Electronic invoicing, or e-invoicing, will soon become a requirement in many European countries. If this reform may seem restrictive at first glance, it actually constitutes a strategic opportunity for companies: modernization of tools, automation of exchanges, reduction of errors... provided one is well prepared for it.      In this article, we explain to you:      What e-invoicing is (and isn’t)  Why it becomes mandatory   What are the deadlines in Europe   Its advantages and risks   How to prepare yourself with Microsoft tools   And why it is crucial to surround oneself with the right partners   E-invoicing or electronic billing: what are we talking about?   Contrary to popular belief, a PDF invoice sent by email is not an electronic invoice. Electronic invoicing is based on the exchange of structured files (XML, UBL, PEPPOL BIS, etc.), automatically readable by accounting software.      It involves a completely digital process: creation, sending, receipt, processing and archiving of the invoice.      It must contain:  Well-defined metadata (VAT, IBAN, SIRET, etc.)   A format compliant with exchange standards (such as PEPPOL or Factur-X)   A guaranteed traceability   An electronic signature or a secure protocol   Why this reform? And when does it come into force?   The objective is threefold:      Fight against VAT fraud   Digitising the European economy   Standardize exchanges between companies (B2B) and with administrations (B2G)   Where is it already in place?   Italy : mandatory since 2019 for all companies   France : progressive obligation from 2026 for all companies  Poland, Spain, Belgium, Germany : planned or already implemented      Electronic invoicing in Switzerland  In Switzerland, the obligation applies only to B2G relationships, but companies with customers in Europe will need to adapt.  Even without an extended national obligation, many Swiss SMEs work with clients or partners in Europe. And in many European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Spain...), electronic invoicing will become mandatory between 2024 and 2027, according to a gradual schedule. This means that Swiss companies will have to align themselves with European standards if they want to continue doing business smoothly with their foreign clients. For Swiss invoices to be accepted by European platforms (such as Chorus Pro in France or the PEPPOL network), they must: Be generated in a recognized structured format (Factur-X, XML, UBL, etc.) Contain reliable and complete data Be sent via a secure channel or certified platform In other words, compliance will depend on the ability of Swiss companies to adapt their management tools, such as their ERP, their CRM or their billing solution.   What are the advantages of electronic invoicing?   ✅ Time-saving : fewer manual entries, automatic shipments, and easy reminders   ✅ Fewer errors : standardized formats and data validated at issuance   ✅ Fewer disputes : information is clear, standardized, and traceable   ✅ Faster payments : the invoice is received and processed immediately   ✅ Compliance with legal obligations : conservation, traceability and VAT compliance   ✅ Cost reduction : less paper, less postage and therefore printing    But beware of the pitfalls of electronic invoicing   Even if it has many benefits, electronic invoicing imposes a strong requirement on the quality of data.      A field is filled incorrectly? The invoice is rejected.   Is an identifier wrong? The tax administration may block the process.   A file is poorly formatted? The platform does not accept it.      In other words, electronic invoicing imposes zero tolerance for error. Hence the importance of a centralized, reliable and up-to-date management system.  Prepare effectively for electronic invoicing with Microsoft tools   The tools of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem are perfectly suited to this transition.   Business Central  Allows the generation of electronic invoices in PEPPOL format   Allows connection to European platforms (via partners like Pagero)   integrates with the accounting, buying and selling modules   Tracks the sending and acceptance status of invoices   Power Automate  Automates the sending and archiving of invoices   Automatically notifies in case of error or rejection   integrates with external portals  Copilot (Microsoft AI integrated into Business Central)  Smart pre-filling of billing fields Suggestions for correction or improvement   Analysis of frequent errors and recommendations     Why be accompanied by a software package integrator?    Such a project is not a simple technical update, but as an overhaul of your management processes.      At Almakom, we accompany you throughout the chain:      Audit of your current billing flows   Cleaning and structuring your data   Configuration of Business Central and your business tools   Team training  Interconnection with your clients or European platforms      We are both a certified Microsoft integrator and a business application editor: our approach is pragmatic, sectoral and results-oriented.

