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Thinking about moving from Dynamics GP to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central? Smart choice! With Microsoft setting an end date for Dynamics GP support, and GP not being cloud-based, you’ll miss out on essential updates and upgrades that keep your business in sync with changing demands. Without that support, you could run into system issues and complexities that make your ERP outdated and your business less stable.
Switching up your tech infrastructure isn’t something you do on an impulse. But as technology evolves, making that leap is less daunting than it used to be.
A lot of small to mid-sized businesses are still relying on Microsoft Dynamics GP, a legacy system that’s been around for decades. Since teams are so used to the familiar user interface as well as workflows, there’s often some hesitation to move to newer, more modern ERP solutions.
Why Should You Make the Switch from Dynamics GP?
Microsoft has shared that Dynamics GP support is winding down. Mainstream support ended back in 2020, and extended support will only be available until 2028. After that, no more updates, security patches, or compliance fixes will be coming.
If you’re still using GP, now’s the perfect time to start thinking about transitioning to a more modern solution like Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based application.
Business Central has some great features that you can benefit from if you’re looking to boost your software capabilities and manage your business better. Sure, GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central have their similarities like cloud backups, workflow automation, automatic updates, and easy-to-use dashboards. But honestly, Business Central is worth making the switch! Plus, a lot of those third-party tools you’ve been using with GP are already built right into Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Dynamics GP vs. Business Central: How Do They Differ?
| Features | Microsoft Dynamics GP | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Primarily on-premises, with limited cloud options | Cloud-based, no need for on-premises servers |
| Licensing Costs | Perpetual licensing starts at $5,000 for a minimum of 3 users. Subscription licensing starts at $65 per user per month. | Licensing starts at $70 per user per month |
| Updates | Manual updates require fees and system downtime | Automatic updates included in the subscription |
| IT Management | Requires in-house IT team for hardware and security | Managed remotely by Microsoft IT professionals |
| Security & Backups | Requires a separate IT team for security and backups | Security and backups included in the subscription |
| Workflow Automation | Limited automation, manual data input | Fully automated, Cloud-sync for real-time updates |
| Cross-platform Synchronicity | Minimal cross-platform syncing | Seamless integration across Microsoft products |
| Features and Add-ons | Limited feature set | Robust range of features and customizable add-ons |
| Integration | Limited integration with both Microsoft and third-party applications | Extensive integration with the full Microsoft suite and third-party applications, including payments, CRM, Power BI, analytics, e-commerce, and collaboration tools. |
| Reporting | Analytical accounting, management reporting, smart lists, third-party integrations, SQL Server | Financial, accounts receivable, accounts payable, sales, purchases, inventory, projects, fixed assets, assembly, production |
| Budgeting | Configure and import budgets from Excel, leveraging enhanced functionalities provided by ISVs. | Develop numerous budgets for financials, analysis, revisions, and dimensional reporting. |
| AI Functionality | Not available | Integrated generative AI featuring Copilot. |
10 Essential Benefits of Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides exceptional functionality and user-friendliness for your business. After transitioning from Dynamics GP, you can maintain preferred workflows, add-ons, and features while gaining access to advanced automation, better connectivity, and more comprehensive accounting capabilities.
The notable benefits of Business Central include:
- 1. Simplified Workflows and Automation: The solution integrates Microsoft tools as well as third-party add-ons for automatic data synchronization, allowing teams to automate invoice authorizations, modify Excel files, and manage quotes and transactions right from Outlook.
- 2. Automatic Updates: Microsoft issues minor updates every month and major updates twice a year, all included in the monthly subscription. Companies can automate these updates to occur during off-hours, minimizing disruption.
- 3. Connectivity: Business Central seamlessly integrates with Office 365, Power BI, PowerApps, Power Automate, and other Dynamics 365 apps, while also connecting with over 2,000 third-party add-ons via AppSource, allowing you to use the custom software solutions from GP.
- 4. Enhanced Reporting and Analytics: Continuous connectivity between channels and platforms provides your team with deeper insights into marketing, sales, and customer analytics. Easily integrate systems like Google Analytics and Salesforce into Dynamics Business Central for a comprehensive view of your operations.
- 5. Lower Expenses: With Dynamics Business Central, there's no need for on-site hardware maintenance or data storage. Transitioning to the Cloud helps lower total ownership costs, improving cash flow.
- 6. Integrated Training: The ERP comes with integrated training modules, enabling team members to familiarize themselves with every new tool via short videos and interactive walkthroughs. They can also hang over a function to display a helpful descriptive pop-up.
- 7. Remote Access: Remote and hybrid work are now more prevalent than ever. Transitioning to the Cloud will provide your team with secure access to all the applications and data they require, no matter where they are.
- 8. Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven forecasting as well as analytics improves your understanding of item usage trends, real-time demand, predictability, and seasonality throughout your business.
- 9. Bespoke Applications: Upon transitioning to Dynamics Business Central, get access to no code/low code Power Apps Platform, enabling you to easily create apps that align with your business processes without complex customizations. Furthermore, these apps will update automatically with Business Central, ensuring stability and minimizing the risk of sudden crashes.
- 10. Secure Your Data with Microsoft Azure: Moving to Business Central as well as the Cloud offers peace of mind knowing your data is safe in Azure data lake. With dedicated security and solution experts monitoring systems 24/7, you can rest assured against unexpected data violations and disruptions.
Korcomptenz Provides Expert Support for Your Business Central Migration
Korcomptenz, a Microsoft solutions partner based out of New Jersey and serving global clients, has more than 20 years of experience improving business outcomes. We specialize in Microsoft Dynamics 365 products, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics F&SCM, as well as Dynamics 365 CRM, leveraging comprehensive solutions that integrate ERP, AI, Azure Cloud, Analytics, and the Internet of Things.
Our expert team will leverage the insights from our tools to formulate a detailed migration strategy customized to your business, reviewing your options along the way.
We present a complete suite of ERP migration services, including technical support as well as change management, to ensure a smooth transition to Business Central with the least operational interruption.
Moreover, Korcomptenz can assist you in determining the best time for your migration. You can choose to start immediately or test specific Dynamics Business Central features for a few months before committing to a full migration. Rest assured, we’ll be with you throughout the entire ERP implementation process as you navigate this change.
Final Words
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and GP both serve diverse businesses across various industries. However, Dynamics GP’s limitations, including restricted cloud capabilities, complex maintenance, limited support, and inadequate integration with other Microsoft products, necessitate migration.
In contrast, Business Central is perfect for you if you’re looking to harness modern cloud as well as AI features. With regular enhancements and new functionalities, it equips your business to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Request a free consultation to make the most out of ERP migration benefits today.
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