MSDW was a media partner of Directions EMEA 2025, and in addition to covering news and announcements at the event, we also caught up with a few attendees to learn more about their experiences and impressions.
In addition to major announcements like reaching 50,000 customers of Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft pushed hard on their AI vision for the ERP solution. For the Microsoft partner audience, that focus is sending strong signals about not just about how they should advise customers but also how they will prioritize their own business initiatives.
On this podcast episode, we present interviews done on-site at the Poznan Congress Center during Directions EMEA with Marie Wiese, Andrew Good, and Rick McCutcheon. Our guests shared perspective on how Microsoft's vision will impact customers, the push for greater diversity in the channel workforce, and the priorities of partner marketers in a changing landscape.
Murray Fife, is a true Microsoft ERP veteran, having worked in the partner channel, at Microsoft, and independently. His latest projects include multiple series of educational guides providing a complete view of Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management as a product suite, as well as work with Microsoft on developing their latest official demo database for F&SCM.
Murray's work on these projects has also informed his outlook on F&SCM as a product, he says. For anyone looking to become a solution architect, a product owner for a Microsoft customer, or another senior role, F&SCM requires both a broad and a deep education, perhaps beyond one's comfort zone or day-to-day role and responsibiliies. Being an ERP leader today also requires a perspective on the state of AI in enterprise software, and Murray explains why he believes some of the big initiatives from Microsoft, specifically MCP and AI Agents, have the potential to reshape the ERP story in the future.
Where to find Murray:
This episode is sponsored by PayTrace.
Visa's Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) goes into effect this month, and there are some key differences from the previous Level 2 and Level 3 interchange program that merchants will need to understand.
Jeremy Boogaart and Sam Johnson of PayTrace join us on this episode to help make sense of CEDP's timeline, enforcement model, and other implications for merchants. There are benefits to achieving and maintaining "verified" status under the program, and for non-verified merchants, consequences could include higher costs and downgrades.
We discuss data elements of Level 3 transactions under CEDP, different types of data quality management, and how it all relates to payment processing integrated with ERP systems. Jeremy and Sam explain how PayTrace has been supporting its clients through this transition and offer tips on how merchants can understand if they have been affected.
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This episode is sponsored by HSO.
Attendees at Summit NA 2025 can learn more about the solutions they already use, but the event also offers opportunities to expand their knowledge and perspective on investing in business applications.
Our guest on this episode, HSO VP of Managed Services Hilary McLaughlin, works with clients after they go live on Microsoft solutions, and she tells us that she encourages Summit attendees to think about the areas they may be overlooking today. Attendees can use their time to learn the latest in data management and integration capabilities, research complementary technology, and get new insights into support and user management scenarios.
HSO will have a major presence at Summit NA 2025, including not just a booth but several educational sessions, a solution showcase, and more. They will be showing off their team's breadth and depth, from solutions to data to support and beyond. Hilary tells us more about one of their sessions looking at hidden gems within Power Platform Admin Center and she shares her advice on how to make the most of your next conference experience, from research to session selection.
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This episode is sponsored by Mekorma.
Vendor management is the foundation of payment processing and a critical step in ensuring your business isn’t exposed to unnecessary risk, but for many teams operating in Microsoft Dynamics GP and D365 Business Central, it’s still manual, time-consuming, and error-prone.
In this podcast episode, Mekorma’s Director of Revenue Brendan Coffey explores the realities of vendor management today, the compliance challenges of IRS TIN checks and OFAC sanctions, and what happens when vendor validation is overlooked.
Listeners will walk away with a clear framework of "Now → Next → Later" for strengthening vendor management maturity in Business Central and Dynamics GP. From easing year-end 1099 reporting to embedding vendor validation and finally automating compliance checks in the payment run, this conversation shows how AP teams can save time, reduce risk, and scale with confidence.
From Mekorma:
This episode is sponsored by SignUp Software.
The experience of deploying and managing a Dynamics 365 F&SCM solution can look quite different for the customer compared to their Microsoft partner. But as these two counterparts on an ERP project make decisions to move a project forward, they must contend with a series of key decisions related to ISV solutions including vendor selection, architecture decisions, and user adoption plans.
To understand more about ISV selection challenges specific to AP automation for D365 F&SCM, our guests, Rachel Ackerman of Microsoft partner Caf2Code and Josh Torres of SignUp Software join us to talk both real world experiences and recommendations for organizations considering their next move.
