How can SMEs best prepare for mandatory electronic invoicing? Electronic invoicing will become mandatory in France for all businesses from 2026. This reform represents a real transformation for SMEs, both technically and organizationally. To avoid difficulties, it is essential to start preparing now. Here is a practical guide to help you anticipate this change.   1. Take inventory  First and foremost, you need to understand where your business stands. Analyze your current billing processes: tools used, document flows, integration with your ERP, data quality. This will help you identify weaknesses and prepare for an effective transition.   2. Involve the right stakeholders  Electronic invoicing affects several departments: finance, accounting, IT, senior management, etc. It is important to involve these teams from the outset. A successful project requires cross-functional coordination. Appoint an internal project manager to oversee preparations and ensure communication between departments.   3. Sensibiliser ses équipes   Process change requires collective buy-in. Educate your teams about the benefits: increased productivity, regulatory compliance, reduced errors. Clear communication from the outset will facilitate adoption of the new solution.   4. Choose a compatible and suitable solution Electronic invoicing requires the use of specific formats, such as Factur-X, UBL, or CII. You also need to be connected to an approved platform. ERP plays a key role: it must be able to generate, send, and receive invoices in these formats. Choosing the right solution ensures a smooth transition.  💡 For SMEs, a modern ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, combined with a certified partner platform, offers a comprehensive solution: format management, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration with existing systems. Electronic invoicing 2026: why was the PPF abandoned and why is it mandatory to use a PDP? 5. Check and prepare your data Data quality is an essential prerequisite. Check that customer and supplier information is complete and correct: SIREN, VAT, contact details, etc. Cleaning and structuring this data will prevent errors when sending or receiving electronic invoices.    6. Test before deployment With the reform scheduled for 2026, 2025 should be used for testing. Conduct pilot tests with your partners and suppliers to identify any potential issues. This will allow you to adjust your processes before the full transition to electronic invoicing.    7. Train your teams An electronic invoicing project is not limited to technical implementation. You need to train your employees so that they can master the new tools and processes. Prepare training sessions tailored to each department concerned. SMEs in Switzerland and electronic invoicing: are you affected? If you only invoice in Switzerland: there is no direct obligation at present, but the move towards electronic invoicing is encouraged and increasingly required in certain sectors (healthcare, administration). If you work with customers or suppliers in France or the EU: you will be indirectly affected, as your partners will require electronic invoices that comply with European standards .   The key to a successful transition to electronic invoicing lies in preparation, involving the right stakeholders, choosing a suitable solution, and providing adequate training for teams.

When considering adopting a new ERP such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or any other management tool, a crucial question arises from the outset: should you opt for cloud or on-premises hosting?  This choice is not insignificant: it affects the security, flexibility, compliance, and costs of your information system. In this article, we take a look at the different hosting options, their advantages and disadvantages, and Microsoft's specific approach with Azure and Business Central. Understanding the main types of accommodation 1. On-Premise Hosting (on-site server) Your software is installed directly on a physical server located on your premises. This gives you complete control over security, configuration, and access. This hosting method requires an in-house IT team or a service provider to manage maintenance.  Advantages: ✅ Total control over data ✅ Works even without the internet Disadvantages: ❌ High costs (hardware, maintenance, electricity) ❌ Less flexible for rapid development 2. Cloud hosting (external hosting) The Cloud comes in several models: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) : you rent infrastructure (servers, storage, network) in a data center, but you manage the applications yourself.  PaaS (Platform as a Service) : you use a platform managed by a provider (e.g., Azure), which takes care of the infrastructure and updates, while you focus on your applications.  SaaS (Software as a Service) : you directly consume ready-to-use software, accessible online, without having to manage the infrastructure (e.g., Business Central in SaaS mode). Advantages: ✅ Flexibility and scalability (add users in a few clicks)   ✅ Automatic updates and security managed by the provider ✅ Cost based on consumption (OPEX rather than CAPEX) Disadvantages: ❌ Dependence on internet connection ❌ Dependence on the provider (contracts, data location)     What is a server and why is it important? A server is a powerful machine designed to store, secure, and share your data or software.  Having your own server (on-premises) means you have complete control over access and security, but it requires investment in hardware, electricity, redundancy, and maintenance. Choosing a cloud server (Azure or another provider) allows you to outsource this management, with better resilience and flexible access from anywhere. Accommodation and specific features in Switzerland In Switzerland, the issue of hosting is particularly sensitive, particularly for reasons of data sovereignty and regulatory compliance (nLPD, GDPR). There are two main options:  Sovereign cloud: some companies choose to host their data in Switzerland via local providers to ensure that the data never leaves the country. International cloud (Azure, AWS, etc.): Microsoft Azure now has data centers in Switzerland, enabling compliance, performance, and innovation to be reconciled. The Microsoft ecosystem: Azure and Business Central Microsoft Azure is Microsoft's cloud platform. It guarantees security, compliance, and availability, while adapting to the needs of both SMEs and large corporations. Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP, like all other Microsoft solutions, can be hosted:   In SaaS mode (hosted on Azure), it offers all features with automatic updates, high availability, and interconnection with the Microsoft ecosystem (Power BI, Teams, Copilot AI, etc.).  In on-premises mode , it can be installed on your internal servers or hosted in a private cloud in Switzerland, if your sovereignty or security requirements demand it. This choice must be made at the outset as it impacts your architecture, investments, and business processes.   Why choose an integrator like Almakom? The choice between Cloud and On-Premise depends not only on technology, but also on your industry, size, and regulatory constraints. At Almakom, we:   Analyze your business needs and legal constraints (nLPD, GDPR, Swiss specifics). Help you choose between Business Central in SaaS or On-Premise. Set up a reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure.  Support you in change management and team training. With our dual role as an ERP integrator and business application publisher, we guarantee a solution that is tailored, sustainable, and connected to your reality.   Cloud or On-Premise ?  There is no single answer: Cloud SaaS is suitable for SMEs that want a flexible, scalable solution connected to the Microsoft ecosystem. On-Premise remains relevant for organizations with strong constraints in terms of security, customization, or data sovereignty.  The important thing is to make this decision from the outset, with a trusted partner who can give you objective advice.