Human resources management is a strategic pillar for any growing SME. But between payroll, contracts, training, recruitment and time tracking, classic tools quickly reach their limits. This is where the HR module of Microsoft Dynamics 365 comes in.      Designed to support SMEs in their development, it offers a unified, automated and connected approach to HR management. And combined with the SwissSalary  solution, it becomes a powerful ally for Swiss companies.    Why digitize HR management in an SME?   SMEs often have reduced or non-existent HR teams. Yet, they must meet the same legal and social obligations as large companies. Digitizing HR management is:      Save time on repetitive tasks (payroll, contracts, leave)   Reduce administrative errors   Offer a better collaborator experience   Improve the monitoring of skills, training and performance      An ERP such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 makes it possible to integrate HR management into all business processes, for a clear and shared overview.   What does the HR module of Microsoft Dynamics 365 concretely allow?   Here are some key features tailored to the needs of SMEs:  Centralization of employee files: contracts, diplomas, history, evaluations...   Leave and absence management: online requests, hierarchical validation, automated alerts   Tracking of times and activities: timesheet, breakdown of hours by project   Steering of the training: skills development plan, follow-up on sessions and budgets   HR dashboards: real-time visualization of indicators (turnover, absenteeism, payroll)   Automation of HR workflows: validation of hires, contract changes, departures      These features are accessible in a modern and fluid interface, connected with the other Microsoft modules (Finance, Projects, Sales...).     A powerful integration with SwissSalary for payroll management     For Swiss SMEs, SwissSalary is a recognized choice to manage salaries in compliance with local standards (AHV, LPP, withholding taxes...). Good news: SwissSalary is 100% integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.  Concretely, this allows to:      Manage payroll directly from Business Central   Automate transfers between HR management and accounting   Produce the Swiss legal documents without re-entry   Benefit from local support and comply with the legislation in force      This synergy reduces double entries and ensures data consistency between HR, finance, and operational management.     Concrete examples of use for an SME A company with 50 employees in transport uses the HR module + SwissSalary to track driver absences, automatically generate monthly payroll and schedule mandatory training.   An industrial SME has automated the management of contracts and working time of its technicians with real-time monitoring in Business Central.  A service company uses HR dashboards to analyze its turnover rate and optimize its recruitment process.     Why choose Almakom to integrate your HR module?   At Almakom, we don’t just connect an ERP to your organization: we adapt it to your business processes. Thanks to our dual role of integrator and business application editor, we design tools that are in your image, connected, scalable and adapted to the realities of your sector.      Our strengths:   Agile method, customer proximity   Certified Microsoft expertise   Experience with Swiss SMEs (transport, distribution, industry...)   Integration of SwissSalary and complementary applications

Shorter delivery times, increased traceability requirements, and rising operational costs are becoming the norm. Is the moment to digitize your delivery planning. In this context, manual planning and tracking of delivery routes are reaching their limits: risk of errors, lack of visibility, and low responsiveness to unforeseen events… Meanwhile, your customers expect faster, more reliable, and more transparent service.  The solution? Digitize and connect your transport management to boost performance and customer satisfaction.    The Main Logistics Challenges Facing SMEs Today Before investing in transport management software, it’s important to identify the most common operational obstacles:  1. Lack of Visibility on Ongoing Deliveries   Without real-time tracking tools, it’s impossible to know where your trucks are, which delays are occurring, or which packages still need to be delivered.  Consequence: repeated customer calls requesting information and overloaded internal teams.  The AlmaTrack advantage: visualize your trucks on a map.  2. Challenges in Optimizing Delivery Routes Order assignment to trucks is still too often done by phone or on a whiteboard. The result: poorly optimized routes, inefficient fleet usage, and rising logistics costs.  3. Billing and Administrative Tracking Issues   When delivery information isn’t connected to your management system (ERP, billing, etc.), the risk of omissions, duplicates, or billing errors increases.  The advantage: with our  AlmaTrack  application, your existing internal software is connected to your delivery app.  Difficulty scheduling the maintenance and repairs of your vehicles Managing vehicle maintenance and repairs can be complicated. Between tight schedules, unexpected events on the road and manual maintenance follow-up, the risk of unanticipated breakdowns or immobilized vehicles in full tour is high. Result: additional costs, delivery delays and customer dissatisfaction that can impact your reputation. With AlmaTrack , you can manage and track your repairs Why Digitizing Delivery Planning Makes All the Difference Digitalization is not just about installing software—it’s a lever to rethink... your entire delivery process and strengthen your customer relationships.  1.  Enhanced Responsiveness to Unexpected Events A customer requests a last-minute change? A driver becomes unavailable? Thanks to centralized and visual planning, you can adjust your routes in real time.  The advantage: With our  AlmaTrack app , you can view your deliveries by day, week, or month.  2. Real-Time Tracking and Improved Customer Communication     By providing your teams and customers with real-time information on delivery status, you increase transparency and reduce the number of complaints.  Concrete example: automatically sending an SMS or email to the customer when the delivery is approaching.  3. Improved Profitability Through Resource Optimization Fewer empty trips, better vehicle utilization, intelligent driver assignment—every kilometer traveled becomes more profitable.  4. Digitize your delivery planning : Automation of Administrative Tasks Once the delivery is completed, data is automatically fed into your ERP system to generate invoices, track costs, and update inventory if needed.    Logistics Digitalization: A Competitive Advantage for Your Customers Too   By modernizing your processes, you also help your own customers better manage their operations:  More reliable deadline compliance  Visibility of incoming flows for distributors  More accurate planning of their receipt and storage  In short: their own supply chain becomes smoother.    How to Get Started? An Example of a Connected Solution: AlmaTrack   To support this transformation, there are now solutions tailored for SMEs. AlmaTrack, for example, is a transport management application connected to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.  ✔️ Visual route planning   ✔️ Real-time delivery tracking   ✔️ Complete fleet and driver management   ✔️ Automation of invoicing and reporting  All fully customizable to fit your business processes.    Almakom: Your Partner for Connecting ERP and Transport Management At Almakom, we are both an ERP integrator (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) and a developer of business applications like AlmaTrack. This enables us to offer tailor-made solutions adapted to your operational challenges.  ✔️ Agile methodology   ✔️ Expertise in transport, logistics, and distribution   ✔️ End-to-end support: assessment, configuration, deployment, training   ✔️ Compliance with Swiss (nLPD) and European (GDPR) regulations   Take Action: Optimize Your Logistics Now Want to identify optimization opportunities in your transport organization?

Data – A Performance Driver and a Key to Customer Satisfaction No SME can afford to run its business blindly anymore. Managing cash flow, tracking performance indicators, and anticipating customer needs—all of this must go through data analysis and reporting.  Yet this data is often scattered across multiple software systems, Excel files, or disconnected business tools, leading to wasted time and unreliable analyses, inaccurate insights, delayed decision-making, and a direct impact on customer satisfaction.  This is where  Power BI   , Microsoft’s Business Intelligence solution, truly proves its value. Connected to your ERP (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central), your CRM, or your custom-built business applications, Power BI allows you to centralize, analyze, and leverage your data in real time.  Power BI for SME   Power BI: A Powerful, Connected Reporting Tool for SMEs Power BI enables you to create dynamic dashboards with customized indicators, directly linked to your various data sources.  But more importantly, Power BI doesn't operate in isolation:  It natively connects to the entire Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem—Business Central (ERP), Sales (CRM), Field Service—as well as tools like Excel and SharePoint.  At Almakom, we take it a step further by integrating Power BI with your specific business applications.  For example, a transport management module (like AlmaTrack) or a customized production monitoring system.  Tangible benefits for your entreprise: A real-time, comprehensive view of your operations  Fewer manual tasks and less Excel reprocessing  Increased responsiveness to customer requests  Better anticipation of risks and opportunities  More informed teams, delivering better customer service  AI in Power BI Copilot AI integrated into Power BI allows you to get insights directly from your data analysis, so you can adjust your activities and make decisions more quickly and efficiently. Centralize your data with Power BI Thanks to Power BI, all your KPIs are centralized in one single place. You can manage document access for your teams. Thus, less time wasted, you navigate between your different data and analyze them quickly, return to the data of previous periods easily.   How Connectivity Between Your Microsoft Tools Boosts Efficiency One of the greatest strengths of the Microsoft ecosystem is its seamless integration between solutions:  Your  Business Central ERP feeds your financial, logistics, and inventory reporting.  Your Dynamics 365 Sales CRM provides real-time sales and customer data.  Your business applications developed by Almakom —such as AlmaTrack for transport management—enhance your operational and logistics KPIs.  Microsoft Teams and SharePoint then allow you to share these insights with your entire team in just one click.  This means greater fluidity, better visibility, and faster, more informed decision-making. Your teams no longer need to manually create KPIs, which directly improves the quality of service you deliver to your customers. Human errors are reduced.     Real-World Examples: How Power BI and Your Connected Tools Help You Better Serve Your Customers   Example 1: Improving Delivery Times By cross-referencing your order data (CRM), inventory data (ERP), and transport data (business application), you can anticipate issues and enhance your customer promise. Example 2: Profitability Tracking by Customer or Project With Power BI connected to Business Central, you can analyze your profit margins by customer and adjust your commercial offers accordingly. Example 3: Fewer Disputes and Better Traceability Thanks to centralized reporting, you can provide quick and accurate responses to customer inquiries—whether it’s about delivery times, quantities, or invoicing.   Almakom: Your Partner for Connected, Industry-Specific Management Solutions   At Almakom, we do more than just integrate Microsoft solutions.  Our approach is built on three key pillars:  Tailored Business Consulting : Every SME has its own processes, constraints, and goals. We integrate them into your information system.  ERP and CRM Integration and Configuration : We tailor Business Central, Sales, or Field Service to fit your on-the-ground reality.  Development of Custom Business Applications : To go further, we design specific modules (transport, production, after-sales tracking, etc.) fully connected to the Microsoft ecosystem.  Our goal: to turn your management tools into a true driver of performance, agility… and customer satisfaction.    Ready to Shift to Smarter, More Connected Management? Request your free audit today. Together, we'll assess how to connect your tools (ERP, CRM, business applications) and how Power BI can transform the way you manage your business.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now making its way into ERPs and is no longer reserved for large enterprises—it’s accessible to SMEs. With every new release, Microsoft integrates AI features through Copilot into its    ERP Dynamics 365 Business Central , making automation available to B2B SMEs across all sectors: distribution, logistics, transport, manufacturing…  We've prepared 3 practical use cases of Copilot AI in Business Central for you.    1. Smart Forecasting: Manage Inventory and Cash Flow   Business Central includes AI-powered extensions such as sales forecasting, inventory demand prediction, and cash flow forecasting. These features use your company’s historical data to anticipate stockouts, optimize inventory levels, and forecast cash outflows.  Benefits for SMEs:   Anticipate restocking and plan purchases efficiently  Reduce overstock and costly stockouts  Manage finances with greater peace of mind—no complex manual input required  2. Automating Repetitive Tasks with Copilot AI: Generate, Summarize, and Interact   Microsoft has strengthened the integration of generative AI in Business Central with Copilot—the conversational assistant that simplifies daily ERP use. Among the newest features is the “Summarize record” tool, which automatically generates a clear, structured summary of any ERP record or document (customer, order, contract, invoice, etc.). The AI can also generate documents (quotes, invoices…) from simple descriptions.  