The latest version of Microsofts ERP solution Dynamics NAV 2016 includes many optimised and new features that make day-to-day work with the software significantly easier for the user. One of the presumably most interesting new features is the option of generically and flexibly configuring and executing workflows directly within the application.

The new workflow module supports the user in consistently and individually controlling ERP processes and, in so doing, meeting existing compliance requirements. Business Process Management is thus IT-supported to an extent. For instance, a user disposing of the appropriate authorisations can independently configure approval and licence processes by defining the respective reactions to certain events directly in Dynamics NAV 2016 (”If”…”then”…). These may include, for instance, a simple notification, the request for consent or rejection regarding a required action, or the automatic initialisation of a process.

Notification

If a notification is selected as the reaction, the desired users will be informed about what happened when the respective event occurred, and, if required, these users will be requested to act accordingly. In this case, the corresponding persons will be provided with an email or a message including the respective information.

Approval of a necessary measure

Furthermore, it can be defined that a necessary subsequent task, goods or a document remain blocked until a responsible person within the company approves the respective action and the object for further processing. For instance, a purchase invoice exceeding a certain amount can be blocked until an employee of the company has reviewed and approved this invoice.

Process automation

It is also possible to decide that the Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 system should automatically execute a defined response process upon certain events without there being any need for another user to manually initiate the next task.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 already includes more than 20 workflow templates (for purchase invoice processes e.g.) the user may use. However, developers may additionally define separate workflow events and reactions.

Up to now, Microsoft Dynamics NAV provided the option of partially parameterising business processes, but they were always defined by the system. The new logic regarding the workflows therefore creates the possibility to design processes generically and have them executed by users of the ERP System.