NIC Systems App Series #6: Behind-the-Scenes with Material Staging
At NIC Systems, app development isn’t just about writing code, it’s about solving real-world problems that manufacturers and distributors face every day. With more than 20 years of experience in the Microsoft Dynamics Business Central world, our team blends technical expertise with deep industry knowledge to build apps that fill the gaps Business Central doesn’t cover.
Listening First: Where Ideas Come From
Our development process starts with listening. We gather ideas from our Ideas Portal, which lets users submit suggestions for new features or apps. We also talk regularly with partners who are working closely with customers in the field. These conversations often highlight missing functionality and opportunities where an app could make all the difference.
From Idea to Requirements
Once we’ve zeroed in on an idea, our CTO and senior developers collaborate with partner consultants to shape it into clear, functional requirements. This ensures the solution is practical, realistic, and actually fits the day-to-day operations of a business.
Building and Testing the Apps
As development begins, apps go through rigorous hands-on testing by our subject matter experts and quality team, along with automated tests built right into the software. Throughout the process, the app is regularly demoed, giving the team a chance to provide feedback and refine the experience before launch.
Keeping Apps Current and Compatible
We also make sure apps are built to last. Every NIC Systems app is kept compatible with the latest Business Central versions, and twice a year, when Microsoft issues a major Business Central update, we update all of our apps. Another priority for our team is cross-app compatibility since many companies use more than one of our apps, we design many of them to work together, extending functionality without creating conflicts.
Marketplace Release and Support
Once an app is released to Microsoft Marketplace, it’s available as a free one-month trial. Users can access our online help directly inside Business Central, and if any issues come up, our support portal is there to assist.
Spotlight: Material Staging App – Built from a Real Manufacturing Need
One of our newest apps, Material Staging, came directly from a partner’s customer visit. The team at FoodCloudPlus saw a production workflow where a manufacturer:
- Transferred ingredients in bulk from storage
- Measured, weighed, and combined partial materials
- Labeled and staged items for production
It resembled work-in-progress inventory but they didn’t want the overhead of tracking WIP items. Business Central didn’t support this type of staging out of the box, so we built an app that does.
The Material Staging app helps manufacturers and warehouse teams stage materials in designated bins before production. Whether it’s pre-mixing ingredients or assembling packaging, the app ensures the correct materials are prepared in the right place, exactly when they’re needed.
Key Features of Material Staging
- Automatic Kit Grouping: Group items into kits using a simple code, with sub-groups for added organization
- Bulk Handling: Move bulk materials into staging areas using designated units of measure
- Smart Kit Suggestions: Automatically suggest kits for selected production orders
- Batch-Based Kit Creation: Break kits down by production batches (when used with the Production Batching app)
- Picking & Staging: Pick and stage items in a defined bin ahead of production
This app reduces delays, minimizes miscommunication on the floor, and helps teams stay ahead of production demands.
Coming up in Week 7
Next week’s blog looks at how manufacturers can protect quality and ensure compliance using the Inventory Restrictions, Item Recalls, and Quality Inspections apps. Learn how to reduce risk and make sure only the right materials and finished goods go out the door.
If you missed the earlier weeks, you can revisit them anytime on our blog page.
<< NIC Systems App Series #5: Free Resources That Support Every App
NIC Systems App Series #7: Maintaining Quality in Manufacturing with NIC Systems Apps >>
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