In practice, instead of manually scrolling through technical lines or fields, users can ask Copilot to produce an instant summary, making it easier to analyze or share (via email, CRM, etc.).  This feature is especially useful for:  Sales or customer service teams who need to respond quickly to customer inquiries  Logistics managers who want a quick overview of an order or delivery status  Executives or managers looking to save time when reviewing operational ERP data   This feature is included in the 2025 Wave 1 roadmap and gives SMEs access to a level of productivity previously reserved for large enterprises.    3. Predictive Analytics & Alerts: Power BI + AI   In addition, Power BI, when integrated with Business Central, unlocks predictive capabilities:  Sales and margin analysis, anomaly detection  Identification of at-risk customers (churn) or underperforming products  Proactive alerts on emerging trends  This new functionality delivers tangible benefits for your business:  Decisions based on real data  A quick reaction to warning signals  A management of financial and operational performance facilitated   Copilot AI in Business Central ERP, a concrete lever in your ERP Contrary to popular belief, the AI in Business Central is immediately usable. The extensions are directly integrated, Copilot is active as soon as you are in SaaS.   Ultimately, AI helps SMEs to:  anticipate their needs,  automate some of their time-consuming tasks,  And ultimately, to make better decisions.

B2B Wholesale: A Demanding Operational Daily Life   Running a business in wholesale means constantly juggling volumes, margins, deadlines, and the expectations of professional customers:  managing a large number of SKUs,  meeting complex pricing requirements,  delivering quickly and reliably,  ensuring impeccable customer service.  However, your teams are still struggling with disconnected tools, Excel files, multiple data re-entry, and manual tracking.  This is where Almakom’s approach truly makes a difference: structuring your management system around Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and enhancing it with business solutions specifically designed for your operational challenges.  Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: A Solid and Scalable Foundation     Business Central , Microsoft’s cloud ERP, is a comprehensive solution for SMEs. It allows you to manage:  sales, purchases, pricing, and inventory,  accounting, VAT, discounts, and profitability,  supply chain, traceability, and compliance à Office 365.   All within an intuitive, multilingual interface fully integrated with Office 365.  But to go further in automation, responsiveness, and customer experience, you need an ERP that adapts to your business. That’s where Almakom’s extensions come in.  Microsoft Wholesale Almakom Business Solutions: Practical Tools for Wholesale SMEs Web Customer Portal – Simplify Communication with Your B2B Clients   Your B2B customers want autonomy: to access their documents, track orders, and ask questions without having to send emails or make calls.  Our web portal connected to Business Central enables:  real-time access to orders, invoices, delivery notes, pricing, and discounts,  order placement with stock verification,  shipment tracking,  an integrated support area.  Fewer inquiries, increased satisfaction, and a stronger professional image.    WMS App – Manage Your Inventory and Movements in Real Time Are your logistics teams still scanning delivery notes manually? Are preparation errors costly?  Our mobile WMS application transforms your warehouse:  smooth touchscreen interface on Android devices,  intelligent item scanning for receipts, shipments, and inventories,  direct updates in Business Central with no re-entry,  visibility of logistics statuses (pick, pack, ship).  WMS App enables you to improve inventory accuracy, save time, reduce errors, and streamline your logistics.    AlmaTrack - Transport Management App – Manage Your Trucks, Drivers, and Deliveries Are you managing delivery routes with Excel schedules?  Our transport management app gives you a clear overview of:  trucks (vehicle records, maintenance, fuel, logbook),  drivers and their assignments,  route planning (day/week/month view, drag-and-drop deliveries),  real-time tracking: delivery status, GPS location, interactive maps.  Your logistics are under control: delays avoided and better-informed customers.    SignBL – Digitize Your Delivery Notes No more printing, scanning, or storing paper delivery notes.  With SignBL, your delivery drivers get customers to sign directly on a tablet or smartphone:  the signed delivery note is automatically stored in Business Central,  it is immediately accessible to your teams,  you reduce paper use, losses, and disputes.  Your delivery processes become smoother, traceable, and—most importantly—digitalized.    Import Data – Save Time with Your Excel Files All wholesalers regularly receive files such as supplier catalogs, price lists, bulk orders, etc.  Our Import Data solution allows you to easily integrate these files into Business Central without technical skills:  mapping columns to ERP fields,  support for Excel and CSV formats,  reuse of pre-saved templates.  Almakom, a Partner Who Understands Your Field Realities We are:  a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 integrator,  a developer of vertical business applications,  based in Switzerland,  serving SMEs with 20 to 200 employees in distribution, logistics, industry, and services.  Our approach and methodology are based on change management, with a human-centered support grounded in our expertise and core mission: advising you. All our team members are certified.  We know your business challenges, we understand your daily operations, which enables us to offer you tools that truly simplify your work—not just technology.  Microsoft Wholesale : Switch to a Management System That Fits You   Are you a B2B wholesaler tired of:  systems that don’t communicate?  Excel spreadsheets to manage deliveries?  documents scattered across departments?  an ERP that doesn’t adapt to your daily reality?

