Dynamics 365 Business Central: New Name – New Licencing Model

November 29, 2018 stre Leave a comment

The current autumn releases of several Microsoft business solutions are on the market for a few weeks now. In addition to new features and improvements, the ERP software Dynamics NAV has also officially been named Dynamics 365 Business Central. Along with the new title there is also a new licencing model for the product.

What remains unchanged is the option to choose whether to purchase the software under the perpetual licencing model or simply rent it via subscription licencing. The former allows the buyer to purchase the solution for unlimited and unrestricted use and requires annual maintenance fee of 16%. In contrast, subscription licencing constitutes a model where the software can be used for a certain period of time. The subscription licencing model is therefore much more flexible and particularly suitable for cloud-based use as Software as a Service (SaaS). The product is billed monthly per user.

Business Central Licencing (Source: Microsoft)

The licencing model underwent some changes during the introduction of Business Central. Instead of the previous Concurrent User model, the Named User model, which is already in place for nearly all other Microsoft products, is used now. The Concurrent User model merely offered restricted access to a set number of users being able to log into the system at the same time. In contrast, with the Named User model, only licenced users can be authorised – no matter whether they are working in the system concurrently or at different times. Every user who wants to access the system therefore requires his own licence. Existing Dynamics NAV customers with an active enhancement plan up to and including the 2018 version still have the option to extend their licence. In this case, previous Concurrent Users will also be available for purchase in the future.

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Business Intelligence, General

Qlik NPrinting: New features with the fall release

November 15, 2018 stre Leave a comment

Within the scope of the recently launched Qlik release wave, which optimized the data visualization platform Qlik Sense again, NPrinting has been equipped with new functions, too.

The most important new features of the latest NPrinting version include the following areas:

Password protection
Since the September release, NPrinting has a password protection. It is possible to protect reports with both “read” and “read & write” passwords. Passwords can be set at report, publish task or user level. The preview in the Printing Newsstand is accordingly disabled for password protected reports.

Macros in Excel reports
Concerning the creation of Excel reports, it is now possible to integrate Visual Basic macros into reports and publish them in *.xlsm format.

Cookies
According to the new data protection guidelines, NPrinting cookies will be deleted immediately after session logout.

In addition, the latest version of NPrinting also contains numerous improvements relating to performance and stability.

Business Intelligence, General

Comprehensive analyses through multiple data sources

November 1, 2018 stre Leave a comment

In many companies, clean data are the base of important business processes. Analyzed data is essential – especially for new insights or as a decision-making aid. Because these data don’t come from a single internal source any longer, the possibility of integrating external data sources should always be considered at choosing data analysis software.

The storage of company data has gone through a major change in the recent years. In particular, the cloud movement into many companies means that information is no longer stored at a central location, but is obtained from multiple sources. Companies often base decisions on efficiency and go for various cloud models.

But the increased storage options pose a particular challenge to analytics tools, as all relevant data from the various sources must be put together without much effort. The best way to do this is to move away from data silos. Instead, the analysis software should extend across all data sources without having to migrate the data required for evaluation to a central location via various infrastructure barriers.

The various information formats are also important. It should be possible to include external social media data from the cloud in the analyses also as classics like Excel. Open APIs or other connectors can be helpful, as they allow the various sources, whether on-premise or cloud, to be linked to each other without any problems.

The user-friendliness of the software should also not be underrated. The combination of data should be flexible, scalable and simple in order to prevent user mistakes in data analysis and to be able to provide the required data as quickly as possible.

General

Microsoft publishes October release: Dynamics NAV becomes Dynamics 365 Business Central

October 11, 2018 stre Leave a comment

Microsoft rolled out the October releases for some of its business applications. The new version of the ERP software Dynamics NAV not only includes new features and improvements, there is also a new name: Dynamics 365 Business Central (On-Premises).

It has already been known for some time that after the last published version Dynamics NAV 2018, no new release will appear under the former name. Instead, the product line continues themed Dynamics 365 Business Central. Customers who are currently using a local Dynamics NAV solution can continue using it in future, but all subsequent versions of the product line will be published under the new name.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Roadmap (Source: Twitter/atotovic)

For new customers Dynamics NAV 2018 is only available until December 31^st 2018. After that date there will only be Business Central (On-Premises) available. In addition, existing customers with Dynamics NAV 2009 or older versions can no longer upgrade to NAV 2018 starting January 1^st 2019, only to Business Central (On-Premises).

