improve through better technology

Sabre Limited’s Top 10 Manufacturing Add-Ons for Business Central​

Top-10-Business-Central-Add-Ons-for-Manufacturing

We are pleased to announce the top 10 manufacturing add-ons for Business Central for 2024! These apps can help you gain insights with advanced dashboards and reporting, help with scheduling, quality inspection, accounting and so much more!

They are not listed in any specific order. These are the best applications for improving Microsoft Business Central for manufacturing companies.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 Business Central add-ons for manufacturing that can really give you an edge on your competition.

3

PrintVis

Best used for commercial printers, wide format, label manufacturers, and packaging.

PrintVis is a comprehensive, print-specific Management Information System (MIS), tightly integrated with the ERP platform of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Tailored for the world print industry, PrintVis offers an end-to-end solution, encompassing job estimation, production management, scheduling, financials and much more, all within a single, unified platform.

PrintVis provides:

  • Estimation and Quoting
  • Order Processing and Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Scheduling and Job Planning
  • Shop Floor Management
  • Job Costing
  • Purchasing and Invoicing
  • Supply Chain and Warehouse Management
  • Financial Management—Full Accounting Package from Microsoft
  • Analysis and Reporting
  • JDF Integration (CIP4)
  • Multiple Other Integrations (Web Storefronts, Prepress Solutions, 3rd Party Shipping Solutions, and more, including the Entire Microsoft Technology Stack)
 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central serves as the robust backbone for PrintVis, providing a cloud-based, SaaS (Software as a Service) architecture. The seamless integration enables print businesses to streamline their operations, optimize workflows, and manage their entire print production lifecycle with a single, robust system. It also lets PrintVis focus on the unique needs of print businesses and let the core ERP functionality be handled by Microsoft – based on feedback from a huge customer base and a large partner community.

With its user-friendly interface and extensive functionalities, the combined solution empowers print industry professionals to drive growth, enhance productivity, and adapt to evolving market demands in 2024 and beyond.

10

ERP Connect Consulting

Best used for improving insights and analytics with dashboards.

Sabre Limited is excited to kick off our partnership with ERP Connect Consulting and their Microsoft D365 Business Central solutions. ERP Connect provides dashboarding, automation, and productivity tools for manufacturing, distribution, and many other verticals taking advantage of BC’s Cloud offering. Every single one of their extensions is built natively into BC and comes pre-configured to save time and clicks. Sabre Limited is committed to helping you streamline Business Central as your Microsoft Partner with ERP Connect’s BC Toolbox including:

Featured Products:

      1. Warehouse Dashboard: 24 KPIs and Metrics focused on Shipments, Receipts, Count/Adjustments, Inventory, Vendor Performance, Sales Orders, and Purchase Orders.
      2. History and Statistics: 30 KPIs and Metrics that give a deep dive into Item, Vendor, and Customer Performance.
      3. Distribution Control Center: Pick/Pack/Ship functionality and Sales Order tracking that all lives on one centralized dashboard accessed via desktop or tablet.
      4. Consolidated Shipping: Manage the shipping of multiple Documents to the same destination under one Document called the Master Shipping Order (MSO).
      5. ShipRush Integration: Bi-directional Sales Order integration with ShipRush. Connect to existing carriers for Rate Shopping, Label Printing, Freight Charges, and Package Tracking Numbers.
      6. Advanced Assembly BOMs: Utilization of Variants in BOMs, multiple Locations/Location defaults on BOMs, and Phantom BOMs without needing a premium license.

    1

    Dynaway EAM

    Best used for managing assets and maintenance operations.

    Utilizing the Dynaway EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) applications enables asset-intensive companies to optimize the value of their assets over their lifespan, concurrently streamlining and reducing costs of maintenance operations.

    Dynaway EAM extends the capabilities of Microsoft D365 Business Central by incorporating Enterprise Asset Management functionalities. By embedding asset and maintenance management into your chosen ERP platform, Dynaway EAM ensures a seamless connection between all maintenance processes and other essential aspects like inventory/warehouse, procurement/purchase, finance, resource management, and manufacturing, all within a single system — a synergy known as The Dynaway Advantage.

    Key features of Dynaway EAM:

      • Maintenance Management: Strategically plan and execute maintenance operations to minimize unforeseen downtime while accurately tracking and assigning costs.
      • Asset Oversight: Gain complete control over your assets by accessing a comprehensive overview detailing their historical, current, and future maintenance activities.
      • Analytics & Reporting: Evaluate and present detailed maintenance expenses and history to effectively manage asset costs and decrease downtime.
      • Scheduling & Planning: Efficiently manage day-to-day operations by utilizing visual boards to identify optimal timing for scheduling and planning asset maintenance tasks.
      • Centralized Information & Documentation: Access and store all pertinent asset and maintenance-related information and documentation in a single location.
      • Safety Protocols: Uphold a stringent safety standard around your equipment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
      • Mobile Solutions: Offering mobile apps for all devices for simple and intuitive mobile work order execution.

      6

      ExpandIT

      Best used for field service management.

