A big change is approaching for users of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The big change we’re referring to is the new interface. If you currently use the ‘web client’ then you’ll be familiar with the new and updated look. If you’ve been using the ‘Windows client’ much like the majority of Microsoft Dynamics users, this will be a new look and feel completely.

The release of the new web and app clients will see what’s being dubbed as the ‘death of the Windows client’. This means the Windows Client will be no more as this new October release arrives. If you’re currently a Windows client, this article will explain not only why the new Unified Interface has been introduced but also how it’s structured.

The New Unified Interface: Why Has It Been Introduced?

The reason for this introduction of a new Unified Interface is to ensure consistency across the board for Dynamics 365. From different devices and screens, Microsoft want you to navigate through it all with ease. They also wish to make things easier for themselves by eliminating the need to develop multiple forms of apps for different screens and devices.

Instead, Microsoft has created the Unified Interface to develop a seamless interface between desktop, mobile and Outlook. This means more efficiency for both Microsoft and its users.

How Is Unified Interface Structured? What’s Different?

A fundamental part of the Unified Interface (UI) is the PowerApps component framework. This could essentially be described as a layer that sits atop Dynamics forms to provide controls through other customisable means.

Examples of these are dials, switches and sliders. These will all be there to offer better visualisation when entering data. Custom functionality in first party Dynamics 365 apps and model-driven apps will also be possible through the UI.

Improvements and additions to the structure itself of the Unified Interface will be seen in the following ways:

  • Application Improvements – existing users have a number of reasons to get excited about the October release, with Microsoft’s focus on the fundamental system being one of them. They’ll be looking to improve stability, reliability, performance, support and more importantly security.
  • Improved Interface – this will be the first version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central that won’t have the Windows Client available. This means users will have access to 365 Business Central via the app or their browser.
  • New/Updated Developer Tools – Microsoft’s developer environment known as C/SIDE will be removed. In place of this, developers will have to code language AL, based on visual studio code with Azure DevOps. Consistency within development is very much a focus/intention for the future.
  • Partner Migration – Microsoft will continue to work with Independent Software Vendors in order to migrate their solutions from NAV to Business Central. Extensions at AppSource still offer access to new functionality for end users, this makes Business Central an even better product and the product shift is still a very important part of Microsoft’s strategy.
  • Customer Migration – new and improved tools to help with the migration process will also be a part of the October release. With the help of data replication tools, migrating clients from NAV to Dynamics GP will find the process much easier and cheaper with a 40% discount if switching before June 2021.

Microsoft Business Central: New & Improved

If you’d like more information on the October release and how it will affect you, simply contact us at NAV today on 01268 724005 or email our team via [email protected]