MVP Insights: Robb Delprado on Evolution of Business Central, Connecting with Community, Academy at Summit NA

Welcome to “MVP Insights,” a podcast that explores the universe, ideas, and opportunities of the brightest stars in the Microsoft business applications ecosystem. 

In this episode, John Siefert welcomes Robb Delprado, Senior Presales Architect, Accelerynt, Microsoft MVP. The two discuss Robb’s journey to becoming an MVP, his areas of expertise, the evolution of the Business Central system, and his upcoming Summit NA sessions.

This episode is sponsored by Community Summit North America, the largest independent gathering of the Microsoft Business Applications ecosystem, taking place Oct. 13-17, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Register today to connect with thousands of users across the Microsoft business applications ecosystem at the for user, by user event.

Key Takeaways

• MVP overview: Robb reflects on his career journey, from starting as an accountant and working with mainframe computers to working with the flexibility of Microsoft’s Navision. He notes that many clients face the challenge of transitioning to Business Central due to extensive customizations in their legacy systems. However, he appreciates the advancements from mainframes to “microcomputers.”
• Career expertise: Robb explains his areas of expertise, which come from his experience as a controller implementing mainframe systems. He describes the evolution of Business Central, emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction, repeat business, and the value of relationship and service management features in modern systems, which play a large part in his work.
• Evolution of Business Central: As it relates to the evolution of BC, Robb initially resisted the shift to the cloud, preferring on-premises environments. Now, he expresses appreciation for the functionality Microsoft has incorporated into the cloud, noting the advantages and integration capabilities with other Microsoft products that were unimaginable 25 years ago.
• Toughest projects: Robb explains the challenge of convincing clients to adopt new systems, highlighting the irony of their desire for new systems to resemble the old ones. This emphasizes the importance of training and demonstrating a new system’s benefits to facilitate the transition and change their mindset.
• Summit NA sessions: Robb will be leading a number of sessions at Community Summit North America 2024. Additionally, he will be leading two Academy classes, “Fixed Assets – Soup to Nuts,” and “Service Management – Service in the Real World.”
• Tips for the community: In closing, Robb encourages Summit attendees to engage with presenters, who have a willingness to share knowledge, gain different perspectives, and assist others in understanding their presentations.

Stream the audio version of this episode here: