Topic: Legacy

STORIS vs. Dynamics 365: Choosing the right ERP for furniture manufacturing & retail

STORIS vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Choosing the Right ERP for Furniture Manufacturing & Retail

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Finding the Right ERP System for Your Furniture Company

The furniture industry operates at a unique crossroads of manufacturing, inventory management, and omnichannel retail, making the choice of ERP software especially critical. Whether you run a growing furniture store, a custom furniture manufacturing unit, or a vertically integrated business, your ERP must align with everything from complex supply chains to showroom floor sales. Two of the most talked-about ERP solutions for the industry are STORIS and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Both offer distinct strengths for furniture businesses, but they serve different needs. STORIS furniture software is widely recognized for its retail-first approach, while Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance, Supply Chain, Commerce, and Customer Engagement together provide a more holistic solution that supports back-end production, financials, supply chain, and customer engagement, all in one platform.

Table of Contents

Sunrise specializes in helping furniture manufacturers and retailers implement Dynamics 365 business applications. Let’s compare STORIS and Dynamics 365 across core functions like POS (Point of Sale), inventory control, manufacturing, and omnichannel operations, so you can decide which platform supports your business model, now and in the future.

Overview of STORIS and Dynamics 365 

While both STORIS and Dynamics 365 serve the furniture industry, they are fundamentally designed for different users, STORIS with a retail-first mindset, and Dynamics 365 with enterprise-wide digital transformation in mind.

What Is STORIS Furniture Software? 

Built for Home Furnishings Retailers 

STORIS is recognized for its strengths in streamlining point-of-sale and showroom operations, making it a valuable tool for businesses focused primarily on retail sales. It offers centralized customer order tracking, helping retailers manage orders efficiently from the initial sale through fulfillment. The platform also includes integrated financing options and promotional tools, which support enhanced customer buying experiences. While STORIS does provide some supply chain functionality, it is best known for its robust front-end sales features and is widely used by midsized furniture retailers. 

What Is Microsoft Dynamics 365? 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based suite of ERP and CRM applications designed to support manufacturers and multi-channel retailers. For furniture businesses, it provides a modular setup with specialized apps such as Dynamics 365 Commerce for retail point-of-sale, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management for overseeing production, logistics, and warehouse operations, and Dynamics 365 Finance for managing financial processes. Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, and Customer Insights cover CRM functions.

One of the key advantages of Dynamics 365 is its ability to deliver end-to-end visibility—from production to the point of sale. The platform supports both made-to-stock and made-to-order manufacturing models, offering flexibility for different business needs. Additionally, its deep integration with Microsoft 365, Power BI, Teams, and Azure enhances collaboration and data insights. With built-in scalability, Dynamics 365 can support companies operating across multiple locations and even global markets. This makes it especially valuable for furniture manufacturers, multi-channel retailers, and businesses that require adaptable solutions across departments.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

When evaluating ERP systems for the furniture manufacturing and retail industries, it’s essential to go beyond the buzzwords. From point-of-sale operations to back-end production and analytics, the following feature breakdown will help you assess whether STORIS or Microsoft Dynamics 365 better supports your business goals.

STORIS versus Dynamics 365: Comparison Table 

Functionality STORIS Furniture Software Microsoft Dynamics 365  
Point of Sale Native, furniture-focused POS with promotions, financing options.Modern cloud POS via Dynamics 365 Commerce, fully integrated across stores.
Showroom Management Strong, designed for furniture retail layouts and sales flows.Available through Commerce module, integrated with CRM & inventory. 
Inventory Management Centralized inventory for store locations.Offers both basic and advanced warehouse management, with features like different pick methods, lot and serial management, replenishment, and more.  
Manufacturing  Limited to order tracking and vendor integration. Full manufacturing capabilities in Supply Chain Management: Production module, BOMs, routings, different modes like make-to-order, configure-to-order, logistics, and transportation. 
Omnichannel Support Basic eCommerce and POS. End-to-end omnichannel (web, mobile, in-store) with real-time data sync. 
Reporting & Analytics Prebuilt dashboards, retail KPIs. Power BI dashboards embedded in Dynamics 365.  
Customization Some via vendor modules.Custom processes can be designed via code extensions and/or Power Platform.  
Scalability Mid-market retail focused. Scales from SMB to enterprise,  
Cloud Readiness Hosted or hybrid models. Built for Microsoft Azure infrastructure.  
Best For Furniture retailers with showroom and POS focus Manufacturers, multi-channel sellers, growing furniture brands 

By comparing STORIS and Dynamics 365, it’s clear that STORIS has furniture retail store functions covered. But for other major aspects of running a furniture business, like manufacturing, supply chain, and advanced inventory management, Dynamics 365 offers a broader set of capabilities. 

Retail and Manufacturing Capabilities in STORIS and Dynamics 365

While both STORIS and Dynamics 365 support furniture businesses, their strengths align differently depending on whether your business is primarily a retail operation or if you also have manufacturing and distribution requirements. Choosing the right ERP means aligning the platform’s strengths with your day-to-day operations and long-term goals. 

STORIS: Retail-Centric Furniture Businesses 

STORIS is built specifically for home furnishings retailers whose businesses center on showroom sales, point-of-sale transactions, and in-store customer order management. It delivers a highly tailored experience with robust showroom and order entry tools, along with features for handling in-store promotions, financing options, and customer loyalty programs. STORIS also offers straightforward inventory control across retail locations and integrates with eCommerce platforms, providing basic webstore capabilities to support online sales. This retail-centric focus makes it a strong fit for furniture stores prioritizing front-end sales and customer engagement.

Dynamics 365: Ideal for Manufacturing and Omnichannel Expansion 

For businesses that manufacture products, manage multiple warehouses, or operate across both online and offline channels, Microsoft Dynamics 365 delivers comprehensive functionality beyond traditional retail systems. It provides end-to-end visibility across manufacturing operations, inventory management, and retail activities, ensuring seamless oversight of the entire supply chain. Real-time data synchronization across stores, warehouses, and eCommerce platforms helps businesses maintain accurate information and streamline operations. Dynamics 365 also supports complex manufacturing needs, including bills of materials (BOMs), production routings, make-to-order workflows, and demand planning. With built-in scalability, it offers the flexibility to grow from a small or mid-sized business to a large enterprise—without the need for a new ERP implementation.

Cost, Scalability & Future-Proofing

As your furniture business grows, whether through new stores, expanded product lines, or entry into eCommerce, your ERP needs to support that evolution without requiring a complete reimplementation. 

STORIS: Purpose-Built for Retail, But Limited  

STORIS offers a unified platform with bundled functionality focused on furniture retail operations. This makes it easier and quicker to deploy for showroom-heavy businesses. However, its architecture is more rigid, and as operations become more complex (especially on the manufacturing or logistics side), customization options become limited.  Pros:  Predictable pricing and functionality  Built-in retail workflows out of the box  Good for stable, retail-focused businesses  Limitations:  May require external add-ons for complex needs  Less flexible in adapting to new operational models  Limited manufacturing capabilities 

Dynamics 365: Modular and Built for Growth 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses a modular licensing model, allowing you to start with the applications you need and scale into Commerce, Supply Chain, Customer Service,  or Sales as your business evolves. Pros:  Pay for only what you need  Easily add new functionality via Power Platform  Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams  A familiar UI to the apps your team is already using like Office and Outlook  Built to support long-term growth and international expansion  Limitations:  Slightly higher initial investment  Requires a strategic implementation plan (which is where Sunrise helps)

Pro tip:

Businesses that outgrow STORIS often turn to Dynamics 365 when scaling into manufacturing or multi-region logistics, making it more cost-effective in the long term. 

