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Upgrade from Dynamics GP to Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP) has been a reliable ERP solution for decades, but with Microsoft ending mainstream support, many businesses are now exploring alternatives. Enter: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central—the next-generation ERP solution for modern businesses.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
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What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform designed to streamline key business processes such as finance, operations, sales, and supply chain management.

As part of the broader Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite, Business Central integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools like Office 365, Power BI, and Power Automate, providing businesses with a unified and connected system. This integration allows for better collaboration, data-sharing, and workflow automation, helping organizations improve efficiency and make informed, data-driven decisions.

Its cloud-first architecture ensures accessibility from anywhere, making it ideal for remote teams or companies with distributed operations, while also providing automatic updates and enhanced security.

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Key features of Business Central

Financial management

Manage your financials, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.  

Supply chain management

Manage your inventory, vendors, and purchase orders.  

Sales and marketing

Manage your sales pipeline and customer relationships, including CRM and marketing automation.  

Human resources

Manage your HR processes, including employee records, benefits, and payroll.  

Project management

Manage your projects, including project planning, budgeting, and time tracking.  

Service management

Manage your service operations, including service orders and scheduling.

Reporting and analytics

Make better data-driven decisions with the help of reporting and analytics tools. 

Manufacturing

Manage your manufacturing operations, including production orders and capacity planning.  

Why upgrade from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

Business Central is designed to provide a single, integrated platform for managing a wide range of business functions, including finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and operations. It's highly customizable and can be tailored to meet your organization's specific needs.  

On the other hand, Dynamics GP is a more traditional on-premises solution designed to help businesses manage their financials, supply chain, and operations. It offers a range of advanced features and tools for managing accounting, inventory, and other business processes.  

So, what makes upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Business Central the smart choice?  

  • Continued support  

    One of the main benefits of switching to Business Central is that you'll continue to receive support and updates from Microsoft. This support is crucial because it ensures that your software stays up-to-date and secure and ensures you have access to the latest features and functionality. Without ongoing support, you may find that your software becomes outdated and difficult to use, which can negatively impact your business.  

  • Improved performance  

    Business Central is built on a modern architecture that's designed to be faster and more scalable than Dynamics GP. This means that you can expect improved performance and a better user experience when working with the software. With shorter load times and more efficient processes, you'll be able to get more done in less time. 

  • Enhanced functionality  

    While Dynamics GP and Business Central share some standard features, Business Central includes a number of additional tools and capabilities that aren't available in Dynamics GP. For example, Business Central includes native support for project management, manufacturing, and service management and integration with other Microsoft products like Office 365. This means that you'll be able to do more with the software and have access to a broader range of features and functionality.  

  • Cloud-based deployment  

    While Dynamics GP was primarily an on-premises solution, Business Central can be deployed in the cloud or on-premises. This gives you greater flexibility and allows you to choose the deployment option that best fits your business needs. With a cloud-based deployment, you'll be able to access your software from anywhere, on any device, and you'll benefit from automatic updates and improved security.  

  • Mobile capabilities  

    Business Central includes a native mobile app that allows you to access the software on your smartphone or tablet. This is a crucial advantage, as it means you'll be able to stay connected to your business, even when you're on the go. With the mobile app, you'll be able to view and edit key data, such as sales orders and customer records, and approve invoices and other documents.  

  • Improved reporting and analytics   

    Business Central includes a range of reporting and analytics tools that allow you to gain greater insights into your business. With advanced analytics and dashboarding capabilities, you'll be able to track key metrics and make better data-driven decisions.  

  • Greater integration   

    Business Central integrates with other Microsoft products and third-party solutions, making it easy to connect to other systems and data sources. This means that you'll be able to streamline your operations and work more efficiently, as you'll have access to a single, unified platform for all your business needs.  

The migration from Dynamics GP to Business Central is easier than you think

Upgrading to Business Central from Dynamics GP is a smart choice for any business looking to continue receiving Microsoft support and updates, improving performance, and accessing enhanced functionality.   

While the idea of migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central may seem daunting, with built-in familiarity to the Microsoft ecosystem (such as Office 365 integration), the transition is smoother, and employees can adapt quickly. Switching between these two business management solutions will require learning new features. However, it still has the same Microsoft look and feel.  

With its modern architecture, improved performance, and greater integration, Business Central is a powerful business management solution. It can help you streamline your overall operations and make better decisions. 

Automate your Business Central processes!

Automating your Business Central processes can help a business improve efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Failing to implement automation can cause you to lose your competitive edge in the market.   

Continia Software is a leading provider of automation solutions for your accounts payable, accounts receivable, and expense management processes. With solutions BUILT INSIDE your Business Central, you and your team don't have to learn new software applications.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Why should I upgrade from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

    Upgrading from Dynamics GP to Business Central ensures that your business stays current with the latest technology, as Microsoft has ended mainstream support for GP. Business Central offers cloud-based deployment, enhanced automation, AI-driven analytics, and continuous updates, making it a future-proof ERP solution for growing businesses.

  • Is Business Central better than Dynamics GP for small businesses?

    Yes, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a highly scalable and flexible solution designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It offers the same essential functionalities as Dynamics GP while adding cloud-based deployment, mobile access, and enhanced automation tools that make it ideal for small businesses looking to grow.

  • Can Business Central be deployed on-premises?

    Yes, while Business Central is a cloud-first solution, it also offers on-premises deployment options for businesses that prefer managing their infrastructure. However, the cloud option provides greater flexibility, real-time access from anywhere, and reduced IT management costs.

  • What are the key differences between Dynamics GP and Business Central?

    The main differences include:

    • Cloud deployment: Business Central offers cloud deployment, whereas Dynamics GP is primarily on-premises.
    • Mobile access: Business Central comes with a mobile app for remote work.
    • Automation: Business Central has more advanced automation features, making business processes more efficient.
    • Integration: Business Central integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and other Microsoft tools.
    • Scalability: Business Central is designed to scale with your business needs as it grows.
  • How difficult is the migration from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

    Microsoft has provided robust migration tools to make the transition from Dynamics GP to Business Central as seamless as possible. With native integration with Office 365 and similar user interfaces, employees can quickly adapt to the new system with minimal training.

  • What are the benefits of Business Central’s cloud deployment?

    With Business Central’s cloud deployment, your business benefits from:

    • Anywhere access: Work from any device with internet access.
    • Automatic updates: Always have the latest features without manual upgrades.
    • Reduced IT costs: No need to maintain expensive on-premises servers.
    • Improved security: Microsoft’s cloud offers enterprise-grade security and compliance features.
  • What is the cost of upgrading from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

    The cost of upgrading from Dynamics GP to Business Central will depend on your business size, deployment preferences (cloud or on-premises), and any customizations needed. However, with Business Central’s scalability, you only pay for what you need, and cloud deployment helps lower overall infrastructure costs.

  • Is Dynamics GP still supported by Microsoft in 2024?

    Microsoft will end mainstream support for Dynamics GP on 30th of September 2029, meaning no more regular updates or new features. Businesses relying on Dynamics GP may face increased risks of security vulnerabilities and outdated functionality.

  • What industries benefit from upgrading to Business Central?

    Business Central is designed to serve a wide range of industries, including:

    • Manufacturing
    • Retail
    • Service management
    • Healthcare
    • Professional services
    • Wholesale and distribution

    With its extensive features and flexibility, Business Central adapts to various business models and industry-specific requirements.