Electronic invoicing reform: a turning point in 2026 Electronic invoicing will gradually become mandatory in Europe in 2026, particularly in France, where it will apply to all companies regardless of size. Switzerland is not directly subject to this European reform, but Swiss companies are affected if they work with customers or partners in the European Union. The objective is twofold. Firstly, it will help combat VAT fraud by ensuring secure and traceable transmission of invoices. Secondly, it will accelerate the digitization of processes by facilitating automation, reducing costs, and improving the reliability of exchanges. Why was the PPF abandoned? Originally, the French government had planned to set up a Public Invoicing Portal (PPF), a free, centralized platform for all businesses. However, in October 2024, the government announced that it was abandoning the PPF as an invoicing tool for businesses, for several reasons: Technical complexity and implementation delays. Desire to let the private sector (publishers, integrators, approved platforms) offer more flexible solutions tailored to the needs of businesses. Reduction of the government's role to centralized control rather than direct service provider. Today, the PPF has not disappeared completely: it still serves as a central hub for transmitting certain tax information to the administration and as a business directory. However, it can no longer be used directly as a platform for issuing or receiving invoices. What is a PDP (Partner Dematerialization Platform)? Companies must now use a PDP (Partner Dematerialization Platform). A PDP is a private platform approved by the government that acts as an intermediary between your company and your customers/suppliers. Its main functions: Issuing and receiving electronic invoices in legal format. Automatic transmission of tax data to the government via the PPF. Interoperability: a PDP can communicate with your partners' PDPs, ensuring a smooth exchange. Automation: direct integration with your accounting or ERP software. SMEs in Switzerland: are you affected? If you only invoice in Switzerland: there is no direct obligation at present, but the move towards electronic invoicing is encouraged and increasingly required in certain sectors (healthcare, administration). If you work with customers or suppliers in France or the EU: you will be indirectly affected, as your partners will require electronic invoices that comply with European standards. In other words, it is best to plan ahead now. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP: an asset for compliance With a modern ERP such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the transition to electronic invoicing is made easier: Native connectors with PDPs. End-to-end automation (creation, validation, sending). Reduction of human error thanks to integration with your financial processes. Real-time tracking and traceability of invoices. Customized reporting This solution is particularly well-suited to SMEs, as it combines power, compliance, and scalability. Why rely on an integrator like Almakom? Implementing electronic invoicing is not just a matter of tools, but also an organizational project. At Almakom, we support Swiss and international SMEs in: Choosing and connecting a PDP that is compatible with your needs. Adapt your ERP and financial processes to ensure compliance and fluidity. Train your teams and ensure rapid adoption without any obstacles. Enable you to go beyond compliance by transforming electronic invoicing into a lever for productivity and automation. ERP + PDP = a winning combination for growing SMEs for mandatory electronic invoicing The PPF is now out of the picture as a billing platform, and companies must turn to an approved PDP to remain compliant. For a Swiss or French SME, this change may seem complex, but it also represents an opportunity to modernize its organization. With an ERP such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and an integration partner such as Almakom, you have everything you need to turn this legal obligation into a real competitive advantage.

Choosing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a strategic decision for any SME. Automating processes, centralizing data, and better managing business activities are key challenges, but with so many different solutions available, the choice is not easy. Among the most popular are Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Odoo, and SAP Business One. So, which ERP should an SME choose? ERP 2025 comparison   ERP 2025 comparison - What is an ERP and why is it crucial for an SME? An ERP is software that integrates all of a company's key processes: accounting, finance, logistics, production, sales, purchasing, HR management, etc. For an SME, an ERP allows you to:  Centralize data (avoiding scattered Excel files and duplicates). Automate processes (invoicing, inventory tracking, order management, etc.).  Improve decision-making with a real-time view of activity. Support growth with a scalable solution. Without the right ERP, an SME risks wasting time, limited visibility, and difficulty scaling.   Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft's cloud ERP designed specifically for SMEs. It is a modular and scalable solution that covers financial management, purchasing, sales, inventory, and projects, and can be enhanced with vertical business applications for healthcare, transportation, distribution, and more.  Key features of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP Global reputation: Microsoft is a long-standing leader, adopted by many companies around the world. Microsoft ecosystem: the ERP is fully integrated with other Microsoft tools such as Office 365, Power BI, Power Automate, Teams, and Dynamics CRM.  Sovereign cloud: Data is hosted in Switzerland (Zurich, Geneva) and therefore complies with GDPR and nLPD standards. Automation and AI: Copilot, Microsoft's AI, helps you with smart data entry, forecasting, and reducing manual tasks.  Scalable: this ERP is suitable for both SMEs with 20 employees and companies with over 200 employees. Things to watch out for with Business Central The integration of Business Central ERP requires personalized support, particularly for implementation, customization, and team training. You should call on an integrator such as Almakom to assist you with this change. Monthly licences are paid for based on the number of users, and the costs are quickly offset by productivity gains, but this can represent a significant expense depending on the size of the team. Odoo ERP for SME Odoo is a very popular open source ERP, especially among SMEs. It offers more than 30 modules covering accounting, invoicing, sales, inventory, HR, etc. The strengths of Odoo ERP Open source: it is an open source ERP, so it offers great flexibility and freedom of customization. Large catalog of applications: with Odoo Apps to cover a wide variety of needs. Attractive cost: the price may seem attractive if the company has an internal technical team.  Active community that develops new modules in light of the open source nature of the software. Points to watch out for with Odoo Complexity of customization: without an IT team or an Odoo integrator, management can become cumbersome.  Uneven support: platform support depends on partners or the community. Less robust for large SMEs or those with complex processes. Hosting and data compliance less standardized than Microsoft   SAP Business One ERP for SME The strengths of ERP Business One Global reputation: SAP is a long-standing leader in ERP, adopted by many large companies. Rich features: advanced finance, warehouse management, production, multi-entity, multi-currency.  Specialized for SMEs: Business One is designed for small and medium-sized businesses, unlike SAP S/4HANA, which is reserved for large corporations. Points to consider with SAP Business One More complex implementation than Dynamics or Odoo. Higher cost, both in terms of licenses and maintenance. Interface sometimes considered less modern than its competitors. May be more expensive for an SME depending on the modules chosen. Which ERP for an SME in Switzerland? 