Dynamics NAV customers with an active Dynamics Enhancement Plan can continue to use their current installation or upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central (On-Premises). The existing Dynamics NAV licenses and functions will be transferred to Business Central (On-Premises) accordingly. Downgrading to Dynamics NAV 2018 or earlier versions won’t be possible any longer.

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Business Intelligence, General

Qlik Sense September 2018 – What’s New

September 27, 2018 stre Leave a comment

It’s time again – Qlik has released a new version of its data visualization solution Qlik Sense. Since the last release in June, a lot has happened.

After the positive feedback regarding the Insight Advisor, which supports the user with analysis and diagram suggestions since June, Qlik remains focused on its Cognitive Engine and Augmented Intelligence for Qlik Sense September 2018. In addition, the new release delivers some “QlikView like” features and more. General highlights of Qlik Sense September 2018 include:

Enhanced Advanced Authoring Features

The Qlik Sense September Release offers some additional functionalities in the area of Advanced Authoring. This simplifies the creation of sophisticated data layouts while accelerating application development due to its high user-friendliness. The improvements of the Expression Editor (e.g. restructured function categorizations and improved search functions) and the visualization control (e.g. conditional show/hide in pivot tables and customizable master measures) are helpful. In addition, you can now open apps by using a default bookmark with a predefined selection state.

New Mapping Features

In addition, the new Qlik Sense version offers enhanced mapping capabilities. For example, the release has a new map layer that depends on the density of the mapped points. The new “Density Map Layer” is a multicolor gradient background where the color intensity varies depending on the weight and closeness of the points.

Improved backend workflow, stability and performance

Qlik Sense September 2018 also removes several previous limitations of the Qlik Management Console (QMC) and allows, for example, to move multiple apps between different streams. In addition, the open source front-end framework has been updated to version 1.6.9 to ensure better performance and stability.

Enhanced connectivity

With the new release, Qlik has further expanded its connectivity options with Microsoft Azure DB and Jira connectors. The necessary security within the integrated connector to Presto is also provided by an extension of LDAP authentication. Large enterprise environments benefit from AirWatch EMM security for mobile access to Qlik Sense Enterprise.

An overview of the listed and other new features of Qlik Sense September 2018 is also available on YouTube:

General

Is Digital Transformation for sale? Really?

September 19, 2018 stre Leave a comment

Guus Krabbenborg is well-known as a business trainer, consultant, blogger and frequently speaker in the Microsoft world. As an expert, he speaks like no other about changes and possibilities in an increasingly digitizing world. We are pleased to welcome the highly-inspiring speaker to our Business Day. With a blog post about digital transformation, he is already getting us in the mood for his speeches:

Today, Digital Transformation is a strategic topic for every company on the planet. Everybody knows examples of companies that have ignored the need to change. Or that started the change process too late. And where that led to. Of course, Digital Transformation has a lot to do with IT and software solutions. However, the question is if you simply can order Digital Transformation from the pricelist of your IT vendor.

The answer to this question is of course No! Digital Transformation is not an article number on the pricelist of any vendor in today’s world. On the contrary, the change process that comes naturally with this transformation is dominated by the so called ‘human factors’. Like the need for a vision on the future. Like trust and internal support. Clear communication about the goals and underlying strategies. Commitment of all parties involved. And exemplary behavior of the leaders.

I strongly believe that IT solutions form an important part of a successful transformation process. But I also believe that it’s valuable contribution is much less than 50 percent of the total project success.

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General

New concept, new location: prisma invites to Business Day 2018

August 31, 2018 stre Leave a comment

prisma informatik invites you to its annual business day – this year with a new venue and concept.

On October 25^th at the Sportpark Ronhof in Fuerth it is all about “Smart processes – valuable data – modern infrastructure”. In addition to some keynotes on the developments of Microsoft, prisma & Co., our new concept includes an open information and communication forum to inform about various topics at numerous information booths, network and hold deepening talks.

Topics will include Modern Workplace (Office 365, Infrastructure etc.), Qlik (Data Visualizations & Reports, D365discovery etc.), Microsoft Dynamics (NAV Development, NAV Finance & Controlling, Document Management etc.) and certain industry lines. Our partner DocuWare will also be available, as well as the speakers Eduard Dell and Guus Krabbenborg.

Eduard Dell, as regional lead of the QBS DACH organization, supports partners such as prisma in creating and developing their business with Microsoft – especially in the area of “Microsoft Business Applications”. At the Business Day Eduard will highlight the roadmaps of the Dynamics product lines.

