Cloud Computing – Liberty Grove Software

The Power Pair: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power Platform

Liberty Grove Software — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:24:02 +0000

As the pressure for manufacturers to be more competitive increases steadily, so does the need for more tools to drive efficiency. The race is on – and Microsoft is cheering you to the finish line with its “power pair,” Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.

The dynamic duo is making waves with its integration capabilities, fueling efficiencies, customer satisfaction, and profitability in organizations of all sizes.

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

In short, it’s a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that simplifies the management of finances, operations, sales, and customer service. It works effortlessly with other Microsoft products like Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and third-party applications to expand functionality, streamline efficiency, and manage numerous business operations.

What is the Microsoft Power Platform, and how do its essential components function together?

Microsoft’s Power Platform is intuitive and collaborative. It provides several low-code tools for swiftly automating processes, building apps, and developing valuable solutions for various uses. By merging inclusive and easily accessible technology for everyday business use, it enables its users to create new end-to-end business solutions that add value to stakeholders and accelerate business success.

Microsoft Power Platform: Streamlining Operations

So, how do you connect Microsoft Power Platform with Business Central?

Power Platform consists of four components that can be used separately or combined to create applications, workflows, dashboards, and chatbots:

1. Power Apps

2. Power Automate

3. Power BI

4. Power Virtual Agents

The combination of Microsoft Power Platform with Business Central, whether in a Software as a Service (SaaS) or on-premises environment, provides many options for optimizing business operations and gaining significant data insights. Integrating Power Platform and Business Central can transform your business operations. The possibilities are endless, and you can personalize the integration according to your requirements and goals.

Connecting the Dots: A Step-by-Step Guide for Integrating Power Platform with Business Central

Step 1: Enable the integration in Business Central (via Dataverse)

Before connecting to Business Central using the Power Platform, you must allow integration in Business Central. To accomplish this, take these steps:

Log into your Business Central account as an administrator.
Navigate to the Setup & Extensions page and select Assisted Setup.
In the list of aided setup guidelines, locate and pick Set up a connection to Dataverse.

To enable integration, enter your Power Platform environment information and pick the entities you want to sync between Business Central and Dataverse.

After you allow the integration, a confirmation message will appear with a link to the Data Integration page, where you can check the synchronization status.

Step 2: Connect to Business Central using the Power Platform

After you’ve enabled the integration in Business Central, use the Dynamics 365 Business Central connector to connect to it from the Power Platform. This connector gives you access to your Business Central data and activities using Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents. To utilize this connector, take the following steps:

Log in to your Power Platform account and choose which component to utilize (Power Apps, Power Automate, or Power Virtual Agents).
In the component’s interface, check for the option to add a new connection or data source.
Select Dynamics 365 Business Central from the list of available connectors.

In the connection settings, enter your Business Central account information and credentials. After connecting, you will see your Business Central data and activities in the component’s UI.

Step 3: Create and consume solutions on the Power Platform

You’re all set!

Now that you’ve linked to Business Central via Power Platform, you may utilize Power Platform to design and deploy solutions based on your Business Central data and activities.

So, What Can You Achieve After Integration?

Power Apps allows you to create custom apps that connect to your Business Central data and perform actions like tracking locations, sending ‘Work from Home’ notifications, placing warehouse items, capturing proof of delivery, creating sales orders, updating inventory, sending invoices, and more.

You can utilize the Dynamics 365 Business Central connector as a data source in your app, and its actions will allow you to interact with your Business Central data.

You can also utilize connectors like Office 365, Outlook, or SharePoint to link your app to other systems or services. Here are some examples of how you can increase your organizational efficiency:

Power Apps, placed on a delivery driver’s portable device, are used to obtain the receiver’s signature or a photo at the delivery location using Microsoft Power Dashboard.
Use Power Automate to create automated tasks and processes between Business Central and other systems or services. You can utilize the Dynamics 365 Business Central connector as a trigger or action in your flow; its actions will interact with your Business Central data. You can also use connectors like AI Builder, Adaptive Cards, Office 365, Outlook, or SharePoint to connect your flow to other systems or services.
Use Power BI to visualize and analyze your Business Central data and share reports with stakeholders. You can include the Dynamics 365 Business Central connector as a data source in your report and use its queries to retrieve Business Central data.
Create chatbots with Power Virtual Agents to connect with consumers and workers while providing information or assistance from Business Central, such as inventory inquiries, making contacts, and generating service or sales orders.

From improved efficiency to increased productivity: Real-World Applications of Power Platform with Business Central Integration

Integrating Microsoft Power Platform and Business Central has proven to be a game changer for businesses across multiple industries. By incorporating the characteristics of these two formidable platforms, companies of all sizes and types have seen significant gains in their operations, decision-making, and overall efficiency. Let’s look at how this integration can benefit businesses across the board.

Digitize and automate critical activities, such as:

Inventory Management
Order Tracking
Improved client communication and collaboration through production planning

Power Automate, when linked with Business Central, makes it easier to request permissions for new documents or requests and automate communications and repetitive chores, including:

Lead Nurturing
Campaign Management
Freeing up time for sales and marketing specialists

Automate service delivery methods, ensuring:

Effective resource allocation
Prompt project completion

Improve sales performance by:

Analyzing the sales cycle duration
Evaluating and identifying employee performance and opportunities to improve conversion rates

Improve customer service by examining the following:

Customer satisfaction levels
Case resolution times
Service activities performed over a measurable length of time

The benefits of the combined platforms are realized across sectors and organizational levels, resulting in insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and campaign efficacy, which leads to focused tactics and more significant revenue.

Conclusion

Integrating Microsoft Power Platform with Business Central provides an excellent opportunity to maximize the value of your business operations and data insights.

You can smoothly link the “power pair” and use their combined capabilities. The opportunities for automating procedures, generating new applications, and gaining essential insights through analytics are unlimited. Embrace the power of integration to help your company survive and thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Microsoft Power Platform and Business Central integration has resulted in transformations in all types of enterprises. Companies in various industries, from small and medium-sized organizations to giant corporations, can use this connection to streamline operations, make data-driven choices, and provide excellent customer experiences, driving business success.

Deploying and optimizing these applications to their maximum potential may necessitate the assistance of professionals. Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how our experienced consultants can assist and provide the support you require to achieve a smooth integration and maximize the benefits for your company.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Liberty Grove Software helps manufacturing firms compete by automating tedious operations with Microsoft technologies. Our extensive manufacturing knowledge has established us as the preferred Microsoft partner for assisting mid-sized manufacturers in increasing production.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

5 Ways an ERP Helps with Manufacturing Compliance

Liberty Grove Software — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:43:05 +0000

You don’t need us to tell you that manufacturing compliance is becoming increasingly complex. Customers want top-quality products delivered in lickety-split timing at the lowest prices. That kind of pressure can result in employees making errors or taking shortcuts that can put your manufacturing compliance record at risk.

It’s why more and more manufacturing executives are turning to ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions to increase productivity, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigate risk. A modern ERP, like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP software from Liberty Grove, improves your data visibility, security, and traceability – and ensures your organization is compliant across your supply chain.

An ERP is an immensely valuable tool for organizations seeking to maintain high compliance standards constantly.

Accounting standards are periodically changed to reflect new compliance demands, and compliance has recently become more challenging due to the rising use of billing systems such as subscription billing or complex leasing management.

As a result, it might become increasingly difficult to guarantee that you are checking all the appropriate boxes.

That’s where an ERP comes in. It reduces the time your employees spend on tasks that can be readily automated and manages all the moving pieces that affect compliance. In addition, it will improve efficiency throughout your company’s many procedures.

Here are 5 Ways an ERP Helps with Manufacturing Compliance

1. Increases your company’s visibility and transparency

Compliance relies significantly on the capacity to manage business operations visibly and transparently. One of the most difficult challenges businesses confront is accurate revenue reporting and recognition. The rise in complex billing arrangements has further exacerbated the difficulties of accurate and honest reporting.

