Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a new age cloud ERP solution best suited for forward thinking companies.
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The future of Dynamics GP and Dynamics NAV
Do you realize your existing Dynamics GP or NAV system is holding up your progress? Despite serving your organization well for a long time, it’s time for Dynamics GP and Dynamics NAV to pass on the baton to the cloud. The continued support for both Dynamics GP and Dynamics NAV are slowly coming to an end.
While the support will continue for at least the next few years, Dynamics GP and NAV users can expect limited support for current versions as resources and development move to new releases of Dynamics 365 Business Central. However, if you cannot possibly make a move to the latest version at this point of time, there’s a provision offering “extended support” which comes with a lower return on investment than switching to an updated system.
Important Announcements
“On July 13, 2021, Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016 and 2016 R2 will no longer have Mainstream Support.” While the Extended Support is available until July 14, 2026.
“Dynamics NAV 2016, the expected mainstream support ended on April 13, 2021,” while the extended support will end on April 14, 2026.
Ever since these announcements were made, Dynamics users have had many questions related to the future of Dynamics GP and NAV.
If you’re using a prior version of Dynamics NAV, such as 2013, you’ll need to upgrade before installing the year-end update.
Why you need an upgrade to Dynamics 365?
Every business has different needs that determine which system/solution would work best for them. To ensure that you are not pressured to switch to the newer cloud-based ERP, Dynamics 365 Business Central Microsoft will continue their support until you decide to make a move.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a new age cloud ERP solution best suited for forward thinking companies. This switch to cloud storage and cloud computing is a greatly needed upgrade for GP and NAV customers, especially if you want to take full advantage of the growth that comes with this cutting-edge cloud-based technology.
Delaying an upgrade can potentially cause more problems for your business because the longer you wait to upgrade from Dynamics GP and NAV, the more difficult it will be to move to Business Central in the future.
Though Microsoft ensures extended support until 2026, it would too late if you wait until then to make a move to a cloud-based ERP. A cloud-based ERP like Business Central can help you leverage new features for improved processes, add ISV products to enhance efficiencies, reduced costs with timely automatic upgrades, and a lot more.
If you’re looking to extend your alternatives or migrate to the cloud, consider Dynamics 365 Business Central. Dynamics NAV was the foundation for the improved Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, providing a complete mid-market ERP solution with an end-to-end view of your operations and enhanced developer customization options.
4 Key Considerations for Dynamics 365 Business Central Upgrade
- Seamlessly enter the cloud by migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central
GP and NAV users that migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud will enjoy all of the benefits of a true cloud solution, including easy 24/7 access from any device, seamless upgrades, easy integration building using web APIs, and lower hardware expenditures. The Dynamics GP, NAV, and SL users can migrate easily to Business Central and start their journey with the cloud environment hassle-free.
- Ensure top security and governance with Dynamics Azure
Microsoft employs over 3,500 security specialists and invests more than $1 billion each year in Dynamics Azure to protect your data in Dynamics 365. Microsoft also works with industry regulators to promote confidence in the cloud ecosystem guided by security, privacy, control, and compliance principles.
By migrating to Dynamics 365, you can –
- Protect your data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Control who has access to and how your data is used.
- Organize and manage your data per applicable regulations and industry best practices.
- Access to information about how your data is handled and utilized
- View the whole picture of your business’ operations and enhance productivity with Dynamics 365
Business Central’s fundamental financials provide more customizable and report-friendly dimensional account structures than Dynamics GP and NAV. One of the essential features of Business Central is that it includes automated and scheduled reconciliations, cash flow projects, and seamless connections for warehousing and inventory management with barcoding, handheld scanners, and shipping for more efficient operations. Some of the significant features include the Fixed Assets, eBanking, Inventory Tracking, Multi-Currency, Multiple Entities, Purchase Orders, Warehouse Management, Manufacturing and Services, and built-in budgeting. Business Central is also made to integrate with Power BI for powerful visual dashboards seamlessly. The CRM capabilities are built into the solution itself and can be extended further with additional apps from AppSource to support sales, customer service, and field service with minimal effort.
- Gain more significant cost savings with Dynamics 365 pricing
Compared to GP and NAV, the regular upgrades for Dynamics 365 are more cost-effective. You can keep your system up to date while smoothly transitioning to the cloud. It makes the transition easy by reducing the downtime and associated costs. Unlike GP or NAV, you can purchase licenses on a per-user/month basis for Business Central, which helps you lower initial investment and easily add users as you grow. Since Business Central is secure in the cloud, hosting and deployment costs are less expensive in Azure than hosting through GP or NAV.
The future of ERP is in Microsoft Dynamics 365’s favor
Finding the ideal ERP solution for your company can be the most challenging component of deploying a new ERP. However, when all of the various aspects of assessing an ERP system are taken into account – maintenance, integrations, functionality, lifespan, innovation, and pricing – the best is clearly, Dynamics 365.
Dynamics 365 integrates completely with Microsoft products, including Office 365, (which you may already be using) and is accessible from nearly any device. In addition, it helps you make use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) capabilities to ensure your business’ success.
If you would like to analyze your business requirements or evaluate your existing GP or NAV system to determine whether to migrate to Business Central, talk to us! We can help you identify the right plan, the right strategy, and the right implementation for your Dynamics 365 needs.
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