Every business eventually reaches a crossroads. One path leads to clinging to the familiar, the on-premise comfort of Microsoft Dynamics NAV. The other path leads to embracing a future powered by the cloud-based capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central. This blog guides businesses migrating from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Learn why a cloud-based solution like Business Central might be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential in the digital age.
Why businesses migrate from Dynamics NAV to Business Central
Dynamics NAV is a well-known, widely used ERP offering from Microsoft. It provides extraordinary assistance with finance, manufacturing, supply chains, customer relationships, and warehouse management. It adapts easily to small and mid-sized businesses and supports them with automation and their sales, accounting, and stock management module connections.
Well over 15,000 companies have set up Business Central as their ERP system. It has caught the attention of all these businesses with its license flexibility, productivity tools, and easy-to-use design. With increasingly popular cloud technology, new ERP solutions benefit from the cloud’s scalability. As a result, Microsoft introduced Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based ERP system with a wide range of features that facilitate the best end-to-end business management solutions.
How is Dynamics 365 Business Central different from Dynamics NAV?
Business Central is the cloud version of Dynamics NAV with numerous new features that help businesses adapt to newer technologies and improve productivity.
- Dynamics 365 Business Central is web-based with a design that allows easier navigation and better productivity within the business.
- The cloud-based ERP uses AL coding language, which offers more customization and easy upgrades.
- Introduces better integration capabilities with other Microsoft products of the Microsoft Dynamics Suite, which takes the silos out of the equation and further optimizes efficiency.
- Real-time data and business analytics help generate actionable insights and provide a 360-degree view.
- Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Business Central has bi-annual releases that ensure easy upgrades.
- Microsoft Flow helps improve business processes by creating and automating workflows.
- Business Central offers two different license options: monthly subscription and perpetual.
- Both cloud-based solutions and on-premise options are available for Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Why companies migrate from Dynamics NAV to Business Central
Businesses consider migrating from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central for a more comprehensive business management solution that can quickly adapt to market trends. The migration checklist has specific pointers that make it worth the investment. Below are a few reasons to migrate from Microsoft NAV to Business Central.
- Cost reduction
D365 Business Central significantly reduces infrastructure costs. It removes all expenses related to server maintenance, and licenses start at £6 per user per month.
- Facilitates remote work culture
The rise of the pandemic witnessed an increase in remote work culture. A migration to Business Central makes it easier for employees to work from home and access data from their current locations. High security and disaster recovery features make this set-up safe.
- New functionalities
A Dynamics NAV to Business Central migration leads to new functionalities such as AI and cash-flow management.
- Collaborative strength
The platform integrates well with a wide range of Microsoft 365 applications, which businesses commonly use, and that helps improve productivity.
- Scalable
Business Central’s AL code makes customization effortless, and the solution is scalable, which contributes to overall business growth. It minimizes expenses by reducing the number of licenses when and where required.
Migrate from Dynamics NAV to Business Central with the right partner
By taking the first step and initiating a Dynamics NAV to Business Central migration, you’re investing in the future of your business. Partner with a trusted Business Central implementation partner to smoothly navigate the migration process and make the most of Dynamics 365.
LevelShift is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Partner that works with businesses across various industries. Our experts take the time to understand your business inside and out before providing plans and solutions. Our experienced team has successfully managed numerous migrations from Dynamics NAV to Business Central. When it comes to costs, our on-demand services are popular among clients for featuring a pay-as-you-use model, which means you pay only for the services and the time utilized. Talk to our Experts!