Setup versus customization

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV, the line between implementing and developing is very thin. Where you would do a lot of setup in other ERP packages, you'll see that it often makes more sense in Dynamics NAV to make a change with the Development Tools.

The standard package is very complete in its functionality but does not support all industries. It is more a framework for Partners to work with. In this book, we will explain this framework and what philosophy it is built on. Understanding this philosophy is critical to knowing how to expand the functionality.

But, expanding the functionality means customizing the application. Do end-users in 2009 still want customized applications? Mostly they will say they don't want their software customized, but in the next breath, they will say that the software should change to match their way of doing business, and that they should not have to change their business to fit the software.

This is why Microsoft pushes their Partners to create horizontal and vertical solutions on top of the standard product and release these solutions as products with their own versions like it was part of the standard applications. This way of using the partner channel is a unique concept that has proven to be very successful and has made Microsoft Dynamics NAV useable in almost any industry.

Most companies, however, have such a unique way of working that they will always require more or less customized solutions. The total cost of ownership depends on the level of customizations and how these customizations are designed.

The key is knowing when to do setup and when to do a customization. Only a solid understanding of the application will help you determine which is correct.

After reading this book, you will know how to design your application best to have a good balance between cost of ownership and functionality.