2012 Review of Serenic Navigator

by Mary Girsch-Bock, Contributing Writer
Created:

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

From the Nov. 2012 Review of Nonprofit Accounting Systems.

Best Fit - Serenic Navigator from Serenic Software is designed for mid to large sized nonprofit organizations, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) and government entities. Serenic offers an integrated financial system and the availability of Navigator Online, designed for smaller nonprofits make Navigator a flexible, scalable product.

Strengths

  • Solid budget capability
  • Extensive selection of nonprofit-related modules
  • Available in two versions for added scalability
  • Excellent customization capability
  • Integrates with Microsoft products
  •  

Potential Limitations

  • Complicated in-house installation and setup
  • Cost can be prohibitive for some mid-sized nonprofits

 

Serenic Navigator is a powerful nonprofit product ideally suited for mid-size and larger nonprofit organizations, Serenic is powered by Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Serenic Navigator functions as the financial arm of Navigator and offers a variety of product options that can be purchased separately. Serenic Navigator is available as a client/server product or can be accessed online through an SaaS subscription.

Basic System Functions: 4.5 Stars
Serenic Navigator installation is complex and requires a services engagement with Serenic or one of Serenic’s reseller partners. Smaller uses have the option to use Navigator Online, so installation issues become irrelevant. However, some implementation assistance from Serenic or a partner is required. Serenic Navigator is built on Microsoft Dynamics NAV technology, making the product extremely customizable, but somewhat confusing to the untrained user.

Serenic Navigator uses Role Centers for system navigation; a terrific idea where each employee is provided with a customized interface that contains only the modules, features and links relevant to their position. The interface is built based on employee roles, which can easily overlap.

The real advantage to this design is that each screen is truly customized based on employee needs with functions and features displayed on the user screen in an easy to navigate format allowing for efficient system navigation without the clutter.

Serenic Navigator’s flagship financial product suite includes Advanced Allocations, Purchase Order and Purchase Requisitions, Fixed Assets, Deposits and Loans, and Core Financials, which includes GL, AP, AR, and Payroll functionality. Serenic Navigator also offers complete Financial Reporting, including an Integrated Excel Report Writer and Business Intelligence tools. The product offers complete Microsoft Office Integration, as well as Multi-Currency and Multi-Language options.

For more extensive features, the Serenic Navigator Extended Suite offers DonorVision (donor management), AwardVision (grant management), Human Resources/Payroll, and a variety of software portals. The availability of a SaaS version opens a new market for Serenic Navigator.

Core NFP/Fund Accounting Capability: 5 Stars
Serenic Navigator allows users to set up 10 dimensions or segments, and up to 110 alphanumeric characters. If this isn’t enough, users can also add an unlimited number of additional segments to be used as sub-ledger accounts. Multiple transaction types can be easily processed, including budget and commitment transactions, along with automatic reversing entries, encumbrances, and general journal transactions.

The comprehensive BudgetVision module contains just about every feature that nonprofit organizations could possibly need, including real time budget preparation, in-depth budget management and monitoring tools, and the ability to create multiple budgets simultaneously. Users can also easily set up multi-year budgets, and assign a list of approvers to a budget.

Serenic DonorVision allows development professionals to cultivate relationships with potential donors, track donations, prepare and manage multiple fundraising campaigns, and set and manage fundraising goals. AwardVision manages multiple grants from pre-award to post-award reporting.

This content continues onto the next page...

Most Popular