Running a manufacturing business is not just about working with machines but also managing the systems that help them perform their best. In my opinion, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is one such system that has the power to positively impact manufacturing business operations.
Having powerful software is one thing, but an equally capable and dependable BC partner is another, and both are essential. This is a lesson I’ve learnt through experience in the last few years of my two-decade career in business.
Through the transformation of Microsoft’s ERP products, I’ve worked with multiple Microsoft Partners and am still working with one for my current Business Central subscription. That said, in this article, I share my review of the four BC partners I’ve worked with and which one stands out as the best.
1. Brookland Solutions
# Pros
Deep Domain Expertise
Brookland Solutions ranks #1 on my list, and I have quite a few compelling reasons to support this choice. The first one is their team’s deep industry expertise in manufacturing and distribution. Brookland’s team of certified Dynamics consultants have worked extensively with D365 ERP systems across multiple industries, especially in manufacturing.
My conversations with the teams took no effort, and it clearly showed that they knew the core production, inventory, costing, and supply chain challenges faced by manufacturers. This is something that not a lot of Business Central partners can offer.
Local UK Focus
As a UK-centric manufacturer, it was of prime importance that my ERP partner understand UK manufacturing regulations, tax concerns, and other issues. It took them no time to grasp this, and they came up with a customised plan for Business Central functionalities specific to my business.
In-House Add-On Development
I learnt that Brookland has an in-house team that develops and maintains partner add-ons, unlike other D365 partners that outsource custom modules. This was another core benefit Brookland brought to my manufacturing business.
Very Hands-On Support and Communication
Right from the start, Brooklands’ consultants were keen to understand my business, explain the changes in simpler terms, and create a migration schedule that adjusted to our production schedules to minimise any system downtime.
# Cons
Slow Global Rollouts
Since their focus is largely on the UK and Europe, rollout can take time and needs to be complemented with nearby partners.
Pricing
Brookland Solutions offers custom pricing and plans based on a project and support model. In the case of manufacturing, you tailor the ERP for the business and not the other way around. Which is why the cost depended on the complexity of the modules, integrations, data conversions, and custom workflows I required.
Rating and Verdict
4.5/5
I rate Brookland a solid 4 out of 5. Their strengths in the manufacturing domain, fit, responsiveness, and in-house customisation push them to the top of the list.
2. Dynamics Fanatics
# Pros
Fixed-Price and Fixed-Scope
One thing that stood out to me is Dynamics Fanatics’ transparent “KickStart” approach. They’re clear on what they offer, so you know exactly what you’re receiving.
Focused on Business Central
Like Brookland, they also focus on Business Central implementations, and it is best if you want a partner solely specialising in it.
Good Support
If you don’t have any customisations, Dynamics Fanatics offers good support for base models and standard features.
# Cons
Custom Manufacturing Options
They were a little less flexible when I pushed for customised options like shop-floor workflows, BOM cost rollups, or tight MES integrations.
Underscoping Risk
You may have to face some hidden costs when your needs drift beyond the scope of their fixed pricing models.
Pricing
Dynamics Fanatics work on a fixed price/fixed scope accounting model and subscription-based options. The base package is ideal for small clients with limited-scope projects, but more complex projects may need more add-ons.
Rating
4/5
Dynamics Fanatics does a good job with a transparent model for simpler, small firms.
3. Akita Intelligence Solutions
# Pros
Good Integrations & Capabilities
Akita goes beyond ERP, and I found their broad range of solutions (including Power Platform and analytics) to be a huge plus.
Experienced Consultants
Their consultants have good experience handling and delivering cross-organisation projects and bring in a broad experience.
# Cons
Less Expertise in Heavy Manufacturing
While Akita is fairly competent in ERP and operations, in my opinion, they may not have the same experience and case studies in discrete manufacturing as compared to Brookland Solutions.
Coordination Issues May Arise
From CRM to Power Platform, they operate across multiple domains, and at times, the boundaries of responsibilities tend to blur. You may have to figure out which team handles which operation.
Pricing
While standard pricing is less prominent, Akita offers scoped proposals depending on the project and consulting time and materials needed.
Rating
3/5
I feel Akita is a good choice if you want a partner with experience handling ERP as well as connected systems and integrations.
4. Columbus
# Pros
Complete Microsoft Ecosystem
Columbus is an Inner Circle Member and provides not only ERP but also many elements that make up the MS ecosystem, including Azure, Analytics, Cloud, security and more.
International Presence
Their strong international presence and cross-country operations make them an ideal choice for multi-region manufacturing firms.
# Cons
Less Personal Attention
Due to the broader scale of operations, small to mid-sized companies may find it difficult to access senior consultants through the multiple layers of management.
Slower to Local Needs
Tailoring to local regulatory or UK requirements may be slower if the project team is more globally focused.
Pricing
As they’re more focused on full lifecycle and strategic transformation services, Columbus tends to charge on the higher side – a premium tier.
Rating
3/5
Columbus is a strong option to consider if you have a multi-region and transformation-ready enterprise. But it can get complex and costly quickly for manufacturers wanting more domain-lean and tightly scoped implementations.
To Sum Up
Hope you gained some valuable insights from my journey and experiences with these four wonderful D365 Business Central partners. While these are my top four, Brookland takes the number one spot for me for its clear cost control, minimal downtime, and strong support.
But your manufacturing business is likely to be different from mine, and so will your business needs. That is why I always suggest doing your own research and assessing your project needs clearly before choosing your own D365 solutions partner.
