Embrace change with Dynamics ERP solutions

FAQ: ERP solutions

• 1. Which ERP solutions are available from Microsoft?

  Microsoft offers two cloud-based ERP solutions as part of the Dynamics 365 product portfolio.

   

  Dynamics 365 Business Central is primarily for small and mid-sized organizations and provides capabilities for finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, projects, service and manufacturing in a single solution.

   

  Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management are typically implemented together to meet the needs of larger and more complex organizations that require advanced financial management, global operations, manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain capabilities.

• 2. Why should I choose an ERP solution from Microsoft?

  Microsoft is one of the world's most established ERP vendors, with decades of experience in helping organizations manage finance, operations, supply chains and business processes.

   

  If your organization already uses Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, Azure or Power Platform, a Microsoft ERP solution provides a natural extension of your existing platform to reduce integration complexity and offer a familiar experience for users.

   

  Microsoft's extensive ecosystem of partners offers thousands of industry-specific extensions and applications, making it easier to adapt the solution to your business and industry needs.

   

  Organizations also benefit from built-in security, compliance capabilities, cloud scalability and AI-powered assistance and automation through Microsoft Copilot.

• 3. What is the difference between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management?

  The main difference is the size and complexity of the organizations they are designed to support.

   

  Dynamics 365 Business Central is intended for small and mid-sized companies that want a comprehensive ERP solution that is fast to implement, easy to use, and capable of managing finance, sales, inventory, projects, manufacturing, and service operations in one system.

   

  Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (sometimes referred to as Finance and Operations or F&O) are designed for larger organizations with more complex requirements. These solutions offer advanced capabilities for global financial management, multi-entity operations, manufacturing, warehousing, procurement, demand planning, and supply chain optimization. They are particularly well suited to organizations operating across multiple countries, legal entities or business units.

   

  In simple terms, Business Central is typically the best choice for small and growing businesses, while Finance and Supply Chain Management are designed for larger businesses that require advanced control, scalability and operational complexity.

• 4. How much does an ERP system cost?

  The cost of an ERP system depends on several factors, including the size of your organization, the number and type of users, the complexity of your processes, required integrations and the need for industry-specific functionality.

   

  It is important to consider more than just the baseline software licensing. An ERP implementation project typically also includes services such as scoping and implementation, data migration, integrations, test, user training and ongoing support. Calculating this cost up-front is an important part of the initial engagement with your IT partner.

   

  With modern cloud-based solutions, the cost of updating the solution, adding new capabilities and deploying new technologies (such as AI and agents) can be distributed across the full lifetime of the solution, instead of being a large, one-time investment every 5-10 years. This makes ongoing investment planning more manageable and predictable. 

• 5. How long does an ERP implementation take?

  ERP implementation timelines vary depending on the complexity of the planned solution and the scope of the project.

   

  The timeline is influenced by factors such as data quality, the need for process redesign, customizations and integrations, and the availability of internal resources to engage in the process.

   

  Solutions that can support business needs with standardized processes and fewer customizations will be faster to implement.

   

  A successful implementation starts with clear objectives, realistic planning and strong collaboration between the organization and its implementation partner.

• 6. How do I find the best Microsoft ERP partner?

  Choosing the right ERP partner is just as important as choosing the right ERP solution. Look for a partner that takes a business-first approach and focuses on understanding your goals, processes and challenges, rather than simply implementing technology. The best partners combine deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 with a strong understanding of how technology can support growth, efficiency and long-term business success.

   

  It's also important to evaluate the partner's experience across the broader Microsoft ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Power BI, Azure and AI technologies such as Microsoft Copilot and AI agents. Industry-specific expertise is equally valuable, as a partner with experience in your sector will better understand regulatory requirements, operational processes and common business challenges.

   

  A strong ERP partner should have a proven implementation methodology, a focus on standardization and best practices, and a track record of successful customer projects. They should also be able to support your organization beyond the initial deployment through ongoing services, innovation and continuous improvement, helping you take advantage of new Microsoft capabilities as your business evolves.