Dynamics GP or Dynamics 365 Business Central – 5 questions before migrating

5 Questions to Ask Before Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central

Migrations from Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 and 2016 R2 to Dynamics 365 Business Central have been on the rise ever since Microsoft announced the end of support for the Dynamics GP versions. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the most viable upgrade option for current Dynamics GP users as it is a future-proof solution equipped with the latest cloud technology.

Learn about Business Central features in our latest blog “Why You Need to Migrate from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central.” 

However, there are many misconceptions around migrating to Business Central from Dynamics GP. To help you make the best decision for your business, below are some of the critical questions you need to ask yourself before migrating to Business Central.

5 Questions to Ask Before Migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central:

1. What are your organizational roadmap and goals?

You need to evaluate your current business positioning and the business goals you have as an organization. If you are using an older version of Dynamics GP, including GP 2013 to GP 2018 R2, you also need to understand that the solution lifecycle is nearing an end and will become obsolete in few years. Therefore, you need to determine your current and future goals you want to achieve over five years or beyond. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether Dynamics GP will be able to accommodate your roadmap and goals.

2. What is the direction of your current system (GP)?

Now that you understand your organization’s current positioning and roadmap, it is time to consider the future of your current system. Keep in mind that although Microsoft is committed to providing bug fixes and security for Dynamics GP for the foreseeable future, they will no longer offer substantial technological or functional advancements. This does not mean that you must migrate to Business Central in the short term, but it may mean that a migration is necessary for your organization in the long run.

3. Does your organization need a cloud ERP (Business Central)?

Next, you need to determine if your organization will benefit from Business Central’s cloud features. A cloud-based solution like Business Central can provide your organization with countless benefits in today’s digital era. In addition, Microsoft is heavily invested in the cloud and is focused on advancing the powerful cloud technology with frequent upgrades.

4. Are you ready to redefine your business processes now?

Even though Business Central is a Microsoft solution, deploying Business Central for your organization requires not only a migration, but also a new implementation. The implementation of Business Central can be relatively quick, but it is necessary to evaluate the strategic value of reengineering your processes before fully making the transition to a cloud-based platform.

5. What do you need to achieve with Business Central?

Analyze your business goals and define what you need to achieve with a Business Central implementation. There are numerous benefits that Business Central offers as a cloud-based ERP, including a modern user interface, seamless integration, advanced analytics, and access to third-party apps. After validating your existing GP solution and your roadmap, you should ensure that Business Central will meet your specific needs and desires for custom developments or third-party products.

Benefits you automatically achieve by migrating to Business Central

• Better business functioning than Dynamics GP with real-time manufacturing and distribution features.
• Robust capabilities to manage multiple branches and entities within an organization.
• Simple and flexible customizations with a visual drag-and-drop interface.
• Deployment in the cloud or on-premises depending on your regulatory requirements.
• Easy integration with third-party cloud applications or other external applications.
• Sophisticated features including integration with Office 365, Dimensions, built-in CRM capabilities, and extensive financial reporting.
• Meaningful business intelligence with the Power BI platform so you can gather actionable insights in real-time. See how these advantages come together in our latest case study, where a preconstruction software migrates Dynamics GP to Business Central cloud benefits and streamlines their financial reporting.

How to Implement Dynamics 365 Business Central:

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central will enhance your business operations and provide immense value for your investment. However, before you migrate and implement Business Central, get a free consultation with a certified partner to ensure that your strategy is sound, reasonable, and foolproof.

LevelShift has helped many companies implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central with a personalized strategy that fits their unique needs and organizational requirements. Talk to our experts to determine the right plan for your Business Central implementation!