Productivity Increases through Role Tailored Navigation

Implementing a new ERP solution can be a stressful process for everyone involved and navigating new menu structures is almost like having staff learn a new language. When considering a new system, choosing one that is intuitive for users and easy to learn should be on the top of your list. After all, user adoption is key to the long-term success of any ERP project.

The concept of making a system “user friendly” for users has been around for as long as software has been on the market. Some would say it’s an overused term although the standard has changed over time as technology advances.

Some operating systems are so revolutionary they have become the standard bearers throughout the years. Decades ago the “Windows” user interface was so intuitive and user friendly that software vendors re-wrote their text “green screen” workstations into a graphical user interface and a new era of computer use was born.

Breaking away from strict menu-based systems

Users are now demanding the ability to navigate information without relying on menu-based systems that are cumbersome and difficult to learn. After all, if each person is unique, why shouldn’t their interaction with their user interface be personalized to reflect what’s important to them?

Microsoft asked the same question and did extensive research into improving the user experience for their customers. They conducted 43 Usability Labs, 1,100 research studies involving 10,000 participants, as well as 1,700 customer site visits to gather valuable user feedback.

They determined organizations would become more agile and productive if workers focused on the highest-value work after they were given tools to increase efficiencies.

Microsoft introduced the Role Center (RT) navigation in its 2009 version of Dynamics NAV with this new user in mind. The Role Center allowed users to have quick access to their important tasks and data through customized options including Ribbons across the top of their screens, Navigations Panes on the left, Queues to track ongoing projects, and Views to summarize key data. All of these options allowed for a level of personalization not previously seen.

The next generation of user-friendly systems

Open Door Technology and Microsoft have some new and exciting developments for their ERP systems, which will now allow users to access business transactions from the familiar environment of Microsoft Office. With over 1 billion people using the Office Suite worldwide, it makes sense to bring the ERP functionality to the user and keep everything in one, easy to use environment.

The next generation of users will not settle for outdated systems that aren’t keeping pace with technology leaders such as Microsoft. Choosing a Microsoft system allows your new and existing users to quickly learn new processes in a familiar environment.