👉 If you want a scalable, secure solution that integrates with your Microsoft tools (Office, Teams, Power BI), Dynamics 365 Business Central is the best choice. Dynamics 365 Business Central is a modern, integrated ERP solution, ideal for ambitious SMEs that plan to grow in the coming years.  👉 If you have a small organization with an internal IT team and are looking for an open source solution, Odoo is an interesting option. The right choice depends on your needs, your budget, and your growth strategy.   And what about the role of an integrator? The right ERP depends on your needs, your industry, and your ambitions. The choice should not be based solely on price or popularity, but on the ability to support the growth of your SME. Choosing an ERP is not just a matter of comparing features. The success of an ERP project depends above all on implementation, customization, and change management. And that's where the integrator comes in. Many SMEs underestimate this step and end up with poorly configured or underutilized software. Almakom, the choice of proximity At Almakom, we integrate and customize Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and develop specific business applications (transport, distribution, healthcare, etc.). We support Swiss SMEs in implementing an ERP system that is compliant, efficient, and tailored to their specific needs.    At Almakom, we act as an integrator and publisher: We define requirements in order to select the right ERP modules. We customize the solution for specific industries (healthcare, transportation, distribution, finance, etc.).  Regulatory compliance: compliance with the GDPR, nLPD, and industry standards. Training and support for teams to ensure adoption.  Support and scalability: the ERP grows with your business. 👉 It is this pragmatic and hands-on support that makes the difference between a successful project and a costly failure.

What is Dynamics 365 Customer Insights?     Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights is a Customer Data Platform (CDP) that allows to centralize, unify and analyze all the customer data of a company.      Concretely, this means that you can connect your different sources (CRM, ERP, e-commerce, marketing campaigns, customer service, social networks, etc.) to obtain a single and complete view of your customers.      Thanks to integrated artificial intelligence (AI), Customer Insights is not limited to collecting data: it enriches it, segments it and analyzes it in order to provide you with concrete and actionable recommendations.  Clearly: it is no longer just about storing information, but exploiting customer data to create personalized and loyalty-enhancing experiences.   Why use Customer Insights?   Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights is not just a data collection tool: it’s a true customer analytics and activation platform, designed to turn data into actionable value.      1. Unify and enrich customer data      Customer Insights centralizes all the customer data from CRM, ERP, marketing, social media, e-commerce, etc., offering a consolidated and always up-to-date 360° view. Integrated AI makes it possible to enrich these profiles thanks to intelligent models (notably via the automatic update of segments in real time)       2. Segment intelligently with AI  Marketing teams can create dynamic segments (at-risk customers, VIP profiles, influencers...) generated by Copilot or predictive models. These segments are updated automatically over interactions—perfect for driving ultra-personalized campaigns       3. Orchestrate customer journeys in real time      With Customer Insights – Journeys, you can design cross-channel customer journeys in real time and optimized with A/B tests. Copilot even allows them to be created in plain language, without technical expertise       4. Boost engagement via AI      Copilot suggests personalized messages and content based on customer behaviors. Example: automatically send a customized offer to a client who is hesitating or restart an abandoned cart. Everything directly from the platform.    Comply with legal standards  Natively integrated with consent tools, Customer Insights manages customer preferences while respecting GDPR and Swiss GDPR — a crucial plus for companies concerned about compliance   What advantages to use the Microsoft Customer Insights module?   Customer expectations are changing rapidly, they now want personalized interactions, they want companies to anticipate their needs.  Customer Insights addresses these challenges through several benefits:  Unification of customer data: no more silos between your tools, all information is grouped.  Intelligent segmentation: AI analyzes behaviors and proposes dynamic segments.  Large-scale personalization: your marketing, sales and customer service teams can act with a discourse adapted to each client’s profile and journey. Customer Insights: a powerful tool for marketing, sales and customer service   Dynamics 365 Customer Insights is much more than just an analysis tool: it is a real strategic lever for all the teams in contact with the client. For marketing teams, it allows to centralize data, create precise segments and launch personalized campaigns in real time. Sales teams benefit from a 360° view of customers to better prioritize their leads and adapt their approaches. As for customer service, it can anticipate needs, personalize interactions, and improve satisfaction.  Concrete example: a retail SME can use Customer Insights to identify customers who have abandoned an online shopping cart. Marketing sends a personalized follow-up campaign, salespeople have priority follow-up on these hot prospects, and customer service is ready to respond in case of request. Result: more efficiency, a better customer experience and an increased conversion rate.   Where does Customer Insights fit into the Microsoft ecosystem?     Customer Insights is part of the Dynamics 365 suite and integrates naturally with:   Dynamics 365 Sales (CRM) to help your salespeople better understand each prospect.   Dynamics 365 Marketing to deploy ultra-targeted campaigns.   Dynamics 365 Customer Service for more personalized support.   Power BI for advanced data visualization and analysis. Power Automate & Power Apps to automate workflows and enrich the customer experience with personalized applications.  This native integration into the Microsoft ecosystem makes it a powerful and coherent solution, which avoids multiplying tools and reduces management costs.     For what type of business?     Customer Insights is not reserved for large companies. It is particularly suitable for:    MEs and ISEs who want to structure and exploit their customer base in a smarter way.   Strongly customer-oriented sectors: distribution, e-commerce, services, healthcare, transport, banking. Growing organizations that seek to retain and improve the customer experience without multiplying disparate tools. Even an SME can take advantage of an intelligent CDP to differentiate itself from its competitors.     Microsoft Customer Insight, Is it secure?     Yes. Customer Insights benefits from Microsoft security, with, notably:   Hosting on Azure, which is therefore compliant with international standards (ISO, SOC, GDPR, nLPD in Switzerland).  An encryption of the data.   Access control via Azure Active Directory.   And a legal and sectoral compliance management (health, finance, etc.).   👉 Swiss companies also benefit from local hosting through Microsoft data centers located in Zurich and Geneva, ensuring sovereignty and compliance.     When should we go further with an integrator like Almakom?     If Customer Insights is powerful, it requires strategic thinking to properly align data with your business objectives. At Almakom, we support you to help you define your data strategy and your priority use cases. We connect the Customer Insights module to your already existing tools (ERP, CRM, e-commerce, etc.).  It is also essential to surround oneself with an integrator in order to ensure compliance with the standards (nLPD, GDPR) and sectoral constraints. Moreover, a training of the teams by our experts allows a quick adoption of the module, but above all, a successful adoption.   We connect Microsoft technology with your business realities, to transform your data into a real growth driver.

