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In our previous blog about moving from Microsoft Dynamics SL to Microsoft Dynamics 365, we discussed the countdown to the end of SL support, as well as how Dynamics 365’s cloud-based architecture means it will receive upgrades and other resource investments indefinitely. But there are more reasons to move to Dynamics 365 aside from SL’s eventual end of life. When it comes to expanding your solution’s capabilities using Microsoft’s latest cutting-edge technologies, Dynamics 365 outclasses Dynamics SL as a modern ERP platform in every way.
Security and Accessibility in Microsoft Azure
One of the key advantages Dynamics 365 has over SL is the fact that it is a born-and-bred public cloud solution. Housed in Microsoft Azure (the world’s most secure cloud for business), Dynamics 365 lets users access and work with its data via web browser no matter where they are or what device they’re using. This is in stark contrast to Dynamics SL, which tends to be hosted on premise or in a private cloud and requires middleware to access it outside the office.
Smooth Integration with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office 365
Another area where Dynamics 365 defeats Dynamics SL is its tight integration with Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office 365. For example, it’s possible for your users to generate quotes, purchase orders and invoices directly within Outlook since Dynamics 365 automatically feeds relevant data into your email client. So, no more toggling countless screens in your quote-to-cash process!
Dynamics 365’s connectivity to Office 365 extends to other every-day applications like Excel, Word, SharePoint and Teams. All these applications can talk to and exchange data with Dynamics 365 with the click of a button, so you can be sure you have consistent information across all your business software.
While SL can also integrate with Outlook and certain Office 365 applications, those integrations aren’t quite as seamless or deep since it doesn’t live in the Microsoft Azure cloud.
The Microsoft Power Platform
From a custom development and business intelligence perspective, Dynamics 365 edges out SL thanks to its deep compatibility with the Microsoft Power Platform, which includes applications such as Power Apps and Power BI. Power Apps allows users with little or no coding experience to create application add-ons for their solution with a drag-and-drop, point-and-click interface. This simplifies and democratizes custom development in Dynamics 365, whereas development in Dynamics SL requires a working knowledge of its coding language.
Meanwhile, Power BI is a powerful (pun intended) yet straightforward tool that gives you a holistic overview of your business KPIs via graphical dashboards you can drill down into with a click. Because of its tight integration with Dynamics 365, these dashboards are automatically updated in near real time, so users can examine the current state of their business and adjust accordingly.
Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Last but not least, there is an ongoing trend of business leaders utilizing AI as a key component in their decision-making process, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 was developed with that in mind. The built-in AI within Dynamics 365 allows users to automate processes such as data analysis, accelerate time-consuming tasks and utilize machine learning capabilities to guide optimal actions. By utilizing Dynamics 365’s AI ability to make sense of your vast trove of customer and financial information, you can streamline employee activities and uncover the truth about your strengths and weaknesses.
SL-to-Dynamics 365 Migration Assessment
The benefits of migrating from SL to Dynamics 365 are far too numerous to sum up in a couple of blogs. That’s why we encourage you to sign up for a complimentary assessment where our certified Dynamics consultants explain the benefits of switching solutions and provide a roadmap you can follow to success. So, if you’re ready to get acquainted with the latest evolution of Microsoft Dynamics, register today!
