrivers, drillers, or keys. And on the other is the big screen with RamBase. So, they are just all they need for everyday work. So that is really impressive that RamBase is available and helpful on each and every center on the production floor. Not only in the office.
Maria Olszańska: That’s really good. It supports not only the paperwork and the planning but also the real manufacturing and producing goods and items. But RamBase is accelerating on Polish market. As I mentioned before it was born in Norway. So, is the system prepared for Polish law, tax, and accounting requirements?
Paweł Prymakowski: I can say that together with system vendor we invested a lot of time to prepare the localization package that is not just minimal basic feature. But it covers also good practices and some optional functions that make the accounting work more efficient.
A system for manufacturing companies adapted to Polish requirements
We made use of our long experience in implementing the global systems in Poland. So, we could see what the shortages are sometimes comparing to the local solutions and we managed to create really good localization. We used our knowledge and experience in consulting the production and development of localization packages.
This is the common work of the Polish and Norwegian teams. And really good piece of collaboration, good piece of work in my opinion. So, I’m sure the localization is really top-quality model even if its continuous work that still requires a lot of time or effort to be compliant and up to date to the changes that are implementing by our regulator and also are upcoming in the near future.
Odd Magne Vea: If I can add to that. We had customers in Poland for quite many years now. And we stared to develop this localization together with those customers. The big change here came when we also got IT Vision with us. To have this local experience implementing finance for a lot of Polish companies from before. And we could kind of take system further. Not being just the foreign system with some Polish functionality. But actually, performing like local Polish system. And together with IT Vision that has been, a lot of work has been put into it, and probably will be to put in the future as well to keep it updated. But that means that our goal is to kind of, to perform like a local Polish system on all of this issues.
Maria Olszańska: That’s great! So, we have for Polish customers Norwegian system, which is really prepared for Polish requirements. Which can be implemented in just 8 weeks and is the perfect fit for manufacturing because the manufacturing company was the first one for which RamBase was created. I hope that it will encourage manufacturing companies to get a little bit more interested in RamBase system to support their everyday work. Odd Magne, Paweł, I’m really glad that we had a chance to talk a little bit about the system. And thank you for your time and the interview.
For over 20 years, IT Vision has been involved in improving the work of enterprises by implementing ERP, CRM systems and Business Intelligence solutions. IT Vision makes sure that its customers enjoy high-quality products and professional service. The company cooperates with industry leaders, especially in production, distribution and professional services. IT Vision employees constantly increase their competences, thanks to which they implement the latest solutions for their customers.
Engave specializes in the digital transformation of companies. It helps them to grow, to become more competitive. The company provides strategic technology consulting services and implements IT tools and solutions.
Establishing cooperation between Engave and IT Vision is not only about increasing the competences of employees of both companies and extending the offer for their clients. Thanks to the cooperation, the companies will jointly implement modern projects, increasing the potential of customers and improving their work.
The cooperation between IT Vision and Engave will not only allow for joint implementation of projects, but also provide even better customer service. Thanks to the established partnership, customers will have access to the offer with a wide range of high-quality services.
We are delighted to establish cooperation with a new custmer – Recomedic. We implement RamBase system for our new customer. Recomedic is a manufacturing and distribution company. It deals with the production of parts and entire assemblies used in various industrial processes, including rehabilitation and medicine. Parts manufactured by Recomedic are also used in other demanding fields. The company manufactures its products with care, making components with the accuracy of the smallest measures and weights.
Recomedic – modern company with the highest standards
Recomedic is a modern company operating in many countries. It takes care of the extremely high quality of its goods, ensuring the best manufacturing standards. In addition, the company cares about its development, wanting to constantly improve its processes and products.
It was the desire to be a modern company and streamline processes that made the company decide to implement a new management system. We believe that RamBase systemthat is ideally suited to manufacturing companies will help our customer – Recomedic achieve these goals.
“Our existing system was intended for commercial companies, and from year to year we implement more and more advanced projects that require production planning, management of extensive BOM lists and inventory. We chose Hatteland’s innovative, cloud-based ERP RamBase system in the hope that it will facilitate us to efficiently manage our enterprise resources. The available RamBase system solutions are huge, and we are sure that our dynamic development will not be hampered by insufficient capabilities of the ERP system” – Damian Mącznik, President of Recomedic.
New customer Recomedic, IT Vision i RamBase – perfect combination
Thanks to the cooperation of Recomedic with IT Vision, and to the choice of the RamBase system, our customer will receive the implemented system this quarter. RamBase will support most of the processes that the company handles. With the Recomedic system, it will receive support for manufacturing, sales, purchases, storage, and financial management.
