Have you ever wondered about the true cost of disconnected teams and siloed data? If your business still relies on an on-premise ERP system or other outdated systems, you’re missing out on the transformative power of Dynamics 365 Business Central integration.
If you’ve been following my writing, you may recall that I’m a first-generation Asian American with old-school parents who expected me to become a doctor and marry an engineer. Well… I did neither of those.
But in 2022, my firstborn graduated with a computer science engineering degree—a huge deal for us all. My parents flew from Chicago to Phoenix for the graduation, but unfortunately, they caught COVID while visiting. Even worse, they insisted on getting back on a plane home – despite being sick – along with my mother-in-law, who had also caught “the VID” and was eager to attend another grandchild’s graduation in Illinois.
Since I believe in karma (and basic public health principles), I banned them from flying and, instead, loaded up my little car with three sick, stubborn senior citizens, their luggage, my laptop, my cellphone, and A LOT of patience.
For 32 hours, I drove from Arizona to Illinois. The symphony of snoring, coughing, and sneezing over my Spotify playlists ensured I never dozed off behind the wheel.
But the real entertainment came from their conversations. My parents, speaking heavily accented English, would chat with my mother-in-law, who doesn’t speak Thai—and yet, somehow, they thought they were having the same discussion.
At one point, my parents were talking about my son and his girlfriend planning a trip with friends, while my mother-in-law thought he was engaged and planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. She excitedly launched into stories about her many great-grandchildren and how she was looking forward to another from my son—what?! Meanwhile, my parents assumed she was talking about the upcoming wedding of one of her other grandsons.
Both parties were happily chatting away—completely clueless that they were talking about entirely different things. And there I was, driving, wondering if all senior citizens communicate this way—or if this was just a preview of my own future.
By now you may be asking, “Mink – what does any of this have to do with ERPs and Dynamics 365 integration?”
Here’s the connection:
Every few hours, we’d stop for fresh air and a meal, but work never skipped a beat. Thanks to my mobile hotspot, cloud-based ERP tools, and Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook, I could jump on meetings, review reports, and track projects just as efficiently as if I were in my real office. Without these tools, a cross-country road trip would’ve meant completely unplugging—and falling behind.
Unlike my traveling companions, I wasn’t losing anything in translation.
As amusing (and slightly exhausting) as this experience was, it’s a perfect illustration of how disconnected systems breed inefficiencies, miscommunication, and frustration. Just like my (not-so) multilingual family members operating with incomplete information, businesses relying on outdated ERPs struggle to collaborate—turning simple processes into time-consuming workarounds. To stay competitive, seamless collaboration isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Let’s keep going to understand how Dynamics 365 Business Central eliminates these challenges, providing a unified platform that helps teams work smarter, not harder.
The Collaboration Challenge with Legacy ERPs
Siloed Systems
Legacy ERP systems often make collaboration harder than it needs to be. By design, these on-premise ERP systems keep data and processes siloed, forcing teams to rely on outdated reports and manual workarounds. Imagine the sales department trying to forecast next quarter’s numbers while finance scrambles to reconcile last quarter’s figures—working from two completely different data sets. It’s a frustrating cycle that slows progress and complicates decision-making.
Common Challenges
The limitations of traditional ERP systems are apparent when growing businesses face increased demands for dynamic and integrated reporting between business units.
- Lack of Real-Time Data Updates: Without live insights, teams are always a step behind, unable to react quickly to new opportunities or challenges.
- Difficulty Integrating Modern Tools: Legacy systems don’t seamlessly connect with the business applications we all use daily — Email, Microsoft Office (Teams, SharePoint, Excel, SQL Server), CRM, accounting systems, etc., which are essential for efficient collaboration.
- Manual Workflows: Disconnected systems require extra coordination and dual data entry, creating inefficiencies that waste time and increase operational costs.
The Power of Dynamics 365 Business Central Integration
Seamless collaboration starts with having the right tools in place. Dynamics 365 Business Central creates a unified platform that connects your teams and processes, making it easier to break down silos and share data across the organization.
Unified Platform
Dynamics 365 Business Central goes beyond traditional ERP functionality, acting as the central hub for your business. By unifying departments and ensuring data flows seamlessly, it empowers teams to collaborate effectively and make informed decisions.
According to Microsoft, integrating Dynamics 365 Business Central with Microsoft 365 applications like Teams and Outlook allows employees to access real-time data and collaborate directly within the tools they use every day, boosting efficiency and communication.
Key Benefits:
- Real-Time Data Sharing: No more waiting for reports to be pulled or data to sync. With Dynamics 365 Business Central integration, everyone has access to the latest information instantly.
- Seamless Collaboration Across Locations: Whether your teams are in the same office or scattered across different time zones, Business Central ensures everyone stays on the same page.
- Improved Communication and Execution: By integrating your ERP with tools like Microsoft Teams, employees can communicate and collaborate within the same system, speeding up decision-making and project execution.
Enhanced Features for Modern Workforces
Modern businesses need modern tools to stay competitive. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers enhanced features designed for today’s workforce so your teams can work smarter and faster, no matter where they are.
Real-Time Data Sharing
Waiting for reporting updates is no longer an acceptable option. With Dynamics 365 Business Central, teams can access up-to-the-minute information instantly—whether they’re in the office, on-site, or halfway across the world. Real-time data sharing keeps everyone on the same page and ensures decisions are based on the most accurate information available.
Automated Workflows
No one loves repetitive tasks like data entry or chasing down approvals. Dynamics 365 Business Central takes care of the busywork with automated workflows, so your team can spend less time fixing errors and more time driving results. It’s like adding a personal assistant without the extra HR paperwork.
Cloud Accessibility
Whether your team is in the office, working remotely, or logging in from a truck stop in Oklahoma between fuel stops, Business Central’s cloud-based ERP benefits ensure they have access to the tools and data they need. With this kind of flexibility, everyone can collaborate seamlessly no matter where they’re working from—or what time zone they’re in.
Want to dive deeper into how Dynamics 365 Business Central integration transforms collaboration? Check out our latest insights here.
Cost and Productivity Implications
When it comes to ERP systems, the price you see isn’t always the price you pay. Legacy systems come with hidden costs that quietly drain resources, while cloud-based solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central deliver cost savings and productivity gains that keep your business moving forward.
Hidden Costs of Legacy ERPs
Legacy systems may seem like a “safe” option—they’re familiar, paid for, and they (mostly) work. But dig a little deeper, and the cracks start to show. From ongoing hardware maintenance to patchwork fixes and IT troubleshooting, the cost of maintaining legacy systems adds up fast. According to a Forbes article, these inefficiencies don’t just drain budgets—they also hinder innovation and limit productivity.
Cost-Effectiveness of Cloud Solutions
Switching to a cloud-based ERP system like Dynamics 365 Business Central reduces costs in more ways than one. With lower upfront infrastructure expenses, predictable recurring Software as a Service billing, and no need for frequent hardware updates, your cost savings start immediately. Not to mention the increased collaboration and streamlined workflows that lead to better ROI, turning your ERP into a productivity powerhouse.
Competitive Edge
When your teams have the tools needed to make informed decisions, your business is better equipped to adapt and grow. A modern ERP migration strategy empowers your organization to stay ahead of competitors with quicker execution and smarter resource allocation. With Business Central, your organization can pivot quickly, scale efficiently, and stay ahead of the competition.
An ERP migration to Dynamics 365 Business Central transforms how businesses operate. Seamless integration with tools like Microsoft Teams and Power Platform eliminates disconnected workflows and manual processes. Real-time data access, automated workflows, and cloud-based accessibility empower your teams to work smarter and make better decisions.
While migrating may seem challenging, the benefits—enhanced collaboration, cost savings, and adaptability—are well worth it. Contact Dorado Solutions to learn how we can guide your transition.
Want to find out how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can streamline your operations? Join our webinar on April 16, 2025, and discover its powerful capabilities. I’d love to see you there!
About the Author
C. Mink LeVoy, CPA, is the Director of Professional Services at Dorado Solutions, Inc., with over 25 years of experience in accounting software solutions. From growing a startup into a leading global Microsoft Dynamics reseller to managing teams and operations, Mink’s expertise spans consulting, project management, and client service. Passionate about helping organizations succeed, she specializes in Microsoft Dynamics GP and Business Central, delivering solutions that drive results and client satisfaction.
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