QWL: A Human and Strategic Challenge   According to the ISQWL (Swiss Institute for Quality of Work Life),   "Quality of Work Life refers to and brings together all initiatives aimed at improving both working conditions and overall business performance."   It encompasses the work environment, organizational structure, professional relationships, and the meaning employees find in their work.    In a context of talent shortages, evolving employee expectations, and accelerated digital transformation, Quality of Work Life (QWL)  has become a strategic lever for SMEs .  QWL goes far beyond the physical workplace. It also includes the digital environment  in which employees operate.  This is where modern management solutions come into play: well-designed ERP, CRM, and business applications  can truly transform the work experience.  How can well-adapted software improve Quality of Work Life (QWL)?   A good tool doesn’t replace humans — it supports them.   Well-integrated business solutions and software such as ERP, CRM, and BI systems enhance Quality of Work Life by streamlining daily tasks, reducing friction, and empowering employees in their roles.  Less Stress, More Clarity   Tailored software helps structure business processes, establish clear workflows, provide personalized dashboards for better visibility, and reduce manual errors — all of which help lower mental load for users.  Fewer Repetitive Tasks, More Time for What Matters   With tools like cloud-based ERP systems, many tasks can be automated (such as accounting entries, inventory tracking, invoicing, customer follow-ups, and reporting). The result? Your employees can focus on more strategic and value-added activities.    Tangible Benefits for SMEs  (logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, etc.)   Increased productivity : thanks to the automation of low-value tasks  Fewer errors : centralized, reliable data with improved traceability  Better planning : efficient management of supply chain, resources, and priorities  Stronger motivation : teams empowered with modern, high-performing tools  Smarter decisions : driven by real-time reporting and business-specific KPIs    AI with Microsoft Copilot: A Daily Boost for Quality of Work Life   The integration of Microsoft Copilot into solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central, Outlook, Teams, Sales, and the Power Platform is a game-changer — not just for productivity, but also for Quality of Work Life (QWL).  Fewer repetitive tasks, more value-added work   With built-in AI, your teams can now:  Automatically generate reports and dashboards  Write or summarize emails  Plan tasks and meetings more efficiently  Analyze financial or sales data — no complex formulas needed    All these actions enabled by AI result in less mental load, fewer time-consuming micro-tasks, and more time to focus on meaningful, engaging, and strategic work.   Continuous Assistance in Everyday Software   Copilot acts as a  digital assistant integrated into your tools . It guides users through software usage, suggests actions, corrects errors, and automates certain processes.  This support is especially valuable for:  Non-technical teams  New employees in training  Departments experiencing temporary overload  With Copilot, software becomes more accessible, efficient, and human-centered .    Why Choose Almakom?   At Almakom, we support SMEs in their digital transformation by integrating customized ERP, CRM, and business applications.  Our added value:   An agile methodology with a progressive and controlled approach  Comprehensive support: audit, consulting, integration, training, and support  Dual expertise: both integrator and software publisher  Strong knowledge of logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors  A close-knit team based in Switzerland and France, understanding your challenges  We also ensure full compliance with:  Regulatory standards  Local accounting integration (VAT, depreciation, etc.)  Secure cloud hosting with SaaS mode

People Are the Key to a Successful ERP   Implementing an ERP system isn’t just about software — it’s above all a project of organizational, operational, and human transformation.  For SMEs, especially in sectors like distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or medical devices, this transformation can be a strategic opportunity — but only if teams are prepared for the change.  At Almakom, we firmly believe: an ERP system that is well-configured but poorly adopted is a wasted investment.    Why Is Change Management Essential in an ERP Project?   A Global Transformation — Not Just a Technological One   An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system helps unify data, automate processes, and enhance collaboration across departments.  However, implementing a new ERP can disrupt routines, shift responsibilities, and sometimes create challenges for employees.  Without proper support, users may feel left out or overwhelmed by tools they don’t yet understand.   That’s where change management comes in.   Involving Users from the Very Start   From the very beginning of the project — during the scoping phase — we involve future software users to understand their needs , identify their constraints and workflows, and integrate their feedback  into the configuration of ERP, CRM, BI, or custom business applications.  This collaborative approach ensures  greater user adoption  and a smoother transition  from legacy systems to new processes.  Our Method: Expertise, Advice, and Proximity   A 360° Approach to Your Digital Transformation   Our support is built on a proven methodology , focused on people and business needs , to deliver meaningful and sustainable change.    