“Recently, the ability to efficiently adapt to the market situation determines whether the company will develop and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Recomedic is a modern organization and people who impress with their care for customers and the highest quality of products. I am very pleased that The RamBase solution we provide will become a tool supporting the further development of Recomedic.” – Paweł Prymakowski, CEO, IT Vision
At IT Vision, we believe that the success of our customers is our success! Therefore, for over 20 years we have been implementing the highest quality solutions supporting the daily work of companies. We specialize in installing and adapting ERP systems and B2B platforms. Innovation, efficiency and high quality are the values that accompany us in cooperation with our customers.
RamBase system
The RamBase system is a solution that is ideal for improving the daily work of production companies and hi-tech industry. Because it was created as a solution for a production company, it perfectly meets the needs related to this industry. Additionally, its undoubted advantage is the quick implementation time. You can start working with the system after 8 weeks!
“We are proud that Recomedic has become another RamBase Cloud ERP customer in Poland. We believe that thanks to our solution, Recomedic’s production will become even more effective, which will bring tangible financial results for the company”. – Jakub Polkowski, RamBase Partner Channel Executive Poland RamBase Cloud ERP
We are glad that another company will use the RamBase system. We believe that the combination of the functionality of the system and the knowledge of IT Vision specialists will make Recomedic an even more innovative and competitive company!
Microsoft has announced new Microsoft Dynamics functionalities that will be available in 2021. During the first release this year, Microsoft is implementing functionalities that will enable companies to transform. As part of the update, many new features will be released in Dynamics 365 applications. Including: Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, Commerce, and many more.
The next release of the functionalities by Microsoft confirms again that the producer is trying to make its system adjusted to the expectations of customers and to the changing reality.
New Microsoft Dynamics Business Central functionalities
New funtionalities in Business Central are largely focused on making the user’s work easier. In addition, Microsoft improves the performance, usability and functions of the prints. Among others, it also supports user productivity through changes made to the General Ledger. Microsoft also improves the cooperation between Business Central and Microsoft Teams and improves additions to Excel and Outlook.
Editing Dimensions in Posted Entries in GL
Microsoft will provide a tool that allows you to correct dimensions for general ledger entries. As a result, the financial report provides an accurate insight into the data. No need to note down temporary input errors. For one or more entries in the general ledger, you can change dimension values, add dimensions, or delete them.
Universal Print Support – Print from any device
Universal Print is a Microsoft 365 service that modernizes, and streamlines print management and provides simple and uncomplicated printing. It allows, in the cloud version, to easily print documents from a tablet or smartphone. You can send documents and reports to any printer defined in the Universal Print management page.
View contact details from Microsoft Teams
Now in Business Central you can manage contacts and their sharing even more efficiently. The solution, among others, facilitates the work of sales and operational departments. Through seamless connections with vendors, customers and others in Microsoft Teams. With quick access to business contacts from Microsoft Teams, users don’t have to switch applications for simple searches and can view details entirely in Microsoft Teams.
Information about inventory from Dynamics 356 Sales
Dynamics 365 Sales supports you in your customer relations. However, sales orders are processed in the Business Central system. This is where the stock availability is recorded. From the point of view of sales, this is extremely important information. It is the inventory level, among others, that suggests if the order can be fulfilled.
Thanks to Business Central synchronization, you get a preview of inventory availability in Dynamics 365 Sales. Importantly, every stock change is also visible. When users enter sales order lines in Dynamics 365 Sales, the available quantity on the sales order will contain information on available inventory from Business Central.
Local versions available – Greece, Romania, Turkey, India
Microsoft is constantly increasing the range of its solutions by offering new local versions of the system. In 2021, he announced the availability of new national versions for Greece, Romania, Turkey and India.
Improvements in the user interface
In Business Central, the user interface is also being improved all the time. This makes it even more accessible and legible for the user.
Summary – New Microsoft Dynamics functionalities
Above, we have listed only the most interesting and important new functionalities of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. The current release is, however, many more changes not only in the Business Central system itself, but in all Microsoft solutions.
The next release of improvements in Microsoft Dynamics solutions, including Business Central, shows how important for Microsoft is user comfort and system development. This is good news for people using Microsoft solutions or those who are just planning to implement this system. This proves that the system is and will be developed in the future and will not require changing to another solution.
