Latest features in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016

There are various interesting features that have been integrated to make Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 even better to use and present to the customer. Some of the features explained here might be useful for the developer, while some are highly preferred by the end users.

Test automation suites

We can easily automate regression tests of your application code using the Test Runner code unit. Test runner code units enable the execution of test code units without a user interface and without the integration of Test management and reporting frameworks. You can review the test output in your mailbox after the test finishes. The details about testing are explained in Chapter 4, Testing and Debugging.

Universal App on all devices

The best thing about Universal App is that it allows accessibility of the same system on different kinds of gadgets, from big-screen laptops and desktops to small-screen tablets and phones. It helps in discrimination of brands, as now you can access NAV on Apple and Android phones, tablets, and phablets. It also provides similar kind of interface, so the user can easily resume their work when they want to switch between different gadgets as per their convenience.

The following image clearly explains the range of accessibility of Universal App. Except on laptops and desktops, which require Windows OS, Universal App can be literally installed on every kind of operating system:

You can easily find Universal App by typing Dynamics NAV in the Windows store for desktops and laptops:

It is easy to find and install Universal App on Windows, Apple, and Android phones. Just find Dynamics NAV Universal App on the online phone store. Then install and provide the connection string, which is constant throughout the range of devices. You also need to provide the credentials before you enter into the system just for security purpose, which is obvious:

Note

It is easy to install and use Universal App in a mobile environment. In most cases, mobile clients are used by users when they are away from their desks, for instance when they are driving or have just left work. It increases the productivity of the user by responding to the process on-the-go.

The Web Client enhancements

Web Client is something that needs your attention. Microsoft has spent a tremendous amount of effort for enhancing the web experience of users. It is much cleaner. The startup time when launching app is significantly faster. The navigation time is extremely fine-tuned. Nice animation and smoother transition between different animation events is another great feature. The Activity button is more descriptive. There is an exciting horizontal scroll feature, and fast tabs are more interactive.

There are over 60 enhancements to the web client targeting simplicity, productivity, and performance.

In the following screenshot you can see the web client interface, which at first glance might look similar to the previous release but, internally there are tons of prominent changes, improving the user experience with the system:

In Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016, you can have a first-class desktop experience. It is designed for fast and fluid mouse and keyboard interaction. The best aspect of using web client is that you can use it on the go, from anywhere. The dynamics flow of role center for different browser sizes and to support high-resolution screen has also been increased.

It has also improved performance while fetching data over the Internet. In the case of list page, web client does not fetch all the list values at once, but rather fetches data on the go, as the user scrolls down the page. It significantly increases the performance of the system on the Web.

Working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM

With Dynamics NAV 2016, Microsoft has enabled the tight integration between two solutions to allow for caching the processes more efficiently. It also enables the user of the two solutions to make a more informed decision without switching products. In case they need to switch, tight integration enables this informal bit generic navigation action. Integration is enabled with a default definition from within Microsoft Dynamics NAV, which is simple to set up and use.

We just need to go to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Connection Setup, and enter the details in Dynamics CRM URL: User Name and Password, and then enable the settings by checking the Enabled check box, as shown in the following screenshot:

The benefits are of integration are as follows:

• Shared information
• Efficient order processing
• Easy integration

Now with the integration, we can make better real-time decisions allowing growth of our business and generating better results.

Working natively with Azure SQL

If you missed Chapter 1, Microsoft Dynamics NAV Installation, of this book, then I would like to request you to read that first to understand how we can work natively with Azure SQL. We can connect to Azure SQL using our local SQL Server Management Studio and work natively. We just need the connection credentials, which are the username, password, and the link to the server.

Extensions

It is one of the biggest changes in the product. This is a new development capability in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016. It enables you to modify Microsoft Dynamics NAV without directly changing source recourses. Because of this feature of extensions, Microsoft Dynamics NAV is now highly scalable and easy to deploy, manage, and upgrade.

We will cover extensions in detail in Chapter 11, Extending Dynamics NAV 2016.

Document management

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 has implemented document management and Optical Character Recognition capabilities. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capability means the identification of printed characters using photoelectric devices and utility computer software.

The main intention behind this modification was to reduce the paper-based process, and to optimize the environment for smooth operation. This also helps improve the speed and accuracy of the operation, and is actually more economical for small- and medium-sized businesses.

It is now easy to implement the service provided by the OCR service providers.

Workflows

Microsoft Dynamics NAV has enhanced the following workflow capabilities:

• It is essential in the current business environment to focus more on visualization, notifications, and similar visual enhancements. Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 addresses most of these with its enhanced workflow capabilities.
• It also enables the end users to configure relevant workflows with no need to pay a billable for a technical resource for the modification.

E - Everything

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 has a high level of E-Services integration. Most of the reports now can be directly sent over the Internet, and can also be configured for direct delivery without user intervention. This change has made the system more acceptable for the high tech environment. It is extremely compatible with different e-commerce software. Data can be directly sent to a website using inbuilt web services, which just need a simple configuration.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 heavily supports the E - Everything concept. It has the ability to enable smooth integration with other cloud-based products and services. Even the connectivity steps are well documented and organized to reduce the time you spend on doing so.

Power BI

You can easily understand the pattern of data in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 using intelligent tools like Power BI. It helps us analyze data and get meaning out of it for different purposes such as decision making, resuming purchase and sales process, carrying out a manufacturing process, and so on. Power BI retrieves your data, both sales and financial data, and then builds an out-of-the-box dashboard and reports based on that data. The dashboards are very user-friendly, and easy to change as per your choice. Since this is a very useful tool and highly recommended, we will discuss more about Power BI in Chapter 11, Extending Dynamics NAV 2016.

Office 365 integration

Microsoft Dynamics NAV supports federated user authentication with Microsoft Azure Active Directory. Microsoft Office 365 uses the same Identity provider service, and thus, NAV System can be easily integrated with the Office 365 platform service. A Single Sign-On (SSO) user experience can be implemented for both Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 and Office 365, where a single sign on works on both the applications. If you use web client, then you do not need to sign in to another application if you have already signed in to one; this makes everything run smoothly.

The following screenshot will show you a common interface where all of the applications can be accessed from a single login:

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 can be configured to use Azure SQL as a relational database-as-a-service, eliminating maintenance and reducing costs.

We need these cloud services in order to do the following:

• Eliminating maintenance: Reduces pressure on the internal IT teams
• Reducing costs: Upfront investment is significantly reduced, as monthly payments for SQL services are possible