Guus Krabbenborg is well-known in the Microsoft world as a particularly inspiring speaker, trainer, consultant and blogger. In his creative and inspiring performances, Guus speaks like no other about changes and possibilities in an increasingly digitizing world.

At our “Meet & Greet” on the previous evening (October 24^th), Guus will already introduce you to the upcoming day with an exciting impulse speech an our experts will also be available for initial discussions.

Information can also be found in our latest press release. Registrations are open, please click here to join the prisma Business Day 2018.

General

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – First details known for October release

August 8, 2018 stre Leave a comment

In October, Microsoft is going to roll out new releases for its business applications. Dynamics 365 Business Central will then also be equipped with some improvements and innovations. The release notes recently published by Microsoft provide an overview of the new key features. They also confirm that the on-premise version of Business Central will be the successor to Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

With the upcoming October release, the availability of Dynamics 365 Business Central will be extended. From this point on, the solution can be operated in the cloud, on-premise and as a hybrid model. Customers who currently have a local Dynamics NAV solution in operation can continue to use it. However, subsequent versions of the Dynamics NAV product range will no longer be available under the usual name. Instead, the solution will become “Business Central On-Premise” as part of the new releases.

Optimized productivity and user experience

The new version of Business Central will bring some productivity and usability improvements in the Web Client. Besides a new modern look, improved keyboard navigation and new keyboard shortcuts make working with the program considerably faster and more convenient. Enhanced search functions for pages and reports as well as new filter options for lists also increase user-friendliness – regardless of whether the data is accessed via Web Client or Universal App Client (Smartphone, Tablet or Windows 10).

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General

Eight proven success factors in implementing modern business software

July 18, 2018 stre Leave a comment

In order to keep up with digitization in the corporate world, even classic business applications are on trial. In many companies there is need for action in order to map all segments across the value chain in future by an integrated solution.

At Microsoft the traditionally separated fields of ERP and CRM are growing together under the umbrella brand “Dynamics 365”; the integrated business application suite “Business Central” is a major part of this. Modern software solutions like this offer lots of opportunities, but the scope of implementing such a system should never be underestimated.

Even though new business applications have different pricing models than before and even offer leasing models, the implementation and conception of such a software solution is still a major investment. And even if manufacturers keep talking about “self-service” and there is no longer a need to provide your own hardware, for complex business processes it will always be necessary to include consultants with experience from other similar projects. Many companies will have to check and adapt their existing processes to the parameters specified by the new software. To this end, lots of plans and discussions are required to ensure the success of the project. So it’s worthwhile to keep the following principles in mind before launching a new project.

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Business Intelligence, General

Qlik Sense June 2018 – What’s New

July 2, 2018 stre Leave a comment

BI vendor Qlik continues to pursue its proven release cycle, launching Qlik Sense June 2018, the latest version of its data visualization software.

In addition to a new Insight Advisor and enhanced hub publishing capabilities, the new release includes visualization enhancements and five new connectors. Feature Highlights in Qlik Sense June 2018 include:

Generate insights with the new Insight Advisor
Qlik Sense June 2018 has been extended with a new Insight Advisor. The Advisor uses Qlik’s Cognitive Engine to suggest charts to users based on insights from existing and new data. The user can then use them to augment existing visualizations.

Advanced features for app publishing from the hub
The new Qlik Sense version provides enhanced capabilities to manage apps through the hub. For example, apps that have already been published can be duplicated, modified, and then re-published in the same stream as the original app. Published apps can now be found in a dedicated section.

Filtering data from files
With Qlik Sense June 2018 you can create filtering conditions for the field contents in files. These are automatically applied to the script when data is loaded into the Data Manager.

New possibilities for visualizations
The release also offers some new features to create and edit visualizations. For example, the property panel now offers a number of alternative charts to complement the original chart suggestions. At the same place it is possible to switch dimensions and measures by simply drag and drop. In addition, Qlik Sense June 2018 provides the ability to show and hide specific columns in a straight table. The mini graph used for scrolling can be deactivated for line, bar and combo charts.

Qlik Sense June 2018 offers even more new features. In addition to five new Qlik connectors (PrestoDB, Apache Drill, Apache Phoenix, Apache Spark, and MongoDB), the release features enhanced accessibility, new line layers in map charts and enhanced capabilities for the Expression Editor and App sheets. An overview of the listed and many other interesting new features of Qlik Sense June 2018 is also available in the following video: