Last week I did a demonstration that reminded how flexible Microsoft Dynamics NAV is. These days the product is so functionally rich that majority of business requirements are met by standard software. Occasionally we come across a business that is so unique they accept that they will have to go bespoke; in this case Dynamics NAV provides the best solution: standard software with bespoke capabilities that can be supported and upgraded by any NAV professional.

When TVision was formed back in 1999, it was always going to be a NAV partner (or Navision as it then was). The reason was that we recognised the strength of the “open-source” nature. Unlike compiled systems where request for any change always have to go via the author, NAV’s code can be accessed by any licensed professional (end users can also licence to this level). Unlike bespoke systems, the foundation is standard software and easily supported.

Imagine life before NAV: a bespoke project means everything bespoke or a bespoke add-on that provides the headache of interface to standard solutions, e.g. your accounts package. The bespoke partner is always the weak link; they are the only ones with knowledge of the solution, changes and support must go through them and if they disappear then it is unlikely anyone can help. ESCROW agreements give some assurance that access to code will be made available but who will understand the code? (I’ll leave the subject of documentation and versioning for another day!)

The last time I mentioned open-source in a blog, I was rightly challenged. NAV is “pseudo” open source. At the heart is code unit one, this is the locked down code unit; it protects Microsoft as it prevents the removal of user count controls; it protects the user as it maintains the integrity of the postings. Frankly, you would not want anyone, ever to mess with code unit one. Even with this limitation, NAV is still the most flexible mid-market ERP solution.

At TVision we boast that  we have a three elements essential to success of any bespoke project:

  • A solution that is easily changed
  • Top developers with proven NAV expertise
  • Project Management experience that dictates you only ever make a change to software that can be justified

These three key elements, along with the use of SureStep methodology; means that you have nothing to fear in a well-managed Dynamics NAV bespoke project! Further information on Bespoke NAV