Get started fast with rapid implementation methodology for Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Published: April 26, 2006
Rapid Implementation Methodology (RIM) for Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides powerful tools that help your local, certified Microsoft partner automate implementation tasks. Using RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, your Microsoft partner can pinpoint information needed from you to get your solution operating more smoothly and quickly. And they can do it all with minimal disruption to your daily business.
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Implementing a new solution can be expensive, both in terms of cost and downtime. For years, Microsoft partners have implemented Microsoft business solutions by building on standard functionality to work with the way you do business. To help maximize the return on your investment, RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides the following tools:
| • | Project schedule template |
| • | Questionnaires |
| • | Industry data files |
| • | Master Data Templates |
| • | Phased implementations |
Here’s how these tools can help your organization implement Microsoft Dynamics NAV in as few as nine days.
Shorten your implementation time
The project schedule template is built upon the extensive experience of and the best practices developed by Microsoft partners. The project schedule template helps define the specific scope of your project for a smooth and efficient implementation.
Here are a few ways RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV project schedule can help you implement your business solution:
| • | Create a short and efficient implementation to minimize disruption and reduce costs. |
| • | Use the built-in RIM tools to minimize the risks inherent in any implementation. You can identify existing risks and address them in the early stages of the process. |
| • | Determine and schedule your own time and involvement before you start. Increased insight into the process helps you make the right choices. |
Gain predictability and increase quality through standardized implementation
The questionnaires help your Microsoft partner structure and document each detail of your implementation. Industry-specific questions map to the setup tables in Microsoft Dynamics NAV. After you complete a questionnaire, it’s imported into Microsoft Dynamics NAV in a Microsoft Excel XML spreadsheet. During the import, answers are validated by Microsoft Dynamics NAV business logic. Entries with errors are marked. The questionnaire and the import results help your Microsoft partner complete the following tasks quickly and accurately:
| • | Correct errors to facilitate a smooth implementation. |
| • | Reduce workload by streamlining the repetitive tasks any implementation requires, such as setting up local address formats, the posting of discounts, automatic cost postings, and number series. |
| • | Secure a proper validation before the final update of the system based on their Microsoft Dynamics NAV knowledge. Validation helps confirm that your implementation is operating as quickly and efficiently as possible. |
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Screen Illustration: The questionnaire helps your Microsoft partner speed the implementation process by streamlining repetitive tasks.
Migrate master data easily to a standard Microsoft Dynamics NAV solution
RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides a comprehensive set of industry data files that can be automatically imported into Microsoft Dynamics NAV. The data files contain common repetitive tables, such as country codes, currency codes, and payment terms, as well as a data set for each of five vertical solutions (machinery, furniture, wholesale, high tech, and consumer packaged goods [CPG]). Data sets are delivered as Microsoft Excel workbooks so your Microsoft partner can easily adjust them to reduce implementation time further. Using the industry data files in RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV, your organization can:
| • | Support predictable and stable implementation cycles so you can easily plan around and minimize downtime. |
| • | Facilitate training, which in turn can reduce demand on information technology (IT) resources and resistance to change. |
| • | Reduce the level of manual customizations to ease upgrade and minimize costs. |
| • | Improve your overall implementation experience. |
Use best practices
To optimally use Microsoft Dynamics NAV, you need valid information in the master data records. RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV contains five versions of predefined templates for each predefined master data type: Contacts, Customers, Vendors, and Items. Field and template types can be added. Industry-specific Master Data Templates help you accurately sort master data into the correct groups. Here are a few ways the templates can help you complete tasks to increase information accuracy and business insight:
| • | Automate repetitive tasks with common mandatory Microsoft Dynamics NAV fields for a selected group of master data (for example, Customers). |
| • | Pre-populate default values for content fields to minimize data entry. |
| • | Add comments to improve communication and collaboration among employees. |
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Screen illustration: Master Data Templates allow you to organize your data into predefined groups.
Get your system, your way—fast
RIM for Microsoft Dynamics NAV allows for phased implementations. You can complete a phase-one implementation quickly. You can then build further implementations on this solid foundation based on your schedule. Phases typically cover the following types of projects:
| • | Basic implementation projects: Fundamental system functionality, including processing and finance functions that help you automate basic business operations such as general ledger, sales and receivables, and purchasing and payables |
| • | Medium implementation projects: Advanced functionality, such as manufacturing, operations, and warehouse processes |
| • | Full Implementation Projects: Refined functionality that is highly specific to your particular needs and industry |
Next steps
Get more information about what you can accomplish in your business with Microsoft Dynamics NAV:
