What is NAV, and how does a freelance NAV specialist work?

By Carsten Bjerregaard, Addcapacity.com

Microsoft Dynamics NAV – formerly known as Navision – is an ERP platform that has been the backbone of financial and operational management for Danish and international companies for many years. Although the system has now been continued in Dynamics 365 Business Central, NAV is still widely used in established organizations. NAV brings together finance, inventory, purchasing, sales and production in one integrated system and is known for its flexibility and adaptability. However, the platform requires structure and maintenance to function optimally. A freelance NAV specialist typically works with optimization, integration and further development of existing setups and ensures that the system supports the current needs of the business.

1. What are NAV’s basic functions and core purposes?

NAV’s core purpose is to bring together the company’s financial and operational processes in one ERP platform. The system handles finance, debtor/creditor, inventory management, order processing and production in a coherent structure.

The strength lies in its flexibility – NAV can be adapted to industry needs and integrated with other systems. At the same time, older installations can be complex and require ongoing clean-up and documentation.

Core functions

• Finance and accounting management
• Warehouse and product flow
• Order and invoicing
• Production management
• Customization and integration

A specific example: A manufacturing company uses NAV to manage both inventory and production orders in the same system.

2. What business value does NAV create?

NAV creates business value through structure and data consistency. When finance and operations are combined in one system, reporting and decision-making are improved. For management, this means a better overview of key figures and liquidity. For operations, this means fewer manual workflows and more precise inventory management.

Value-creating elements

• Overall financial overview
• Improved inventory control
• Efficient order processing
• Better reporting
• Stable ERP platform

In practice: A trading company reduces tied-up inventory by using NAV’s data for more precise purchasing planning.

3. How comprehensive is NAV – and who is the system for?

NAV is typically suitable for small and medium-sized companies that have had the system for many years and have built up customizations over time.

Although new implementations often occur in Business Central, NAV remains relevant in organizations where the system functions stably and is integrated with other solutions.

Typical organizations

• Trade and wholesale companies
• Manufacturing companies
• Project-oriented companies
• Companies with special customizations
• Organizations with older ERP setups

An example: A company chooses to optimize its NAV setup rather than migrate immediately.

4. What other systems are available in the same category?

NAV operates in the ERP category and has today been replaced by newer solutions. The choice is often between optimization or migration.

Alternative platforms

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• SAP Business One
• Oracle NetSuite
• Visma Business

In practice: Many companies consider switching to Business Central, but choose to consolidate the NAV setup first.

5. What role and tasks can a freelance NAV specialist perform?

A freelance NAV specialist often works with optimization, cleanup and integration. The focus is to ensure that the system is well-documented, efficient and up-to-date. The specialist can also advise on transitioning to newer platforms or ensuring that existing setups function stably.

Typical tasks

• Analysis of existing setup
• Cleanup and consolidation
• Integration to CRM and webshop
• Reporting and BI setup
• Preparation for migration

A specific scenario: A freelancer reviews an older NAV installation and reduces complexity before upgrading.

6. What work and financial benefits can you achieve by using a freelance specialist?

NAV environments require experience, as many installations are individually customized. An experienced freelancer can quickly create an overview and avoid operational disruptions. The collaboration can be structured as a project or ongoing maintenance.

Advantages in practice

• Quick technical clarification
• Specialized NAV experience
• Flexible resource utilization
• Lower costs than larger consulting firms

In practice: A company uses a freelancer to stabilize the system before closing the accounts.

7. What are the advantages of using a freelancer rather than an agency or consulting firm?

For NAV tasks, many companies choose freelancers rather than larger consulting firms. The collaboration is direct, and the specialist works hands-on in the system. Hourly rates are often 30–40% lower, and the effort can be targeted at specific challenges rather than larger projects.

Important differences

• 30–40% lower hourly rates
• Direct technical dialogue
• Faster resolution of challenges
• Less organizational overhead

A typical choice: The freelancer acts as a temporary ERP manager during transition periods.

How do you quickly get in touch with freelance NAV specialists who match your tasks?

NAV specialists have different strengths – some are strongest in finance and controlling, others in warehouse, production or integrations. At Addcapacity.com, we take the specific tasks and the function to be solved as our starting point – whether the work is hands-on optimization or strategic preparation for migration.

We have a large network of experienced ERP profiles and help identify three strong candidates who match both expertise and scope. You can use the “Get 3 strong candidates” function. It is non-binding, and we always make an initial call to clarify the need and ensure the right match.

The process in brief

• Clarification of system status and needs
• Selection of 3 relevant candidates
• Dialogue and quick start-up