What is the difference between Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations?

Business Central is designed for small to mid-sized businesses and covers core ERP functions including finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and project management. Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is an enterprise-grade platform suited to larger or more complex organizations with multi-entity structures, advanced project accounting, or manufacturing and supply chain requirements. Metam implements both and can help you identify the right fit for your business.

How much does Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central cost?

Business Central Essentials is licensed at $80 per user per month and covers core ERP including finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, warehouse, and project management. Business Central Premium is $110 per user per month and adds service and manufacturing capabilities. Team Member licences are $8 per user per month for light users who need read access and basic task completion. Implementation and configuration costs vary based on the size and complexity of your environment.

Is Business Central suitable for construction and engineering companies?

Yes. Business Central works well for small to mid-sized AEC businesses that need to manage project costing, job profitability, inventory, and financial reporting in a single system. For larger or more complex AEC operations - those with consortium invoicing, multi-entity structures, contractor management, or advanced project billing - Metam's Dynamics 365 F&O implementation with the Metam 365 AEC accelerator may be a better fit. Metam assesses both options and recommends the right solution for your business.

How long does a Business Central implementation take?

A standard Business Central implementation for a small to mid-sized business typically takes between 3 and 6 months from project kick-off to go-live. More complex environments - those with significant data migration requirements, third-party integrations, or custom workflows - may take 6 to 9 months. Metam's pre-built AEC accelerators reduce configuration time and lower go-live risk compared to a standard implementation.

Can I migrate from QuickBooks or Sage to Business Central?

Yes. Business Central is a common upgrade path for businesses outgrowing QuickBooks or Sage. Migration typically involves mapping your chart of accounts, migrating open transactions and master data, and reconfiguring processes to match Business Central's structure. Metam guides AEC businesses through this transition with a structured migration process and pre-built templates that reduce the time and risk involved.

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Asset management transformation for operationally intensive teams

Reimagine how you manage, deploy, and optimise high-value equipment. Transform your asset
management for a new era in the built environment.

Asset management transformation for operationally intensive teams

Reimagine how you manage, deploy, and optimise high-value equipment. Transform your asset management for a new era in the built environment.

The asset management challenge in the built environment

In industries where physical assets underpin delivery, such as construction, infrastructure, engineering, and live production, the lack of structured asset management leads to recurring issues.

Poor visibility into asset location and condition

Without centralised tracking, teams often waste time locating tools and equipment across job sites. Lack of real-time data on asset condition leads to missed maintenance needs, unexpected breakdowns, and costly delays.

Inefficient utilisation of expensive equipment

High-value machinery frequently sits idle or is underused due to poor scheduling and limited usage insights. This not only inflates capital expenditure but also reduces return on investment and project efficiency.

Last-minute rentals and project delays due to missing tools

When assets can’t be located or are unavailable, teams are forced into last-minute rentals – driving up costs and pushing back timelines. These reactive decisions disrupt project schedules and strain budgets.

Manual, inconsistent workflows across teams and sites

Disconnected processes and paper-based tracking introduce errors and inefficiencies. Each site may follow different procedures, making it difficult to standardise operations and scale best practices.

Siloed systems that limit operational insight

Fragmented data across spreadsheets, emails, and standalone systems restricts visibility for decision-makers. This lack of integration hampers agility and slows down critical responses to on-site issues.

Increase in safety risks from missed inspections

Gaps in safety protocols due to manual oversight or outdated systems can lead to uninspected or unsafe equipment being deployed. This puts workers at risk, increases liability, and can result in compliance violations.

Our approach to asset management

Metam partners with operationally intensive businesses to build and embed modern asset management capabilities. Our consultancy-led model ensures alignment across people, process, and platforms, without assuming that technology alone is the answer.

We begin with a simple premise: better data, aligned processes, and integrated visibility lead to better decisions and outcomes.

Making asset management work for you

Diagnostic & Discovery

We conduct a thorough, cross-functional analysis of equipment tracking processes, examining how assets move through operations by tracking inventory, utilisation, maintenance, and inspections. This allows us to identify gaps in control, mismanagement, or lack of visibility that hinder efficient equipment flow and contribute to downtime.

Process Redesign

We redesign your equipment lifecycle, from planning and dispatch to tracking usage. inspections, and returns. Our approach ensures each step is data-driven. optimising asset allocation, improving utilization rates, and establishing clear accountability to minimise delays and maximise productivity.

Implementation Support

We guide the integration of tracking tools and technologies, such as GPS. loT sensors. or equipment management platforms. Our team supports seamless system integration, ensuring that equipment tracking is streamlined, and users are empowered through training and support to adopt new. efficient processes.

Continuous Improvement

we remain engaged post-implementation to monitor – quipment performance and usage patterns. By analysing eal-time data and user feedback, we optimise tracking orkfiows, refine operational practices, and ensure the racking system evolves with your business to improve isibility and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Business outcomes

Clients who engage us to transform their asset management operations typically realise measurable improvements across four critical dimensions of performance and control.

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Why Metam for asset management

Built Environment Expertise

Specialists in industries where asset performance drives delivery such as construction, engineering, infrastructure, and live production. Deep knowledge of moving equipment, tight timelines, and safety-critical operations ensures practical, grounded solutions.

Proven, Scalable Impact

Tested methodologies scale from pilot to full rollout. Measurable gains in utilisation, visibility, and lifecycle performance are delivered without disrupting operations.

Operational First, Technology Second

Asset models are built to support real-world needs first. Pre-use checks, maintenance protocols, and audit readiness help reduce risk and strengthen frontline accountability.

Embedded Safety and Compliance

Safety and compliance are embedded from day one. Routine checks and audit trails are reinforced to reduce operational risk and build trust on the frontline.