Microsoft Dynamics ERP: Which to Choose?

The Microsoft Dynamics software suite consists of customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions designed to help businesses gain insight into its accounting and logistical functions, take control of its supply chain, inventory, and human resources, reduce costs and provide the best possible service to customers. These highly customizable software programs integrate with Microsoft Office and other Microsoft technologies to provide an intuitive user experience and an efficient overall system. There are four ERP applications in the Microsoft Dynamics suite: Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Microsoft Dynamics SL. A recent blog post on Software Thinktank summarizes the key features of each ERP solution to help businesses determine the best fit for their needs:

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Geared toward mid-sized to large businesses, Dynamics AX provides core ERP functionality while fitting the unique needs of the manufacturing, distribution, retail, services, and public sector industries . Because it enables you to operate across locations, languages, and countries, Dynamics AX is an ideal replacement for multiple legacy systems, enabling organizations to adopt a single, global ERP deployment. Due to its Microsoft service-oriented architecture, Dynamics AX is also uniquely suited to be deployed in a two-tier ERP strategy for global organizations.

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Dynamics GP is particularly suited to the needs of growing small to mid-sized businesses due to its scalability. It is quick to implement and rapidly starts delivering value on its out-of-the-box financial and operational functionality. Dynamics GP offers rich reporting with direct integration with Excel and Business Intelligence tools that enhance business decision making.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Especially suited for midsized business management, Dynamics NAV is easily customizable and simple to integrate with other business solutions. While it provides core ERP functionality to organizations in any industry, it includes advanced supply chain management tools that are especially useful to distributors and manufacturers. Dynamics NAV supports multiple languages and locations, giving organizations a global reach across their business and network of suppliers and vendors.

Microsoft Dynamics SL

Dynamics SL meets the needs of small to midsized project-oriented businesses. By combining project management functionality with strong core financial management tools, organizations can gain greater insight and visibility into their projects.