Traditionally, this type of data would be tracked in a complex network of spreadsheets, with a small, specialized crew putting in lengthy hours of laborious and tedious data entry. Manual data entry is prone to errors due to its repetitious nature. Extracting the necessary data is not only labor-intensive but can also be daunting. All of this is easily manageable within an ERP system.

2. An ERP increases compliance by eliminating inaccuracies in data

Automating repetitive operations with an ERP system reduces errors and frees up your team’s time, allowing your team to triple-check all compliance requirements. It is difficult to demonstrate compliance when there are data tracking and administration faults. Manual data entry can sometimes result in errors that cause problems later on.

All this changes with an industry-specific ERP. It provides the tools to streamline procedures and establish consistent recording and saving data standards. As a result, you have greater control over your data and may keep historical records in a single system. You reduce the possibility of inaccuracy and increase the reliability of your data.

3. Better manage complex billing cycles

As previously said, an ERP may simplify even the most complex billing cycles. If you manage a recurring billing model, look for an ERP system with features to help with compliance. Automating your processes and simplifying your data will give you rapid and effective access to reports.

4. Make your data audit-ready

Month- and year-end periods can be complex. An ERP system will centralize your organization’s reports and make them easily accessible. That enables you to locate the appropriate answers when you need them. An ERP allows you to conduct audits swiftly and efficiently without searching for the necessary data. This simplifies your accounting team’s life during stressful periods (such as tax season) and gives them peace of mind, knowing that their data is consistent and accurate. Nothing is worse than having to spend significant time and energy re-entering data that might have been automated.

5. Consistent reporting across various organizations in your ERP enhances compliance

Compliance becomes increasingly challenging as your firm grows and you manage additional assets. An ERP system will bring consistency to your reports across various entities or companies. As a result, it makes it easier to comply by making data more available across all institutions. Investing in an ERP that can scale with your company is critical for fast-growing businesses since it allows you to maintain track of data and remain compliant as you grow.

An Industry-specific ERP Enhances Compliance by Understanding Your Sector

A company that has developed a system for your industry has most likely worked with hundreds of other businesses with similar requirements. Organizations probably have many similarities regarding compliance, especially those in the same industry. Investing the extra effort required to guarantee that your tools are constructed to meet the demands of your industry and that your accounts are in order can save you time and money in the long run.

Often, organizations attempt to apply sophisticated workarounds with technology that has yet to prove itself in their field. Do your research and choose an ERP tailored to your business or with industry-specific add-ons designed to address the complexities of the processes that need to be made apparent and transparent.

**Does an ERP Solution Protect Your Manufacturing Compliance?**

Liberty Grove can help you use many tools and services to achieve a successful cloud ERP deployment, improve your organization’s productivity, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigate risk.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP software can help you maintain compliance standards and protect your reputation.

Top 6 Advantages of Business Process Automation (libertygrovetech.com/website_c6b6bfc4/)

Best 10 Reasons to Move Your On-Premises ERP to the Cloud – Liberty Grove Software

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Food Traceability: How Cloud ERP Can Help

Liberty Grove Software — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:33:14 +0000

The food business is one of the most strictly regulated in the world. Food traceability has become a crucial concern for manufacturers and consumers, with an increasing emphasis on food safety and quality.

The Food and Beverage industry has an increasing demand for modern technology.

According to Report Ocean, by the end of 2024, the global food traceability market will expand to $19.22 billion from $11.89 billion in 2017 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.10%.
CAGR

This article will cover the significance of traceability in the food sector and discuss how a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system like DynamicsFoodERP from Liberty Grove, powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365, may assist in making food traceability simple.

Because of advancements in regulatory compliance, there is a steadily increasing demand for greater control in the Food and Beverage industry. Industry leaders work harder than ever to guarantee quality standards to accommodate increased customer demand while meeting higher expectations.

Regardless of such precautions, the grim reality is that most producers will eventually have to deal with a food quality issue that necessitates the product to be recalled from shop shelves – or directly from consumers after purchase. With this possibility in mind, manufacturers are turning to modern technologies to help them overcome such a crisis.

The best safeguard for firms is to deploy a cloud-based ERP solution enabling traceability throughout the organization and distribution cycles – this allows companies to recall the product promptly, fulfilling expected timescales.

Influences in the Industry

Several issues are driving the need for stricter food safety regulations.

While the industry is striving for greater control, external pressures also directly impact how manufacturers in the Food and Beverage industry conduct business.

Food and Beverage executives are learning that transparency is the best way ahead. It’s simply too dangerous to get caught up in the aftermath of a recall, mainly if harm was caused to consumers by spoilage or contamination.

High-profile leaders are collaborating with communications teams to harness the role of corporate citizens, championing the tighter requirements set by governments.

Food and Beverage manufacturers are likely to learn about a problem through the Internet – think customer reviews on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp (among others), as these are go-to platforms for dissatisfied customers to vent their disappointments. Having a long-term communications strategy for dealing with issues on the Internet can be highly effective. Meanwhile, it’s essential to maintain a well-trained and prepared customer service team, as manufacturers may expect to hear directly from individuals and businesses with whom they do business.

Factors Affecting Cost

Increased regulation requires firms to do more to preserve their brand and position in a competitive market. The downside of more robust industrial controls has one evident disadvantage: price hikes are hurting the cost of food. Some producers will raise market pricing to pocket revenues while making little attempt to improve operations.

A better-managed system provides the ability to conduct a food recall from start to finish.

Manufacturers require a completely traceable system to successfully resolve a food recall, beginning with the ingredients’ source, tracking the item(s) to the processing plant, and eventually identifying the store and possibly even the point of sale to the consumer.

Modern conveniences, particularly refrigeration, allow producers to deliver things rapidly and to any location, usually within 24 hours. Outdated issues, such as seasonality and distant locations, no longer play a role in the distribution of goods. Consumers may now eat anything they want, whenever they want, as long as they’re ready to pay the price.

The Advantages of an ERP

More than ever before, customers want to know where their food comes from. Manufacturers are grappling with the information age, and today’s consumers are demanding more information than prior generations.

For example, health-conscious customers are likely to request specifics. You can expect consumers to inquire about the source farm(s) of their goods – are they local or organic – and whether animal-based food sources have plant-based diets that are filler-free and live in a free-range environment.

Consumers are increasingly more interested in personal nutrition, health, and ethical activities. Their purchase decisions directly impact their chosen lifestyle. Regarding food safety and traceability, this is a revolution.

News headlines show glimpses of system failures with immediate consequences for customers. Examining your business system, interpreting the results, and implementing a timely plan to limit hazards to the people purchasing your products is critical.

Advantages of a Modern ERP Solution

A contemporary cloud-based ERP system can help organizations in the food and beverage industry in various ways. Some examples are:

A modern ERP system will keep producers ahead of the curve regarding compliance with mandated food safety standards. Meanwhile, it assists the organization in better organizing its processes for maximum efficiency; this improves workflow and relations between departments within the organization, various offices separated by locale, offsite partners, and customers (whether they are meeting sales associates face-to-face or ordering from a web-based storefront).
Investing in a business tool capable of running the entire firm and adopting additional software systems positions today’s manufacturers to meet expanding industry expectations. The sooner a firm deploys an ERP solution, the better it will thrive in today’s changing business environment.

An ERP system will provide the resources to guide a Food and Beverage manufacturer through an inquiry, providing information from robust datasets so that a company can mitigate crises and correctly handle incident outreach.

An ERP solution will remove the uncertainty from production, processing, and distribution while offering clients the assurance they want.

What exactly is food traceability?

Food traceability refers to the ability to track and trace the transit of food goods from farm to fork.

It’s critical to ensure food safety and quality and prevent and manage food recalls. Food makers can use traceability to swiftly identify and pinpoint the source of any contamination or quality issue, lowering the risk of harm to consumers and protecting the brand’s reputation.

Traceability and Its Importance in the Food Industry

The food business is subject to stringent rules imposed by government bodies such as the FDA. Food traceability is critical for achieving these rules and customers’ growing demands for transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. Traceability also assists manufacturers in improving their manufacturing processes by identifying inefficiency and improvement opportunities.

Other food safety programs, such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which includes the Safe Quality Food (SQF) standard, a GFSI-benchmarked certification program, are recognized globally and required by many retailers and food producers before they will buy a company’s products. Food distributors serving British stores must follow the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, a widely used certification standard among food manufacturers worldwide.

Furthermore, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) method, an internationally recognized method of identifying and managing food safety-related risk, manages food safety through analysis of biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the production phases: raw material production, procurement, handling, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of finished products. Many of the world’s leading manufacturers and vendors now employ the HACCP system as the foundation for their food safety management programs and GFSI audit methods.

Solutions for Food Traceability

Food traceability software is one of the most effective ways to establish food traceability.

The finest food traceability software enables enterprises to track and trace items from raw ingredients to finished goods at every level of the supply chain. This software gives real-time data on product flow and status, making discovering problems or concerns simple.

How Can an ERP System Aid with Food Traceability?

Integrating all areas of a manufacturer’s operations, such as manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain management, an ERP system can help simplify food traceability. An ERP system provides a single source of truth for all data connected to a manufacturer’s activities, making it simple to track and trace items at every level of the supply chain.

An ERP system can also assist manufacturers in meeting laws such as the FDA food traceability rule by providing real-time data on product movement and status. This data is easily accessible and evaluated, allowing for identifying and isolating any quality or safety concerns.

The final FDA rule mandates that firms that manufacture, process, pack, or store food on the Food Traceability List (FTL) keep records that include Key Data Elements (KDEs) relevant to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). Covered businesses and farms, retail food venues, and restaurants will be obliged to provide information to the FDA within 24 hours or a reasonable time agreed upon by the FDA.

Finally, food traceability is critical for guaranteeing food safety and quality, complying with government rules, and addressing consumer needs for transparency and responsibility.

An ERP system helps simplify food traceability, integrating all areas of a manufacturer’s operations, giving real-time data on the movement and status of products, and making it easier to identify and isolate quality or safety concerns.

Is it Time to Consider a Cloud ERP?

Liberty Grove can help you use many tools and services to help you achieve a successful Food and Beverage Cloud ERP deployment that will improve your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability – and ensure the traceability of products should a crisis occur.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how DynamicsFoodERP can help you through a smooth Cloud ERP deployment and give you the data insights you need to improve productivity, giving you a competitive advantage.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central / Microsoft Dynamics NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

What is AppSource, and Why Does It Matter?

Liberty Grove Software — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:28:54 +0000

Consider Microsoft AppSource to be the ultimate app shop for Microsoft products. AppSource, according to Microsoft’s concept, is the central hub for purchasing any business app. It’s easy to use, and you can look for products by industry, functionality, or application.

Microsoft AppSource is an online store with thousands of business applications and services developed by industry leaders. It allows you to find, sample, buy, and deploy business software and services to help you operate your business.

And you can make all your purchases from the comfort of your office without needing to venture out to find your ideal solution. Imagine the time savings.

The Buying Status Quo is Changing

If you purchased a Microsoft business solution in the past, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it was most likely through one of their salespeople or a partner. Business users are changing how they buy apps due to the market’s reaction to significant changes in how consumers purchase apps online through Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

According to a Forrester Consulting survey, 73% of company customers perceive the web as more convenient for shopping. According to the same study, in 2023, e-commerce was predicted to account for 17% of all business-to-business transactions.

Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, solutions created for Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Apps, and consulting services from Microsoft partners are all available to users through Microsoft AppSource.

Microsoft AppSource solutions are accessible through Microsoft resellers participating in the Cloud Solution Provider program.

What’s Available on Microsoft AppSource?

Microsoft AppSource is a service that allows business users to discover and test software-as-a-service (SaaS) programs from Microsoft and its partners. Web Apps and apps built on top of Microsoft Dynamics, Office 365, and PowerApps such as Power BI are examples of Microsoft AppSource apps.

Microsoft AppSource, which debuted with the release of Microsoft Dynamics 365, now features over 7,000 apps from Microsoft and partners and is rapidly expanding.

With Microsoft AppSource, you can access the following:

Apps: solutions catered to various industries, categories, and company requirements.

Consulting Services: including prepackaged services for your Microsoft solutions, assessments, briefings, implementations, proofs of concept, and workshops.

Profiles of Microsoft partners: profiles of trusted Microsoft partners who can use Microsoft-based services to help your organization digitally change and achieve business goals faster.

How Does AppSource Work?

AppSource offers many apps to organizations as a free trial or test drive, allowing you to assess if the app adds new features to your existing business apps before purchasing. You can find solutions that complement your needs, from Dynamics to Power BI.

Other apps, such as a PayPal for Outlook add-in, are free. Some of the more industry-specific apps created on Dynamics 365 may require the assistance of a Microsoft partner to execute.

AppSource Consulting Services

In addition to apps, Microsoft AppSource features partner offerings for Dynamics 365, PowerApps, and Power BI consulting services.

For example, in the case of a one-day evaluation for firms considering upgrading to Dynamics 365 or a more in-depth one-week examination for other Microsoft ISV partners looking to connect their solution with Dynamics 365, the result would be the development of an app published on AppSource.

What’s in the Future for Microsoft AppSource?

Few apps are accessible today as transactional apps, such as those found in Google Play and Apple’s App Store, where you enter your payment information (credit card or otherwise) and “play as you go.” The traditional model, however, is likely to alter drastically soon.

Microsoft recently announced that AppSource will be part of a larger single Microsoft online marketplace that will simplify the process of customers and partners trying and procuring solutions through eCommerce, including the option to buy thousands of Microsoft partner apps from a Microsoft pricelist with a simplified single purchasing and billing process.

Meanwhile, have a look at what’s currently available on Microsoft AppSource.

Since the first launch of Microsoft AppSource, much has changed regarding what it implies for current Dynamics clients and those considering Dynamics 365 for the first time. So, what exactly is it, and how do you utilize it?

What distinguishes Microsoft AppSource from existing ISV, Third Party, and Add-on Solutions?

Microsoft AppSource is unique because you can instantly search for and load an app. It’s much like using an app store on a smartphone or tablet. You search for something you want to try, press a button, and it deploys to your application.

The old procedure of contacting an ISV, having your Partner merge the code, and managing deployments across numerous environments is becoming obsolete. AppSource app developers employ an extension approach that complies with standards that allow you to install or uninstall those apps at your leisure.

Because of the new deployment approach, AppSource is not backward compatible with previous Dynamics AX, NAV, and CRM versions.

Even if you use an older version of those programs, you may still benefit from AppSource today using Office, Power BI, or another application. Additionally, you can still browse AppSource for apps that may be useful as part of your upgrading plans.

Some Solution Apps use “Partner-led Trials,” in which you receive a cloud environment to test the product and are placed in touch with the Partner to demonstrate various functionalities. Supporting trial deployments on Azure is one of the Partner’s listing requirements.

What Has Changed?

At the initial introduction of AppSource, the discourse was on the Dynamics family of products (Dynamics 365, AX, CRM, NAV, etc.).

Since then, AppSource has taken on a considerably more significant role. Apps, Extensions, and Solution Apps for Office 365, Power BI, Dynamics 365, and Azure “Cloud Solutions” are now available.

Previously, Microsoft distributed these across marketplaces (Azure Marketplace, Pinpoint, etc.).

Based on the crystal ball, we anticipate more consolidation of diverse AppSource providers and additional built-in “get apps” choices within existing Microsoft programs.

Interested in Learning More About Microsoft AppSource?

Liberty Grove can help you use many tools and services to help you optimize productivity, efficiency, and profitability throughout your organization.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how Microsoft AppSource can provide you with additional tools to drive your company’s success.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2023: Top 6 Takeaways

Liberty Grove Software — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:28:32 +0000

The recent Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2023 upgrade provides various advantages to businesses. According to Microsoft, the upgrade contains new capabilities and improvements that will assist companies in automating and streamlining their processes. The enhancements will help small and medium-sized businesses manage their finances, supply chain, manufacturing, shipping, projects, services, and other operations.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2023 is a substantial upgrade to its predecessor, with many new features. One of the most noticeable improvements is the decrease in customization and increase in user flexibility, which we’ll discuss in this blog post.

The Wave 2 Release from Microsoft offers users additional features and solutions while requiring less modification and providing all-new functionality.

Its release is already underway and will continue through March 2024. The release consists of hundreds of new features across Dynamics 365 applications, including Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Project Operations, finance and operations cross-app capabilities, Human Resources, Commerce, Business Central, Guides, and Customer Insights, as well as Microsoft Sales Copilot and Microsoft supply chain platform and its supporting products.

Top 6 takeaways Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2023

A more streamlined and intuitive user interface. The contemporary action bar is now more visible, making commonly used tasks easier to find and lowering the number of clicks needed. This modification makes it easier for users to traverse the system and rapidly access the required functionality.
More versatile menu customization system. Users can now tailor menus to their preferences and needs, providing greater flexibility over the system’s layout. This functionality especially benefits firms with unique workflows and processes requiring customized UI.
Enhanced automation and integration possibilities. Microsoft Power Platform is now linked with Business Central, making workflows and process automation easier to set up. This integration allows users to consume business events via the Business Central Power Automate connector. These qualities aid in reducing manual labor and increasing productivity.
Additional extension support. The latest version replaces the legacy C/SIDE programming tool and language with a modern solution based on Visual Studio Code, Azure DevOps, and an AL language that provides an extension-based approach to customization. This improvement makes it easier for developers to construct and maintain extensions that bring new functionality to the system.
Increased data loading speed. The upgrade optimizes specific scenarios inside the program, resulting in a faster and more responsive Business Central application.
Easier automation with Microsoft Power Platform. The upgrade includes templates supporting more scenarios out of the box, making setting up workflows in Business Central easier. You can also consume business events via the Business Central Power Automate connector.

Other upgrade improvements include better inter-company collaboration and consolidation functionality, reduced onboarding time, and more. Users can now integrate financial data and form inter-company alliances across several Business Central settings. This capability is especially beneficial for firms with several subsidiaries or business divisions that must share financial data.

So, What Does It All Mean for You?

According to Microsoft, the new release will allow organizations to migrate to Microsoft Power Platform more quickly, making workflows easier to set up in Business Central.

Microsoft is releasing templates that support more out-of-the-box scenarios, allowing you to automate more operations and increase productivity.

Dynamics 365 Marketing will improve Copilot functionality, allowing marketers to swiftly design new experiences and provide unparalleled degrees of personalization to email content, graphics, and layouts.

Furthermore, B2B dashboards and the functionality to directly allocate leads to the appropriate rep will align marketers and sellers, allowing them to function as a unified team throughout the purchasing journey.

Through increased sequence capabilities, Dynamics 365 Sales will focus on allowing sales teams to prioritize and manage digital sales processes.

With improved lead assignment capabilities, users can assign and monitor lead assignment status by providing recommendations, summarizing data, obtaining information, and completing actions in context and within the flow of work.

Microsoft Sales Copilot continues to develop and improve generative AI features such as email thread summarizing, recommended CRM modifications, sales email composition, CRM entity summary, sales meeting summarization, and real-time sales tips.

Are you getting the most out of MS Business Central?

If you haven’t jumped into the upgraded functionality of Microsoft Business Central, perhaps now is the time. Liberty Grove can help you optimize all the tools in the Microsoft suite to help you improve your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how our experts can help you identify what you need and provide the right solutions to elevate your market position.

About the author

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Dynamics 365 Business Central 2023 Wave 2 Update: What Matters?

Liberty Grove Software — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:18:42 +0000

You’ll enjoy this information if you’re convinced of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central’s (BC) advantages as a top-tier business management tool. There are numerous improvements in Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Business Central Release 2023 Wave 2 to expand on what you already appreciate and what supports you in boosting your productivity and earnings.

Small- and medium-sized businesses already have the freedom and resources Business Central provides to manage their finances, supply chains, production, shipping, projects, and other areas. It is easy to set up and configure, and simplicity is the driving force behind advances in product creation, design, usability, and execution.

Wave 2 of the Business Central Release Plan for 2023: What do you stand to gain?

Microsoft strengthened its commitment to Copilot with this version. Customers may optimize their workflows and complete tasks more quickly with the help of Copilot’s coaching services. There will be additional advancements in the developer-friendly Copilot in Visual Studio Code and the AL experience.
Consolidating financial data and creating cross-company partnerships are now more straightforward for several companies operating in distinct Business Central contexts.
It now takes less time to onboard new customers. It’s easier to understand why some errors occur, and the messages give instructions on resolving the issue so you can continue working. Microsoft helps firms concentrate on their core businesses while complying with multiple governmental requirements by automating regulatory activities.
Usability is always a top focus, and with this version, helpful keyboard shortcuts for working with lines in documents boost efficiency. Additionally, you may rapidly access editable fields without going down.
The Business Central web client’s productivity-focused design enables consultants and developers to easily access the Visual Studio Code editor or a debugger linked to the source code in the GitHub repository.

Business Central Release Wave 2 includes the following updates:

Quick adaptation with Microsoft Power Platform: Workflows in Business Central now require less setup time. With the use of templates, you may automate more processes and boost productivity right away. The Business Central Power Automate connector can also consume business events.

Application: Thanks to intercompany and consolidation functions, you may leverage multi-company capabilities more broadly. To help manage inventory and warehouse operations more successfully, Business Central’s supply chain capabilities have undergone several optimizations and improvements. These include a more precise warehouse setup for production and jobs, an improved picking process, fulfillment suggestions, and SKU management.

Country and regional: Microsoft has improved the service’s accessibility internationally. You can now find Business Central from over 130 countries and territories.

Development: A complete switch to Visual Studio Code, where Microsoft keeps spending money on initiatives that boost developers’ productivity. There are techniques for testing dependent extensions without manual intervention by ensuring that AL GO can manage these tests for clients, VARs, and independent software suppliers (ISVs) who maintain dependencies.

Governance and management: To help administrators handle granular administrative rights, Business Central provides a wealth of additional self-service choices.

Regulations: New audit formats improve digital reporting and compatibility with regional rules.

Onboarding: Field tooltips, such as “Learn More,” provide more beneficial linkages to material that explains values that are too complex for a quick paragraph to cover.

Productivity with Microsoft 365: The efficiency of collaborative business operations in Microsoft Teams has increased thanks to the ability to unfold a card without downloading the Business Central Teams app.

Data analysis and reporting improvements include the Analysis mode and an overview that lets you look at all Business Central reports.

Platform and service: These fundamental elements remain crucial, focusing on performance, stability, resource governance, security, and compliance.

Where Microsoft is focusing its Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central investments

User interactions

Business Central offers various user interfaces to access data from any place or device at any time. It includes many powerful and straightforward capabilities, whether you need to enter data fast, casually edit records, or analyze relational data.

Development

The groundwork is laid to make it easier and more effective for AL developers to add namespace support to the platform and application. Developers can also hide individual variable data to secure internal data and prevent unauthorized access while debugging.

The analysis and reporting of data are more in the hands of developers. You may decide how to use content from Power BI, for instance, and you can turn off Analysis mode on pages.

Support for CSP channel-based ISV app transactions now enters the private preview stage. The possibility for ISVs to do direct business through AppSource using credit card payments also enters the general availability stage.

Application

This edition’s new supply chain capabilities will improve the efficiency, adaptability, and accuracy of managing items in your warehouse. You can get complete availability information for inventory levels, locations, processing stages, and other factors affecting available amounts.

Additionally, you can independently determine the proper amount of warehouse handling for external, internal, and inbound flows.

Some new features include intercompany transactions, financial data consolidations, approval workflows, and automatic general ledger allocations. You can merge financial data for businesses from several Business Central settings without maintaining files.

Regional and National

Partners’ localization efforts facilitate expansion into other regions. Relevant localization apps are created by Microsoft partners and published to AppSource. With built-in language options, Business Central is accessible to serve clients in numerous countries and areas worldwide.

Data analysis and reporting

Obtain insightful data on how your company is operating owing to report discoverability. With more tools for Analysis mode, you can execute embedded data analysis on the fly, and the Power BI experience has improved reports.

You’ll be more productive if you don’t have to open another app to find the data you need.

Governance and administration

Administrators of Business Central now have new tools for controlling environments, apps, and data migrations. The goal is for administrators to be independent, able to serve their client’s needs, and able to handle a variety of administrative circumstances.

Two crucial areas for faster adaptation with Power Platform

How users and decision-makers view Power Automate approval workflows, including the expanded connector’s actions, the addition of assistance for external business events, and more templates for Teams-based automated flows.
The Power BI embed experience provides end users exploring the BI features in Business Central with more control tools and partners who provide in-context dashboards and reports.

Additionally, based on partner input, dynamic possibilities exist for linking Power Platform with Business Central online.

AI Copilot and Innovation

Until recently, only a few SMBs could afford to invest in AI as a commodity. Companies are now embracing AI to eliminate tedious tasks from their jobs.

Thanks to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot, experts can complete routine activities using cutting-edge AI. Without becoming a data scientist, you can equip your staff with Copilot in Business Central to accomplish more tasks with less effort.

Platform and service

Thanks to this version, users should see fewer interruptions, which makes Business Central feel faster overall and significantly speeds up some scenarios and web services. By putting a strong emphasis on performance, stability, resource governance, security, and compliance, Microsoft continues to invest in the service’s foundations.

Users now experience fewer session interruptions and more dependable interactive user sign-ins, which enhances the overall user experience. Through an optimized language (AL) runtime, users will notice less database locking and an increase in the performance impact of table expansions.

Microsoft 365 Business Central is your pass to increased productivity and higher performance

When you combine business and productivity apps, people and teams operate more effectively.

Business Central seamlessly integrates with top-tier Microsoft 365 applications and services (Outlook, Excel, Word, OneDrive, and Teams) to bring data into the workflow, giving you up-to-the-minute visibility into your business operations and helping you compete more effectively.

Are you leveraging all the power of MS Business Central?

Liberty Grove can help you use all the tools in the Microsoft suite to help you improve your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you identify what you need to optimize your market position.

About the author

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

7 Advantages of a Food and Beverage Cloud ERP Deployment

Liberty Grove Software — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:37:46 +0000

“69% of companies have accelerated their Cloud migration over the past 12 months, and the percentage of companies with most or all IT infrastructure in the Cloud is expected to leap from 41% today to 63% in the next 18 months.”

Source: Foundry Cloud Computing Study 2022

In recent years, the pace of digital transformation has increased dramatically. That can be attributed mainly to Cloud computing, which first appeared in the early 2000s and, through Cloud ERP Deployment, is still transforming how the Food and Beverage industry works.

Despite the Food and Beverage industry’s sluggish adoption of Cloud computing and digitization, we are already witnessing a surge in demand from companies eager to improve their operations and acquire a competitive edge. Productivity, cost, and efficiency benefits are made possible by Cloud computing technologies, often known as remote data centers.

Cloud computing’s decentralized nature enables data to be submitted from anywhere, providing business owners with insights into all aspects of their operations. For instance, with a Cloud-based ERP, Food, and Beverage manufacturers can collect data on food crops and perform analysis utilizing Cloud computing infrastructure from the field to warehousing, transportation, and the retailer that sells it to the final customer.

The result is less resource- and cost-intensive than earlier models. Previously, businesses were required to install, maintain, and upgrade hardware and software at significant capital and operational expenditures.

SaaS-Based Cloud ERP Adoption

As the Food and Beverage sector has demonstrated, Cloud technology has completely transformed the business world. The advancement of technology has also compelled IT departments to adjust to the difficulties of putting a new ERP system in place.

In the case of Cloud-based ERP solutions, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business models, in which knowledgeable providers charge a monthly subscription per user for software solutions, fuel innovation. Cloud computing provides the foundation, while SaaS delivers the specialized ERP software.

Businesses investing in these solutions can quickly adapt to the evolving surroundings because technology no longer constrains them, and they can change their use as their needs alter.

As a result, the Food and Beverage industry is becoming steadily more computerized, enabling manufacturers to collect, manage, and act upon all data on their products throughout their entire lifecycle and supply chain.

The Value of Cloud-Based ERP

Legacy Food and Beverage operations involved manual processes before Cloud ERP systems were available, which led to human error, ineffective operations, and significant expenses. Companies now have the proper foundation for managing all facets of their operations in one location accessible to all employees thanks to the implementation of Cloud ERP technologies.

Standard ERP software might not manage processes like compliance, product quality, safety precautions, and product shelf life. That’s why manufacturers increasingly opt for a powerful Cloud-based ERP system like DynamicsFoodERP from Liberty Grove.

Cloud-based ERP systems are always current because the vendor oversees them, and upgrades happen automatically. As a result, users can stay current without changing the systems as standards and laws in the industry change.

Top 7 Advantages of Cloud ERP for Food and Beverage Companies

The Food and Beverage industry benefits from Cloud ERP in several ways beyond the usual commercial advantages. The following are the most crucial ones to be aware of:

Quality Assurance and Reliability

It’s crucial for food safety businesses, which must adhere to stringent rules and maintain thorough compliance records. These businesses can access compliance data and documents in real time by hosting applications on the Cloud, which gives them immediate access to data updated in the system. The methods to ensure food safety are always current, streamlining maintenance and collaboration.

Improved Reporting

Making judgments based on current facts is essential in sectors undergoing fast change. Cloud computing solutions’ big data, analytics, and reporting capabilities give company decision-makers access to the data they need when needed. Food and Beverage executives can access anything from product inventory to sales data to assist in making decisions about product quality, shelf-life, and stock levels.

Simplified Inventory Control

Modern processes and shifting customer expectations mean traditional inventory management techniques cannot keep up. Cloud ERP systems can avoid food wastage and other expenditures caused by on-premise ERP systems’ lack of real-time data and frequent upgrades. Systems designed specifically for the demands and objectives of the organization are adaptable and customizable.

Business Agility

Cloud computing and SaaS offerings are quickly and easily adapted compared to traditional on-site solutions. Consequently, firms can adjust their computing needs up or down as needed, gaining access to greater processing power towards the end of the month and decreasing it during slower weeks.

Cloud infrastructures make it simple to serve one or more sites because they are accessible from any place where a company’s users have a suitable device and an internet connection.

Cost Advantages

Businesses using Cloud computing can cut costs thanks to the reduced need for the IT software and resources required to administer and maintain the solution. That means companies can redirect capital expenditures to other value-adding tasks.

As more enterprises embrace SaaS, the variety of available apps offered as a service is vaster. These are adaptable and simple to include in current systems. Because a skilled SaaS provider maintains all aspects of the product, including access, backups, upgrades, and patching, there will be less complexity in business IT systems, cheaper personnel overheads, and security advantages.

Complete Traceability

Thanks to food traceability, you can track product flow through every stage of the supply chain production process. Finding any sources of contamination introduced during production is simple because of the complete traceability Cloud ERP solutions offer.

Additionally, consumers are becoming increasingly interested in the origins and processes of the goods they purchase. They want to know that manufacturers follow animal safety regulations and practice ethical sourcing.

A Simple User Interface

Early-generation ERP systems are complicated and challenging to operate. A new Cloud-based system may need some initial training, but most ERP systems are simple, increasing the likelihood that staff members will use it correctly and adhere to policy.

Businesses can scale their use of the Cloud up or down as their user base increases or decreases, thanks to its benefits for economies of scale. For instance, opening new branches entails the addition of new users rather than a complete rollout of new infrastructure.

The net takeaway is that a Cloud-based ERP frees Food and Beverage companies to concentrate on their core activities and potential growth areas while outsourcing the IT infrastructure to a professional.

Is it Time to Take Your ERP to the Cloud?

About the author

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

11 Benefits of attending Community Summit 2023

Liberty Grove Software — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:29:47 +0000

The most thorough training and education event on Microsoft business applications for finance and accounting, IT, operations, and systems administrators is Community Summit 2023, from Dynamics Communities, which will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 15-18, 2023.

And Community Summit 2023 it’s a hot ticket. Why?

Community Summit 2023 will feature 500+ sessions on AI, Dynamics, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and more.

The “for user, by user” event aims to shorten the time it takes to complete the equivalent of months of training. Users can navigate how-to and tutorial sessions that provide practical advice they can bring back and implement at their businesses.

Plus, if purchased before the 5-day event, every attendee’s registration fee will be at most $1,849 to access a variety of sessions. Comparatively, a single online training course from a company can cost more than $2,500; your Community Summit 2023 ROI is a no-brainer, say previous participants.

11 compelling reasons to add Community Summit 2023 to this year’s budget

4,000+ attendees from business administration, IT, accounting, and finance roles across various sectors and businesses of all sizes
500+ expert-led education sessions organized by AI, Dynamics & Dynamics 365 ERPs, Power Platform, Data, Business Intelligence, Customer Service, Vertical Industry and more
Tech-Medic Help Desks, where knowledgeable users work to address your unique difficulties or issues
General sessions by Microsoft executives providing updates and business and ERP roadmap apps you regularly use
200+ partners and independent software vendors (ISVs) on the expo floor to close gaps in implementation, data management, cybersecurity, automation, reporting, and more
Registration fee covers all meals and receptions
A welcome celebration with live music, food, beverages, and special events on the expo floor
NASCAR Hall of Fame reception with notable NASCAR attendees, food, beverages, and engaging racing experiences
Opportunity to network with peers and exchange ideas and experiences –understanding other companies’ difficulties and how they overcame them is valuable information
More than 30 hands-on academy training sessions that count toward continuing education requirements (additional cost)
The Preconference AI Summit on October 16 will feature Microsoft executives, AI MVPs, and knowledgeable users (additional cost)

Community Summit 2023 Academy – an education bonus

As an add-on to your event registration (at an additional fee), the Community Summit 2023 Academy program can help you accomplish three key goals:

Deep dive into a particular Microsoft business application area for intensive training in the “master class” format
Establish a connection between you and a knowledgeable trainer in the field who will help you understand how to apply the training to your company
Earn CPE (Continuing Professional Education) credits to meet your continuing education requirements on time

Academy is a fantastic opportunity to employ tailored material and specialized classroom instruction to support learning, development, and growth for Dynamics users.

Community Summit 2023 – a fountain of knowledge

There are numerous reasons why you might consider Community Summit 2023. Knowledge is a precious asset, so it’s an excellent opportunity to learn something new.

Conference attendees can absorb information in a manner that reading an article or participating in a conference call can’t match, whether that knowledge happens to be the newest games or a tutorial on the future of cloud computing.

And while there’s something for everyone in the learning opportunities, you won’t want to miss the chance to meet and collaborate with like-minded peers to share business experiences and solutions.

Haven’t registered yet? Secure your ticket.

Are you concerned about push-back from your manager? This will help justify your trip!

Learning sessions with Liberty Grove’s Andrew Good

Liberty Grove CEO Andrew Good will be featured as a panelist, co-presenter, and independent speaker in several sessions.

Andrew built his 22 years of Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC/NAV experience on personal experiences with various companies. His project experiences range from finance to manufacturing (automotive, food and beverage, and aerospace). The central themes of knowing costs and revenues are pervasive and have empowered clients to make good decisions about their operations.

Throughout his career, Andrew has helped customers get the most out of their BC/NAV systems through integrations, upgrades, and extensions that allow them to deal with their changing business environments. His expertise includes leveraging the available tools to deliver end-to-end solutions.

Andrew also speaks at many industry events.

You can learn more about the learning sessions with Andrew below:

Ask the Experts: Manufacturing

Tuesday, October 17 • 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Manufacturing is indeed a topic for the experts. Attend this session with queries or difficulties you may be experiencing with manufacturing. An expert panel will share advice and assist in this open discussion.

Panelists: Cliff McDaniel (Moderator), Ben Baxter, Steven Chinsky, Andrew Good, Dave Wiser

Manufacturing in Business Central for Newbies

Tuesday, October 17 • 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM EST

This session is appropriate for you if you are new to manufacturing or the Business Central production module. It will focus on a review of the fundamentals of setting up items, Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, dealing with Production Orders, and posting inputs and outputs. You’ll receive advice on how to avoid manufacturing errors, particularly as some of them are difficult to fix. We’ll construct a fictitious potato chip factory to help with comprehension.

Presenters: Andrew Good, Steven Chinsky

Supply Chain Challenges Today

Wednesday, October 18 • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Bring your supply chain problems and use the influence of your peers to gain new insights. You will have the chance to share your expertise and knowledge with others. In this roundtable discussion, you can benefit from one another’s experiences and discuss what has and hasn’t worked for you.

Speaker: Andrew Good

Ask the Experts: Inventory, Warehouse & Supply Chain

Thursday, October 19 • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Amidst the ongoing geopolitical, economic, epidemic, and weather-related problems, supply chains remain a significant concern.

In this interactive discussion, a panel of supply chain professionals will explore how they are sustaining business operations, meeting urgent demands, and minimizing supplier problems during this disruptive time.

To provide first-hand insight into current strategies, best practices, and forward-looking approaches to navigating the current environment and the inevitable storms ahead, we’ll draw on various experiences across the supply chain, from inventory management to shipping, receiving, EDI, and warehousing.

Panelists: Kate Pinyan (Moderator), Steven Chinsky, Andrew Good, Chris Howes, Bryan Whitney

If you attend any of Andrew’s sessions, please seek him out and say, “Hello!” Got questions about your business for Andrew? Contact us to schedule your personal 1:1 session where you can ask Andrew about what’s on your mind.

About the author

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Why Insurers are Pushing Companies to the Cloud – 6 Reasons You Might Be Ineligible for Coverage

Liberty Grove Software — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:57:16 +0000

Read it and weep. With statistics like these, it’s a wonder any executives can sleep at night. And if organizations aren’t eligible for cyber insurance, they’re at significant risk of a financially devastating cybersecurity breach.

Any firm using technologies and IT infrastructure must invest in cybersecurity insurance due to the rising danger posed by cybercriminals. Regrettably, increasing cyberattacks make it extremely difficult for insurance companies to accept new clients or validate claims from current ones.

Furthermore, because of the lengthy application and renewal processes, businesses frequently encounter rejection when obtaining cyber insurance.

But, while insurance protocols might seem to run the show, companies can have an insurance safety net with Cloud ERP technology.

First, let’s take a look at reasons why you might be ineligible for insurance coverage. Then we’ll discuss how Cloud ERP can be your sentinel for data protection.

What does cyber insurance entail?

To help reduce the financial risks connected to online enterprises or businesses that use technology, an entity or business might enter into a contract for cyber insurance. The policyholder pays a monthly or quarterly cost while the insurer bears the risk.

The cyber insurance market increased from US$ 9.73 billion in 2021 to approximately US$ 11.75 billion in 2022.

It demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.7% for the previous two years. Yet, for various reasons, cyber insurance firms are hesitant to accept insurance offers from businesses or to accept claims.

Reasons why your business might be ineligible for cyber insurance

Companies can be denied cyber insurance coverage for several reasons. Typical explanations include the following:

Inability to provide evidence of suitable security measures

Insurance firms may consider businesses at high risk if they cannot demonstrate their security robustness while adhering to stringent legislation, security policies, best practices, and robust benchmarks. Allowing insurance companies to evaluate all preventive measures and evaluate security based on numerous indicators is the best approach to handle this.

Absence of protective measures

Another frequent justification for denying firms cyber insurance is a lack of preventative steps or best practices for cybersecurity. Because cybersecurity is such a problematic IT endeavor, companies cannot guarantee security. However, many businesses neglect to conduct regular audits, compliance checks, or penetration tests as part of their cybersecurity procedures.

That’s the primary justification cyber insurance providers give for rejecting claims or applications, as the absence of preventative steps shows the business could not protect its systems.

Cyber insurance companies decline to bear risk since the risks of doing business with such enterprises vastly outweigh the benefits. Thus, businesses should proactively secure their perimeter before filing a claim or purchasing cyber insurance. It is a step in the right direction to hire penetration testers and security audit experts to examine the entire system and address any flaws.

History of data breaches

Insurance companies may see a corporation as a higher risk and refuse coverage or increase premiums if they have previously had a data breach. Insurance companies might be reluctant to offer coverage owing to the possibility of future breaches, even if there is a resolution to the problems that caused a breach.

In addition, insurers may perceive a corporation as too high of a risk to cover if a past breach resulted from a lack of security measures, such as insufficient firewalls or unpatched software.

When businesses show that their cybersecurity procedures have improved, they can reduce the risk of future breaches and raise their chances of receiving cyber insurance.

Failure to follow regulations

Companies are more likely to be denied coverage if they don’t follow cybersecurity laws and regulations. For instance, a healthcare provider not adhering to HIPAA rules might not be approved for cyber insurance.

Companies must comply with the PCI DSS, SOC2, FedRAMP, ISO27001, and MPA compliance standards to be eligible for coverage. Insurance companies could see non-compliance as a higher risk of cyberattacks and other incidents, such as data breaches.

Absence of a plan for handling incidents

If an insurance carrier discovers that a business does not have an incident response plan, it may refuse coverage. That’s because the absence of an incident response strategy shows that the company is not taking the necessary precautions to react appropriately during a cyber incident.

Industries at high risk

Healthcare and banking are two sectors more vulnerable to cyberattacks and may experience higher premiums or coverage denial rates. Insurers view these sectors as being particularly exposed to numerous risks and having a lot of sensitive data that could be compromised. Businesses should take the required steps to reduce risk and show insurers this.

Companies must comprehend cyber insurance policies and the justifications for coverage denials. Businesses can increase their likelihood of receiving coverage by improving areas where they are not meeting their insurer’s requirements.

Now for the excellent news – Cloud ERP

Cloud ERP is rapidly becoming the choice of executives for data protection and more.

Why? Because much of an organization’s most sensitive and vital data resides in ERP systems. Enterprise-wide concerns about data security have risen, and business executives are increasingly assisting in strengthening cybersecurity and spotting risks.

Executives must know where this information is kept, how it is protected, any potential hazards, and how to manage those risks.

ERP Security in the Cloud vs. On-Premises

Understanding the shared responsibility concept for security is crucial when switching from on-premises to cloud ERP. Security for cloud-based ERP systems is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of the vendor.

Advantages of Cloud ERP Security Reduced Expenses

Because the cloud provider controls security, controlling security costs is significantly more affordable with cloud ERP. Systems for identifying and responding to security threats will be in place at the cloud provider, ensuring that any potential hazards are handled immediately following established protocols.

Customers benefit since the security expenses in the cloud ERP subscription prices minimize their security obligations. That gives IT staff more time to concentrate on other potential weak spots like application-level security and user access.

Here are some of the ways that cloud ERP can protect your organization’s data:

Auto-Updated Software

One of the primary motives for using cloud ERP solutions is to avoid having to request approval from management before implementing changes. Any delays in updating your ERP could expose it to hazards associated with cloud ERP, such as hacker attacks. The cost of the cloud subscription includes automatic upgrades, guaranteeing current operation, and addressing Cloud ERP security issues.

Attempted Denial-of-Service

The ability to handle denial-of-service (DoS) attacks is a significant benefit of cloud ERP. When attackers flood the system with unnecessary requests to overwhelm it and prevent legitimate requests from being fulfilled, they commit a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. Cloud ERP systems are more protected from DoS assaults since they operate on scattered data centers worldwide. Moreover, cloud service providers have specialized teams to quickly and effectively respond to DoS attacks. While limited-service outages can happen, they are much less common than with on-premises ERP systems.

Compliance and encryption

Your systems and data are secure since cloud ERP providers offer encryption for data both in transit and at rest. Cloud ERP security technologies use HTTPS for internet traffic, SDKs for application-level encryption, and default settings for data storage encryption. Furthermore, cloud ERP solutions offer pre-built templates to save time and effort, making it simpler to comply with security compliance needs. Companies may maintain compliance in a few clicks, saving considerable installation time and work to support effective accountability, encourage financial scrutiny, and make risk-aware decisions.

Automatic software updates

ERP service providers fix threats or vulnerabilities by releasing security patches or software updates. Therefore, it is crucial to keep software updated to protect ERP data from any dangers. Software updates for on-premises ERP software were formerly infrequent since customers were discouraged from implementing the upgrade due to high project costs, complex architecture, extensive customizations, and significant downtime. Although clients have the option to enable security updates instantly, cloud ERP providers frequently release security upgrades that address the most recent threats and vulnerabilities. This is one of the primary benefits of cloud ERP systems and a significant factor in the rapid expansion of cloud ERP adoption.

Ability to assess the capacity for disaster recovery

If you encounter a disaster, Cloud ERP’s Disaster Recovery (DR) services are designed to enable service restoration. To execute the DR strategy for the affected applications, your cloud ERP provider will decide if an occurrence qualifies as a catastrophe. Recovery Time Objective (RTO): The amount of time an application can be unavailable without seriously harming the company’s operations is referred to as recovery time objective (RTO). The RTO is extended to consider the time needed to finish the upgrade if the decision to activate DR processes is made while an update is in progress. Restoration Point Goal: Your company’s loss tolerance, or recovery point objective (RPO), is the maximum amount of data that can be lost without adversely impacting your operations. It is expressed as a time interval between the loss event and the most recent backup that came before it. The RPO does not cover any data loads in progress when the disaster happens. It’s crucial to remember that the RTO and RPO do not cover adaptations that rely on external parts or third-party software. Non-critical fixes and enhancement requests are not supported while active failover events or recovery procedures are underway. Any problems brought on by third-party software or customizations are not the responsibility of your Cloud ERP provider. Production services may continue to function during the catastrophic event with reduced performance.

With Cloud ERP, you have the following benefits:

complete control over selecting the right level of access for new users and the ability to revoke it when it is no longer necessary
enterprise-wide centralized identity management and federated single sign-on means only users you have authorized have access to pertinent data, whether on-premises or across clouds (SSO)
segregation of duties (SOD) is made possible by role-based access controls (RBAC), which prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data
users only view information about the tasks particular to their jobs, and administrators configure job roles corresponding to work functions and data privileges.

