Updating your ERP regularly, ensures that the software adds value to your business. New versions always carry better capabilities and functions that can positively impact the way you organize your internal circuits. Companies may be reluctant to migrate version in their ERP due to fear that the change will go wrong and because it’s associated with a high cost. A version update doesn’t have to be expensive and also offers many benefits if it’s done correctly and risks are minimized.
Benefits of an ERP update:
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Functionality and integration capabilities
Having the latest version is beneficial in the new functionality that incorporates the ERP and for the integration capabilities with complementary solutions. The new versions are designed to provide new connection methods and thus be compatible with a wider range of complementary solutions, such as payroll software, a certification program exclusive, etc. This point is important since integrations are a key part of the success of many ERP implementations.
On the other hand, the use of an earlier version of the ERP can result in the non-use of valuable features that could transform your use of the software.
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Keep up with technological changes
It is easy to think that new features are not necessary because your company has always worked well without them. If this is your reasoning, you will probably lose the opportunity to transform and improve your business operationally.
Technological developments factors such as digitalization and the large amounts of data that must be processed are the main challenges for business processes. Many modern ERP systems, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, already offer a range of features tailored to user needs. For example, enhanced interfaces designed in UX, which means working with the software is easier, faster and more convenient than it was years ago.
You can provide the user with an unmatched degree of scalability, now you can have access to your company’s data from any mobile device, via Web or Tablet. It’s a particular advantage for personnel who are not behind a desk, such as warehouse employees or those who work in manufacturing or making visits. Therefore, ensuring that your ERP software keeps pace with these developments is important for modern businesses, whether small, medium or large.
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Lower costs
You may be wondering: ” How can updating my ERP system reduce my costs? ” The answer is simple. It is better to pay more frequent and lower rates, which are a fraction of the total ERP investment, than to pay a large migration project after waiting several years without enjoying any improvement.
The on-cloud version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central significantly reduces the initial time and cost of starting a migration, since the installation item is suppressed and the set-up is more agile. In addition, as you will always be at the latest version of the tool, you will never perform a migration project to a new version.
Companies that wait many years to update end up facing a substantial investment. That is why many of our clients are moving to the SaaS version to reduce their present and future operating costs.
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Increase user efficiency and productivity
As your business grows, also does the amount of work, so having your updated ERP will ensure that company personnel access the best practices and tools in the sector to optimize operational processes. This also favors work efficiency, increasing productivity.
The higher quality and fluidity of the software is another point and perhaps the most important reason, because in the new versions it undergoes exponentially improvements over the previous versions: correcting errors , improving workflows and optimizing their performance. The result will be a more efficient, faster and more reliable ERP.
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Regularity in versions
Updating your ERP with a certain periodicity also means that migrations between versions are more fluid. If you find yourself using an early version of the software and you have to switch to a more recent version, you will have to spend more time training your employees in the latest version and the developments may be more expensive.
On the contrary, if you stay updated, you reduce the cost of adapting users to the new versions, since the change is more fluid and if the developments are made following the best existing practices, no you will have to worry so that they migrate without difficulty to the new versions.
We remind you that those companies that work in the SaaS mode of Business Central will always be updated to the latest version at no additional cost. This means that you will always be up to date with the functional and development news.
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Personalizations
A very frequent question is: “ If I update my ERP, what happens to my customizations? “
The answer is that it depends on the software you work with. We can tell you that Microsoft Dynamics NAV is flexible and allows you to keep your customizations in a version migration. Depending on how your developments were made, they may require reengineering.
On the other hand, with the newer versions of NAV (Business Central), you probably do not need many adaptations, since the new version has a powerful core that can solve many of your needs without leaving the product standard.
To stay on top of the business world that is increasingly competitive, it is important to have an ERP that works for your business and provides the best that the software has to offer. If you want to be a leader in your industry, have employees who work in the most productive way possible and get the results your business needs, it is crucial to update your ERP system (and keep it updated) on a regular basis.
Are you considering migrating from Dynamics NAV to Business Central? Our consultants will be happy to help you. You can also find out what to consider when choosing an ERP system by reading this article.
In addition, most companies face continuous changes. The growth of your company and even strategic or structural changes can be decisive when it comes to the need for new functions and updates to meet the requirements of the market and customers.
In general, an ERP system must always be able to map all business processes required by the respective company as a whole. Depending on your technical and functional specifications, not all software is automatically suitable for all companies. It is necessary to ensure that the desired processes and functions are in place.
For more information on our proven methodology in updates or migrations you can visit this section of our website.
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