How much time a day do we waste navigating between the apps? Researches say, 69% of workers waste up to 60 min/day switching between various programs and applications. One hour of a working day! It is because large companies have around 163 apps on average per one employee. Again, pretty overwhelming.
Integration and synchronization between company software is now needed like never before. And we will discuss the synchronization of cloud Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Operations with nearly any third-party software and databases.
Migrating from on-prem NAV and AX to the cloud
Although on-prem NAV and AX are still up and running, with a new, upgraded cloud version of the ERP software available, many organizations are interested in migrating from Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and from Dynamix NAV to Business Central. This makes sense. The cloud apps have compared to the old versions. With the new version, companies can use the web-based login, the new interface, the improved business intelligence and have more flexibility – with other new features and updates coming soon. Besides, the new versions integrate easier with other Microsoft cloud products.
Another serious reason for migrating AX to Finance & Operations and NAV to Business Central is that with the global trend of cloud-first and mobile-first, on-premise versions of Dynamics may become obsolete in a few years.
Connecting SaaS ERP with applications on-prem and in the cloud
The transition from the on-prem ERP to SaaS is the first obvious step for organizations focused on streamlining business processes. But, in fact, there are many more things happening around cloud FinOp and Business Central.
The next improvement is integrating them with other apps existing at the workplace. ERP software synchronization is critical to centralizing data and reducing inefficient workflows.
For example, taking data from the ERP and inserting it manually into another program takes a lot of time. Integrating it automatically speeds up the process and reduces human error. It also increases collaboration among employees and improves transparency.
Therefore, when implementing ERP systems, organizations look for ways to integrate them with their other existing software.
Below, we will analyze typical integration scenarios.
Typical cloud ERP integration use cases
Although scenarios for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations or Business Central are numerous, most common ones can be grouped in the following categories:
Synchronizing Dynamics NAV with Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics AX with Finance and Operations. Advanced integration platforms and dedicated connectors can integrate on-premises and cloud ERP systems for potential migration in the future.
Integrating a cloud ERP and production and machine data software. Both data from the machines and a manufacturing execution system (MES) contain a lot of information on what the factory produces and how. Synchronizing it with enterprise resource planning will help to increase production efficiency and make the company more responsive to changing demand, avoid overproduction, and increase maintenance automation.
Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and project management software. Once integrated, the ERP system provides critical financial data and the project management tool reveals a full picture of progress and status.
ERP integration with storage/warehouse. A warehouse should not operate as a stand-alone entity and synchronizing its data with Dynamics 365 allow for that. All departments from manufacturing to customer services and purchasing can all quickly pull real-time data on the warehouse system and use it to make better decisions.
ERP Integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Our clients often need to integrate the new Cloud ERP with their existing CRM systems like Salesforce, SugarCRM, Dynamics 365, Oracle, or Workbooks or better management and smoother customer onboarding.
Synchronization of a cloud ERP platform with Supplier Systems and Purchase Order systems (POs). Organizations send requests to suppliers whenever a purchase alert for a component or spare part is generated in an ERP system. Once a supplier’s quote arrives, it enters the system for further processing. By integrating your ERP with a POs, you get immediate access to receipts, logs, and other relevant information. You minimize the time and hassle of manual data entry.
ERP and an inventory management system. This integration can increase your company’s productivity a lot, especially if you operate a large volume of purchases, and the orders need to move to the on-premises inventory system. It is very useful. Employees can look up the availability of the spare parts from their personal devices in real-time.
Cloud ERP and an on-prem product lifecycle management system (PLM). The PLM system sends the finished bill of materials (BOM) data to Dynamics FinOp / Business Central for approval. This process is fast, automated and error-proof when the systems are integrated.
Dynamics 365 FinOp/Business Central and a data warehouse. This is one of the most typical use cases for the integration between the cloud ERP and an on-premises system. Check our for on-prem database integration to Dynamics 365 online. This example uses the AdventureWorks Database, a fictional multinational manufacturing company. Our IT expert explains the story with a deep insight and wit. Highly recommended!
Integration of cloud ERP and sales orders. One of our major clients had this request: to integrate sales orders from an on-prem front-end system into Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations for processing and management. They were happy to see it could be done efficiently.
Dynamics 365 Business Central/ FinOp and Customer Portal and Customer Service. Typically, a customer portal and service are self-hosted, and the integration with the ERP system allows for a smooth exchange of critical business data.
***
These are only some ideas that can increase your organization’s productivity. Although, depending on the company’s specifics there can be many other integration possibilities that we can cover.
If you are interested in migrating for a cloud ERP system, check and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations pre-built connectors that can facilitate the task.
***
About the author
As a part of ’s team, Anastasia Mazur has been investigating ins and outs of business software integration and synchronization. Superpower: translating from the nerdy programmer lingo to the human language. Expert on business needs for Dynamics CRM, ERP, Salesforce, Industrial IoT integration and can participate in a short conversation about it without appearing superficial.
Contact the author: [email protected]
Or check .
