PROSTEP develops new OpenPDM connector to MS Dynamics 365

The triumphant advance of the cloud in ERP environments in particular is unstoppable. Many ERP vendors have recently introduced new software versions with new application programming interfaces (API) that have been designed for use in the cloud. If these systems are to be connected to other enterprise applications installed in the cloud or on premise via our integration platform, we need to develop new ERP connectors that support these cloud architectures. This will allow our customers to exchange item master data and BOMs in the usual way using the very latest systems.

The MS Dynamics 365 ERP connector is the first in a series of new developments that will be followed in the coming months by integrations to cloud applications from SAP and other ERP vendors. The ERP system from Microsoft is widely used in Germany, especially at small and medium-sized companies. Several shipyards also use MS Dynamics 365.

Some of our customers in the US use MS Dynamics 365 in conjunction with the cloud-based PLM system PTC Arena, for which we have already developed a connector, which means that the new ERP connector is perfect for them.

In the near future, we will be able to offer them a standard integration between PTC Arena and MS Dynamics 365 in the form of software as a service (SaaS) based on our cloud platform OpenPDM. This underscores our growing commitment to the US market.

The new MS Dynamics 365 ERP connector is available to customers as from OpenPDM release 9.6.1 and can be used either in conjunction with other cloud applications or in hybrid scenarios with a PLM system installed on premise. We will continue to maintain the OpenPDM connectors to the already familiar on-premise systems in parallel to the development of new connectors.