What is DevOps (and what does it do)?   DevOps is an approach that combines development and operations. More than a method, it is an organizational culture that relies on:      Collaboration between all teams: development, operation, quality, safety).   Automation (CI/CD) and rapid deployment.   A short development cycle: build, test, deploy, monitor.      For an SME as well as a large group, DevOps allows to react faster to needs, to deliver reliable software and to reduce the time between the idea and the production implementation.   Azure DevOps – what is it?   Azure DevOps  is a SaaS platform from Microsoft that centralizes all DevOps practices. It covers the entire software life cycle thanks to its integrated modules:      Azure Boards: agile management, Kanban, backlog, planning.   Azure Repos: unlimited Git hosting, code versioning, pull requests.   Azure Pipelines: multi-language and multi-cloud CI/CD (Azure, AWS, GCP, on-prem).   Azure Artifacts: package management (NuGet, Maven, npm...).   Azure Test Plans: management of manual and exploratory tests.      Microsoft DevOps is available either with: Azure DevOps Services (SaaS cloud) or with Azure DevOps Server (on-premise), the platform adapts to all contexts. Swiss companies can thus choose between cloud flexibility and internal control according to their needs, particularly in terms of compliance.   What Azure DevOps brings to the company and developers   For the company:      A centralized management: planning, code, tests and deployments gathered in the same tool.   Flexible hosting: SaaS for agility, on-premise for regulated environments.   Security and reliability: SLA 99.9%, data redundancy, integration with Azure Active Directory.   A scalable model: free up to 5 users, then expandable with licenses.      For developers:      Complete automation: from commit to deployment, including automated testing and upstream bug detection.   Enhanced collaboration: task tracking via Azure Boards, versioned code in Repos, QA integration.  Multi-language and environment support: . NET, Java, Node.js, Python, Windows, Linux, Mac.   Advanced integrations: GitHub (including Copilot), extensions marketplace, Infrastructure as Code (IaC).      To go further – connect GitHub and Azure DevOps   GitHub integration between Azure DevOps is a major asset. GitHub can act as a code repository, while Azure Pipelines handles CI/CD automation. Developers benefit from GitHub Copilot to speed up code writing. Companies maintain full traceability between tickets, pipelines and deliverables.  SaaS or On-Premise? Which option to choose?   The Azure DevOps Services as a SaaS option is ideal for businesses that want fast setup, automatic updates and high availability.      As for it, the option of Azure DevOps on server (On-Premise) is suitable for companies subject to strict requirements in terms of sovereignty or even compliance (for example for finance, health, etc...), but requires more internal management.      In both cases, the integration with the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Business Central, Power BI) ensures complete interoperability.   Almakom, your Microsoft partner   At Almakom, we support Swiss companies in their digital transformation through the integration of Microsoft solutions. Certified and specialized in the implementation of Azure DevOps, we help you implement an agile and secure approach, connected to your existing systems (ERP,    CRM, business applications, Power Platform). Our strength: solid technical expertise, combined with a thorough knowledge of the professions (distribution, logistics, production, services). With us, you benefit from a pragmatic approach, adapted to your needs and local standards (nLPD, GDPR).

