Microsoft Dynamics Nav (Technical)

1. C/SIDE (Client/Server Integrated Development Environment): Microsoft Dynamics NAV uses a development environment known as C/SIDE. It stands for Client/Server Integrated Development Environment and is used for customizing and developing solutions within the Dynamics NAV platform.

2. C/AL (C/SIDE Language): The programming language associated with C/SIDE is C/AL (C/SIDE Language). C/AL is a declarative language used for defining objects within Dynamics NAV, including tables, forms, reports, and business logic.

3. Customization: Dynamics NAV allows for extensive customization to tailor the system to the specific needs of an organization. This includes modifying existing forms, creating new reports, and defining new data structures.

4. Data Migration: When implementing Dynamics NAV, data migration is often a critical aspect. Technical users need to understand data mapping, data transformation, and the execution of data migration processes to ensure a smooth transition from legacy systems.

5. Integration: Dynamics NAV supports integration with other Microsoft technologies and external systems. This involves connecting Dynamics NAV with applications like Microsoft Office, as well as integrating with third-party solutions and services.

6. Report Development: Technical users can create and modify reports within Dynamics NAV to extract and present data in a meaningful way. This involves designing report layouts and defining data sources.

7. RoleTailored Client (RTC): Dynamics NAV features a RoleTailored Client, providing users with a personalized and role-based interface. Technical users may be involved in configuring and customizing these role-based experiences.

8. Eventing Model: Similar to other Dynamics products, Dynamics NAV uses an event-driven model. Technical users can subscribe to and handle events, enabling customization without modifying the core code.

It's important to note that while Dynamics NAV (Navision) continues to be used in some existing implementations, Microsoft encourages new customers to consider Dynamics 365 Business Central for their ERP needs, as it represents the modern cloud-based evolution of Dynamics NAV.

If you are considering learning about the technical aspects of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, it's advisable to understand that Dynamics 365 Business Central has become the preferred and more modern version, incorporating the functionalities of Dynamics NAV.

Before learning Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), it's beneficial to have a set of foundational skills that will help you navigate the technical aspects of the ERP system. Here are some skills and prerequisites that can be valuable:

1. Basic Understanding of ERP Concepts: Familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts related to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Understand how ERP solutions manage business processes, resources, and integrate various functions within an organization.

2. Database Knowledge: Gain a basic understanding of databases and relational database concepts. Dynamics NAV relies on a database to store and manage business data, so having knowledge of database structures, queries, and normalization is beneficial.

3. Programming Fundamentals: While not mandatory, having a basic understanding of programming concepts is advantageous. Dynamics NAV uses C/AL (C/SIDE Language) for customization, so familiarity with programming logic and syntax is helpful.

4. Microsoft Technologies: Dynamics NAV is a Microsoft product, so familiarity with Microsoft technologies, especially those related to development environments like Visual Studio Code or C/SIDE, can be valuable.

5. Business Process Understanding: Develop a good understanding of common business processes, especially those related to finance, supply chain, and manufacturing. This knowledge is crucial for tailoring Dynamics NAV to meet specific organizational needs.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Cultivate strong problem-solving skills. As a Dynamics NAV (Navision) professional, you may need to troubleshoot issues, debug code, and design effective solutions.

7. Communication Skills: Enhance your communication skills, as you may work closely with business analysts, end-users, and other IT professionals. Clear communication is crucial for understanding business requirements and conveying technical solutions effectively.

8. Basic IT Skills: Have a foundational understanding of IT concepts, such as networks, security, and system administration. This knowledge will contribute to a well-rounded skill set when working with Dynamics NAV.

9. Web Technologies (Optional): Depending on the version of Dynamics NAV you are working with, having a basic understanding of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be beneficial, especially if you are dealing with web-based interfaces.

10. Continuous Learning Mindset: Dynamics NAV is an evolving product, and staying updated on the latest features and best practices is essential. Adopt a mindset for continuous learning to adapt to changes and improvements in the platform.

While these skills are beneficial, it's important to note that many of them can be developed during your learning journey with Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Learning Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) can equip you with a diverse set of skills, particularly in the domain of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Here are the skills you can gain by learning Microsoft Dynamics NAV:

1. Dynamics NAV Development (C/AL and C/SIDE): Acquire proficiency in C/AL (C/SIDE Language) and C/SIDE, which are the development tools and programming language used in Dynamics NAV. These skills are essential for customizing and extending the functionality of the ERP system.

2. Customization and Configuration: Learn how to customize and configure Dynamics NAV to align with specific business requirements. This involves modifying forms, reports, and business logic to tailor the system to the unique needs of an organization.

3. Database Management: Gain expertise in working with databases, especially in the context of Dynamics NAV. Understand data structures, relationships, and the management of business data within the ERP system.

4. Integration with Microsoft Technologies: Dynamics NAV can be integrated with other Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft Office and SharePoint. Learn how to leverage these integrations to enhance collaboration and streamline business processes.

5. Business Process Management: Develop an understanding of various business processes, including finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and customer relationship management. Dynamics NAV is designed to manage these processes efficiently.

6. Troubleshooting and Debugging: Acquire skills in troubleshooting issues and debugging code within the Dynamics NAV environment. This is crucial for maintaining a stable and well-functioning system.

7. Data Migration: Learn how to plan and execute data migration processes when transitioning from legacy systems to Dynamics NAV. This involves data mapping, transformation, and validation.

8. Report Development: Develop skills in designing and customizing reports in Dynamics NAV. This includes creating financial reports, sales reports, and other customized reports to meet specific reporting needs.

9. User Interface Design: Understand how to design and customize user interfaces within Dynamics NAV. This may involve modifying forms, fields, and layouts to improve the user experience.

10. Upgrade Management: Dynamics NAV is regularly updated with new features and improvements. Learn how to manage system upgrades to ensure that the ERP system is running on the latest version with enhanced functionalities.

11. Communication and Collaboration: Enhance communication skills as you may work closely with business stakeholders, end-users, and other IT professionals. Clear communication is essential for gathering requirements and delivering effective solutions.

12. Continuous Learning: Develop a mindset for continuous learning. Stay updated on the latest features, updates, and best practices in Dynamics NAV to ensure that your skills remain relevant and aligned with industry standards.

These skills not only make you proficient in working with Dynamics NAV but also provide a foundation for understanding ERP systems and business applications in a broader context. As technology evolves, having expertise in ERP systems remains valuable, and the skills gained through learning Dynamics NAV can be transferable to other ERP solutions as well.