Ackerman brings a particularly unique perspective, having spent several years working for D365 F&SCM and AX customer organizations to deploy and administer their ERP solutions, including their AP automation add-on solutions. Now working for a Microsoft partner, she is helping a range of D365 customers across industries with both their D365 deployments and their ISV selection.
Rachel and Josh discuss what real AP automation selection and deployment looks like including considerations like whether to go with an embedded solution, the importance of reliable and accurate data capture for invoices, and the outcomes customers should expect from their AP automation investments.
More from Signup Software:
This episode is sponsored by the 365 Leadership Summit, taking place September 18-19, 2025
On this episode we are discussing the business leader's perspective on AI transformation, including a theme that people aren't talking about as much: failure.
Our guests on this episode, Prachi Mishra of Microsoft and Geoff Ables of C5 Insight, talk both the risks and the potential benefits of the AI offerings that are emerging almost in real time from Microsoft in 2025. Prachi and Geoff both explain their reasons for viewing AI as key to the future of business, and the conditions that will lead organizations to successful investments.
They share case studies from their own clients, AI adoption advice, and how to build an achievable roadmap. And Geoff helps us understand one of the key risks that he foresees, the emergence of AI shelfware and the loss of excitement or momentum within an organization.
More about the 365 Leadership Summit:
This episode is sponsored by XPLUS.
On this episode we are diving into key changes in license enforcement in Dynamics 365 F&SCM with Bartosz Szpiech, vice president of product at XPLUS.
We begin by discussing what has changed in the licensing model from AX 2012 to Dynamics 365 and how it is changing in the coming months in ways that will have important implications for customers still planning a move from on-premises to cloud, as well as for existing D365 customers.
And while many customers will be able to adapt without too much disruption, there will be scenarios in which organizations could face a major impact to license costs and user management.
We also discuss how security setup projects have evolved and how user security governance, or USG, can support license optimization and compliance going forward.
Resources:
Early in Microsoft's FY26, managers in the sales and channel organizations have worked to explain important program changes that will impact partners in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. At the recent Biz Apps Partner Executive Summit 2025 event, attendees heard from a variety of Microsoft representatives who presented sales strategy and the reorganized structure that attempts to blend business applications with modern work. Partners also heard about Microsoft's new and updated incentives, vision for AI agent sales in the enterprise, and revised sales plays across industries and segments.
Joe Corigliano was one of the key organizers of the event from Dynamics Communities and he joined us after the event ended to recap some of the highlights like memorable insights from speakers, some of the MSDW event coverage, and partner reactions to Microsoft's outlook on selling AI agents.
On this episode we are talking to some of the experts who presented at the Summit North America Roadshow event in Seattle this week, where members of the Dynamics 365 community came together to hear from Microsoft and their peers about D365 applications, Power Platform, and the broader technology landscape that they face.
Microsoft kicked off the event with a tour of some of the latest Power Platform AI features in their plan designer, which recently reached GA, as well as the latest preview feature, generative pages.
That focus on AI-driven capabilities became a theme of the day, woven in with other functional and technical topics. To better understand what Microsoft's product evolution and efforts mean, we spoke with three enterprise software veterans for more perspective on topics like user adoption, sharing lessons about early AI solution development efforts, the impact on people's jobs, individual vs organizational solutions, and how to focus on outcomes.
Our guests for this episode are:
This episode is sponsored by Invoiced by Flywire.
Advances in AR software are re-shaping financial management in ERP systems. Our guest on this episode, Flywire product lead Chris Couch, discusses the evolution of the invoice to cash story from an AR and payments perspective and how his team's solution for Dynamics 365 Business Central, Invoiced by Flywire, improves the work experience of finance teams.
Chris is a veteran of the AR automation space, and he shares his perspective on how the technology and business case have evolve in recent years. We also discuss what's new with Invoiced by Flywire, including its D365 integrations.
Chris also discusses some real-world use cases and tells us what the Microsoft community can expect in the near future from the solution.
More from Flywire:
This episode is sponsored by Mekorma.
On this episode we are examining the persistent digital gaps plaguing Accounts Payable teams, despite widespread adoption of AP software. Our guest is Mekorma's Director of Revenue Brendan Coffey, and we explore why disjointed workflows still exist, what those inefficiencies look like in practice, and how they impact everything from compliance to cost-per-invoice.
