"This product is both technologically and functionally superb." -CPA News, November 2000 issue

November 2000

Navision Software has just released version 2.60 of its Navision Financials system, another upgrade that addresses the needs of mid-sized manufacturers. This product not only addresses historical reporting needs but also places a great deal of emphasis on providing tools that will enhance the company's decision-making process and customer service concerns.

The publisher has followed the exact software design standards required to earn nearly every Designed for Microsoft logo available: Windows 95/98/NT, Office 97 and BackOffice. This provides an interface design that is very structured, consistent and efficient, if somewhat boring compared to other software. The main screen consists of a drop-down menu, a toolbar and a navigator style menu. This menu opens in the middle of the screen and provides access to all program functions. A vertical list on the left side of the menu lists the modules, such as General Ledger, Fixed Assets and Manufacturing. Clicking on one of these items brings up a more detailed list of the functions applicable to each module.

Although all accounting programs are largely database driven, Navision Financials makes the database and its related tables and fields very obvious throughout the user interface. Nearly every function opens a table/grid where data is viewed or entered. One of the keys to understanding this complex program is to become familiar with its more than 300 tables. Nearly every aspect of the program, from general journal entry to zip code maintenance is handled via this open, well-documented system. The user interface, then, is simply a way to access the database engine, which manages the tremendous quantity of data generated in any manufacturing and distribution process.

This open database design has also allowed Navision Software to offer its Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Option for Navision Financials. The company can now choose the database that will best reflect its computer hardware/operating system environment. SQL Server is a widely used platform offering enhanced features such as access to third-party reporting products, data warehousing, and scheduled backup and restore features. Existing systems using the Navision Server database can be easily migrated to the SQL Server database.

Navision Manufacturing focuses on the functional areas of base manufacturing, materials resource planning and capacity planning. Data input areas typically provide not only drill-down capabilities, but unique drill-around features as well. This allows a much more extensive data linking process than is typically seen in accounting software. For example, you can link from production orders to component lists (drill down) or from component lists to production orders that use a particular component (drill around). This where used concept is a powerful tool for company planners and managers.

Other important aspects of the manufacturing components include work order scheduling and planning, intelligent MRP scheduling based on anticipated timing and demand, work shift planning and shop calendars, and sales order management.

The Advanced Distribution system focuses on customer service, procurement planning and logistics. The customer service features include item substitutions, item cross reference, contract pricing and customer returns authorization management. Procurement planning provides a set of decision-making tools such as parameterized decision rules, stratified ordering rules by volume, seasonal planning and multiple vendor targets. Logistics provides tools to enhance the company's distribution operations with multi-location shipping and receiving, location transfers, warehouse management and bar coding devices.

This product is both technologically and functionally superb. In the complex world of manufacturing, Navision Financials provides the tools needed by production and sales managers to make the many decisions that affect the profitability and efficiency of the entire process. 5 stars.

Reprinted by permission 2000 The CPA Software News, 110 N. Bell, Suite 300, Shawnee, OK 74801, 800-456-0864

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