How to choose the right integration platform for ERP systems

Get to grips with integrating ERP systems such as 365 Business Central, Infor M3 and Dynamics NAV. Read our guide to choosing the right integration platform!

23 December 2024 · 5 min read

Choose the right integration platform
Compatibility with ERP systems
Assess the technological requirements
Ease of use and automation
Security and data protection
Scalability and future-proofing
Price and ROI
Analyse the platform’s support
Conclusion

Choose the right integration platform

When companies use ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Infor M3 or Dynamics NAV, efficient integration between these systems and other business applications is essential in order to secure optimal workflows and data quality. But how do you choose an integration platform that fits these particular ERP solutions?

In this article we will take a closer look at how you choose the best integration platform to support 365 Business Central, Infor M3 and Dynamics NAV, focusing on their unique needs and compatibility requirements.

Compatibility with ERP systems

In principle, every ERP solution can be connected to an integration platform, but in this article we focus on a selection of ERP systems.

Dynamics 365 Business Central

As a cloud-based solution from Microsoft, Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a comprehensive suite of APIs and connectors. When choosing an integration platform for

Business Central, you should make sure of the following:

Built-in API support: the platform must be able to handle Business Central web services and REST APIs
The Microsoft ecosystem: choose a platform that works smoothly with Microsoft Power Automate, Power BI and other Microsoft products.

What is Business Central API V2 – everything you need to know
What is Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Infor M3

Infor M3 is known for its flexibility and scalability, especially for companies in the manufacturing, distribution and fashion industries. When choosing an integration platform for

Infor M3, you should focus on:

Support for ION (Infor Operating Services): many integrations with Infor M3 are carried out via Infor ION, so the platform must be able to work with this technology.
Industry-specific requirements: make sure the platform can handle the complex data flows typical of M3 users.

Dynamics NAV

As the predecessor to Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics NAV is still used by many companies, and integrations often require older technologies:

Support for SOAP web services: NAV uses SOAP for integration, so the platform must be able to handle this.
Upgrade readiness: choose a platform that can work with both NAV and Business Central if you are planning a future upgrade.

Assess the technological requirements

When you work with several ERP systems, the integration platform must be able to support complex data flows.

So consider:

Hybrid integration: many companies use a mix of cloud and on-premises systems. Make sure the platform can work with both.
Real-time and batch synchronisation: the platform must be able to handle both immediate data transfer and scheduled synchronisations, depending on the needs of the systems.
Data conversion: ERP systems such as Business Central, Infor M3 and NAV can have different data formats, so the platform must be able to translate data across systems.

Ease of use and automation

The ease of use of the integration platform plays a major role in how quickly your team can set up and maintain integrations. Make sure the platform offers:

Visual workflows: a visual overview that can show the workflows between systems that form part of the integration architecture.
Automated processes: look for features that automatically detect changes in data and synchronise them across systems.

Security and data protection

ERP systems handle critical business data, so data security must be a top priority. Make sure the integration platform offers:

Encrypted data transfer: all data moving between your ERP systems and other systems must be encrypted.
Data compatibility: the platform must comply with relevant standards such as GDPR.
Access control: role-based access lets you control who can create or change integrations.

Scalability and future-proofing

Your ERP needs will most likely change over time. A good integration platform must be able to grow with your business:

Support for multiple systems: if you are planning to add new software solutions, the platform must be able to integrate them without major difficulty.
Future upgrade: if you are using Dynamics NAV today, the platform must be able to support a future upgrade to Business Central.

Price and ROI

When you evaluate integration platforms, it is important to take the price into account:

Licence vs. subscription models: consider which pricing model best suits your company’s budget.
Hidden costs: make sure there are no unforeseen costs attached to extra connectors or features.
Measure ROI: choose a platform that gives you clear efficiency improvements and that can quickly justify the investment.

Analyse the platform’s support

Support is crucial when you work with complex integrations. Make sure the platform offers:

ERP-specific support: vendors who understand the particular needs of Business Central, Infor M3 and NAV.
Onboarding and training: the platform must offer resources and documentation so your teams can get started quickly.
Availability: make sure support is available when you need it – especially if your ERP systems are business critical.

Conclusion

Choosing an integration platform for ERP systems such as 365 Business Central, Infor M3 and Dynamics NAV requires a thorough analysis of your needs, the technical requirements of the systems and your company’s future growth plans. By choosing a platform that supports compatibility, scalability and security, you can make sure your business works more efficiently and gets the most out of its ERP systems.

Take the time to evaluate your options, and choose an integration platform that gives you flexibility and reliability in an increasingly digitalised world.