In my previous blog post i talked about main advantages of Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP system and the architecture on which it is based. Since then there have been some major changes, of which perhaps the most important to the Serbian market is a new localized version of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. This is the 2009 R2 version, which has been available for foreign markets for some time, and brings many improvements and new functionalities. Below I will present some of the most important features in my opinion, as well as a brief how-to install the demo version which can now be freely downloaded from the Microsoft site.
Figure 2 RoleTailored Client – Center, (click to enlarge)
Figure 3 Treemap data visualization
Figure 4 Timeline visualization of data
What’s new?
Version 2009 R2 provides a new user experience with an emphasis on ease of use and simplicity to personalize the look and notifications. New client with a revolutionary user interface, the ability to receive and process orders via the Internet, better integration with Microsoft CRM software and extending the functionality of .NET framework are just some of the most important improvements compared to our previously available version. On Microsoft’s site you can find a complete list of all the improvements of the new version.
I will now describe some of the features which are biggest compared to the previous version:
Role Tailored client (RTC)
At first glance, the biggest changes have been made on the client, witch has been redesigned and simplified. It is a result of a large study conducted by Microsoft and its partners in order to enhance user experience when working with Nav ERP. Role Tailored Client delivers a revolutionary user interface with a multitude of improvements over the previous (classic client), such as the RoleCenter, toolbar similar to that of Internet Explorer, and information sharing from Outlook. Also, the RTC is based on three tier architecture that contains the database, application server and the client.
In my previous blog post i talked about main advantages of Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP system and the architecture on which it is based. Since then there have been some major changes, of which perhaps the most important to the Serbian market is a new localized version of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. This is the 2009 R2 version, which has been available for foreign markets for some time, and brings many improvements and new functionalities. Below I will present some of the most important features in my opinion, as well as a brief how-to install the demo version which can now be freely downloaded from the Microsoft site. 
Figure 1 Customer Model – Role Tailored Client model ( click to enlarge )
A new beginning – Role Center homepage
RoleCenter is a part of the new user interface that displays the specific tasks, activities, information and notifications in one centralized window, similar to the home page in the system. This allows the user quick access to actions and information necessary to perform his job, and to be informed about what has been done and what needs to be done. The main advantage of this system is easy personalization, which involves adding or removing categories, windows and views without programming.
Figure 2 RoleTailored Client – Center, (click to enlarge)Integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
With the new version it is possible to do integration between NAV and CRM and perform the synchronization of essential data that are common in both software, such as data about customers, contacts, orders and etc. This is really great news for all those who have implemented both systems, because it will greatly facilitate communication between teams and increase productivity in companies.
Service for processing online payments
One of the innovations in the NAV 2009 R2 is a system for processing payments over the Internet. The service is currently only available for U.S. and Canadian markets, and offers support for all major credit cards publishers and online services such as PayPal. I hope that this service will soon be available in my country, because it would help a lot of local companies that conduct their sales.
Visualization of Business Data
Treemap and Timeline visualization of business data provide a unique way of review and analysis of the two calculations. Treemap by size and color of the rectangle shows the results of calculations, while the timeline shows the amount for a particular transaction during a period of time. This can be very useful if you do a lot of analysis of the data and if you need something to separate the visual results.
Figure 3 Treemap data visualizationFigure 4 Timeline visualization of dataInteroperability with .NET Framework
It is now possible to extend the functionality of RoleTailored client using interoperability with .Net framework, ie. it is possible to make the interaction between objects and Nav. Net. This is a great step forward and definitely one of the most important improvement brought by Nav 2009 R2 for development teams. More on this can be found on the official Nav Team blog .
Direct access to the Nav for Remote Users
One of the most interesting improvements in this version is the ability for connecting RTC directly to an instance of NAV server over a WAN connection. This removes the need to use Remote Desktop Protocol, and VPN connections that have increased the cost of implementation, and allows certain web hosting service of NAV. Also security is on high level because use os SSL certificates during communication.
Installing Trial version
In the spirit of presenting Nav on the student blog, I decided to write a short guide on how to download and install Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2, in order for you to see first hand the benefits of using the ERP system. Installation of demo version is quite easy and consists of several steps, but it is first necessary to fulfill some basic conditions. Let’s start … 
The necessary requirements for the installation
In order to successfully start the installation process, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
Minimum OS: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP 1 or Windows 7
Minimum 1 GB of memory (If you plan to install the client without SQL database in a virtual machine you can allocated only 512 mb)
Demo / Trial MS Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 Serbian you can download from the site MIBUSO (largest community for Microsoft NAV)
For full software and hardware requirements, you can download official Microsoft document .
Install the demo version in 4 steps
There are many varieties in which you can install MS Dynamics Nav, because this is really a very robust ERP system, but for our testing purposes it is enough to accept the basic options that are offered at the beginning of the installation. These include the installation of the classical and the new RoleTailored client, Nav Server, MS Outlook plugin and a demo database with licence and Cronus Ltd. After the launch, the whole installation can be completed in five steps:
The first step
Start the installation, read the warning and click next.
The second step
Read terms of use and if you agree, click “I accept”
The third step
Select Install demo
Fourth Step
This is a step in who does not require user interaction. At the end of copying close the window that notifies you of successful installation.
If you have successfully completed all the steps, run the RTC client from the Start menu, read the information and click OK. If you program in English, go to Tools> Languages, and select the Serbian of the language. Now you can start testing and testing Nav on your computer to the next reading:)