Brendan explains some of the fundamental differences between embedded and integrated AP automation solutions within the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem, and how each approach affects user experience, security, IT overhead, and ROI.
Whether you're trying to simplify your AP tech stack or reduce manual touchpoints, this episode will help you assess which approach aligns with your operational needs and long-term goals.
Visit Mekorma.com to find out if an embedded Accounts Payable solution is the right fit for your business.
In this kickoff episode of our new podcast series focused on IT leadership, we sit down with Tom Doran and Tony Darden of VCIO Global to explore the concept of the "invisible IT department". We start by describing some of the common trends in the evolution of IT management and its ability to be a strategic asset rather than just a cost center. Tom and Tony share stories of the challenges businesses are facing when it comes to software selection, accountability, technology project expectations, and how to tie the CIO responsibilities to business successes.
Key topics we discuss include:
In this episode, our guests from SignUp Software and Eftsure use AP automation as an entry point into a bigger story: how finance leaders are becoming cybersecurity leaders.
Our guests, Rob Ashe of SignUp and Gabe Garcia of Eftsure, discuss the organizations' strategic partnership, why it will help Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations users, and the role of financial
automation in fortifying against modern threats.
Framed by insights from Eftsure's 2025 Cybersecurity Guide for CFOs, this conversation dives into why today’s fraud landscape demands adversarial thinking, how practices like red teaming are reshaping finance functions, and what it takes for CFOs to lead their organizations into a new era of digital resilience.
This episode is sponsored by SignUp Software.
On this episode, we explore the challenges that CFOs, controllers, and other decision-makers are managing today.
Our guests, SignUp's Bob Monio and Velosio's Chris Wheeler, are here to discuss market conditions and trends that are driving priorities for companies using Dynamics 365 Business Central.
When it comes to automation, executives are prioritizing investments based on the end-to-end business processes, Bob explained. That type of big picture strategic planning requires committed partners with industry and technology expertise. And with their ExFlow suite, SignUp also counts on partners like Velosio to set the context for technology investments. Chris shares some of Velosio's recent experiences, as well as plans for the future of the partnership between the firms.
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This episode is sponsored by Delinea.
Security and compliance concepts related to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management are constantly evolving, and our guest, Delinea principal software development engineer Alex Meyer, continue to work to help the community make sense of their options.
Alex, a Microsoft MVP, recently presented a new webcast to the MSDW audience on native controls in D365 applications, and he joins the podcast to provide more perspective on the gaps that still exist. Auditors have become more familiar with D365 F&O solutions, Alex explains, and that means they know where to look for verification of segretation of duties.
We also discuss another hot topic right now, D365 licensing and the new policies Microsoft is trying to finalize related to technical enforcement for users. Alex shares his experiences and observations thus far, including the latest known delays to Microsoft's implementation of this plan.
More from Delinea:
MSDW was a media partner at May's Resco Next 2025 event, and we had the chance to chat with a range of the event's presenters. Resellers, customers, and Resco's own team brought news, perspective, and fresh ideas to the event. We heard how partners have developed unique industry solutions atop Resco's mobile tools, how customers have pushed their field scenarios forward, and where Resco sees their product roadmap going, both for their own vision and in alignment with Microsoft's technology vision.
Guests you will hear from in this episode are:
You can see all our Resco Next 2025 coverage here:
This episode is sponsored by Emfluence.
On this episode, we look at some of the specific ways that the data from a Dynamics 365 CRM system can help marketers get the best results for their sales teams. Our guest, Monico Hoyer of emfluence, explores some of the scenarios in which marketers can leverage Dynamics data more effectively, along with practical ways they can integrate it with their marketing automation solutions.
Monica breaks down the first steps every Dynamics customer should take to enhance their marketing efforts, ensuring they're making the most of their data. The challenges span process, technical integration requirements, and organizational scenarios, she explains.
We also explore advanced marketing tactics that Dynamics users can adopt to drive engagement, optimize campaigns, and boost business growth.
More from Emfluence:
This episode is sponsored by Mekorma.
Mekorma has been helping the Dynamics community streamline AP for over 30 years, and one way they have differentiated their brand is through their focus on empathy and client care. To learn more about the company's roots and core values, we spoke with founder and CEO Ora Goldman. Ora shared some defining moments in Mekorma's history, like their early efforts to bring the needs of financial professionals front and center in their solution development.