      Improve your field service operations with ExpandIT, the cutting-edge field service management software designed to streamline and optimize your business processes. Say goodbye to inefficient paper-based systems and welcome efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

      ExpandIT empowers your field service teams by providing them with a comprehensive suite of tools and features. From scheduling and dispatching to real-time tracking and reporting, the intuitive platform offers end-to-end visibility and control over your operations.

      ExpandIT Banner Design

      The ExpandIT mobile field service software keeps your technicians connected on the go, providing them with instant access to job details, customer service history, and service guides. They can efficiently complete tasks, capture signatures, and generate professional invoices—all within a few taps.

      Key Features of ExpandIT Field Service:

        • Work online and offline: Field Workers can edit work orders anytime/where and information synchronizes when an internet connection is available.
        • Store information digitally: Field technicians can register service type, fault reasons and areas, symptoms, and the resolution digitally, making it back to the office instantly.
        • Complete checklists: Optional or Mandatory checklists can be made, improving field reporting, and ensuring compliance.
        • Access job history: Enables field technicians to have an accurate view of the account, making informed decisions on up-to-date relevant information.

        2

        commercebuild

        Best used for manufacturers that want an eCommerce webstore.

        Manufacturers who embrace digital transformation are finding new efficiencies and growth opportunities through eCommerce. commercebuild’s integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central revolutionizes the way manufacturers handle operations, take orders, and interact with their customers. This innovative approach not only streamlines order processing but also significantly reduces the likelihood of errors and data inaccuracies, ultimately strengthening customer relations.

        Customer Portal Sabre

        By using the rich data housed in your ERP, commercebuild can affordably and quickly build an eCommerce webstore, Customer Portal, or Sales Portal, allowing manufacturers to enhance their online presence, offering customers up-to-date product details and availability, leading to a more efficient and satisfying purchasing experience. Embarking on a journey to expand your online presence can be daunting, time consuming, expensive, and complex. But with commercebuild, a straightforward and cost-effective eCommerce roadmap awaits for manufacturers!

        Key Features of commercebuild:

          • B2B and B2C Webstores: Sell direct by creating a personalized buying experience showcasing real time, multi-warehouse availability to make ordering/reordering a breeze.
          • Customer Portal: Provide logins to customers so they can see real-time order status and tracking information.
          • Sales Portal: Give your sales team a quick order entry pad for quick and easy orders.
          • Affordable and Fast Implementation: Cost-conscious packages to meet your needs implemented fast, portals in 48 hours and webstores in 60 days.
          • Native Integration: Commercebuild’s solutions seamlessly integrate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, eliminating the need for third-party connectors and ensuring real-time data synchronization. Your ERP and eCommerce solution will work as one.
          • Global Support Team: With an average response <1 hour, during business hours, their team is ready to tackle your eCommerce needs.

          8

          Continia

          Best used for improved financials.

          Continia saves finance teams of all sizes using Business Central and NAV 100,000+ hours a month to focus on value-added activities. You can eliminate manual tasks by up to 90% while increasing transaction accuracy, enhancing financial controls, and improving cash flow. With 30 years of industry and product experience, they have Built Inside Business Central solutions that use advanced OCR and intelligent logic to provide flexible, affordable tools to optimize your financial processes.

          thumbnail Document Capture

          Highlights of Continia’s key solutions:

          1. Document Capture (A/P and other business process automation): Document Capture streamlines business processes by automating data entry, enabling automatic order matching, expediting invoice approval through workflows, managing purchase contracts efficiently, and offering a secure, paperless archive for data storage and retrieval with integrity and compliance.
          2. Expense Management: Expense Management streamlines finances with automatic credit card transaction handling, simplified mileage logging through the app or portal, and easy calculation of daily travel allowances. The intelligent OCR eliminates manual data entry by recognizing receipt text, reducing errors and saving time in the Expense App.
          3. Document Output: Continia’s Document Output efficiently manages document distribution with batch printing, supports various digital formats including XML, and merges PDFs for clarity. Offering over 30 email templates, the software ensures professional communication. Prioritizing security, Document Output prevents tampering by enabling features like signing and password protection for PDF files, ensuring enhanced protection and validity.

          4

          Insight Works

          Best used for manufacturing and distribution operations.

          Specializing in the Manufacturing and Distribution sectors, Insight Works offers a range of apps designed to enhance the capabilities of Business Central. Whether streamlining warehouse operations, improving manufacturing processes, or integrating advanced barcode technology, Insight Works has the tools to drive efficiency and accuracy in your business operations.

          As a Microsoft Partner and reseller of Insight Works, Sabre Limited is committed to bringing you these cutting-edge solutions, ensuring your business is equipped with the best tools to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Discover how Insight Works can transform your business with Sabre Limited.