Final Verdict: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Is the Smarter Choice for Furniture Manufacturing, Distribution, and Retail

For furniture companies planning for the future, agility, integration, and end-to-end visibility capabilities are not optional; they’re essential. While STORIS offers useful capabilities for retail-focused operations, Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out as the platform built to grow with you, from showroom to supply chain to smart factory. 

With Dynamics 365, furniture manufacturers and omnichannel retailers can unify operations, automate processes, and gain predictive insights—all while staying connected to the Microsoft tools they already use daily. As needs evolve, businesses can expand into other  Dynamics 365 and Power Platform capabilities, unlocking unmatched flexibility and future-proof scalability. 

At Sunrise, we don’t just implement ERP, we align your technology with your business strategy. With deep expertise in furniture manufacturing and retail, we help growing companies replace legacy systems like STORIS with powerful, modern ERP solutions designed to reduce cost, improve customer experience, and accelerate growth. 

Why Sunrise & Dynamics 365 

Choosing Sunrise Technologies with Microsoft Dynamics 365 gives furniture manufacturers and distributors access to tailored solutions designed for their unique industry needs. Sunrise delivers seamless omnichannel capabilities, including point-of-sale, eCommerce, and mobile solutions—all integrated within a single platform. With AI-powered tools like Copilot built directly into the Dynamics 365 workspace, businesses can enhance productivity and decision-making across departments. Dynamics 365 also offers full integration with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Teams, promoting collaboration and real-time insights. Backed by a scalable cloud infrastructure, Sunrise helps companies achieve predictable ROI while positioning them for long-term growth.

Talk to a Furniture ERP Expert

Speak with a furniture ERP expert today. We can help you assess your current business systems and pain points as you evaluate your options.

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Dynamics 365 vs. NetSuite

Dynamics 365 vs. NetSuite

Comparing the two cloud ERPs

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When comparing Dynamics 365 and NetSuite, think about the future

We often work with organizations that are evaluating NetSuite and Dynamics 365. While on the surface, both seem comparable in terms of capabilities, business functions, and infrastructure, there are some important distinctions. 

At Sunrise, we help growing businesses evaluate these platforms through the lens of future scalability, integration flexibility, and operational complexity. Whether your focus is on tightening your financial management, improving supply chain efficiency, or driving operational resilience, this article will guide you through a practical comparison of NetSuite and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations—so you can choose the ERP that grows with your business.

Dynamics 365 Overview

Dynamics 365 is a suite of applications that unifies processes across finance, supply chain, commerce, and customer service on a single platform. Its integration with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Azure, provides a seamless experience for users familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Built to support growing businesses, Dynamics 365 offers modular applications that can be implemented individually or together, allowing organizations to start with what they need and scale at their own pace. With built-in AI capabilities like Microsoft Copilot, businesses gain intelligent insights, improve decision-making, and automate repetitive tasks. Additionally, its low-code/no-code tools, such as Power Apps and Power Automate make customization accessible even without deep technical expertise.

Whether it’s optimizing financial operations, managing complex supply chains, or improving customer experiences, Dynamics 365 delivers a connected and flexible solution for modern enterprises.

NetSuite Overview

NetSuite provides foundational inventory management capabilities, including demand planning, automated replenishment, and basic warehouse tracking. Its Saved Searches and customizable dashboards offer valuable visibility, making it well-suited for businesses with simple product catalogs and straightforward inventory requirements.

However, companies that require more sophisticated features—such as real-time serialization, complex global inventory coordination, or support for multi-dimensional SKUs—may find NetSuite’s functionality limited in those areas.

Comparison table: NetSuite vs. Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain

Below is a detailed comparison of the two systems:

Feature CategoryNetSuiteMicrosoft Dynamics 365
Merchandising & inventory managementNetSuite offers essential tools for managing inventory across locations, including demand planning, replenishment automation, and basic warehouse tracking. Its saved searches and customizable dashboards provide useful insights, making it a strong fit for companies with relatively straightforward product catalogs and inventory needs. While NetSuite covers these functions, it may fall short for businesses needing advanced capabilities like real-time serialization, global inventory coordination, or multidimensional SKU management.

Dynamics 365 excels in complex supply chain environments, offering multi-level product hierarchies, serial and batch tracking, and AI-driven demand forecasting. Its tight integration with warehouse automation systems, barcode scanning, and mobile inventory workflows make it ideal for manufacturers, distributors, and global retailers.

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management also supports cross-border inventory tracking, landed cost calculations, and real-time visibility across warehouses, empowering companies to enhance logistics performance and reduce stockouts or overstock situations.

Point of Sale (POS)NetSuite includes a native POS module and solid eCommerce functionality that works well for retail environments with modest channel complexity. It enables centralized data for sales, inventory, and customer transactions but often requires third-party tools or add-ons for a true omnichannel experience. While suitable for B2C brands with straightforward processes, NetSuite can be limiting for businesses that demand real-time store operations, complex promotions, or B2B commerce coordination across multiple regions.Pairing Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Supply Chain with Commerce delivers a powerful, end-to-end omnichannel solution. From in-store POS and mobile checkout to digital storefronts and marketplace integrations, the platform offers a single source of truth across every touchpoint. Built-in tools enable real-time customer insights, synchronized inventory, and dynamic pricing—empowering companies to elevate service and drive loyalty. The deep integration with other Dynamics 365 ecosystem apps like Customer Insights, Power BI, and Microsoft Teams enhances collaboration and personalization.
Financial managementNetSuite provides robust out-of-the-box finance and accounting functionality, including general ledger, accounts receivable/payable, bank reconciliation, and basic financial analysis tools. Its SuiteBilling module supports subscription-based models, making it ideal for SaaS and services businesses. However, its capabilities can feel limited for organizations with complex reporting structures, intercompany transactions, or compliance needs tied to GAAP or IFRS standards.

Dynamics 365 is built for global organizations with multidimensional and complex accounting needs. With features like multi-entity accounting, real-time budgeting, fixed asset tracking, subscription billing, cost accounting, and automated revenue recognition, Dynamics 365 Finance supports the needs of both finance teams and auditors.

The app’s native support for local tax regulations, multi-currency consolidation, and project-based accounting makes it particularly attractive for global firms. Additionally, embedded Power BI dashboards and Microsoft Copilot enable predictive insights and scenario modeling to help finance leaders stay ahead.

Omnichannel capabilitiesProvides omnichannel support through its SuiteCommerce platform, which connects eCommerce, in-store POS, and order management systems. While it offers essential capabilities like real-time inventory tracking and customer data unification, delivering a fully integrated omnichannel experience may require additional setup, third-party tools, or custom development.Supports omnichannel retailing through Dynamics 365 Commerce, allowing for cohesive customer experiences across online and offline channels. Features include unified customer profiles, cross-channel loyalty programs, and seamless order fulfillment processes.
Customization & integration

NetSuite promotes a “clicks not code” approach to customization. Using SuiteBuilder and SuiteCloud, users can configure fields, workflows, and dashboards with relative ease. Developers can extend functionality using SuiteScript, a JavaScript-based scripting language, and REST or SOAP APIs for system integration.

This low-code environment works well for companies with lighter customization needs, but limitations emerge when building deeply integrated, cross-platform business processes—especially those spanning CRM, finance, supply chain, and analytics.

Dynamics 365 F&O stands out with its tight integration into the Microsoft Power Platform. Using Power Automate, Power Apps, and Azure Logic Apps, businesses can build custom workflows, automate approvals, and connect F&O to virtually any system—without heavy development overhead.

Additionally, Microsoft’s Dataverse provides a unified data layer across Dynamics applications, making integration with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Teams seamless. AI-driven recommendations through Copilot enhance productivity by suggesting smart workflows based on user behavior and context.

User experience & interfaceOffers a functional, dashboard-driven interface with strong data visibility. However, the UI can feel dated and less intuitive, often requiring more training or technical input.Features a modern interface consistent with other Microsoft products like Office 365, providing a familiar environment for users. The system offers customizable dashboards, workspaces, and a responsive design, enhancing user engagement across
Scalability & deploymentNetSuite is offered as a single-tier, multi-tenant SaaS solution, making deployment fast and upgrades automatic. This model is ideal for businesses seeking a streamlined path to ERP adoption without dedicating large IT resources.Dynamics 365 F&O provides enterprise-class scalability through modular licensing, regional Azure deployments, and flexible infrastructure configurations. Businesses can adopt what they need today—finance, supply chain, commerce—and scale into manufacturing, HR, or advanced analytics later.
Licensing & costsIts pricing includes bundled modules, which helps simplify procurement. However, that simplicity can lead to long-term trade-offs: limited control over upgrade timing, reliance on third-party solutions for industry-specific needs, and potential functional ceilings as business processes mature.The ability to control upgrade timing and deploy in specific geographies (for compliance or latency reasons) makes it highly attractive to global and multi-entity organizations. While initial licensing may seem higher, many businesses find the total cost of ownership (TCO) favorable over time due to fewer workarounds and more built-in functionality.
Customer supportOffers tiered support plans, but advanced support often comes at a premium. While resources like the NetSuite Help Center and SuiteAnswers are available, users frequently rely on third-party consultants for in-depth support and system customization—something more streamlined in the Dynamics 365 partner ecosystem.Microsoft offers Standard, Premier, and Unified Support. Some Microsoft Partners offer ongoing support programs, from handling maintenance and upgrades to implementing new modules and capabilities.

What about AI capabilities in Dynamics 365 vs. NetSuite?

Dynamics 365 is ahead of the curve when it comes to built-in AI. With the introduction of Microsoft Copilot, Dynamics 365 brings conversational AI and generative insights directly into ERP and CRM workflows. Users can automate tasks like invoice creation, email drafting, and report generation using natural language. Additionally, its deep integration with the Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps) allows users to build AI-powered dashboards, automate decision trees, and analyze trends using predictive analytics — all without heavy coding.

Microsoft’s ecosystem advantage plays a big role here: businesses using Teams, Outlook, or SharePoint can experience AI-enhanced workflows across systems, making Dynamics 365 a very intelligent and connected solution out-of-the-box.

NetSuite, while good in automation and reporting, is still catching up in AI features. It does offer machine learning in some areas like cash flow forecasting, demand planning, and anomaly detection, primarily through its SuiteAnalytics and SuitePeople modules. However, much of the advanced AI functionality often requires integration with third-party tools or custom development.

Oracle has introduced AI innovations across its broader cloud ecosystem, and these features are gradually surfacing in NetSuite, but the experience isn’t as deeply embedded or accessible yet compared to Dynamics 365.

The bottom line? You might outgrow NetSuite, too

…and end up right back where you started, looking for a replacement ERP system. NetSuite is a strong contender for businesses looking for rapid deployment, foundational financial management, and streamlining operations across a limited number of entities. For organizations with standard workflows and modest customization needs, NetSuite is a compelling starter cloud ERP.

However, for companies navigating global operations, complex supply chains, advanced warehousing and logistics needs, and long-term scalability, Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain is the clear winner.

  • Advanced planning capabilities: Embedded demand forecasting, MRP, and AI-driven insights enable smarter supply chain decisions.

  • AI roadmap: Microsoft Copilot delivers real-time, embedded AI across finance, operations, and customer engagement modules, no integrations required.

  • Power Platform: Build custom apps, workflows, and automation with low-code tools like Power Apps and Power Automate, fully integrated with your ERP.

  • Seamless omnichannel capabilities: Unify in-store, online, and back-office operations with Dynamics 365 Commerce for consistent customer experiences.

  • Modern, intuitive UI: A user-friendly, Microsoft-aligned interface that reduces training time and boosts adoption.

  • Automatic updates & innovation: Benefit from continuous improvements and feature rollouts without disruption.

  • Microsoft ecosystem integration: Deep, native connectivity with Teams, Outlook, Excel, Azure, and more, enabling truly unified business operations.

When your business demands more than the basics, Dynamics 365 isn’t just the next step; it’s the strategic upgrade.

Frequently asked questions

NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP designed for mid-sized businesses with simpler processes, while Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a modular, enterprise-grade ERP and CRM suite built for scalability, complex operations, and deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Yes. Dynamics 365 allows businesses to start with core modules and expand to areas like HR, manufacturing, and advanced analytics as they grow. It supports complex configurations and global rollouts, making it ideal for scaling.

NetSuite covers basic supply chain needs but lacks the deep features of Dynamics 365, such as AI-driven forecasting, landed cost calculations, and real-time visibility across global warehouses.

Dynamics 365 offers advanced financial tools including multi-entity accounting, cost tracking, subscription billing, and GAAP/IFRS compliance. NetSuite is strong in core finance but may fall short for complex reporting or compliance needs.

Both support these features, but Dynamics 365 handles them more comprehensively, with built-in consolidation, intercompany processing, and compliance tools.

Dynamics 365 excels in this area with embedded Power BI and native compliance tools. NetSuite handles standard reporting well but may require additional tools or services for advanced needs.

Dynamics 365 is preferred for manufacturing due to its support for MRP, BOMs, shop floor control, and integration with warehouse systems. NetSuite offers manufacturing features but is less robust.

Yes. Dynamics 365 uses AI for demand forecasting and planning. NetSuite includes demand planning but lacks predictive AI-driven insights.

Dynamics 365 offers a modern, Office-like interface with customizable dashboards and workspaces. NetSuite’s interface is functional but may feel dated and require more training.

Dynamics 365 leads in embedded AI with Copilot, enabling task automation, insights, and predictive analytics. NetSuite has some machine learning features but is still evolving in AI.

Dynamics 365 may have a higher upfront cost, but its total cost of ownership (TCO) can be lower due to fewer third-party tools and broader built-in features.

NetSuite offers tiered support, with advanced help often costing more. Microsoft provides Standard, Premier, and Unified support, with partner-led programs offering personalized service.

Dynamics 365 benefits from Microsoft’s global partner network and a strong ecosystem. NetSuite has certified partners too, but some users rely more on third-party consultants.

Yes. Many businesses migrate from NetSuite to Dynamics 365 as their operational complexity increases. Migration involves data mapping, platform configuration, and training.

