4 Important Trends Microsoft Dynamics Users Should Know

4 Important Trends Microsoft Dynamics Users Should Know

465986029As technologies continue to advance exponentially, savvy business owners, executives and decision-makers must begin to look toward the future and recognize emerging trends before they become mainstream. Your strategic planning process starts with your business management system, and those using the powerful Microsoft Dynamics suite should keep a keen eye on a few important trends:

#1 – The Internet Of Things

The internet today is not a tool for just desktop computers and mobile devices. Technology grows exponentially, and this explosive growth opens up new avenues for technology vendors – even cars and televisions are slated for internet access in the near future.

There are four basic usage models for emerging technologies: Manage, Monetize, Operate and Extend. In order to seize opportunities as they arise, you need to be organizationally and operationally ready to apply these models to the Internet of Things (including people, information, devices, objects and places).

#2 – Mobile Device Management

In the workplace, the B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) trend has had enormous implications for security, productivity and accessibility – and it’s not even in full swing yet. Within the next few years, the mobile workforce is expected to double or triple as a result of this mobile growth.

Microsoft Dynamics users already expect the same functionality on their mobile devices as on their desktop computers, an expectation that continues to rise. This trend means that instead of relegating employees to your office space during normal office hours, you should embrace the mobile trend and invite them to access your business management system from anywhere, anytime to increase productivity. Make sure your IT department is well prepared to set your business as a B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) front runner and balance your business security and productivity against the growing need for employee flexibility.

#3 – Personal Cloud

The cloud isn’t just ideal for business software. Personal cloud technologies are trending upward, shifting toward services over devices. Devices ruled the roost for a long time – only certain mobile devices were even available, and those that offered a wide range of connectivity were still further limited. Now, almost every smart phone, tablet and laptop comes equipped with the same basic capabilities, so the device itself is simply not as important as the services it provides. 

All versions of Microsoft Dynamics are already accessible through multiple mobile devices. As the personal cloud continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential that the version of Dynamics you employ is optimized and delivered through a model that accommodates all devices, providing a streamlined experience and the same user functionality regardless of the device and location of the user.

#4 – “As A Service”, What It Should Mean

Building on the personal cloud trend, it’s becoming essential for businesses to combine personal and external private cloud services. This hybrid approach requires that enterprises start designing and delivering their cloud platforms with integration and inter-operability in mind – and it all starts with the Cloud ERP

Microsoft has already shifted toward Dynamics in the cloud. The issue is that many Microsoft VAR’s rushed into providing Dynamics platforms in the cloud, and simply partnered with random “hosting providers” to throw their client application licenses in their data center, or on Microsoft’s cloud, Azure.

Of course, nothing is wrong necessarily with the data centers themselves, it’s more on the afterthought, or lack thereof, on how the partner can properly manage and support that application. It creates more complexities than if your application/ Dynamics ERP license stayed with you on premises. 

So the answer is a true cloud subscription with an all-inclusive subscription model (all support and services monthly, not upfront), and when I say “support” I mean full application (how-to) support as well as the IT/ Infrastructure stuff

Conclusion

Many businesses foster a reactive environment, not a proactive one. They’re not considering or preparing for how their products, services and assets will be shared through newly opened mediums or in light of these new technological trends. The key is in perspective: Rather than looking at these trends as daunting overhauls of a system you’re used to, see them as incredible opportunities to propel your business toward success in an exciting future. Now is the time to think strategically about these new technologies and evaluate how they shape your business today and in the future. 

Ready to trend toward a better business management system? Learn how to receive a free version upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2015 with SMB Suite’s Dynamics-Powered Cloud ERP.

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Steve’s been with SMB Suite since 1998 and has been involved with nearly every aspects of the Company’s business as a strategist, professional services executive, cloud solutions architect, and senior consultant. In his current role, Steve is responsible for SMB Suite’s revenue and oversees the execution of ERP, CRM and BI projects for customers across a broad range of industries. Steve combines his expertise in MS Dynamics GP, CRM and other Microsoft products with a strong foundation in accounting and business to identify gaps and streamline customers’ processes. Prior to co-founding SMB Suite, Steve was previously Corporate Controller for MEHLE Behr and, prior to that, Audit Senior for Ernst & Young. Steve holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jeremy is responsible for SMB Suite’s technology vision, strategy and implementation and is the architect of the Company’s Dynamics Cloud Platform. Highly adept in every facet of managed services, ERP systems and e-commerce platforms, Jeremy’s expertise spans the implementation and support of business and financial software solutions, as well as the customization and integration of SMB Suite’s cloud ERP technology stack. He holds numerous Microsoft and industry-related certifications, and was primarily responsible for designing the Company’s progressive business services platform in the early days of the Cloud. Prior to SMB Suite, Jeremy served as the financial analyst, systems administrator, and information systems liaison for a $2 billion financial services corporation.

Monty is responsible for SMB Suite’s day-to-day operation and, most importantly, its customers. As a leader, motivator and mentor, Monty creates loyal high performance teams willing to “walk through walls” to accomplish their goals. Prior to SMB Suite, Monty served as President of The Bradshaw Group (TBG), a global distributor, manufacturer, and repair facility for digital printers. In this role, he was the Company’s ambassador to its most important domestic, European and Latin American customers and TBG achieved a best-in-class Net Promoter Score of 74 for its superb customer satisfaction. Prior to TBG, Monty served as the General Manager of Sam’s Clubs three highest grossing U.S. stores and was named Regional Operator of the Year in 1999. Monty holds a BBA in Marketing from Texas Tech University and is an active member of Business Navigators. He has been active in Vistage International, Executives in Action, the Dallas/Fort Worth Retail Executives Association, as well as, A.P.I.C.S., the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management. Monty also volunteers with Hunger Busters and ManeGait, a therapeutic horsemanship organization.

David is a proven financial and information technology professional with expertise in providing business accounting software and computing solutions. He began his career by starting and managing a successful independent consulting practice for several years. He then launched the local systems consulting unit of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneurial Services Group, leading the office into the hi-tech consulting arena. After successfully developing the unit for Ernst & Young, David founded NextCorp (which became SMB Suite in 2013) to serve the business software needs of clients throughout the US. David has made SMB Suite one of the best cloud ERP providers in the industry. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur and leader, he is a software and technology specialist, holding certifications in various Microsoft and other technologies.