With the rise of value-added distribution (VAD), it has become crucial for wholesale and distribution companies to have flexible and adaptable systems. One ERP system that offers exactly the flexibility and functionality that VAD companies need is Microsoft Business Central. As a composable ERP system, Business Central enables companies to create modular, customized solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructures. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why Microsoft Business Central is the perfect fit for VAD companies striving for efficiency, scalability, and innovation.
Discover Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as a composable ERP
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s ERP system, designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It is a dynamic platform that helps organizations grow and innovate and can be easily adapted to the changing needs of businesses. This perfectly illustrates what a modular ERP means.
Using industry-specific apps, solutions, or extensions, the system can be easily customized or expanded. Whether you’re dealing with a restructuring, adding new products, offering additional value-added services, or making changes to internal processes, Business Central effortlessly adapts to your (new) needs.
Core Features of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Business Central’s core functionalities form the foundation of efficient business management. We’ve listed all the core functionalities that provide a comprehensive approach here:
- Financial Management: Includes accounting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
- Purchasing and Sales Management: From quotes to invoicing, with integrated order processing and advanced pricing.
- Inventory and Warehouse Management: Optimize inventory levels and warehouse operations.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manage customer information and analyze customer data.
- Project Management: Plan and track projects from start to finish.
- Production Management: Streamline production processes.
- Assembly: Manage the composition of complex products.
- Planning: Make forecasts and track supply and demand trends.
- Service: Manage service requests and optimize your service teams.
Modular Features for Wholesalers and VADs
Wholesalers and value-added distributors (VADs) simply have unique needs that require a flexible ERP system. Business Central offers powerful modules specifically tailored to this sector:
Project Card and Project Tracking
In a dynamic work environment, it’s crucial to keep everything under control, from customer acquisition to project follow-up. Fortunately, the project card in Business Central makes this a lot easier. It allows you to effortlessly manage customer information, orders, purchases, project phases, logistics, inventory, and documentation. Each project is linked to a clear step-by-step plan, so you never miss a step.
Contract Module
Efficient contract management is within reach thanks to the contract module. With this module, you can easily create contracts based on sales orders, such as licenses and warranties. With the advanced filter options, you can process invoices periodically and in bulk, and, if desired, spread the revenue across the term of the contract for accounting purposes.
Assembly
Whether you assemble for stock (ATS) or to order (ATO), this ERP system offers the flexibility and efficiency you need. With Business Central, you can efficiently combine materials and components and quickly deliver products to customers. This allows you to quickly achieve an optimized assembly process!
Service and Maintenance
The service and maintenance module significantly increases your employees’ efficiency. With the Field Service App, technicians can easily view their daily schedules and the materials they need. The app also supports communication and inventory management. While on the job, technicians can stay in touch with colleagues, upload photos, log work hours, and access technical documentation.
Advanced SharePoint
For organizations struggling with document management, Advanced SharePoint offers a solution. It integrates seamlessly with Business Central and automatically creates a SharePoint site when a new project is created. With its drag-and-drop functionality, you can easily manage documents directly from Business Central.
Logistics Tracking and WMS
The mobile WMS app helps warehouse staff scan goods and perform warehouse tasks. With real-time insight into inventory levels and locations, you can manage the warehouse more efficiently and reduce the risk of stockouts.
Transportation Planning
Optimize your transportation planning with useful features such as entering customer closing days and automatic order generation from call lists. This ensures better route planning and increased customer satisfaction.
Manufacturing and Production
Manage your production processes effectively with detailed scheduling for machines and employees. Set up production routes and downtime, and keep inventory levels of production items and bills of materials up to date.
Business Central as a Strategic Asset
Business Central is, therefore, the ERP system for the wholesale industry! In an era where flexibility and customization are essential for success, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a composable ERP solution that can be easily adapted to your company’s specific needs. Thanks to its modular structure and extensive features, wholesale and distribution companies can transform their ERP system from a passive tool into a strategic asset.
Digital Transformation at Modern Wholesalers
Discover how you can take your business to new heights with Value Added Distribution (VAD) and a composable ERP solution. From optimizing your value-added services and digitizing field operations to streamlining collaboration with partners and efficiently managing inventory and pricing. Be inspired by real-world examples and discover your next step toward a competitive and future-ready organization.