The company's product evolution has also been focused on understanding real pain points of customers, Ora explains, and she shares some examples and stories about client experiences. We also discuss some of the company's experiences as an ISV in the Microsoft ecosystem, first working with Great Plains and Dynamics GP, and how they have modernized their offerings and expanded to Dynamics 365 Business Central. We also learn more about Ora's outlook on the Dynamics community and her approach to fostering relationships and partnerships.
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MSDW was a media sponsor of this week's DynamicsCon 2025 event, live in Chicago. In our travels, we met up with some Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management experts to get their perspective on Microsoft announcements, customer feedback, and other plans.
In this episode, we hear from Microsoft MVP Alicia King (Keener) of RSM, James Cook, director with enVista, and Joe Christensen, founder of Aqueducts Consulting. All three work with Dynamics 365 F&O solutions, and we talked about new features, how customers are learning about Microsoft's AI offerings like pre-built agents and Azure AI Foundry, and some of the pressing needs for F&O customers related to licensing.
This episode is sponsored by Coffee + Dunn.
As buyer behavior has evolved, sales and marketing teams have tried to keep pace. Understanding buyer behavior remains key, says our guest, Thomas Manders, CEO of Microsoft partner Coffee + Dunn, but data gathering and contextualizing insights for sellers have proved a challenge for some firms.
In this episode, Thomas shares examples of business processes that Dynamics 365 users can execute on today, including steps that can bring sales and marketing teams closer together. We also discuss some of the latest Dynamics 365 Customer Insights marketing capabilities and what the Coffee + Dunn team is watching for in Microsoft's D365 road map.
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This episode is sponsored by Avalara.
The complexities and challenges of use tax compliance only seem to grow as a business expands its operations and customer base. Our guest, Avalara use tax product solution consultant Myles Metzger, explains some of the most common misconceptions about use tax and why it is so tricky for finance teams to comply.
Myles also explains some of the common challenges that Dynamics ERP customers face and how Avalara's latest integrations with Dynamics GP, D365 Business Central, and D365 Finance improve tax accuracy and reduce the risks of under- or overpayment.
More from Avalara:
See how Avalara’s integrations with Microsoft Dynamics GP, BC, and Finance help improve accuracy, reduce manual effort, and minimize audit risk:
👉 Watch the demos: msdynamicsworld.com/vendor/avalara
👉 Get started with Avalara: avlr.co/4jHtHSH
Alicia King (Keener) received her first Microsoft MVP award in 2024, but her experience with Dynamics ERPs goes back more than 15 years. She joins us to share some of the meaningful experiences in her professional journey and her perspective on the present and future of Dynamics 365 F&O.
We discuss Alicia's approach to community participation, how she has extended her expertise into specific industries, and about her presentation plans for DynamicsCon 2025 in Chicago, where she will be presenting on using the built-in tax engine for D365 F&SCM.
Show Notes:
More information:
This episode is sponsored by Yooz.
When a Microsoft reseller like Innovia considers channel partnerships, it does so in the context of strategic plans related customer needs, growth goals, and market opportunities. On this episode, we sit down with Tim Teeter from Yooz and Trish Boccuti from Innovia to discuss how their organizations have successfully collaborated by prioritizing customer needs, aligning business strategies, and setting growth goals.
Tim shares insights into how their teams connected, established priorities, and achieved notable successes. Trish recounts how Innovia found ways to align their goals related to verticals, Dynamics sales, and customer success with Yooz's strengths around delivering procure-to-pay solutions.
Tim also highlights Yooz's initiatives in AP and invoice automation, emphasizing their work with Dynamics customers and partners. The discussion includes upcoming plans for Yooz on MSDW and introduces their new YoozProtect solution.
More from Yooz:
We’re wrapping up our Directions North America 2025 coverage with more perspective from channel veterans who were listening and presenting. Robert Jolliffe, Andrew King, and David Laster talked to MSDW during and just after the event. They shared their impressions of Microsoft's presence, the impact they expect from pre-built AI agents like the Sales Order Agent, and Power BI advances. And as Microsoft partners, they were also listening for the company's updates on how Business Central-focused firms can do better in the channel. And no North American SMB-focused ERP event would be complete without an update on Microsoft's push to help partners migrate Dynamics GP customers to Business Central. As our guests explain, that pathway remains complex.