Integration with Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Integration of the B2B platform with Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a ERP system which has been used by businesses for many years to manage sales, stock, finance and other business processes. For older installations, it is important to tailor the integration method to the specific version and configuration of the system. Microsoft Dynamics NAV can communicate with external solutions via web services, amongst other means, and can therefore serve as the backbone for online sales at B2B.

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What does the integration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV with the B2B platform involve?

The scope depends on the version and configuration of the system – it usually covers six areas.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – why is it worth integrating ERP with the B2B platform?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV can serve as a data source for a sales platform targeting business customers. Thanks to this integration, information regarding products, business partners, prices and orders does not need to be maintained separately in two systems. The scope of data exchange can be tailored to the company’s processes, taking into account, amongst other things, how customer service, stock management and order processing are handled. Microsoft Dynamics NAV can therefore work in conjunction with an external sales channel without the need to manually re-enter all the information.

This solution is particularly useful for companies that serve a large number of wholesale customers. Customers can use the B2B platform to browse the product range and place orders, whilst the ERP system acts as the back-end for sales and warehousing processes.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – what data can be synchronised?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV can exchange data with external systems using the available integration services. Older versions of NAV utilised, amongst others, SOAP and OData services, and the specific capabilities depend on the version and the configuration of the implementation. Microsoft documents the support for web services in NAV and states that web service-based solutions enable system data to be made available to other applications.

In the case of the B2B platform, the scope of integration may include, amongst other things,:

Not every integration needs to cover all the areas listed. We determine the scope based on how a particular company operates and the capabilities of its NAV installation.

Integration with Dynamics NAV – bespoke pricing for business customers

Integration with Dynamics NAV allows you to link online customer service with the company’s existing sales policies. This is particularly important when individual customers have their own set prices, discounts or other terms of business. Rather than presenting the same offer to all customers, the B2B platform can utilise information assigned to a specific customer account. Integration with Dynamics NAV can therefore support self-service sales without compromising on individual commercial terms.

Once logged in, a business partner can access the offer tailored to them and complete the purchasing process independently. This reduces the number of simple enquiries directed to sales representatives and allows customers to place orders at a time that suits them.

Integration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV with B2B – order automation

The integration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV with B2B enables the design of an information flow between the web platform and the ERP system. A customer places an order online, and their details can be transferred to the system used by the company for further processing. Conversely, information required for the correct presentation of the offer – such as product details, prices and availability – can be sent in the other direction. The integration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV with B2B thus helps to minimise the need for manual data entry.

In the case of older installations, it is particularly important to check the available services and how they are configured. Microsoft points out that NAV provided, amongst other things, SOAP and OData services, although the capabilities depend on the specific version of the system.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – integration depends on the system version

Microsoft Dynamics NAV has been released in numerous versions; therefore, before commencing work, one should not assume that every installation has identical integration capabilities. Factors that may be relevant include, amongst others, the NAV version, the installation method, the available extensions and the web services configured within the client’s environment. In the case of an older system, we therefore analyse the specific environment rather than applying a single integration model to every organisation.

It is also worth taking the system’s future development into account. Microsoft is currently developing the Dynamics 365 Business Central range, which has replaced Dynamics NAV as the ERP product. The current version of Business Central primarily uses the REST API as the preferred method of integration with external systems.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – what needs to be decided before starting the implementation?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV requires analysis before integration can begin, as the range of available mechanisms depends on the specific installation. First, we determine what data is to be transferred between the systems and which of them should act as the source for specific information. We then review the available integration services, authentication methods and technical requirements. This enables Microsoft Dynamics NAV to be integrated with the B2B platform in a way that is tailored to the existing environment.

This preparation also helps to identify which processes are worth automating. For one company, the priority will be synchronising products and stock levels; for another, managing individual prices and the automatic transfer of orders will be more important.

Integration with Dynamics NAV – Centoro implements the B2B platform

At Centoro, we develop solutions for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers looking to grow their online sales to business customers. We manage the implementation of the B2B platform – from analysing processes and requirements through to configuring and launching the solution. Our sales system, B2B, can handle, amongst other things, customer accounts, individual terms and conditions, orders and documents.

We also offer the B2B platform, ERP, and system integration ERP. We help you choose the right software B2B for your sales model and level of automation. Information on the platform’s pricing B2B enables you to plan your budget for the solution.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – when is it worth integrating it with B2B?

It is particularly worthwhile to integrate Microsoft Dynamics NAV with the B2B platform when a company wishes to move part of its business-to-business customer service online, whilst retaining its existing ERP back-end system. This integration can reduce the number of manual operations, streamline data flow and make it easier for business partners to place orders themselves. In such a model, Microsoft Dynamics NAV can continue to function as the back-end system, whilst the B2B platform takes over online customer service.

In the case of older systems, however, it is worth starting with a technical analysis. This enables you to determine the capabilities of a specific version of NAV and select the appropriate method of communication with the platform.

FAQ – Integration of Microsoft Dynamics NAV with the B2B platform