Navision

Microsoft Business Solutions – Navision

Most of the developers, architects have heard this buzzword as Navision. But apart from knowing that it is kind of accounting/finance related software, other aspects of Navision are not known to people. I have had opportunities to work on Business solutions products/live projects using Dynamics or Navision. Hence I decided to write on Navision first. This blog is just an attempt to introduce Navision to the people who are not aware of its features/ strengths.

Navision is actually Enterprise Resource Management application which provides an efficient way to streamline your business and increase productivity. It is specifically designed to mid-sized companies seeking one solution without disturbing everyday operations. It provides integration functionality support to solutions for: Financial Management, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship management and E-Business, Sales Management, Manufacturing and so on. Navision can be installer in 2 different flavors as: 2-tier application or n-tier application.
For 2-tier Navision, DBMS and client reside on different blocks. In case of n-tier application, you have Application server in the middle. Microsoft Navision Application Server acts as a client towards a database server and can act as a server for other services.

Adaptability
The following components deliver adaptability:
o C/SIDE
o Tools for managing C/SIDE
These components make up the core development environment of Navision. They ensure Navision can be customized to support the customer’s unique business now, and as their business changes, grows and encounters new challenges in the future. They help keep the solution problem-free and working as it is expected to do.

Openness
The following technology components deliver openness:
o Navision Application Server
o C/ODBC and C/FRONT
These components help you exchange information in Navision with partners, customers and subsidiaries. They also integrate Navision with other applications and programs.

Efficiency
Two components of Navision help ensure and improve efficiency:
• The client - because it uses the familiar Windows interface, it supports companies who need to work in multiple languages, it offers extensive online help, and you can use hyperlinks for convenient, up-to-the-minute access to relevant data
• User Portal - single-sign-on access to relevant data and services helps streamline operating processes

Reliability
There are 3 technology components to contribute to reliability:

• Navision Database Server
• Microsoft SQL Server Option for Navision
• IBM iSeries Servers for Navision

Together, these components ensure customers can work safely and securely in Navision, without worrying about the reliability of their database. They can be confident Navision will support all employees’ requests, deliver accurate information and make rapid calculations so sums and figures are quickly available.
In so doing, Navision helps your workday run smoothly while supporting your future growth.

Collaboration
Navision takes collaboration to a new level, making it extremely easy for your partners, customers and vendors to do business with you.
It lets you use the Internet and Extensible Markup Language (XML) to exchange and distribute information easily and cost-effectively.
It helps you bring in new partners and customers, while reducing costs internally and helping employees to work more efficiently.
The following 3 technology components deliver collaboration:
• Commerce Gateway
• Commerce Portal
• XBRL


Cheers,
Amol