Dynamics 365 is considered more future-proof due to embedded AI, Microsoft integration, modular design, and continuous innovation through the Microsoft Cloud roadmap.

Dynamics 365 is Your Forever System

If you’re deciding between Dynamics 365 and NetSuite, now is the time to explore your options. A smooth migration to Dynamics 365 can future-proof your business, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Contact us today for a free assessment. Our experts will help you map out a cost-effective path forward and give you a blueprint for a successful ERP project.

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Dynamics 365 vs. Island Pacific

Island Pacific vs. Dynamics 365: A comparison

When on-premise systems reach end of life, retailers are often at a crossroads

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What happens when your on-premise infrastructure reaches its end of life?

Retailers running Island Pacific ERP on-premise are no strangers to hardware deprecation announcements. While the ERP software itself will continue to be supported, IBM’s Power 9 servers—which many Island Pacific users rely on—will reach end of life on January 31, 2026. That leaves retailers with two choices:

  1. Invest in a costly, time-consuming server upgrade to keep running Island Pacific on-premise.
  2. Seize the opportunity to migrate to the cloud and modernize their ERP strategy.

For decades, the Island Pacific + IBM Power server combination was a strong choice for retail operations. However, the retail landscape has evolved significantly, and the capabilities that today’s businesses need—scalability, AI-driven analytics, omnichannel commerce, and real-time insights—are difficult (if not impossible) to achieve on aging, on-premise hardware.

Deprecation announcements like this aren’t just obstacles—they’re a chance to rethink the future. Instead of doubling down on legacy infrastructure, retailers can evaluate cloud-based ERP solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 to expand capabilities, enhance agility, and position themselves for future growth.

What hardware is approaching end-of-life for Island Pacific?

It’s important to note that support for the Island Pacific ERP system is NOT ending; support for IBM’s Power 9 servers, is ending on January 31, 2026. If you’re an Island Pacific user, you can keep using your ERP system on-premise by upgrading your servers, but that’s an expensive and time-consuming prospect.

Even though organizations in every industry face this same dilemma, this blog focuses on retailers in particular since we encounter this scenario often. Moving off legacy infrastructure and onto the cloud opens up a realm of possibilities for retailers to modernize their brands.

A picture of Island Pacific retail software on an old AS400 iSeries computer screen.

If your business systems look like this, it may be time for a change.

Island Pacific vs. Dynamics 365: Which is the better choice for retailers?

Island Pacific is a global leader in providing retail software solutions to help retailers manage and optimize their operations across multiple channels. The company’s flagship product, Island Pacific SmartSuite, offers a comprehensive suite of modules designed to streamline retail operations. These modules include merchandising, replenishment, financials, sales audit, warehousing, and ticketing functionalities.

Dynamics 365 is a suite of applications that unify processes across finance, supply chain, commerce, and customer service on a single platform. Its integration with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Azure, provides a seamless experience for users familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Feature CategoryIsland PacificMicrosoft Dynamics 365
Merchandising & inventory managementOffers a robust merchandising system through its SmartRetail module, enabling retailers to manage product assortments, pricing, promotions, and inventory across multiple channels. The system provides real-time visibility into stock levels, facilitating efficient inventory control.Provides comprehensive inventory management features within Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Users can track inventory levels, manage procurement processes, and optimize warehouse operations. The system supports real-time analytics to forecast demand and adjust inventory accordingly. Partners also offer solutions to customize Supply Chain Management for retailers, with advanced inventory allocation capabilities.
Point of Sale (POS)Features the SmartStore module, which includes fixed and mobile POS solutions. These systems are designed to enhance in-store customer experiences by providing seamless transaction processing and integrating with back-end systems for real-time data synchronization.Offers POS capabilities through Dynamics 365 Commerce, enabling unified retail experiences across physical and digital channels. The system supports personalized customer engagements, centralized payment processing, and integrated inventory management.
Financial managementIncludes a Financials module that interfaces tightly with merchandising and warehouse functions, ensuring seamless invoice matching and financial reporting. Retailers can manage accounts payable, chart of accounts, and extract stock ledger data efficiently.Dynamics 365 Finance offers global financial management capabilities, including budgeting, costing, consolidation, and financial reporting. Its integration with Power BI allows for in-depth financial analytics and insights. AI and Copilot capabilities can help automate and streamline financial processes.
Omnichannel capabilitiesSmartOmni provides a centralized view of inventory across all channels, enabling retailers to offer flexible fulfillment options such as ship-from-store and click-and-collect. This ensures a consistent customer experience regardless of the purchasing platform.Supports omnichannel retailing through Dynamics 365 Commerce, allowing for cohesive customer experiences across online and offline channels. Features include unified customer profiles, cross-channel loyalty programs, and seamless order fulfillment processes.
Customization & integrationHighly flexible and modular system, allowing retailers to integrate third-party apps and customize solutions as needed. Retail-specific features work well within the platform but limited API support makes integrating with other tools difficult.Dynamics 365 apps have an extensibility model that lets you extend the built-in functionality to fit different requirements. More customization options are also available through the Microsoft Power Platform, allowing businesses to develop custom workflows. Dynamics 365’s native integration with other Microsoft services ensures a cohesive ecosystem for users.
User experience & interfaceEmphasizes a user-friendly interface with intuitive dashboards, enabling quick adoption by retail staff. The system’s design focuses on streamlining retail operations, reducing the learning curve for new users.Features a modern interface consistent with other Microsoft products like Office 365, providing a familiar environment for users. The system offers customizable dashboards, workspaces, and a responsive design, enhancing user engagement across
Scalability & deploymentOffers both on-premises and cloud-based solutions, allowing retailers to scale operations as their business grows. The modular nature of SmartSuite enables businesses to add functionalities incrementally.Primarily a cloud-based solution, it offers scalability to accommodate businesses of varying sizes. The platform’s architecture supports global operations, making it suitable for enterprises with expansive reach.
Licensing & costsPricing details are typically customized based on the specific modules selected and the scale of deployment.  Infrastructure for on-premises deployments can add significant costs.Operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing varying depending on the selected apps and user count. A Microsoft partner with retail industry experience can help you estimate your licensing and Azure subscription costs.
Customer supportPersonalized customer service is available for enterprise clients.Microsoft offers Standard, Premier, and Unified Support. Some Microsoft Partners offer ongoing support programs, from handling maintenance and upgrades to implementing new modules and capabilities.

The challenges of remaining on AS400

Retailers still running AS400 face mounting challenges as the platform ages. While AS400 has been a reliable mainstay for decades, the reality is that legacy hardware is costly to maintain, difficult to integrate with modern solutions, and increasingly reliant on a shrinking pool of IT professionals with the necessary expertise. Upgrading AS400 infrastructure often means investing in specialized hardware and custom development, making it an expensive and resource-intensive endeavor.

Comparing AS400 to Dynamics 365 isn’t a direct 1:1 comparison—AS400 is a hardware and operating system platform, while Dynamics 365 is a modern, cloud-based ERP system. However, the comparison is still valuable because it highlights what’s possible with a cloud-based approach. The major differences are highlighted below:

Technology & Architecture

FeatureAS/400 (IBM i)Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
PlatformOn-premises, IBM Power SystemsCloud-based (Azure), hybrid, or on-premises
DatabaseIBM Db2 for i (integrated)Microsoft Dataverse & Azure SQL
ProgrammingRPG, COBOL, CL, JavaModern languages (.NET, C#, JavaScript)
User InterfaceGreen screen (5250) or web-based GUIWeb-based, intuitive UI with Power Platform integration
IntegrationLimited API support, file-based exchangeOpen API, Power Platform, seamless Microsoft 365 integration

Functionality & Capabilities

FeatureAS/400 (IBM i)Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
ERP ScopeCustom-built or third-party ERP solutionsFull ERP suite (Finance, Supply Chain, Commerce, etc.)
AI & AutomationLimited capabilitiesBuilt-in AI (Copilot, predictive analytics)
Business IntelligenceBasic reporting, Excel exportsPower BI, embedded analytics
CustomizationHighly customized but complexLow-code/no-code customizations with Power Platform
ScalabilityScalable but hardware-dependentElastic scalability in the cloud

Security & Compliance

FeatureAS/400 (IBM i)Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
SecurityStrong, but older security modelsCloud-based, zero-trust security model
ComplianceIndustry-compliant but requires manual managementBuilt-in compliance (GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, etc.)
UpdatesManual software updates, patchesAutomatic cloud updates with regular enhancements

Costs & Maintenance

FeatureAS/400 (IBM i)Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)High (hardware, licenses, maintenance)Lower TCO with cloud model (subscription-based)
IT MaintenanceRequires in-house AS/400 specialistsCloud-based, managed by Microsoft
Upgrade CostsCostly and complexContinuous updates included

Future-Proofing

FeatureAS/400 (IBM i)Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP
Cloud AdoptionLimited, mostly on-premisesCloud-native, hybrid options available
Workforce ReadinessHard to find AS/400 specialistsWidespread adoption, easy hiring
InnovationIBM continues to support but limited innovationConstantly evolving with AI, IoT, automation

Evaluating your ERP options? Consider the future

Your organization’s infrastructure should be a growth enabler, not a limitation. As on-premise hardware reaches end-of-life, retailers face a critical decision: invest in costly infrastructure upgrades or embrace cloud solutions that drive innovation and efficiency.

Moving from Island Pacific ERP on-premise to Dynamics 365 isn’t just about avoiding outdated hardware—it’s about unlocking new capabilities that redefine how retailers operate:

  • Real-time, unified commerce – Seamless data integration across finance, supply chain, POS, and customer service.
  • AI-powered insights with Copilot – Embedded intelligence to enhance decision-making and automate workflows.
  • Cloud-based flexibility – Scale as needed, reduce IT overhead, and ensure business continuity.
  • Modern, intuitive UI – A familiar, user-friendly interface that boosts adoption and productivity.
  • Automatic updates & innovation – Stay ahead with continuous enhancements and an exciting feature roadmap.
  • Microsoft ecosystem integration – Work effortlessly with Office 365, Power BI, and other Microsoft solutions.
  • Low-code development with Power Platform – Empower teams to customize and extend functionality without heavy IT involvement.
  • Easier talent acquisition – Skilled professionals prefer working with modern systems, not legacy green screens.

Free Island Pacific Migration Assessment

If you’re still on Island Pacific, now is the time to explore your options. A smooth migration to Dynamics 365 can future-proof your retail business while reducing costs and improving efficiency. Contact us today for a free assessment. Our experts will help you map out a cost-effective path forward and give you a blueprint for a successful ERP project.

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2025: The best time to upgrade an ERP system?

Planning an ERP upgrade?

Here’s your guide to an ERP upgrade: signs, benefits, and best practices

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Change is hard. Moving away from what you know can be challenging, and adjusting how someone does their job can feel intimidating. Deciding to upgrade your company’s ERP system is a significant milestone that can reshape your business. While change is hard, sticking with a legacy ERP system can hold your business back, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and limited scalability. This guide covers everything you need to know about ERP upgrades, including when to consider one, financial implications, the benefits of modern ERP, and best practices for a smooth transition.

Table of Contents

When to Upgrade Your ERP System

ERP systems stay with companies for the long haul. Most organizations use an ERP system for 5-10 years, even though business processes may change every few years. Knowing when to upgrade your ERP is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting business growth. Here are some tell-tale signs that your ERP may be nearing the end of its usefulness:

Integration Frustration

Do your integrations require frequent maintenance or rely heavily on fragile third-party tools? These headaches likely take up valuable time from your IT team or disrupt critical business operations.

Siloed Data

If your teams are struggling to access consistent data across departments, your ERP may be perpetuating data silos. Siloed data can lead to redundancies, duplicated efforts, and an incomplete view of your business.

Lack of Modern Reporting Capabilities

Reporting should be seamless. If generating reports is cumbersome or lacks depth, it’s a sign your ERP system is behind on modern analytics.

Speed (or Lack Thereof)

Slow system performance can frustrate employees and customers alike. Older ERPs often lag, affecting productivity and customer experience.

Upgrade Frequency

Businesses generally upgrade their ERP systems every decade, but major events like acquisitions, developing new products, launching new lines of business, or outside factors might warrant more frequent changes. If your ERP hasn’t been touched in years, it could be time to explore a more modern solution.

Why Upgrade Your ERP?

Upgrading your ERP system opens the door to numerous business benefits. Here are some of the most compelling reasons:

Advanced Security Features

Modern ERP systems come with advanced security features to protect your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Any company running an on-premises system is much more susceptible to a cybersecurity breach. A cybersecurity attack can come in many shapes and sizes. Security should be the top concern for every organization. The Microsoft Azure ecosystem offers robust security measures that are managed by dedicated experts. Such top-tier security ensures robust protection for your data.

Cost Savings

While an ERP upgrade requires investment, modern systems typically reduce the ongoing costs associated with maintaining legacy systems, especially on-premises versions. On-premises systems require significant ongoing investment in hardware, maintenance, and security. An aging workforce that knows these systems is nearing retirement. Quality replacements will not be trained on legacy systems and thus would need a lot of time, money, and effort to get caught up to speed on an old system. In contrast, cloud ERP systems typically offer a more predictable cost structure, reducing the burden on internal IT resources and allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.

Scalability for Business Growth

A legacy on-prem ERP system will inhibit the company’s growth. Being caught between a rock and a hard place is not where any organization wants to be. Cloud ERPs are inherently more scalable, allowing you to easily add new users and modules as your business grows. This scalability ensures that your ERP system can adapt to your business needs without major disruptions, making it a strategic choice for growing organizations.

Leveraging Technological Advancements

Advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics are transforming ERP systems. With a new ERP, your business can take advantage of these tools to make smarter, data-driven decisions. AI has been quite a buzzword over the last 18 months and Sunrise can help assess if your company is AI-ready. These tools can enhance business processes, improve decision-making, and provide a competitive edge. Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial for businesses looking to stay ahead.

Financial Considerations

When upgrading your ERP, financial factors are critical to consider. Here’s how to evaluate the costs and ROI of upgrading:

  • Cost of Doing Nothing: Sticking with a legacy ERP comes with hidden costs. Inefficiencies, lack of features, and missed opportunities can eat into your bottom line. Not upgrading could mean falling behind competitors.
  • On-premises vs. Cloud: If you’re still using an on-premises ERP, consider the benefits of moving to the cloud. Cloud solutions eliminate the need for costly hardware and frequent updates, offering a more budget-friendly approach.
  • Long-term ROI: When evaluating the cost of an upgrade, focus on the long-term return on investment (ROI). Upgraded ERPs improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and provide better insight into business operations—resulting in a faster ROI.

Your Guide to Getting Started on Your ERP Upgrade

Deciding to upgrade to a cloud ERP isn’t just about keeping up with technological trends; it’s a strategic move to enhance business operations, reduce costs, and position your organization for future success. If you’ve identified the signs and are ready to upgrade, here are the key factors to consider when selecting a new ERP system:

  • Vendor Reputation: Ensure you choose a reputable ERP vendor with proven industry expertise and a solid track record of successful implementations.
  • Implementation Partner Selection: Selecting the right implementation partner can make or break your project. Choose a partner that understands your business needs and can customize the solution accordingly.
  • Scalability: Ensure the new system can grow with your business, whether adding users, locations, or expanding product lines.
  • Customization Options: Every business is different, so make sure your ERP can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
  • Support Options: Evaluate the vendor’s support structure to ensure they provide ongoing assistance and regular updates to keep your ERP functioning optimally.

Implementation Best Practices

Implementing a new ERP can be disruptive, but following these best practices will help minimize disruption and maximize success:

  • Planning is Key: Once you’ve committed to an ERP upgrade, ensure you have a solid plan. Define your goals, timeline, and responsibilities clearly.
  • Change Management: ERP upgrades often involve process changes and new ways of working. Implement a strong change management strategy to ensure smooth adoption by all employees.
  • Training: A new ERP is only as effective as its users. Provide comprehensive training to ensure employees are comfortable using the system from day one.

Conclusion

Upgrading your ERP system is a complex but necessary step to modernize your business. By staying on top of technology trends, evaluating the financial impact, and following best practices during implementation, you can ensure a smooth transition to a system that supports your long-term growth. Don’t wait until inefficiencies and costs pile up—start exploring your ERP upgrade options today.

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Schedule a call with one of our industry experts today. We work with furniture brands, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to streamline and modernize their operations on a single platform — Dynamics 365.

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Best Microsoft Dynamics 365 resellers: Spotlight on Sunrise Technologies, Volt Technologies, and Huamei Soft

Best Microsoft Dynamics 365 Resellers

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Sunrise Technologies: Experts in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations for Retail, Manufacturing, and Distribution

For businesses in the retail, manufacturing, and distribution sectors, Sunrise Technologies is the go-to partner for Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP, CRM, Commerce, and Power Platform.

With a deep understanding of the complexities and demands of these industries, Sunrise Technologies offers tailored solutions that address specific challenges.

Sunrise Technologies excels at implementing Dynamics 365 to enhance supply chain management, optimize production processes, and improve customer engagement. Sunrise’s team of experienced consultants works closely with clients to ensure that Dynamics 365 is seamlessly integrated into their operations, delivering tangible results and driving business success.
Whether you need to improve inventory management, streamline your production line, or enhance your customer experience, Sunrise Technologies has the expertise and solutions to help you achieve your goals.

Volt Technologies: Your Partner for Business Central and Small Business Solutions

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Volt Technologies specializes in delivering Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to these businesses, providing them with a robust platform to manage their finances, operations, sales, and customer service—without the cost and complexity that larger businesses require.
Volt Technologies understands the specific needs of small businesses and offers scalable solutions that grow with your company. Their expertise in Business Central ensures that you can streamline your processes, gain valuable insights, and make informed decisions to drive growth. Volt Technologies is dedicated to helping small businesses harness the full potential of Dynamics 365, making enterprise-grade technology accessible to all.

Huamei Soft: Certified Microsoft Development Center in China

With a strategic presence in Xi’an, China, Huamei Soft is dedicated to delivering exceptional Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP and CRM solutions tailored to the unique demands of the Chinese market, and stands out as a premier certified Microsoft Development Center, specializing in development and customizations to augment project teams.

Their team of skilled developers and consultants work closely with clients to create bespoke solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. Even Microsoft is a client of theirs, handling the core system location requirements for many languages and regions around the world.

By leveraging their deep understanding of the Chinese market and regulatory landscape, they ensure that businesses not only implement Dynamics 365 effectively but also remain compliant and competitive.

Other key customers of Huamei include Sunrise and Volt, fully embedded into each project with development required with offshore rates and onshore management.

The Shared Methodology and Sunrise 365 Quick Start Solution That Helps Expedite Dynamics 365 Implementation Projects

These three Microsoft Partners each leverage a robust implementation methodology and project management solution for Dynamics 365, which was designed by Sunrise Technologies to deliver rapid and efficient results based on 30+ years of experience.

To ensure the successful deployment of an ERP project of any size it’s critical for the project team to follow a comprehensive approach that combines best practices with deep industry expertise. The methodology the three partners follow emphasizes thorough planning, agile execution, and continuous improvement, ensuring that each project meets the unique needs of the client while adhering to the highest standards of quality.

Sunrise 365 Quick Start is a game-changer for businesses looking to expedite their Dynamics 365 implementation. It offers a streamlined, accelerated path to go-live, leveraging pre-configured templates and proven industry-specific processes, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional implementations.

These are four great reasons to consider leveraging a proven methodology and project management toolset for your project:

• Effective change management approach for leadership and stakeholders.
• Improve decision-making with quantitative project reporting.
• Ensure a fast, effective, and affordable path to digital transformation.
• Stay competitive and agile in today’s fast-paced market.

Why Choose Our Partners for Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Huamei Soft’s status as a certified Microsoft Development Center ensures that you receive tailored solutions that meet your unique requirements.

Volt Technologies’ expertise in Business Central makes them an ideal partner for SMEs looking to leverage Dynamics 365 to drive growth.

Sunrise Technologies’ deep understanding of retail, manufacturing, and distribution at a complex global scale ensures that larger companies receive solutions that address those unique challenges.

By partnering with these experts, you can rest assured that your Dynamics 365 implementation will be in capable hands, allowing you to focus on what you do best—running and growing your business.

Get Started Today

Ready to transform your business with Microsoft Dynamics 365? Contact one of the best resellers in the channel today to learn more about how they can help you achieve your goals. With their support, you can harness the full power of Dynamics 365 and drive your business forward.

References

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The importance of transactions in the era of AI

The Importance of Transactions in the
Era of AI

Driving business with AI and machine learning

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Sajid Majeed

Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Technologies

 

AI and machine learning are fundamentally transforming industries across the globe. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs by 2030, affecting about a quarter of work tasks in the US and Europe. The report also predicts an increase in the total annual value of goods and services produced globally by 7%. These goods and services are, essentially, economic transactions. Whether its completing a purchase online, submitting a health insurance claim, or buying a new car, economic transactions are the critical data sources that AI systems rely on to function effectively. As companies and individuals brace themselves for AI’s momentous shift, the importance of maintaining robust and accurate transactional data becomes a cornerstone for success.

AI’s transformative power and industry investment

Tech giants are leading the charge in AI innovation. Microsoft has committed billions of dollars towards AI development, integrating advanced AI capabilities into its suite of products and services. This massive investment underscores AI’s critical role in shaping the future of technology and business operations. Similarly, NVIDIA, a key player in AI hardware and software, recently surpassed Apple in market capitalization. This milestone reflects the growing recognition of AI’s potential to revolutionize industries and drive market value.

The enduring necessity of economic transactions

Despite the rapid advancements in AI, one fundamental aspect of business operations remains unchanged: the necessity of economic transactions. These transactions—whether purchases, sales, or financial exchanges—are the bedrock of economic activity. They facilitate trade, enable the flow of goods and services, and support the overall functioning of the economy. AI systems rely heavily on data derived from these transactions to learn, adapt, and optimize processes. Every purchase at a grocery store, every sale at a car dealership, and every financial exchange contributes to the vast pool of data that AI uses to generate insights and make predictions.

Examples of economic transactions

These transactions provide data that help retailers manage inventory, predict demand, and personalize marketing efforts.

These transactions are crucial for managing patient records, billing, and insurance claims and improving patient care through data analysis.

These transactions enable banks to manage assets, provide loans, and facilitate investment activities, contributing to overall economic stability.

These transactions ensure that products move efficiently from manufacturers to consumers, optimizing supply chains and reducing costs.

These transactions help dealerships manage inventory, schedule maintenance, and provide customer service.

These transactions provide data for market analysis, pricing strategies, and investment decisions.

These transactions help businesses manage reservations, optimize pricing, and enhance customer experiences.

These transactions are critical for managing customer accounts, billing, and service delivery.

These transactions help utility companies manage infrastructure, plan for future demand, and ensure reliable service.

These transactions provide data for improving website functionality, customer service, and inventory management.

AI in corporate strategy

The impact of AI is evident across corporate America. Approximately 40% of S&P 500 companies mentioned AI in their latest earnings calls. This widespread acknowledgment signifies that AI is becoming a central component of business strategies, influencing decisions and operational improvements across various sectors.

Ensuring transactional integrity

For businesses to thrive in the AI era, ensuring the integrity of economic transactions is crucial. This involves maintaining accurate records and investing in systems capable of efficiently capturing and processing transactional data. By doing so, businesses can unlock the full potential of AI, driving growth, efficiency, and innovation. Economic transactions not only enable the basic functions of trade and commerce but also provide the critical data foundation that AI systems require to function optimally.

The future of economic transactions

While AI will transform many facets of operations across all industries, ensuring transactional integrity is necessary to maximize the advantages of AI. Economic transactions are the lifeblood of commerce, and their importance is only magnified in the AI era. They enable the seamless operation of markets, support financial stability, and provide the data necessary for AI to generate valuable insights. As AI continues to evolve, the role of economic transactions will remain indispensable, ensuring that businesses can leverage the full power of AI.

Conclusion

In the era of AI, the importance of economic transactions cannot be overstated. They are the foundation upon which AI systems are built, providing the critical data for AI to function effectively. Businesses must prioritize the integrity and quality of these transactions to fully harness the potential of AI, driving growth, efficiency, and innovation.

References

AI could replace equivalent of 300 million jobs – report

AI mentions rise in S&P 500 earnings calls, Goldman says

Highest number of S&P 500 companies citing “AI” on earnings calls over past 10 years

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10 tips to kickstart your Dynamics 365 transformation

10 Tips to Start Your Dynamics 365 Transformation

Are you running Dynamics AX 2012, 2009, or an older version? Each system has unique considerations as you plan a move to the cloud. So we compiled the ten most important topics to help you kickstart your planning.

You’ll learn:

  • Key dates and considerations for different versions of AX
  • Migration tool capabilities, limitations, and availability
  • How to know if existing ISV solutions and customizations are cloud-ready—or if you even need them at all
  • Ways to save money with Microsoft offers for existing AX customers.
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Ready to Move Forward or Need Support?

Whether you’re ready to transform with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or want 24/7 global support for older versions of AX (or a little mix of both), we can help! You can schedule an upgrade workshop to discuss your unique situation or contact us to learn more about pay-as-you-go support options.

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10 tips to start your AX to Dynamics 365 transformation

10 Tips to Start Your AX to Dynamics 365 Transformation

Are you running Dynamics AX 2012, 2009, or older? Each system has unique considerations as you plan a move to the cloud. That’s why we’ve put together these resources to help you kickstart your planning.

You’ll learn:

  • Key dates and considerations for different versions of AX
  • Migration tool capabilities, limitations, and availability
  • How to know if existing ISV solutions and customizations are cloud-ready—or if you even need them at all
  • Ways to save money with Microsoft offers for existing AX customers

You can also watch our webinar with Microsoft for an overview of the benefits of moving to the cloud, such as advanced security, reduced IT burden, and improved scalability.

Read the eBook

Ready to Move Forward or Need Support?

Whether you’re ready to transform with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or you want 24X7 global support for older versions of AX (or a little mix of both), we can help! You have the option to schedule an upgrade workshop to discuss your unique situation or contact us to learn more about pay-as-you-go support options. 

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Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to Dynamics 365

Upgrade from AX
2009 to Dynamics 365

There’s never been a better time to start your cloud transformation

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If you’re currently using AX 2009 (or even 4.0) and you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade to a newer version, that time is now. Microsoft Dynamics 365 introduces a bevy of new features (which we’ll get to in a minute) and organizations who are ready to make the switch stand to eliminate a significant amount of costs with a cloud implementation and the reduction of customizations. Not to mention the relief of never having to budget for, or implement, a new ERP system ever again.

In fact, there have been so many updates since 4.0 that you may want to think of the switch to Dynamics 365 as an upgrade/migration combo. An upgrade-ation. Or maybe a migrupation? Upmigrade? We’ll keep brainstorming…

Here’s the important thing: no matter what you call it, deciding to make the move gets you a lot.
(For the sake of simplicity, we’ll just call it migrating for now.)

The Benefits of Migrating to Dynamics 365:

  • New features and functionality, including embedded BI and availability on mobile devices.
  • Grow at your own pace with the flexibility, affordability, and elasticity of the cloud.
  • Get more done by integrating with productivity tools and other cloud apps.
  • Eliminate hardware upgrade costs by migrating to the cloud.
  • Reduce customization by up to 40% (particularly if you’ve made customizations around retail, manufacturing, or business intelligence).
  • Get the stability and security of Microsoft Azure and out-of-the-box High Availability (HR) and Disaster Recovery (DR).
  • Enjoy a gorgeous browser-based UI that sends your quality of (work) life through the roof.

REASONS TO MIGRATE OR UPGRADE TO DYNAMICS 365

Leverage New Functionality

Reduce Customizations

Reduce Hardware Costs

Mobilize Your Business

Build on an Elastic Platform

Deploy & Adapt to Change Faster

Built-in Intelligence and Analytics

Migration & Upgrade Tools

And that’s just the high-level stuff! Now, let’s say you’ve done your homework and are ready to start your migration. What next? First, you’ll want to evaluate your current customizations and figure out which ones can be retired once you’re able to take advantage of all the features that are now standard in Dynamics 365. Next, you’ll start the long, painful process of migrating all your data over to the new solution…

Just kidding! Microsoft has already created a migration tool that will do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

What does Microsoft’s Migration Tool Include?

  • Configuration and setup: ledger, customer groups, vendor groups, etc.
  • Master data: customer, vendor, project, accounts, etc.
  • Open documents, pending invoices, etc: sales order, purchase order, AR invoices, etc.
  • System Configuration: number sequences, users, user groups, security, etc.