Process Diagnostics & Audits  Strategic Consulting & Functional Scoping   ERP Deployment (Business Central), CRM (Dynamics 365, PipeDrive), Power BI, Power Apps Integration of Business Modules: Finance, Logistics, HR, Projects, Manufacturing   User Training & Change Management   Ongoing Support, System Evolution & Maintenance  At Almakom, we believe that a hybrid approach , combined with effective change management , ensures automation that truly benefits both the company and its people.  The winning formula:  People + Business Expertise + AI  = Successful Project Delivery.    Cutting-Edge Experts, Committed to Your Industry   Recognized Business Knowledge   We work with companies across various industries — medical devices, transportation, logistics, distribution, and investment banking .  Our strength lies in adapting technology to your business reality — not the other way around .  As business application developers, we create  industry-specific modules  tailored to your company's needs, fully integrated with your ERP or CRM.  This allows us to address your  sector-specific and operational challenges  with precision.  Certified Consultants   All our experts are Microsoft-certified  and stay up to date with the latest technologies (Cloud, SaaS, AI, Mobility).  We share key industry insights and updates with our clients through our  social media channels and blog . This way, you stay ahead of the curve and anticipate technical and regulatory changes .    Compliance, Transparency, Proximity: Our Commitments   Compliance  with local and international standards (nLPD, GDPR)  Local accounting integration  (VAT, depreciation, country-specific tax requirements)  Full transparency  on costs and software amortization  Local support  in French-speaking Switzerland and France  International project delivery  with a proven  core model approach     Why Trust Almakom?   At Almakom, we are both  certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 integrators  and developers of customized business solutions .  We support SMEs in their digital transformation with a clear promise:  ✔️ A human-centered, pragmatic approach    ✔️ Scalable, tailored, and secure  solutions   ✔️ Long-term support  — even after the project ends   ✔️ Personalized training  to ensure team autonomy   ✔️ Real proximity  to your business and operational challenges

A Sector in the Midst of Digital Transformation   The distribution industry faces major challenges: multiple sales channels, real-time inventory management, automated workflows, and logistics traceability.  For SMEs in this sector, often struggling with outdated or fragmented tools, transitioning to a modern ERP solution has become a strategic necessity.  This is where the combination of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Almakom’s business applications makes a difference: a comprehensive management solution.    Why Business Central Is a Strong Foundation for Distribution SMEs   Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a robust cloud ERP, ideal for SMEs. It centralizes all your business processes (sales, purchasing, inventory, accounting, projects) into a single, scalable information system, offering:  An intuitive and collaborative interface  Unified management of sales, finance, and logistics  Native integration with Microsoft 365  GDPR and nLPD compliance  Secure cloud access and guaranteed mobility  Additionally, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed to connect seamlessly with other applications in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite: human resources module, marketing module, CRM, Power BI, and more. This interconnected ecosystem ensures that your applications provide.    Customize Your ERP to Your Needs with Industry-Specific Software   Business Central is a powerful, interconnected ERP, but when used alone, it remains generic. However, every SME has its own unique processes: customer contract management, specific logistics workflows, production planning, digitalization of delivery notes, import of complex data, and more.  This is where our dual expertise as both integrator and software publisher truly makes a difference: we develop business applications fully connected to Business Central that adapt to your specific needs.    Spotlight on a Few Almakom Business Applications for Distribution   SignBL – Digitalized Deliveries with Electronic Signature   Streamline your shipments with a SaaS application connected to Business Central. Your drivers collect customer signatures via tablet or smartphone, and your teams benefit from a secure, real-time, paperless delivery workflow.  Compliant electronic signature  Automatic synchronization with the ERP  Delivery note tracking in the dashboard  Import Data – Easy Import of Excel or CSV Files   No more tedious manual entries! With Import Data, you can upload structured files in just a few clicks into any Business Central entity: items, orders, customers, suppliers.  Customizable templates  No technical skills required  Secure imports and full traceability  Production Planning – Clear Overview of Workshop Workloads   Anticipate bottlenecks and align your planning with actual capacities. Our module offers visual scheduling of manufacturing orders with drag-and-drop, real-time load/capacity views, and rescheduling in case of disruptions.      Almakom: More Than an Integrator — Your Local Business Partner   At Almakom, we are both a certified Microsoft integrator and a developer of industry-specific applications. We support SMEs with an agile approach, from project scoping to deployment, including change management, training, and support.  To meet your needs, we combine:  Proximity:  We stay close to you and understand your on-the-ground realities  Expertise:  Our specialists are certified in their fields  Consulting:  Our approach is grounded in change management  Our solutions comply with local requirements (VAT, accounting, GDPR, nLPD) and are designed for SMEs in Switzerland, France, and internationally.

