Abstract
The choice between Microsoft Business Central and a custom ERP solution may seem difficult at first. Business Central is a standard efficient solution that is quickly implemented, adaptable to various industries. Custom ERP solutions are more flexible solutions because they are adapted to the specific requirements of individual companies. However, with custom ERP, the possibility of unpredictable costs, long-term implementation and support problems are a big challenge. Business Central offers clear pricing, faster implementation, regular updates and support from the partner that best suits you. Although it is less flexible than custom solutions, it is proven to improve business because it is built on best practices. It is certainly extremely important to study the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions in order to make the best decision for your business.
Introduction
Every ERP system can be placed into one of two groups: standard solutions and custom solutions. Standard solutions are existing solutions that have been developed over years and are quickly implemented (e.g. Microsoft Business Central). On the other hand, custom solutions are developed by programmers based on the requirements and business needs of each client. And while at first glance it may seem that custom solutions are a much better option for your company, the situation is actually not that simple. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages; what is ideal for one company may be bad for another. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions, in order to make the best decision for your business. In this article, we will present the main differences between Microsoft Business Central, as an example of a standard solution, and a custom solution. Thus, we will facilitate the decision-making process and help you choose what best suits your needs.
Business Central vs custom ERP solutions
There are numerous factors you need to consider before you decide to ERP solution which will best suit your business.
1. Price
At first, the price of a custom solution may seem reasonable, even more affordable than the price of Business Central, especially since there is much more manpower behind the custom solution. There is a possibility to develop a custom solution “from scratch” or to adapt an existing ready-made custom ERP solution according to the needs of your business. However, the final amount in such cases is unpredictable, since the initial price is only an estimate of the programmer based on your requirements. Namely, it is impossible to say what changes will be needed when you start using the program, what problems will arise or what maintenance will look like. This may result in the final price significantly exceeding your initial expectations. The question is – do you want to gamble?
On the other hand, with Business Central you know exactly what you're getting. It is a standard program that has been developed over the years to suit different users, regardless of the industry in which they operate. The price is defined right from the start and there are no unpleasant surprises, such as additional costs, during implementation. Updates and upgrades are also included in the price, if the user pays annual license maintenance. In addition, by implementing a standard global solution like Business Central, you are proven to increase the value of your company.
2. Time
Generally speaking, implementing an ERP system is a long process, regardless of its type. However, with custom solutions, there is a period for development or customization of the application before implementation, which is not the case with Business Central. Furthermore, the time required to develop an application and implement a custom ERP varies from case to case, and the developer's initial estimate may prove to be inaccurate. On the other hand, if you opt for Business Central, you will have a clear idea of the implementation duration. The duration estimate will be approximate, but will be based on your partner's previous experience with other similar companies. Thanks to this experience, the implementation will be significantly faster than with a custom solution.Likewise, Business Central is easy to install, and after training you can start using it immediately. With custom solutions, problems can often only be identified after implementation, and solving them requires an unspecified amount of time. This means that your business will suffer as a result of the extension of deadlines.
3. Updates
As we already mentioned, the Business Central package also includes regular updates and upgrades that are included in the price. Thus, as a partner, we guarantee that you will always work with the most modern version of Business Central that exists at that moment. On the other hand, with custom solutions there is a risk of delays in the development of the application. For example, if your partner who produced the solution does not work on updating the application, it will become technologically obsolete accordingly. Also, when upgrading a custom ERP system, it is necessary to work separately on each individual part of the solution instead of doing the upgrade comprehensively. As a result, upgrading can become a long and tedious process, during which you will not have full or quality access to your custom solution. Do you want to put yourself in a position to gallop behind your competitors who have more advanced and modern solutions?
4. Support
Choosing a quality partner is the key to success. Depending on who programmed your custom ERP, support can vary. Such solutions can put you in an awkward position, where you are dependent on a precisely defined partner. In case of dissatisfaction with the service provided, cessation of the partner's work and similar situations, you have to give up the entire solution and find a new one. This leads to additional costs and can slow down or even stop your business for a certain period of time. When you choose Microsoft Business Central, you also choose a partner to help you with implementation and training. However, your cooperation with this partner is not final. There are a wide range of partners that provide support for Business Central. If problems arise or you are not satisfied with the current partner, you always have the option to change him and hire a new one. During this change process, Business Central remains available to you, which means that your business does not suffer as a result.
5. Methodology
The implementation process of any ERP system is long and demanding. Therefore, it is important to choose a reliable and experienced partner who will guide you through the entire process. If you decide to go for a custom ERP solution, problems may arise already at this stage. The solution provider may not have a developed implementation methodology, which means that the process is carried out without a clear plan. Problems cannot be predicted and are only solved when they arise.
Microsoft Business Central uses Sure Step methodology, specially developed for the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics products. Based on rich experience, it can be applied to all types of projects. Sure Step facilitates the implementation process, reduces costs and allows avoiding potential risks that may arise from it. This means that the implementation of Business Central is completed on time and within the budget.
6. Flexibility
Flexibility is probably the most appealing feature of a custom ERP solution. A custom ERP is built around your needs and desires, follows your business, and can be changed and upgraded whenever and however you see fit. A programmer can even design the solution to integrate with your company's existing software.
This all sounds great in theory, but it’s important to remember that none of this comes for free. You might find yourself in a situation where you need a certain feature but simply can’t afford the additional software changes. There’s also a myth that a custom option is always the best because it’s designed specifically for your business. However, many companies find that their business processes are specific precisely because they aren’t the most efficient for that type of business.
Implementing a standard solution, such as Business Central, improves your business precisely because it is not as flexible as a custom ERP system. Business Central is built on best practices, is constantly evolving, and is adaptable to various industries. It brings you powerful solutions you may not have even known about. With Business Central, you also get guidance that guides you to do your business in the best possible way.
Conclusion
We could say that if you have a lot of time, an unlimited budget, and a clear vision of the program you want, a custom solution can be good for your business. Especially if you operate in a specific industry, where you need a specific product that must be perfectly aligned with practice, a standard ERP could do you more harm than good. However, these are specific situations: in most cases, a custom solution does not come without significant risks that can negatively affect your company. In the case of Business Central, you are choosing a secure product that is used worldwide. It has been developed for years and is built on best practices. With Business Central, you not only get an ERP solution, but also the knowledge and experience that Microsoft experts have transferred to the program. You are not limited to one partner and you know exactly what you are getting, when you are getting it, and for how much. Select Business Central – a secure solution for your business.
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