Cloud ERP provides threat detection, remediation, and automated incident response: your ultimate security shield.

Conclusion

Even with proactive precautions, many businesses are denied coverage as the cyber insurance landscape rapidly changes and evolves. But, to improve their chances of acquiring coverage, companies should assess their cybersecurity posture and ensure they adhere to relevant country or state laws and regulations.

Liberty Grove can help companies locate weaknesses in their security posture and provide the tools, services, and knowledge required to secure their networks. Taking preventive actions like running penetration tests and putting security solutions in place increases the likelihood of a successful cyber insurance application.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on securing your access to cybersecurity insurance coverage.

Best 10 Reasons to Move Your On-Premises ERP to the Cloud – Liberty Grove Software

About the author

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Critical Success Factors for the Food Manufacturers of the Future

Liberty Grove Software — Tue, 30 May 2023 14:42:16 +0000

We rely on the Food and Beverage Manufacturing industry to provide us with options and to bring innovative, high-quality, and safe products to our tables. But the consistent delivery of these products represents a series of complex equations for food manufacturers.

So, how does the food manufacturer plan for future success in a competitive market?

Despite steady growth, the industry remains vulnerable to rising input costs, government regulation, and cost-related supply chain tension. Future food and beverage manufacturers must focus on production efficiency, supply chain management, and adapting to changing government regulations.

Innovation occurs in high-demand areas such as supply chain, cold storage, and traditional unit operations in legacy manufacturers and product categories. Disruptive technologies span the entire value chain and will have long-term, positive consequences. And the answer to all of that lies in a robust Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution.

Here are some of the top factors that food manufacturers must address every day to maintain a competitive edge:

Focus on production efficiency

Food and beverage manufacturers know their high volume/low margin characteristics, which do not correspond well with rapidly rising input costs. In the future, these manufacturers must boost processing productivity by focusing on input management, inventory control, and waste reduction, all issues that can be managed through your ERP.

Controlling these cost drivers will assist businesses in meeting consumer expectations for competitive prices while also freeing up funds for new products to meet their varying needs. A robust ERP system allows companies to control costs and increase profit margins by implementing information systems that optimize product mix calculations, inventory level and cost tracking, and automated quality controls.

An all-inclusive supply chain management strategy

Food and beverage manufacturers who succeed in Canada and the United States in the future will be those who effectively manage relationships with both consumers and suppliers. Sharing information and integrating systems with suppliers will be critical, as collaboration should propel the industry forward.

Cloud ERP software provides controlled information access to supply chain partners and can automate routine tasks by providing up-to-date figures, purchasing requests, and budget control tools. These systems go beyond task automation by collecting analytical data with each transaction, increasing the potential for supply chain efficiencies.

You have no control over the global economy, but you do have control over the value of your relationships. While investing in new technologies can help with the innovation drive, it also starts by collaborating with suppliers in a mutually beneficial partnership. Working closely together and managing the entire supply chain will give manufacturers some wiggle room if rising costs continue to be an issue.

Increased SKU counts and specialty ingredients have increased exposure in the current environment. It is common for a food processor to handle 200 ingredients for 60 SKUs, even though a significant portion of their revenue comes from a few essential products.

When an ingredient is unavailable, the manufacturer faces additional challenges because a substitute ingredient may necessitate changes in everything from supply storage to processing requirements and even cleaning and traceability policies.

The willingness to invest in this area has resulted in solutions that use ERP systems and artificial intelligence (AI) powered algorithms to rapidly adjust to new supply constraints, real-time location tracking, and alternative input sourcing.

Staying abreast of Government regulations

For successful food manufacturers, government regulations are a constant and critical concern. Although regulations are necessary for customer safety, they can slow the introduction of new products and harm the manufacturing of existing ones.

Recent regulations indicate a food safety shift in emphasis from the regulatory realm to the marketplace. That means it will be up to food and beverage manufacturers to ensure compliance and readiness in an emergency.

Future food and beverage manufacturers must adapt quickly to new regulations as they become available. There is no substitute for monitoring regulatory developments, which tend to predict trends. Such regulations affect all companies in the industry, creating a small but significant window of opportunity for competitors to adapt faster.

Because the burden of ensuring quality and safety falls on manufacturers, highly advanced ERP systems can integrate new regulations with existing business processes, ensuring compliance in food processing while also managing performance and tracking inputs.

In the future, innovations in this industry will drive the progress of societies striving for health and sustainability; they’ll also play a significant role in determining regional economic success, particularly for top manufacturing countries such as Canada and the United States.

Companies must be more proactive than ever in organizing and managing operations, utilizing all available tools to reduce external factors’ impact on performance. It’s a great time to be in the industry, as new technological solutions help solve business problems and improve our society.

For decades, many food manufacturers have needed help to collect good data. But not any longer. The food industry is poised for transformation as sensor technology advances and technology platforms become more accessible and affordable for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Food manufacturers can now better understand their ingredients, products, and operations.

Food Digitalization

Even the smallest food manufacturers must invest in digital technologies such as Cloud ERP to meet new industry standards for increased transparency and safety. The changes address compliance concerns and retailers’ requirements that their vendors be able to participate in digital supply networks.

The more money you put into measuring your raw materials and finished goods, the easier it will be to improve your performance. For example, you may improve a product’s shelf life by better understanding its water content through accurate, real-time measurement.

Using data-driven science to supplement human decision-making is beneficial to business. The ability to collect data from your operation will also help standardize work and reduce reliance on tribal knowledge held by key individuals.

Big data will also help to inform food science, such as cold-chain management and related R&D.

Automation, Robotics, and Industry 4.0

Autonomous systems will significantly impact the food industry. As sensor performance improves, some food manufacturers are implementing AI. Data acquisition systems can accurately characterize complex biological ingredients and products, allowing manufacturers to automate processes and derive the same value from predictive data analysis that other segments have for years.

Significant capital investments and new workforce skills in analytics and programming, which are in high demand across all industries, are required for Industry 4.0. Many smaller domestic manufacturers have found it challenging to implement automation, particularly for high-mix, low-volume work. However, the advantages of automation are numerous, including:

Increased output efficiency
The possibility of running operations around the clock
Reduced labor requirements
Increased machine uptime and lifecycles
Quality and repeatability have improved

Consumers who understand their food are demanding healthier options and more transparent processes. They also want more customization and convenience in shopping, purchasing, and delivery. They are looking for brands that are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

Resource Allocation (Sustainability)

Regulations governing emissions, resource use, and waste will likely become more stringent in the food industry. The good news is that advanced technologies are making it possible to manage resources more efficiently.

Many food companies can significantly improve this area by learning how to quantify and measure waste streams. For example, there is a significant difference between the goal of “use more recycled resin in our HDPE tubs” and “increasing the recycled resin in our tubs from 10% to 20% will reduce our product’s net carbon footprint by 15% while only losing 3% in rigidity.”

And the key is in knowing how to measure the values – with your ERP technology.

Ready to reconsider your ERP?

Replacing a legacy ERP system with cloud ERP will result in significant organizational changes. Suppose you want to learn more about updating your ERP to a modern cloud solution or about the cost of ERP for small businesses. In that case, the Liberty Grove Software team of ERP consultants can guide you to the right ERP solution for your organization.

We’ll provide the services you need to guide you through evaluation, project planning, implementation, testing, training, and ongoing support.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how Cloud ERP can future-proof your food manufacturing organization.

Best 10 Reasons to Move Your On-Premises ERP to the Cloud – Liberty Grove Software

About the author

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Critical Success Factors for the Food Manufacturers of the Future

Focus on production efficiency

An all-inclusive supply chain management strategy

Staying abreast of Government regulations

Food Digitalization

Automation, Robotics, and Industry 4.0

Resource Allocation (Sustainability)

Ready to reconsider your ERP?

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**Does an ERP Solution Protect Your Manufacturing Compliance?**