[Dynamics 365 Finance Guide]: why and for whom? What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance?   Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance is an ERP module dedicated to the advanced financial management of companies. It allows to centralize, automate, and make reliable all financial operations: general and analytical accounting, cash flow management, bank reconciliations, fixed assets management, but also tax compliance and real-time reporting.      This module is an integral part of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite, and naturally integrates with other solutions such as Dynamics 365 Supply Chain, Dynamics 365 Sales, or even Power BI, which allows for a complete view of the company’s performance.    What is Dynamics 365 Finance used for?   The main objective is to improve the visibility and financial control of the company. Concretely, the module allows to cover all the needs of a modern financial management:      Automation of financial reports: no more manual exports and Excel tables. The data is consolidated in real-time and presented as interactive reports.   Cash management: thanks to automated forecasts, the CFO can anticipate liquidity needs and optimize investments.  A faster closing: bank reconciliations, recurring entries and adjustments are done automatically, which reduces the closing time (up to 50% faster according to Microsoft).   Ensure compliance: Dynamics 365 Finance adapts to local and international standards (IFRS, GAAP), which facilitates multi-country and multi-subsidiary management.   Profitability analysis by activity: by product, project, department or client   Support the strategy: the financial management becomes a strategic steering partner, relying on reliable and constantly updated data      Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance transforms the finance function into a true strategic decision center.     Where does it fit into the Microsoft ecosystem?   Dynamics 365 Finance, like all other applications in the Dynamics 365 suite, is not isolated. It is integrated into the ecosystem, interconnected with the other modules, it is designed to streamline the flow of information between all departments, notably with:   Power BI: financial data is directly exploitable in visual and interactive dashboards. Example: a CFO can visualize in real time the evolution of cash flow and compare several budget scenarios.   Power Automate: manual processes are replaced by automated workflows. Example: an invoice validated in Finance automatically triggers its archiving in SharePoint and the sending of a Teams notification.   Microsoft Teams: collaboration between departments is facilitated. Example: a business controller can share a Power BI report directly in Teams with sales management to adjust sales forecasts.   Dynamics 365 Supply Chain : to link finance and supply chain and enable real-time tracking of the financial impact of inventory, purchasing and logistics.   Azure: the secure cloud hosting connected to all data, ensuring accessibility and scalability.      The interest of this interconnection is simple: each department works on a single source of data. No more need to reprocess data between departments: finance, sales, production and the  logistics are connected, in an integrated environment.   What benefits for a company?   Dynamics 365 Finance allows to:   Accelerate financial closure (up to 50% faster according to Microsoft).   Reduce accounting errors through automation.   Gain visibility on profitability by product, service or project.   Master your regulatory obligations, including the nLPD in Switzerland and the GDPR in Europe.     For large groups and subsidiaries, it offers a standardization of financial processes and a consolidated view of results at the international level.  For what type of business?   Dynamics 365 Finance is designed to:      SMEs that wish to go beyond a simple accounting software and move towards an integrated solution.   Mid-caps and multinationals, thanks to its multi-currency, multi-entity and multi-country management capacity.   Regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, industry or transport, where traceability and compliance are key.      At Almakom, we also adapt it for medium-sized companies that want to structure their growth without immediately switching to an overly cumbersome organization.   Is the finance module of Microsoft Dynamics 365 secure? Yes. Dynamics 365 Finance is hosted on Microsoft Azure, ensuring:  A high level of cybersecurity (ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, 27018).   Data sovereignty thanks to the Swiss datacenters in Zurich and Geneva.  An encryption of data at rest and in transit.   Swiss companies can thus meet the requirements of the nLPD and the GDPR, while benefiting from a sovereign cloud infrastructure.   What is the role of AI in Dynamics 365 Finance?   Integrated artificial intelligence via Copilot, Microsoft AI, allows for:      Anticipate payment delays with a predictive analysis of receivables.   Optimize cash flow with smart forecasts.   Reduce the risk of errors through automated checks.      AI has a real role to play with the finance function: fewer repetitive tasks, more strategic value.     What is the cost of Dynamics 365 Finance?   Microsoft’s official pricing for Dynamics 365 Finance starts around $180/user/month (catalog price reference).   But in practice, the cost depends:   The number of users.   Connected modules (complete ERP, CRM, business applications).   Specific integration needs.     That is why it is recommended to go through an integrating partner to define a realistic budget adapted to your priorities.   When to call on an integrator like Almakom?   At Almakom, we support companies by:   Adapting the Finance module to your real needs (rather than a standard configuration).   Integrating your existing tools (ERP, CRM, business applications).   Training your teams to ensure that the solution is adopted and used daily.   In some cases, it may be more relevant to develop a complementary business application (e.g. for sector-specific invoicing), rather than forcing an unintended use in the Finance module. In summary, Dynamics 365 Finance is a strategic ally to drive financial performance. Accessible to SMEs as well as large companies, it combines automation, AI and compliance for a modern and connected management of your finances.

What is Power Apps?   Microsoft Power Apps  is a low-code/no-code business application development solution integrated into the Microsoft Power Platform. It allows you to quickly create custom applications, whether for the web or mobile, without needing to master a complex programming language.  For example, a company can create in a few hours an internal leave management application synchronized with Microsoft Teams, without going through a long development project.      Power Apps is based on Microsoft Dataverse technology, a centralized and secure database that stores information and ensures its consistency. This allows for reliable, scalable and interoperable applications with the entire Microsoft ecosystem.     Why use Power Apps in your company?   The interest of Power Apps lies in agility: Companies must do more with fewer resources. The Power Apps platform offers several concrete advantages:      Quickly digitize business processes : no need to wait several months for a service provider to develop a custom application. With Power Apps, a team can create a prototype in a few days, then develop it according to user feedback.   Reduce development costs : developing a classic business application can cost several tens of thousands of francs. With Power Apps, much of the work is simplified, and low-code allows internal teams to participate directly.   Improve productivity : by creating applications that allow the elimination of time-consuming tasks for employees. One could imagine an application that allows to remove repetitive manual tasks (scattered Excel files, email exchanges). Thus, employees save time and focus on missions with higher added value.   According to Microsoft, companies that have adopted Power Apps see an average ROI of 188% in 3 years, with a 74% reduction in development costs.   Power Apps in the Microsoft ecosystem   One of the great strengths of Power Apps is its native integration with the Power Platform and the Microsoft ecosystem.    With Power Automate : we connect applications to automated flows (for example, automatically send a Teams notification when a form is filled out in a Power Apps app).   With Power BI : we enrich the applications with visual and interactive dashboards to track performance.   With Microsoft Teams : we directly integrate applications into communication channels, where the teams are already working.   With the Dynamics 365 ecosystem : we customize the CRM or ERP with applications specific to the company’s business.   For what type of business?   Contrary to popular belief, Power Apps is not just for large organizations.    For SMEs : who often do not have internal IT resources, thanks to Power Apps, they have a simple and affordable way to create applications tailored to their business.  Multisite or international companies : who need uniform tools to connect teams.      In reality, all companies that still use Excel a lot or manual processes can take advantage of Power Apps to gain efficiency.   +48 million monthly active users of the Power Platform in 2024, compared to 33 million in 2023.   Security and compliance   Security is often a major concern for companies, particularly in Switzerland. On this point, Power Apps benefits from the same standards as all the Microsoft infrastructure:      Hosting on Microsoft Azure    Authentication and user rights management via Azure Active Directory.   Compliance with international standards: ISO 27001, GDPR, Swiss GDPR.   The data remains localized in the data centers chosen by the company, particularly in Switzerland since 2019.    For a Swiss SME, this means enjoying a high level of security and compliance, without having to manage the IT infrastructure itself.     Low-code and AI: a revolution accessible to all Low-code / no-code : this means that even employees without advanced technical skills can create applications. IT remains of course involved to oversee governance and security, but development and creation are accessible.   Artificial intelligence : thanks to Copilot, it is enough to describe the need in natural language ("I want a customer request tracking application with a form and a tracking table"), and Power Apps automatically generates the structure of the application.      Example: an HR manager can create an application to manage applications without writing a single line of code, then ask Copilot to add an automated field for tracking interviews.  What is the price of Power Apps?   Power Apps works like other solutions in the Microsoft ecosystem and is available under different licenses, which allows it to adapt to the needs of businesses:      License for developers: free with three development environments   Unlimited license: about 18 CHF / user / month to access an unlimited number of applications.   Included in Microsoft 365: some features of Power Apps are already accessible with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, which allows you to start at a lower cost.      This flexible pricing model makes Power Apps accessible even to small structures, which can start with a limited project and then expand according to their needs.     When Power Apps is not enough: the importance of an integrator   Power Apps is a powerful tool for quickly digitizing simple processes, but some companies have more complex needs:      Integration with specific business systems (ERP, CRM, vertical solutions).   Applications requiring advanced logic or a sophisticated user experience.  Multi-site projects where governance, security and maintenance must be guaranteed.      In these cases, it is recommended to work with an integrator/publisher, who combines Microsoft expertise (ERP, CRM, Power Platform) and the ability to develop custom business applications.      The ideal approach is often hybrid: use Power Apps for simple quick needs, and call on an integrator for strategic projects that require more skills.