In a traditional approach, many installed solutions meet IT needs. They often operate independently, and support given areas by performing specific functions. The company has various solutions, including ERP and CRM systems. This approach to systems works well only in a situation where the employee uses only one of the subsystems in his work. However, the reality is usually different. One person uses several solutions. This approach causes problems not only for employees. It also has a negative impact on contact with the client.
In recent years, many companies have decided to install ERP and CRM systems. Some larger companies have even installed multiple ERP and CRM systems – by department, country or industry. Some systems were taken over as a result of mergers or acquisitions.
ERP and CRM systems should communicate with each other
ERP systems support back-end processes. On the other hand, CRM solutions are dedicated to front-end processes focusing on building relationships with customers. Often, the compatibility between these processes and systems is insufficient and negatively affects the quality of work. Not only your employees (who have to work with different solutions, interfaces, logics). The lack of cooperation between the systems also affects relations with customers, current and the future ones. Your two systems are like two hands and one has no idea what the other is doing! Your customers will notice it!
The described situation doesn’t only apply to ERP and CRM systems. It is important to integrate not only these two solutions. But also, all office tools, point-of-sale systems, document management and an online store. These are just a few examples of solutions that should be integrated with each other.
What might concern you is that customers are becoming more and more cautious about data processing these days. However, we can assure you that they don’t pay attention to whether you are processing data in a CRM or ERP system. They care about the security of this data. And that you provide them with the highest quality product or service, with excellent support and “hassle-free experience”.
The platform approach supports the company’s success – ERP and CRM systems
If you want to achieve success in digital transformation, and you want your business to become a customer-oriented enterprise, you should move away from distributed systems. The platform approach to management systems will be much better. This approach is possible with the installation of Microsoft solutions. All systems, tools and extensions communicate perfectly with each other. Thanks to this, you will not only improve the quality of customer service. You will also improve the daily work of employees. It will take your business to a new, higher level.
Did you know that in Norway awards the smart industrial companies? The award is granted by representatives of the industry and the Siemens company. Why are we writing about it? Because Aarbakke AS, which uses the RamBase system, was in the final of the competition. One of the systems we offer to our customers. See the company success with RamBase system.
Difficult road to success
The history of Aarbakke AS is special. First, the company has traveled a long way in changing industries. Aarbakke started out as a horseshoe maker. However, the market was changing, the demand was falling. So, the company started producing equipment for the maritime industry. The company’s main products in recent years have been offshore drilling equipment and equipment that helps pump hydrocarbons from wells to land or ships.
Restructuring and digitization guarantee success
But the necessity to change things was not the end of Aarbakke’s difficult journey. A few years ago, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. This situation required bold steps. The company decided to restructure and digitize. The change, which lasted 3 years, was a success. Today, the company aims to become the greenest producer of the oil industry in the world within 5 years.
Today, the company is achieving amazing results. The turnover in 2017 was 420 million Norwegian crowns, and in 2020 it was almost 1.1 billion.
The RamBase system, which Aarbakke chose, definitely helped in its digitization. We believe that it was also thanks to RamBase that the company could reach for the nomination for the award. The CEO of Aarbakke, Inge-Brigt Aarbakke, explains that the RamBase architecture facilitates the use of all the needed functionalities from the very first day. He also emphasizes RamBase’s ability to easily connect with other systems, via the platform’s open APIs.
Company success with RamBase Your company’s success is possible too!
Aarbakke AS is a great example of success. Success requires change, sacrifice and support. However, with the right mindset and the support of proven tools such as RamBase, success and growth are possible.
Would you also like your company to record changes and be successful? Contact us and arrange a free system presentation.
The world is getting more and more digital. In addition, the pandemic generates the questions of moving systems to the cloud and concerns about data security in the cloud. It is obvious that companies want to fill the highest standards of data security.
Cloud-based solutions are gaining their supporters every year. And the number of cloud installations is growing. However, many people still wonder if the data in the cloud is safe.
Are cloud solutions safer than on-premise?
During the expert panel organized by 1ClickFactory, all speakers agreed that cloud solutions are safer than local system installations (on-premise). Below we present a few arguments proving data security in the cloud.
Why cloud is safer than on-premise?
It is hard for companies to build by them owns built database with the same (or highest) safety level as they are offered in cloud solutions from large vendors.
For independent data security it is necessary to have a well-developed security strategy. In Poland, only 37% of companies have such a strategy.
For SMP sector cloud solution is better and safer, because it does not require assets and resources to create security strategy.
Customers don’t need to take any additional steps to ensure security. All functions are built into the system.
Data security in the cloud– what you have to remember
Some people are concerned that third parties will have access to company data. It is about both the system supplier, and other companies using the system. However, this is an unnecessary concern. Even Coca-Cola uses cloud solutions offered by Microsoft.
