2011 Review of Serenic Software — Serenic Navigator

Serenic Software, Inc. - Serenic Navigator
877-737-3642
www.serenic.com

From the November 2011 Review of Not-for-Profit Accounting Systems

Best Fit
Serenic Navigator is a powerful system optimally designed for larger nonprofit organizations that need a fully integrated financial solution that provides solid performance and system reliability. Smaller users may wish to utilize the SaaS version, Navigator Online, which was designed for small to mid-sized users.

Strengths

• Excellent financial management capability
• Availability of related modules for donor/grant management
• Scalable to fit the needs of just about any size/type of nonprofit/government entity
• SaaS version available (Navigator Online)
• Customizable dashboards & internal sharing of data through portals
• Strong, customizable budgeting capability
• Solid import/export and third-party integration capability

Potential Limitations

• Cost may be prohibitive for some smaller organizations
• Complex product installation & setup for on-premises product

Serenic Navigator is a fully integrated financial management suite designed for larger nonprofit organizations, government entities and non-governmental organizations. Powered by Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Navigator offers a flagship financial product along with Navigator Extended Suite, which provides more module options for users. The product is also available in a SaaS delivery model, Navigator Online.

Basic System Functions - 5 Stars

The on-premise installation of Serenic Navigator is complicated and should be handled by an IT professional. However, Serenic now offers Navigator Online for added flexibility. Built entirely on Microsoft Dynamics NAV technology, initial system navigation may be confusing to those who are used to a more conventional user interface, but users will soon grow to appreciate the layout of the product. Navigator makes great use of Role Centers, which provide the gateway to all system navigation. Each user can easily customize his or her individual interface. The use of Role Centers also eliminates user-overload, as each user is assigned a role and has access only to the features and functions that they need. This structure makes system training less overwhelming, as the users will only have to deal with their own specific job functions.

Serenic Navigator’s flagship financial product suite includes GL, AP, AR and Cash Management functionality, along with key system functions such as Advanced Allocations, Budgeting/Forecasting, Inventory, Sales Orders, Fixed Assets and Procurement. Also offered is a Multi-Currency-Multi-Language feature, along with Workflow Management with Approvals, Complete Financial Reporting, Integrated Excel Report Writer and Microsoft Office Integration. The Navigator Extended Suite offers the following additional nonprofit-specific modules: DonorVision (donor management), AwardVision (grant management), MinistryView, CommunityCare (consumer services and workshops), Deposits and Loans, Human Resources/Payroll, and a variety of portals, which provide easy system access to remote employees. With the addition of the SaaS version, Serenic Navigator offers more scalability than ever before.

Core NFP/Fund Accounting Capability - 5 Stars

Serenic Navigator utilizes a table-driven chart of accounts that allows for up to 10 segments when setting up system accounts. Up to 110 alphanumeric characters can be used in the account structure, as well. Users can process multiple transaction types, including recurring entries; automatic reversing entries; and budget, actual and statistical transactions. The new BudgetVision module offers a whole new level of budgeting capability, including the ability to set up multi-year budgets. Multiple budgets can be tracked and viewed over a period of several years, providing a big-picture look.