The regulatory context around data protection is becoming increasingly strict (nLPD, GDPR, EU AI Act...). Indeed, the localisation of data has become a crucial issue, particularly in sectors such as health, finance, logistics or industry.       For Swiss companies, knowing where their data is stored is not a simple technical question: it is an issue of compliance, security and competitiveness.       What about the Microsoft solutions in terms of data hosting in Switzerland? Microsoft Azure sovereign cloud in Switzerland: security, compliance and control of your data, we explain everything to you!  What is Microsoft Azure and the sovereign cloud in Switzerland?    Microsoft Azure is a SaaS (Software as a Service) hosting mode, it is the Microsoft Cloud platform, where the  applications and data are accessible via the internet, hosted and updated by Microsoft in its datacenters.      This hosting mode is chosen by more and more companies, because it eliminates the constraints of physical infrastructure management imposed by on-premise hosting mode (high costs, maintenance, updates), while offering flexibility, scalability and automatic security updates.     For Swiss companies, the challenge is clear: to benefit from the services of a hyperscaler while respecting sovereignty and compliance requirements. That’s why Microsoft opened datacenters in Zurich and Geneva in 2019, thus offering a geographical location of the data in Switzerland. These infrastructures allow companies to:       Store the data exclusively on Swiss territory.    Meet the requirements of digital sovereignty by hosting data exclusively on Swiss territory.    Facilitate compliance with local and sectoral regulations (nLPD, GDPR, ISO, sectoral standards etc.).    Swiss companies can host their Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP and its data in a Swiss datacenter, ensuring that data such as production or customer data never leaves the country.    Why did Microsoft deploy datacenters in Switzerland?    The cloud in Switzerland responds to important strategic needs:     Digital sovereignty : local storage for sensitive data, in line with public and private sector expectations.    Regulatory simplicity : ease of compliance with demanding legislation.   Increased trust : companies have more confidence   In addition, the location of data storage is a key point: Switzerland is among the regions explicitly supported for the commitment to local data storage in Microsoft 365 (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Copilot, etc.).     This means that companies can configure their Microsoft services so that all critical data remains on Swiss soil, thus meeting the requirements of digital sovereignty, nLPD, GDPR and sectoral compliance. Which is a major asset for SMEs requiring confidentiality.        Swiss regulation and data protection requirements    The new Swiss law on data protection (nLPD), in force since 2023, requires:        Secure processing of personal data.    Full transparency on their use.    Strengthened rights for the persons concerned.        The sovereign cloud model meets these requirements by ensuring that sensitive data never leaves Swiss territory.       Control legal risks with the Microsoft sovereign cloud       Opting for a local cloud like that of Microsoft Azure in Switzerland means:      Limit cross-border data transfers.    Avoid legal complications related to out-of-jurisdiction accommodation.    Accelerate compliance audits with reliable location evidence.    This also avoids the costs and uncertainties associated with developing a 100% CAPEX cloud.       All companies, even an SME, must be responsible for the processing of their data. A wrong choice of hosting can:       Create security vulnerabilities.    Involve legal responsibilities (regarding customer data for example).    Block access to certain European markets.       Choosing a sovereign and certified environment, like that of Microsoft, means minimizing technical risks and therefore legal risks.      Security: a high level of requirement        Microsoft guarantees a high level of security via:       ISO/IEC standards.    The encryption of data.    Strict software isolation in a multi-tenant environment.    24/7 continuous monitoring, with automated incident responses.      Microsoft offers a reliable and transparent ecosystem, notably via very comprehensive documentation around its compliance commitments: GDPR, DORA, data governance etc. This transparency is an asset for any Swiss company wishing to evolve in an uncertain regulatory environment.      Why this choice is strategic for Swiss SMEs?   Even for smaller structures, the stakes are the same:       Security of business, client or HR data.    Access to European markets thanks to reassuring compliance.    Ease of technical and legal management, even without a dedicated IT team.     Almakom: your partner for a sovereign and compliant Microsoft cloud    At Almakom, we support Swiss companies in:       The audit of data localisation and their Microsoft ecosystem.    The migration to Swiss datacenters from Azure or Microsoft 365.    The secure integration of your ERP, CRM or business applications with an adapted governance.       With our approach based on change management, we accompany you at every step of your digital transformation.

