Standard or customised Dynamics 365 Business Central?

The concept of “standard” is a recurring theme in discussions about ERP systems. Many companies migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central with the ambition of implementing a “standard” solution.

But is this realistic, and is it the optimal strategy?

The appeal of standardisation

Understandably, the idea of a “standard” solution attracts many companies. It promises simplification, efficiency and a uniform approach to processes across the organisation. This can seem appealing in a time of increasing complexity and demands for greater efficiency.

But standard is not always the answer

However attractive the ideal of standardisation may seem, it is important to remember that no two companies are alike. Every organisation has unique processes, needs and workflows. Forcing a company into a “standard” solution can lead to inefficiency, frustration and reduced competitiveness.

Customisation is unavoidable

In reality, a certain degree of customisation is unavoidable for any ERP system. This applies in particular to complex systems such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, which offers a broad spectrum of features and possibilities. To exploit the system’s full potential, companies must be willing to adapt it to their specific needs.

The golden middle way

The optimal strategy lies in the balance between standardisation and customisation. Companies should strive to exploit the advantages that standardisation offers, while remaining open to adapting the system to their unique needs. This requires a thorough analysis of the company’s processes and a well-considered implementation plan.

A few tips for finding the balance:

• Identify the core processes: Focus on standardising the central processes that are crucial to the company’s efficiency.
• Be flexible with smaller processes: Be open to adapting smaller processes that are more specific to your business.
• Involve the users: Make sure to involve the users in the implementation process to ensure that the system meets their needs.
• Choose the right partner: Find an experienced ERP partner who can help you find the right balance between standardisation and customisation.

Benefits of customising BC:

• Increased efficiency: Customisations can automate manual processes and improve workflows, which results in increased productivity and time savings.
• Improved usability: Adapting the user interface can make the system more intuitive and easier for employees to use, which increases adoption and efficiency.
• Greater flexibility: Customisations can give the company the ability to react faster to changes in the market or to internal needs.
• Competitive advantage: By adapting BC to support unique processes, companies can gain a competitive advantage by being more efficient and agile.

Challenges of customising BC:

• Increased costs: Customisations can increase the implementation and maintenance costs of BC.
• Complexity: Too many customisations can make the system complex and difficult to maintain.
• Compatibility issues: Customisations can lead to compatibility issues with future versions of BC.

Remember:

• “Standard” is a starting point, not a final destination.
• Customisation is necessary to achieve optimal results.
• The golden middle way lies in the balance between standardisation and customisation.
• Involve the users and choose the right partner to ensure success.

Conclusion

Standardisation can be an attractive goal for companies implementing ERP systems. But it is important to remember that customisation is unavoidable if you want to achieve optimal results. The golden middle way lies in finding a balance between the two that matches the company’s specific needs.

Further resources:

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Read more here!
• Guide to finding your next ERP partner: Read more here!