          Highlights of Insight Works key solutions:

            1. Shop Floor Insight: A comprehensive MES solution for barcoded time capture and employee time management.
            2. MxAPS: Advanced finite capacity scheduling in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
            3. Product Configurator: Simplify creating BOMs and routing to make quote and order generation more efficient.
            4. Counter Sales: Counter Sales is a point-of-sale solution designed for parts counters, trade desks, and smaller outlet stores.
            5. Dynamic Ship: Easily add carrier integration, real-time shipping rates, package management and shipment tracking to Business Central.
            6. Enhanced Planning Pack: Supercharge Business Central with a set of apps to optimize your processes and give you more visibility into forecasts and operations.
            7. Quality Inspector: Streamline your quality control process to reduce rework and maximize customer satisfaction.
            8. Warehouse Insight: Improve warehouse accuracy and boost efficiency with mobile device and barcode integration.
            9. Order Fulfillment Worksheet: Optimize your order fulfillment process by focusing on in-stock orders.
            10. Advanced Inventory Count: Simplify inventory counts with comprehensive data entry, reconciliation, posting and analysis tools.

            7

            eOne's SmartConnect

            Best used for enhanced data migration and accuracy.

            eOne’s SmartConnect integration platform empowers Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central users to easily move data between applications, eliminating manual processes and improving data accuracy. This is especially powerful in the manufacturing industry, where many companies are using multiple applications to manage their business.

              Key features of SmartConnect:

                • Pre-built connectors and templates allow you set up your integrations quickly without a developer.
                • Deploy in the cloud or on-premise.
                • The Excel add-in allows you to push data from Excel into ERP/CRM systems.
                • Their generic REST API allows you to connect to any REST-based web service.
                • Triggers allow you to determine when you want your integrations to run, how you want them to run and any additional features, alerts or tracking you want on the maps.
                • Transformation allows you to take data from any source and convert it the format required by your destination.
                • Don’t need to move data between applications? Popdock will allow you to surface that data so your users have the information they need to do their jobs.

                5

                ClickLearn

                Best used for training and documentation.

                For manufacturing businesses leveraging Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, ClickLearn emerges as a game-changing add-on, seamlessly integrating as a Digital Adoption Platform (DAP). This innovative tool not only streamlines the onboarding process for users but also offers unparalleled support for IT departments and management.

                ClickLearn’s standout feature lies in its unique recording technology, which automates the creation of training materials and documentation. This not only saves significant time but also ensures a superior learning experience for end users. The DAP functionality is especially crucial for manufacturing businesses, where intricate processes and software interfaces are commonplace.

                  Key features of ClickLearn:

                    • In-app guidance: Real-time, context-sensitive support within Business Central’s interfaces reduces the learning curve for users in manufacturing roles.
                    • Interactive walkthroughs: Step-by-step tutorials promote hands-on learning and facilitate employee training, particularly valuable in the complex environment of manufacturing software.
                    • Contextual tips and notifications: ClickLearn’s context-aware prompts guide users through processes, minimizing errors and enhancing overall user experience.
                    • User onboarding: The platform accelerates the integration and proficiency of new manufacturing employees through guided tours and tutorials tailored to the specific workflows within Business Central.
                    • Performance support: Just-in-time assistance ensures high user productivity by promptly addressing challenges that may arise during manufacturing processes.

                    9

                    TrueCommerce

                    Best used for EDI solutions for manufacturing.

                    Discover TrueCommerce, a leading provider of cloud-based EDI solutions for manufacturers. Their in-house seamless integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central not only elevates your operations but also simplifies complexity, transforming the way you engage with trading partners.

                    What sets TrueCommerce apart is their commitment to excellence through in-house development. Their dedicated team not only excels in customer support but also drives innovation to keep pace with evolving industry standards. Partnering with Sabre Limited ensures a successful implementation of EDI, guaranteeing a seamless experience for managing incoming orders from big box retailers, online storefronts, and marketplaces. TrueCommerce is the ideal solution for manufacturers, offering value without compromise and contributing to a more efficient order management process.

                      Key Features of TrueCommerce:

                      • No need to customize Dynamics 365 Business Central, simply connect with your partners – they manage trading partner mappings, compliance, connectivity requirements.
                      • Automatically transmit order acknowledgements, invoices, and advance shipment notices to complete the order-to-cash cycle.
                      • Seamlessly integrate procure-to-pay transactions, enabling effortless communication with your suppliers.
                      • Enable full integration and automation of inventory movement and shipment reconciliation with your third-party warehouses (3PLs) through warehouse integration.
                      • Share inventory availability based on the needs of your EDI partners. 
                      • Produce compliant trading partner GS1-128 labels within the ERP as part of the fulfillment workflow.  
                      • Create new customer accounts on the fly as you process dropship and eCommerce orders.

                      How to Get Started With These Manufacturing Add-ons for Business Central:

                      If your business utilizes Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and requires additional manufacturing functionality, these apps above are all readily available to enhance your operations.

                      If you’re unsure about where to begin, our experts at Sabre Limited can provide guidance and help you choose the right apps tailored to your specific needs.

                      Whether you’re looking to streamline your production, optimize schedules, manage quality control, or gain deeper insights into your manufacturing operations, these apps offer valuable solutions for your manufacturing company.

                      If you have any questions that you would like answered give us a call at (519) 585-7524, email us at info@sabrelimited.com or fill out our contact form. We are always happy to chat and even happier to help!

                      Get More From Business Central

                      Still have questions?

                      Schedule a free call with Rob Jolliffe

                      Robert Jolliffe