Ideally, we wouldn’t recommend migrating historical transactions. But, if you wanted to hang on to them you could leave an instance of the old system running or access the information from a data warehouse. That being said, there are certainly some circumstances where losing this data is not ideal—particularly if you need to access customer order history to take full advantage of being an omnichannel organization. If that’s the case, let’s talk and figure out the best solution for your business.

But back to your more standard migrations. The long and short of it is basically anything which has an entity can be migrated to Dynamics 365 with the help of the AX 2009 migration tool. It sits right inside of AX 2009 and provides several solutions to help you through the process—like the included data migration checklist. The checklist provides an easy to follow process which walks you through everything. For instance, during the migration you’ll define data conversion rules and consider how that data might need to transform as part of the move due to data model changes. Within the checklist, you can then easily set which legal entities you’ll include or exclude in the conversion.

Here’s a snapshot of what we saw at AXUG 2016 in Tampa.

The majority of the time spent on your migration will be defining data entry mappings by module, and whether or not they will be included in the migrations. If that sounds daunting, don’t worry. You don’t have to move the entire system at once. The AX 2009 migration tool lets you chunk up the work by legal entities, data entities, and more.

The final steps on your path to Dynamics 365 start with defining the migration groups and the set of entities that will be part of the export package (for instance, maybe start with just a particular customer group). Next, you’ll review the field mappings sources and targets. Then the finale: you click the export button and watch the magic happen. You’ll get a complete package that is ready to smoothly import into Dynamics 365. Rinse and repeat for incremental iterations as needed.

The Migration Process and High-Level Architecture

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 Whether you’re exploring your options for new business platforms, or ready to get started, we are trusted business partners for some of the world’s most well-known brands. With over 25 years of experience with the Microsoft stack, we can help you understand all the capabilities Microsoft has to offer.

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The future of furniture: Are your systems connected and ready?

The future of furniture is connected

To take your furniture operations to the next level, look at these 5 key areas

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The future of furniture is connected: are your systems ready?

The shopping experience is collapsing into a single channel: the customer. Today people expect a seamless shopping experience whether it begins online, in store, or a mix of both, plus attentive customer service that’s available whenever they need help.

The furnishings industry is no exception. Orchestrating the business processes for furniture manufacturing, distribution, and retail is notoriously difficult. Cloud-based ERP platforms like Dynamics 365 make it possible to integrate all of your business systems and create a seamless operational experience. With nearly 30 years of experience as an ERP implementor and systems integrator, we’ve helped our customers work through some of their trickiest friction points across their supply chains, production processes, and customer service.

We like to say that the future of furniture is connected. We have observed a few recurring pain points in the following areas — and helped our customers identify opportunities for improvement:

Configuration and embellishments | Shipping and logistics | Data and insights | Quality control and field installation | Siloed business systems

Configuration and embellishments

“Give the customer what they want!” Sounds simple enough, right? But every furniture industry veteran knows that giving the customer what they want is easier said than done. Coordinating custom orders across multiple systems and teams can lead to logistical nightmares, delays, and even costly errors.

The key to streamlining custom orders is to work smarter, not harder. Decrease manual workloads around customer orders by capturing configuration details upfront in your business systems and pass them along to every step of production that might have highly stylized processes. Capturing these details and passing them along can include automated notifications and reminders to ensure everyone involved in the production process is aware of the customization requirements.

Shipping and logistics

One of the most complicated moving pieces for furniture retailers, manufacturers, and distributors is, well, moving pieces!

Shipping furniture is a complicated affair, especially when it comes to items that are meant to go together. A dining table and chairs, for example. Or a bedroom set. But with multiple products, shipping destinations, and customer preferences, keeping inventory flowing while making sure customers receive all the pieces from their orders quickly can get overwhelming.

Many organizations rely on the knowledge of their long-time employees to define shipping processes and rules for sets of items. However, relying solely on this institutional knowledge is not sustainable, particularly if there are plans to expand your product catalog. It is crucial to provide clear instructions and guidelines to everyone involved in the shipping process. Partnering with the right experts can help define these rules within your business systems.

Data and insights

Even without the challenges of the past few years, managing furniture supply chains has always been difficult. We like to say that brands don’t compete – their supply chains do. Changes in terms, tariffs, and freight charges can have a significant impact on pricing and profitability. To stay competitive, you need to be able to quickly estimate costs and adjust your pricing and cost strategies accordingly. Taking it one step further, being able to project future costs saves you time and makes your organization more efficient overall. Your ability to quickly pivot could be the difference between you and your next closest competitor.

You should have a solution that can drill deep down into the actual costs for your products and see the cost broken out by physical dimensions, like weight or volume, and see how these different dimensions affect your freight bills. Such a level of detail makes it possible to quickly adapt – for example, say you discover a large, bulky item is so heavy it’s adding on undue cost. You could work with the manufacturer to find a lighter weight version to increase that item’s profitability

Ultimately, the key to success in managing your supply chain is data. Every input to your supply chain is producing data, but if you don’t have a solution for ingesting all your forecasts, lead time analysis, vendor scorecards, production capacities and turning it all into actionable advice, it’s doing you about as much good as a two-legged stool.

Quality control and field installation

Everyone from your sales team to your field service technicians to your finance team has a stake in quality control. Customers today have more choices than ever before, and they aren’t shy about sharing their experiences when something goes wrong. Returns and rejected deliveries cost time, money, and sometimes your company’s reputation.

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your current system can automatically track goods from production to delivery. The ability to quickly identify all inventory pieces that may be affected by a quality issue is crucial for delivering a great customer experience.

Second, your delivery process should meet customer expectations. Furniture retailers who also distribute have the unenviable task of having to manage large, complicated, expensive deliveries. No one is going to applaud that you got them their dining room table and chairs without any dings or dents – they just expect it. But we know how challenging it can be and it leads us to our third point…

Do you know your weak links? If you’re getting consistent feedback that the quality of a product is not up to standard, or you’re seeing repeated deliveries rejected, are you able to quickly determine where things have gone wrong? Is it something during manufacturing? The warehouse? Or maybe it’s a bad delivery service. Your ability to quickly parse this data and identify the weak link is key to nipping this problem in the bud.

Siloed business systems

A common theme we’ve noticed among many of the furniture brands we’ve dealt with is once they find a business system that works for them, they tend to stay with it. And stay. And stay…

Brand loyalty is a great thing. However, the reluctance to let go of legacy systems opens up your organization up to vulnerabilities like ransomware, falling behind due to manual processes, and maintaining expensive, dual-sided integrations.

For example, manual processes just can’t keep up when the rest of the world is moving digitally. And while having long-tenured employees speaks volumes about your corporate culture, relying on their institutional knowledge to manage your processes is a recipe for trouble. What happens when they retire or decide to move to a new opportunity?

What’s the solution?

If you’ve identified with any of the above issues, we have good news! They are all solvable. A cloud-based business system makes all the data you’re already gathering work for you, not against you. As we already discussed, your customers expect constant visibility into their order status – shouldn’t you and your team expect the same from your business systems?

If you’re interested in how Dynamics 365 can work for the furniture industry, you can learn more here.

Ready to learn more?

Schedule a call with one of our industry experts today. We work with furniture brands, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to streamline and modernize their operations on a single platform — Dynamics 365.

Talk to Sunrise