Extensions in Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Hello reader, we recently had a training in Nairobi. The main purpose of the event was to discuss the future of Dynamics NAV & extensions took up most of the time. NAV has come a long way & Microsoft is making it better year in year out. Here is what you will do with extensions.

What are extensions ?

Dynamics NAV Extensions are packages that contain additional functionality,
report layouts (at least starting in NAV 2017), permissions, and more.
The packages can be easily installed, uninstalled and upgraded without
affecting the Dynamics NAV source code. This will save us from the burden associated with system upgrades.
Dynamics NAV solutions can be customized by partners, value-added resellers (VARs),
and even some customers. This is an important benefit of the product and the service
continues to be available. However, it has traditionally been carried out by over
layering the application code. The move to the cloud with more agile servicing and
frequent updates requires a less intrusive customization model that makes updates less
likely to impact custom solutions. This new model is called Dynamics NAV Extensions and
will probably replace customization.

What are the benefits of extensions ?
Dynamics NAV Extensions are a way for Microsoft Dynamics NAV developers and ISVs to extend the functionality of NAV without modifying Microsoft’s original source code. With the new model,when you come to upgrade Dynamics NAV with a cumulative update, you no longer need to merge all the customized objects. That means less upgrade issues.

With NAV Extensions, you can add functionality without changing the standard solution from Microsoft. This has the obvious advantage that major NAV upgrade projects are no longer necessary. Once you are using Extensions, the customizations no longer represent a problem when upgrading to the latest version of the solution.

If you want to prepare for this new model, you should start to work with Dynamics NAV Extensions today.

In my next blog, i will share about VS code IDE and more on extensions. There is a lot coming as Microsoft migrates us to the cloud with Dynamics 365. 

G