B2B Wholesalers: Why Digitalize Now? In wholesale, margins are tight, volumes are high, and customer expectations are demanding. To stay competitive, B2B SMEs must be able to:  track inventory in real time,  anticipate stockouts,  manage customer-specific pricing,  deliver quickly,  and maintain smooth business relationships.  If you have too many disconnected tools, too much manual data entry, and insufficient visibility into your operations, it’s probably time to change your system.  Microsoft Software Serving B2B Wholesalers A unified environment to manage your business with Microsoft Software Serving B2B Wholesalers Microsoft doesn’t just offer software, but a complete, modular, and scalable platform. Each component addresses a key need while seamlessly integrating with the other tools you already use (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint...).  For a wholesale SME, this is a way to access the same tools as large enterprises, but at a scale that fits your business.      Dynamics 365 Business Central – The ERP for Modern SMEs Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the ERP designed for SMEs. It covers all management functions:  sales and purchasing,  inventory management,  accounting, VAT, and multi-currency,  logistics, traceability, and inventory control.  It offers a 360° view of your operations and helps you make real-time decisions.  Why is Business Central ideal for wholesale?  Because it allows you to track every order, item, and customer within a single system. It alerts you to stockouts, calculates your margins, and adapts to your B2B processes. By integrating predictive AI tools, Business Central can also anticipate replenishment needs and detect accounting anomalies.    Dynamics 365 Sales – A CRM Focused on Sales Performance Track B2B prospects and customers  Record communication history and monitor opportunities  Automate sales tasks  Forecast revenue  You align marketing, sales, and customer service within a single tool. Additionally, Copilot AI helps your teams save time on daily repetitive tasks. Check out our latest article on the topic.  Why is this essential for wholesalers?   In B2B sales, customer relationships rely on personalization, responsiveness, and trust. A CRM connected to your ERP enables your salespeople to know what the customer ordered, at what price, when it was delivered, and if stock remains. It’s a true tool for commercial efficiency.    Power BI – Manage Your Margins, Customers, and Products Real-time dynamic dashboards  Sales analysis by segment, region, or product  Monitoring commercial and logistics performance  Combining CRM and ERP data  Your decisions are based on consolidated data. No more manual data compilation: you get real-time insights presented as clear graphs that help you adjust decisions on purchasing, promotions, staffing, and more.    Field Service – Optimize Your Field Operations   Scheduling deliveries, installations, or after-sales service  Assigning drivers or technicians  Electronic signature and real-time tracking  Automated reports synced with your ERP An ideal solution for B2B distributors who work on-site with their clients. Whether you perform regular deliveries, assembly, or on-site after-sales service, Field Service lets you plan everything, track all activities, and sync field operations with your ERP. The result: less paperwork, fewer oversights, and greater customer satisfaction.  With Almakom, activate the right tools for your business processes At Almakom, we don’t just sell software. We help you select, connect, and tailor Microsoft solutions to your business realities.  Our approach includes:  Auditing your processes (orders, inventory, customers, logistics)  Integrating Business Central, CRM, Power BI, or Field Service  Deploying our specialized business applications for wholesale trade:  B2B Customer Portal  Mobile WMS  Transport Planning  Smart Excel Import  Delivery Note Digitalization    Concrete benefits for your company  Reduction of errors and time spent re-entering  Gain in responsiveness for sales and logistics teams  Best customer experience (orders, after-sales service, delivery)  Complete visibility on activity, margins and delays  A scalable system, compatible with your ambitions

At the beginning of 2025, Microsoft announced new features for your Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP. These features will be available to users between April and September 2025. Application: Field Service integration With the new Business Central 2025 release, Microsoft introduces several notable improvements: Integration with Field Service : you can now integrate Field Service into the management of your services, allowing better coordination of service operations. This feature is of particular interest to the operations of organizations that provide maintenance and repair services. Item availability in work orders : It is now possible to display the availability of items in the warehouse directly in field service work orders, which facilitates planning and execution of tasks. Go further with the AI Copilot    In 2024, Microsoft announced the possibility of conversing with its AI Copilot to get help or learn new skills. For this new release, Microsoft goes further by continuing to expand the capabilities of its Copilot AI: Copilot, a real assistant : users can now ask questions directly on the content of applications and be guided. Copilot can also generate automatic data summaries, making it easier to quickly understand key information. Sales Order Assistant : Copilot allows you to automate the sales order taking, reducing manual tasks and speeding up the sales process. Improved Supplier Order Line Matching : Copilot improves the matching of Supplier Order Lines, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.   