What production types does Dynamics 365 support? (Discrete, process, project, etc.)
Dynamics 365 offers broad support for various manufacturing principles. The system can handle discrete manufacturing (assembly), process manufacturing (recipe-based), lean manufacturing (kanban), and project-based manufacturing (make-to-order, engineer-to-order). Functionality is adapted based on the choice between Business Central or Finance & Supply Chain.
How does Dynamics 365 handle traceability and quality control?
The system has built-in functions to manage full traceability via batch and serial numbers throughout the chain. You can define mandatory quality controls at specific steps, for example, upon arrival or before delivery, and manage deviations and quarantine inventory directly in the system.
Is Business Central or Finance & Supply Chain right for us?
The choice depends on the company's size, complexity, and international presence. Business Central is a broad solution suitable for many SMBs. Finance & Supply Chain is aimed at larger, often international, organizations with more complex requirements for product configuration, logistics, and group accounting, for example.
Can Dynamics 365 be integrated with our production systems (MES/SCADA)?
Yes, Dynamics 365 is built for integration. Through standardized interfaces (APIs), data can be exchanged in real-time with external systems for manufacturing execution (MES), data acquisition (SCADA), or other specialized factory applications to create a cohesive information flow.
How does the system support aftermarket and service management?
Through the Field Service application, the entire service flow can be managed, from the creation of a service case to a technician being scheduled and completing the assignment. The system also handles service agreements, preventive maintenance, and invoicing for work performed and spare parts.
When is Business Central sufficient, and when do we need Finance & Supply Chain?
Business Central is usually sufficient for discrete manufacturing up to approximately 500 employees, moderate production volumes, and simpler bills of material. Finance & Supply Chain becomes justified with high volume, advanced product configurators, formula-based process manufacturing, MES integration with planning optimization, or group consolidation across multiple countries.
How does the product configurator work in Dynamics 365?
Finance & Supply Chain has a built-in Product Configuration Model where rules, attributes, and pricing are built to generate unique variants at order entry. Business Central has simpler variant management with dimensions and attributes and can be supplemented with ISV configurators like ETO packages.
Can we run MRP/demand planning in Dynamics 365?
Yes. Both products have MRP. Finance & Supply Chain complements this with Planning Optimization, a separate service that runs planning in the cloud in minutes instead of hours and supports complex scenarios. For simpler manufacturing, Business Central's standard MRP is sufficient.