Today, companies are looking to save time, reduce errors and improve their productivity. This is where Microsoft Power Automate takes place. It is a tool that allows you to automate your processes, connect your software and exploit artificial intelligence without being a developer.   What is Power Automate?   Power Automate is a tool from the Microsoft Power Platform that allows automating repetitive tasks and creating workflows            between your different software, without needing to code. Concretely, it is an invisible assistant that executes programmed actions for you, such as for example:      Automatically send an email to the customer when their order is shipped.   Update a customer card in the Dynamics 365 Sales CRM when the payment is recorded in Business Central.   Send an email when a file is added   Synchronize data between CRM and ERP, create automatic reminders, etc.      More concretely, for an SME in distribution, receives orders by email. Power Automate can:      Automatically read the email   Extract the order data   Create the order in Business Central   Alert the logistics team on Teams   Why use Power Automate?   Save time : No more manual copy-pasting or information re-entry: you can automate everything.   Reduce errors : Less manual input, therefore fewer human errors, which improves the reliability of data.   Improve productivity : Employees focus on high value-added tasks rather than on repetitive tasks.   Optimize collaboration : Information automatically circulates between your different tools (ERP, CRM, SharePoint, Teams...).  Where does Power Automate fit into the Microsoft ecosystem?   Power Automate is integrated into the Power Platform, which also includes Power BI (data analysis), Power Apps (creation of custom applications) and Power Virtual Agents (chatbots). It connects naturally to other Microsoft solutions:      Business Central (ERP) to automate invoicing, inventory management, etc.   Dynamics 365 Sales (CRM) to trigger marketing or commercial actions.   Teams to send automatic notifications.   SharePoint to organize the documents.     What is the advantage of using Power Automate for your company?   Increased profitability thanks to the reduction of manual tasks.   Agility : easy modification of processes without relying on a developer.  Interoperability : connection possible with more than 500 applications (including non-Microsoft applications).   Compliance and security : native integration with Azure Active Directory for rights and access management.   Power Automate: for which type of company?   Contrary to what one might think, Power Automate is not reserved for large companies. Power Automate is suitable:      To SMEs that want to automate low-cost tasks such as order management, invoicing, internal communication   To large companies that manage complex processes.   To companies that export and who must centralize and harmonize their data, such as for document exchanges and compliance (electronic billing, logistics tracking, reporting)      In Switzerland, many SMEs in logistics, production and distribution already use it to streamline their internal and external exchanges with customers.  Security and compliance: a key point for Switzerland   In Switzerland, data security and confidentiality are essential. With Power Automate, data is hosted in nLPD and GDPR compliant Microsoft datacenters. This therefore ensures that the information remains protected and accessible only to authorized persons. The fine management of access ensures that unauthorized actions are taken.    What is low code and why there is AI in Power Automate?   The low code approach is an approach that allows creating automations with little or no code, via an intuitive interface. Power Automate offers artificial intelligence features via AI Builder for, for example:  Automatically extract information from a PDF invoice.   Analyze the feeling of a customer message.   Make automated decisions based on the data received.  A service company uses AI Builder to automatically analyze incoming emails, prioritize requests, and assign them to the right department, all without human intervention.   How to get started with Power Automate?   Identify repetitive processes in your company   List the applications used: Microsoft 365, ERP, CRM or business tools.   Define a clear goal: save time, reduce errors, improve collaboration etc.   Do a pilot on a simple process: identify the desired process.    Be accompanied by a Microsoft certified integrator to configure, secure, and optimize your flows to SMEs as well as large companies to take a step towards intelligent automation.    Power Automate, yes, but with the right partner Power Automate is a strategic ally for Swiss companies that want to gain efficiency, reduce errors and connect their management tools. Easy to deploy, secure and equipped with AI, it allows SMEs as well as large companies to take a step towards intelligent automation. Almakom, your partner in Switzerland We are a Microsoft certified integrator and business application editor, based in Switzerland and France, with clients active in various sectors: medical, transport, logistics, production, distribution, investment banking...  Our dual role as a software integrator and business solutions editor allows us to support you throughout your project. Our expertise allows our clients to benefit from:   Certified consultants, business experts  Vertical businesses developed to meet your specific needs  A complete support from the consulting phase to the support  Solid references and projects carried out internationally

The European Union adopted the EU AI Act in 2024, it is the first comprehensive legal framework on artificial intelligence. This regulation does not only concern large companies or EU member countries: Swiss SMEs that use or develop AI, or even work with partners in Europe, are also concerned.    The European regulation    1. The EU AI Act: what is it exactly?  The EU AI Act, or European Regulation on Artificial Intelligence, is the first global regulatory framework dedicated to AI. It aims to establish clear rules around the use of artificial intelligence, classifying systems according to their level of risk.      The EU AI Act therefore governs the development, deployment, and also the use of artificial intelligence. Its objective is twofold:      Stimulate responsible innovation,   Protect European citizens against the abuses of certain risky uses.      This legislation is based on 4 levels of risk for AI applications:      Minimal risk : chatbots and automatic recommendations.   Limited risk : marketing scoring.  High risk : AI used in sensitive sectors such as: recruitment, finance, health, etc.   Prohibition : the AI used for mass surveillance systems.     2. Why does it getting ? Faced with the rise in power of generative and predictive AI tools, the European institutions wanted to take the lead by imposing a framework to regulate these technologies and avoid abuse (discrimination, manipulation, opacity of algorithms, etc.). The EU AI Act therefore aims to build trust in AI, protect users and promote a safer digital.     3. Is the EU AI Act applicable in Switzerland?     No, Switzerland is not subject to the EU AI Act , but Swiss companies working with clients or partners in Europe will have to comply if they:      Use AI systems classified as risky.  Provide or integrate AI systems in the European market.   Work in critical sectors such as health, finance, transport, etc.   In other words, ignoring the EU AI Act is not an option for internationally oriented Swiss companies.     AI and compliance: Microsoft’s proactive approach  1. AI is not just for big business  Many companies still wrongly imagine that artificial intelligence does not concern them. Yet, Microsoft tools like Dynamics 365 or Power Platform already integrate AI, via Copilot, Microsoft’s AI. These solutions allow companies to automate, analyze and even anticipate, without needing advanced technical skills.      Some examples:  In the CRM, you can automatically generate examples of email follow-ups in Dynamics 365 Sales.   In Power BI, you can see the analysis of business performance thanks to Copilot.   And on the marketing side, you have smart suggestions in project management.   In the Business Centra ERP, AI allows you to predict your sales and anticipate your orders   AI is already there, present in our daily lives. Well integrated, it is there to facilitate time-consuming tasks.    2.  Do Microsoft software comply with European regulations on artificial intelligence?    Yes, the Copilot AI that is used in Microsoft software complies with the EU AI Act.      “Microsoft is committed to designing products and solutions that comply with EU AI law, and to helping its customers use AI in a compliant manner. We work closely with decision-makers"    Microsoft collaborates with the competent authorities in order to establish a fair regulation: exchange of experience, technical questions, feasibility .   3. An actor ahead: Microsoft face to DORA  Même si le EU AI Act concerne particulièrement l’IA, il s’inscrit dans un paysage réglementaire européen plus large. Dans ce paysage, on retrouve le règlement DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), qui est destiné à renforcer la résilience numérique des services financiers. Microsoft a été parmi les premiers à anticiper cette évolution, notamment avec : Microsoft Defender for Cloud qui est réglementaire au vu du cadre imposé par le règlement DORA, permettant aux entreprises de surveiller leur conformité, de renforcer la gestion des risques TIC et de réagir aux incidents en temps réel.   And with Microsoft Entra ID (former Azure AD), Purview and Compliance Manager, organizations have solutions to structure their governance, control access and monitor compliance, which is mandatory under the DORA regulation.  Microsoft does not only offer tools: it structures a real approach to compliance, in line with European regulatory standards. It is a guarantee of quality for companies, including SMEs that wish to integrate AI (via Copilot or others) into their business while respecting the most current regulatory obligations.   What to do as a Swiss company?   ✅ Audit the tools and AI use cases already present.   ✅ Assess risks according to regulation classification.   ✅ Choose suppliers (like Microsoft) that are compliant and transparent.   ✅ Get support in integrating ethical smart tools.     Our role at Almakom? Support you  At Almakom, we support Swiss companies in the integration of Microsoft tools with embedded AI, taking into account their industry, European exposure and regulatory obligations. We help you benefit from AI, in full compliance and with pragmatism.

Why integrate the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales CRM into your marketing strategy?      In an increasingly competitive B2B environment, SMEs must better understand their prospects, follow the evolution of their commercial pipeline, and optimize their conversion rate. This is where the CRM Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales comes into play: much more than a business management tool, it becomes a real marketing performance lever.      Thanks to its native connection with the other modules of the Microsoft suite (such as Marketing, Power BI, or Project), the Sales module allows you to unify data,  actions and reporting to manage your marketing activity in a structured, agile, and efficient manner.   Centralize and segment your contacts for more targeted campaigns   The Sales module allows you to build a rich and segmented database: customers, prospects, partners, companies, each interaction is historized. This allows marketing teams to create dynamic lists based on specific criteria (sector, company size, sales behavior, etc.) and send highly targeted content (such as emails) directly from the CRM.      Result: your marketing campaigns are more relevant, better adapted to the expectations of recipients, and therefore more efficient.      Automate your campaigns and track the results   Thanks to the integration with the Marketing module or via Power Automate, you can automate the sending of emails, lead scoring, commercial follow-ups, or post-event actions. All while remaining in the Microsoft 365 environment.      The dashboard integrated into the Sales module allows real-time reporting of campaigns: opening rate, clicks, conversion, associated pipeline, etc. You know what works... and what needs to be adjusted.     Strengthened coordination between marketing and sales   One of the great assets of the Dynamics 365 Sales CRM is to streamline communication between marketing teams and sales teams. All generated leads are tracked from the first interaction to the conversion. Salespeople have a complete history of marketing actions (emails received, content downloaded, webinars attended...), which allows them which allows them to adapt their speech and increase their closing rate.     Bonus: the other Microsoft tools and solutions used for marketing How to organize your marketing projects with the Project module? To go further in the organization, you can connect the Project module to Dynamics 365. This allows you to plan your campaigns like real projects: assignment of tasks, monitoring of deadlines, allocated budget, resources mobilized, etc.  This synergy between CRM and project management helps you to better structure your operations, gain visibility and optimize the workload of your teams. Microsoft Sway: an ally for your interactive marketing presentations To accompany your marketing campaigns driven from Dynamics 365, Microsoft Sway can make the difference on the presentation side. This tool allows you to quickly create dynamic visual materials, without the need for design skills. Unlike PowerPoint, Sway is designed for the web: your newsletters, product presentations, reports or customer stories become interactive, responsive and directly shareable online. It is an excellent solution for SMEs who want to highlight their marketing content (product sheets, campaign reports, customer storytelling) in a fluid and modern way, while remaining within the Microsoft 365 environment. Integrated into your ecosystem, Sway can be used in just a few clicks and fits perfectly into an efficient multichannel communication approach.   Why use Almakom to deploy these tools?   At Almakom, we are both an integrator of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite and a publisher of custom business applications. This allows us to adapt the Microsoft tools to your specific processes, without unnecessary complexity.  Our agile method, our business knowledge (logistics, transport, production, medical, etc.) and our proximity to Swiss SMEs allow us to create simple, effective solutions connected to your field reality.   In summary: the benefits of the CRM Sales module for your marketing   ✅ Centralization of customer and prospect data   ✅ Fine segmentation for targeted campaigns   ✅ Automation and campaign management   ✅ Pipeline monitoring and performance analysis   ✅ Better coordination between marketing and sales   ✅ Optimized organization thanks to the link with the Project module