The Total Guide to Microsoft Dynamics 365
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP integration including market-fit, pricing, features, and comparisons
We’ve also paired this article with a free e-book to help companies handle accounts payable and global mass payments when using Microsoft ERP. Download “The Last Mile of Microsoft: Payables Transformation Strategies!”
What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP is Azure cloud and on-premises software for managing business processes with AI-enabled intelligent workflows. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 user interface accesses other Microsoft software, including Power Platform and Office 365 (including Excel). Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the newest and most modern of Microsoft Dynamics 365 products. ERP is enterprise resource planning.
Power Platform is digital transformation software, including Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents, with add-ons of AI Builder for artificial intelligence and Power Apps portals.
The Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP solution offers app modules for:
- Finance
- Fraud Protection
- Supply chain management
- Project operations
- Project service automation
- Sales
- Sales insights
- Commerce
- Connected store
- Customer insights
- Marketing
- Customer service
- Customer service insights
- Remote assist
- Field service
- Human resources
- Power Platform
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is accounting software for financial management. It includes cash management, invoicing, accounts receivable, inventory management, fixed assets, accounts payable, payments, project accounting, general ledger, and real-time reporting and dashboards.
Which Types of Businesses Use Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Small businesses and mid-sized businesses in a wide range of industries use the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP software system. Microsoft Dynamics 365 targets companies seeking some of the latest technical innovations in business management software, including business intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI).
Microsoft recommends that users license Microsoft Dynamics 365 instead of Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) because it offers many ERP features with newer technology and a modern user interface. However, some manufacturers and distributors prefer either Microsoft Dynamics GP or NAV (formerly Navision – now Dynamics 365 Business Central on the cloud and Dynamics Business Central for on-premises), which provide excellent features for these industries.
Companies with eCommerce and store operations can use the Commerce and Connected Store Microsoft Dynamics 365 business solutions to meet their business needs.
Professional services firms and other companies with project management needs use the Microsoft Dynamics 365 software solution, which includes time tracking and Microsoft Teams integration.
How Much Does Microsoft Dynamics 365 Cost?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 cost includes the SaaS software subscription pricing for each business function selected, Microsoft and third-party add-on SaaS software cost, and implementation, consulting, and training costs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing adds per-tenant or per-user costs. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system cost is considered mid-range.
How Does AP Automation Software Integration Work With Microsoft Dynamics 365?
AP automation software, which streamlines and automates supplier onboarding, accounts payable and payments, integrates with Microsoft Dynamics 365 via flat-file integration or API. Tipalti SaaS AP automation software uses flat-file integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365, ideal for transferring data to make global mass payments. Tipalti is accessible through the same Dynamics 365 login.
What Are The Primary Features and Advantages of Microsoft Dynamics 365?
• Latest Microsoft technology
• IoT Intelligence add-on
• Power Platform
• Integrates with your CRM
• Customer insights
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides
Microsoft Dynamics 365 technology includes data analysis and business intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML).
The Internet of things, IoT Intelligence add-on for Supply Chain Management in Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP can detect production delays, equipment downtime, and manage product quality deviations using sensors to acquire data. Alerts are actionable insights allowing users to correct issues and improve outcomes for the business and its customers.
Power Platform includes Power Apps to create business applications and automate business processes.
CRM (customer relationship management) integration choices include Microsoft Dynamics CRM or Salesforce. Customer Insights analyzes customer data and personalizes customer communications to improve customer engagement and customer experience.
Dynamics 365 Guides is a mixed-reality app for Microsoft HoloLens to instruct operators in real-time on workflows using images, videos, and 3D holographic models.
How to Implement & Use Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Users can download the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation Guide, which covers both on-premises and online Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation and customization. Microsoft provides a web page with Get Started Microsoft Dynamics 365 documentation resource links that include training.
Which ERP Systems are Comparable to Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Oracle NetSuite
NetSuite is a modern true cloud ERP system with many software modules called Suites. Like Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP, the NetSuite ERP software works for a wide range of industries. NetSuite serves the same small businesses and medium-sized companies as Microsoft Dynamics 365, and also targets large enterprise companies in the Fortune 500.
NAV (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central)
Like Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP provides a small business and mid-sized business software solution covering many business processes and industries. Technological advances are reflected in Microsoft Dynamics 365, which is a much newer ERP system. Manufacturing and distribution companies like Microsoft Dynamics NAV inventory management, distribution, and manufacturing features.
Epicor
Like Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP, Epicor ERP works for mid-sized companies in many industries. Epicor is an older ERP system than Microsoft Dynamics 365, having full functions for many business areas. Epicor ERP adds the Internet of Things (IoT) to the shop floor with data acquisition and analysis using sensors. Epicor is on-premises and cloud-based.
Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains)
Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP compete in the small and mid-size business market for a broad range of industries. Both ERP solutions are available with on-premises and Azure cloud platforms. Microsoft Dynamics 365 provides the latest technology and user interface.
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is one of the newer true cloud ERP systems. Because Sage Intacct excels at revenue recognition accounting and incorporates automation for efficiency, it’s endorsed by the AICPA. Like Microsoft Dynamics 365, Sage Intacct ERP works for companies of all sizes and is ideal for the lower midsized company market.
