Western Computer and Microsoft to host “Navigate Forward” event focused on Business Central and AI

Western Computer, a Microsoft Dynamics partner that focuses on manufacturing and distribution, said it will host an onsite event with Microsoft titled “Navigate Forward: Business Central & The AI Advantage.” The event is scheduled in Downers Grove, Illinois, and is aimed at business leaders looking to assess how their ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems can evolve as more AI capabilities move into enterprise software.

According to the announcement posted by Yahoo Finance, the program is designed to give attendees a practical view of what ERP modernization can look like when paired with AI-oriented tools within Microsoft’s business applications ecosystem. The post also frames the event as a forward-looking discussion about the future of Dynamics 365 Business Central, Microsoft’s ERP product tailored to mid-market companies.

The company’s positioning is notable because Western Computer is described as serving manufacturers and distributors specifically, a niche where ERP upgrades often tie directly to production planning, inventory management, procurement, and order fulfillment. For that kind of operational workflow, the decision to modernize a core system can affect everything from planning cycles to data quality and reporting across business units.

While the announcement links the event to “AI advantage,” it does not specify which AI features, models, or demos will be included, nor does it detail any particular customer case studies, pilot programs, or outcomes Western Computer intends to showcase. The post similarly does not disclose the agenda format, speaker lineup beyond the hosting relationship, or whether attendees will get access to product walkthroughs or guided technical sessions.

The mention of Dynamics 365 Business Central indicates that the event’s focus is likely on how organizations can use that cloud-based ERP to connect finance, operations, and supply chain processes. Business Central is commonly used for functions such as budgeting and financial reporting as well as operational modules tied to sales, purchasing, inventory, and manufacturing, which is why partners often emphasize adoption pathways for specific industries.

For Microsoft, events like “Navigate Forward” are one of the ways it can support its channel network around Dynamics 365. The company has broadly emphasized AI and cloud-first capabilities across its software portfolio, and partner-led gatherings can be a conduit for translating those messages into industry-specific implementation plans.

Still, outside of the location and the stated theme, the announcement provides limited concrete details. It does not name sponsors other than Microsoft’s involvement, it does not list specific dates or times, and it does not provide any quantified results, pricing changes, or product roadmap disclosures tied to the event.

What to watch next is whether Western Computer and Microsoft publish additional materials after registration, such as a full agenda, confirmed speakers, or specific session descriptions that indicate which AI capabilities will be demonstrated and for which business processes. That would clarify whether the event is mainly educational or tied to particular implementation approaches for Business Central modernization in manufacturing and distribution.