It’s worth to emphasized that security accidents will always happen. Regardless of having a security strategy. It is all about how we will react to those attacks. Can we track them and have adequate security? Our system and security should lead to a fall of the attacks.
Very often we gain trust in a solution if we see that others are using it. And when it works for them. 1ClickFactory, which is an IT Vision partner, has over 1,300 customers who use the cloud version. This is great proof that cloud solutions are desirable and secure.
If you still have doubts about the quality of security and real data security, arrange a free consultation with an IT Vision specialist.
We entered the new year with a new energy, starting the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for a new customer – Santiss Group – in the cloud. We are especially pleased with this cooperation, because it is our first implementation which is fully based on cloud solutions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 in the full cloud
Full cloud means that the entire system is installed in the cloud. Thanks to this, our new customer doesn’t need the equipment on which the system is located or data is stored. It’s all in the cloud. Users only need any device that can connect to the Internet to use the system.
The advantage of the cloud solution is not only the attractive price. Which results from the lack of the need for hardware facilities and the predictable cost of maintaining the system. Cloud solutions from Microsoft also mean high quality data protection and security. It is Microsoft, as the creator of the system, responsible for the security of data stored in the cloud.
New customer from manufacturing industry
Our new customer, Santiss Group, is a company from the cosmetics, hygiene and household products’ industry. It delivers its products both to Poland and Europe. The quality of the products is important to Santiss Group. That is why the company manufactures its products in a modern production plant. Additionally, Santiss Group ensures safety at every stage of creation and production.
As part of the cooperation, we will implement the ERP system in the Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud. Thanks to the installation of the system, Santiss Group will receive support in the area of full planning, purchases, sales and storage. Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud will also support it in the order production, material requirements planning (MRP), and working with forecasts.
Thanks to the cooperation with 1ClickFactory, we can offer Dynamics 365 in the cloud at an even better level.
“We extend our offer, among others in the CSP channel. I.e. providing cloud services that enable our clients to reduce the usually quite significant costs of creating and maintaining infrastructure when launching ERP systems. Together with 1 ClickFactory, we have already launched the first projects, incl. Business Central on Cloud. The combination of expert knowledge and experience of my colleagues from the Dynamics365 implementation team in combination with the support of Azure experts for our clients can be a guarantee of successful implementations” Sylwia Wójcik General Manager, IT Vision
1ClickFactory is one of the leading companies worldwide. With a pure business focus to help customers move to the newest cloud versions. The company will support us in providing our customers with Microsoft cloud-based solutions. As a result, users will have unlimited by time and place access to the system. In the case of cloud solutions, it is worth emphasizing that they don’t require investments in equipment or technical facilities. Thanks to the cooperation with 1ClickFactory, we can offer Dynamics 365 in the cloud to at even better level.
Safe landing in the cloud
“1ClickFactory, who is a certified development center for Microsoft. We are on the market to support partners in Central and Eastern Europe in implementing Dynamics 365 in cloud version. 1ClickFactory is very much looking forward to start the journey with IT Vision. And help their customers land in the cloud. We believe that with combined knowledge from IT Vision and 1ClickFactory experts Dynamics365 customers will get access to Microsoft cloud solutions on the highest level” Iza Karpowicz, 1ClickFactory representative for Poland, adds.
Dynamics 365 in the cloud – What does this cooperation mean for you as our customer?
With more than 100 Dynamics 365 and Azure experts, 1ClickFactory will support us in providing customers with Microsoft cloud-based solutions. As a result you will:
have no limitations to access the system neither from time, nor place perspective
avoid investments in equipment or other technical facilities
be advised on the best approach to move your company’s ERP/ERM to cloud
Moving to the cloud is the future
Together with 1ClickFactory, we strongly believe that moving to the cloud is the future. That is why we encourage all companies that want to outstand the competition and be the first to gain the cloud benefits the cloud is offering not to delay the decision and complete the migration. (Or at least build the strategy to do it) now.
All the most important information about Microsoft system was presented at the Directions 4 Partners conference. New functionalities, improvements, support for the mobility of management systems from Microsoft. The organizers also showed that despite the virtual times it is possible to conduct a large, international conference at a very high level.
Participants from all over the world could also learn the most important information about the Microsoft system. They also included representatives of IT Vision, our partners, and friends from the industry.
In a series of interviews and interviews we present the most important information about the Microsoft system.
Paweł Prymakowski and Tomasz Woch talked about the new solutions in Microsoft Dynamics 365:
We talked with Sylwia Wójcik and Piotr Podgórni about cloud-based systems. We asked them about the changes that await them and Microsoft’s support in the organization of remote work:
We asked Nelson Tavares da Silva (QBS Group) if and how coronavirus changed the way of running business. We also talked about the changes in the digitization process and the advantages of the Microsoft system:
We talked about the Microsoft system and new functions with experts from the IBSC company:
We talked to Inga Sartauskaite (1ClickFactory) about the impressions from the conference, how the way of running the company has changed and about the importance of remote work:
During ERP system selection, the various costs and possible benefits are analyzed in considerable detail and then assessed for each vendor. But it’s worth to emphasize that one important factor is often completely missed during this process. Which one? The cost of the next system!
The selection of a new system is never done as a back-of-an-envelope exercise. We know very well that companies want to use their solution for many years. A lot of potential customers says:
“From a bookkeeping standpoint, the investment’s term of depreciation is 5 years. But ideally, we want to work with the new solution for 10 years or more”
Costs in ERP system selection – look into the future
Anyone who wants to work with a system for that long must have a fortuneteller in the team. Because in 10 years’ time, a lot can change! What will the world look like in the year 2030? Which devices will we be working with then? How far, and how much will the technology be developed and changed? And which parts of our future have yet even to be invented, developed, and marketed? So there are plenty of questions, and from today’s vantage point we can only guess at the answers.
Recall the past
One of the ways you can work with this challenge can be recalling the time 10 years ago. Do you remember what technology looked like? Can you remember the exact state of technology in 2010? Nobody heard or used tablets in those times. Let alone the verb ‘swiping’! Those are times when WhatsApp didn’t exist and Google still was a really small company. Cloud solutions was on the beginning of development.
Costs in ERP system selection – focus on development and vision
Perhaps this comparison provides you a bit of perspective into what we can expect in terms of new developments in the coming 10 years. But far more importantly – can you comprehend what all this means for your potential suppliers? Consider the required competencies, for example, or the required R&D budgets, the availability of international sales channels or the necessary entrepreneurship and decisiveness, of course.
If you think about the future of ERP technology, you conclude that you are selecting more of an ERP concept these days than an exact ERP solution. A concept you choose will be developing at a furious pace. And you should choose the concept which must develop! Because vendors that are left behind or loses the direction at any time are quickly lost in this market. And the most painful bit: their customers are lost, too!
Bet on development partners
Companies that are considering new solutions would do well to test their vendors’ degree of futureproofing rigorously. Do the vendors on your shortlist have any chance at all surviving this rat race until 2030? Are they (sufficiently) profitable these days, for example? Do they have sufficient international scale? What is the size of their R&D budget? How innovative are they? And is a formal product roadmap available for the solution on offer?
By getting a good understanding of the prospective vendors’ commercial legitimacy during the selection process, you can prevent many unpleasant surprises in the future. However, if you fail to look to the future, then just make sure you include a huge sum in your budget for your next ERP system!
Are you’re considering the implementation of a new ERP software solution? So the choice of implementation partner awaits you. Then you have the choice between two kinds of implementation partners. On the one hand, there are the traditional vendors who – in a nutshell – activate the software just the way you work today, train your end-users and leave. On the other hand, there are those partners who see the new software solution as a catalyst for initiating and supporting organizational change. And for putting your customers in the center of everything you do. They seek mainly to improve and modernize your current processes and to ease the current bottlenecks.
Categorize your potential implementation partners
It is of course interesting to consider which sort of partner your organisation requires. And to categorize your potential implementation partners in this way too. Clearly, this second category of partners needs to possess different qualities and knowledge from the first. The courage to discuss nettlesome issues for sure is one of those qualities. And it’s good to know that, on the average, these partners are also more experienced and charge higher fees.
Despite COVID-19, the new buying behavior and the successes of disruptive business models, most software buyers today still tend to re-automate their existing processes and ideas. Sometimes as a conscious choice, but often unconsciously. As a result, they are not seldom guiding their organisations based on out-of-date principles.
The choice of implementation partner – benefit from the possibilities
To really benefit from the possibilities of new technology, you must be prepared to change. Even when it hurts on the inside. In this situation, an implementation partner who is a competent sparring partner is indispensable!
So you really want to get the most out of your next ERP system or digital transformation initiative? Don’t choose your implementation partner based on the lowest cost. You will be much better off when you are looking for the best sparring partner. That choice creates a stable foundation for a successful project with a positive return on your investment.