E-Commerce: Business Central and Shopify Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP 2025 Wave 1 strengthens the integration between Business Central and Shopify: Enabling different sales channels : Users can now enable their different sales channels in the Shopify connector, simplifying sales management. Data import and export with Shopify metafields : It is now possible to import and export more data using Shopify metafields, improving the synchronization of information across platforms. Financial Management Financial management has never been easier with the new Business Central features: Analysis of subscription billing data : you can now, thanks to the new Power BI application for subscription billing data analysis, analyze all your subscription billing data. Definition of mandatory fields for certain types of documents : such as purchase orders and invoices, to ensure the completeness of the required information. The fields involved include transaction type, regime, mode of transport and delivery conditions. This requirement prevents the validation of documents without these essential information, thus reducing the risk of errors. This improvement aims to simplify the reporting process, save time and minimize administrative errors. In addition, a new functionality allows verifying that the total amounts (including VAT and VAT) entered on invoices and purchase credits correspond to the totals calculated from the lines of the document.   Governance and administration Discover the new tools added to Business Central: MultiSubnetFailover Support : Improves network connection resilience, ensuring continuous service availability. Application compatibility with future releases : Administrators can now view application compatibility with future releases directly in the admin center, making it easier to schedule updates. Report generation and data analysis Improved reporting and data analysis: Enhanced analytics for manufacturing : Users can use improved analytics for manufacturing, providing a better understanding of production processes. Access to report and request metadata  : It is now possible to access report and request metadata in Word layouts, making it easier to customize documents. Use of improved financial reporting features : The financial reporting features have been enhanced, providing more detailed analysis and more accurate reporting. User experience The user experience on Business Central has also been enriched, in particular by: An overview of PDF attachments possible. Screen area usage optimization : The use of the screen area on the web has been optimized, providing a simplified interface and navigation. Sustainability Options for CSR and sustainability have been improved: Automatic GHG emission suggestions: Copilot automatically proposes greenhouse gas emissions values to be recorded in the sustainability sheets. This saves you time in data entry and improves the accuracy of your estimates.  Built-in sustainability sheets: enter GHG emissions data manually or automatically. Want to discover more features? Or adopt the ERP Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for your company? To discover all the features in image:

In an increasingly competitive business environment, the effectiveness of sales and marketing teams is a major issue. Automation and artificial intelligence are becoming essential levers to remain competitive. It is in this logic that AI Copilot in CRM Dynamics 365 stands out as an intelligent assistant for your sales and marketing teams. 👉 Discover how Copilot transforms your CRM and saves time for your employees. Automate repetitive tasks to increase efficiency Microsoft’s AI Copilot supports sales and marketing teams by automating time-consuming tasks, such as: Entering and updating customer data in the CRM. Automatic generation and customization of email responses. Automatic creation of meeting minutes. Automated follow-up of business reminders and actions.   With less time spent on these tasks, your teams can focus on their core business: selling and engaging prospects. Instantly access the right information from your CRM Microsoft’s AI Copilot enables your teams to perform quick and relevant searches in the CRM. Your teams will no longer need to navigate through data pages to find information. Copilot integrated with CRM Dynamics 365 provides your teams with intelligent suggestions to personalize interactions with prospects. For example, before an appointment, the sales representative can automatically obtain a summary of the customer, his last orders, his preferences and the next recommended actions. Anticipate opportunities with predictive analytics Copilot integrates advanced AI algorithms to anticipate opportunities and optimize sales cycles: Identification of the most promising leads. Analysis of trends and recommendations on best strategies. Alerts in case of risk of churn client. Improve the customer experience with smart personalization A good customer experience is based on the relevance of messages, team responsiveness and customer knowledge. Copilot allows: Automatically customize marketing campaigns Adapt messages to the expectations of each contact Automate customer follow-up without losing quality By helping your teams better understand customer expectations and behaviours, AI Copilot enables automated personalization and increased interactions. Test AI Copilot in CRM Dynamics 365 : book a demo! AI Copilot radically transforms the productivity of sales and marketing teams by combining automation and artificial intelligence. You want to discover how Copilot can boost your performance?