Transitioning from GP to Business Central – things to keep in mind

Change is difficult and when it comes to organizational change, things become even more difficult and challenging. Upgrading your current Microsoft ERP to a Dynamics 365 Business Central may inevitably have some amount of disruption, but it’s definitely a change for good. However, the decision on whether to upgrade depends on various factors such as how old your current version is, the number and complexity of integrations, number of users, customizations, add-ons, and other common factors such as budget and challenges. Here are some key questions to ask before upgrading to Business Central.

1. Why move from on-premise to the cloud?

One of the key benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the fact that it is based on the cloud. Even though this replacement and migration of the existing business systems may look like a giant leap, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

• Keep your company current by taking leverage of the cloud capabilities from Microsoft and kick start your digital transformation. The companies that follow the cloud model will always be with the latest version without adding any cost keeping up with the developments both at the functional and development levels.
• Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, turning real-time data into actionable insights, ensuring optimal efficiency for operations, and empowering employees wherever they need to work are some of the driving factors for using cloud services.
• The time and expense are significantly less since there is not an installation item and the set-up is more agile. Productivity is improved by reducing the complexity and hassles related to software and hardware management and its support. The IT support staff is greatly relieved from repetitive tasks since cloud implementation eliminates the burdens of upgrades, backups, and patches.
• The security, privacy, and reliability of your data are safe with the data centers owned and managed by Microsoft. Your data is available to you always, thanks to the 99% uptime service level agreement.

2. What value does Business Central offer?

This cloud-based ERP solution will tie together systems and processes to manage and streamline your finance, sales, services, and operations for improved workflows, customer interactions, and better business decisions. 

• Silos for seamless sharing of information between people and processes are removed ensuring data for the users across many devices, for better customer service.
• You get the big and complete picture of your business with easy report creation and dashboards. 
• Full support for your mobile devices with a consistent experience across Windows, Android, and iOS devices that allows your employees to do their work from anywhere.
• Optimize your supply chain by getting a holistic view of your inventory and replenishing stocks by accurate system predictions.
• Predictive analysis and AI to analyze business data, allowing your team to make informed decisions based on sales forecasting, Cash Flow forecasting, and overdue payment predictors.
• Reduce the ongoing up-gradation cost and keep your business up-to-date and ready for the future.
• Dynamics 365 Business Central features an intuitive look and feel that is user-friendly which is very similar to other Microsoft solutions. This greatly reduces the need for training and ramp-up time for the users. Additionally, it gives the flexibility to work as the accessibility to work is from anywhere and anytime.
• Business can easily embrace the advantage of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) through Business Central, to efficiently handle the workflows by avoiding manual processes. ML aids the companies with equipment monitoring, ad targeting, image detection, forecasting, spam filtering, and much more.

3. Is there a price advantage for the existing Microsoft Dynamics users?

Dynamics customers who are currently on a Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) can purchase Business Central at a reduced price. During the transition from on-premise to cloud, a 40% discount is available for current users who have the license with Dynamics AX, GP, NAV, or SL which applies to all plans of Business Central. Current users with Business Central online subscription licenses only can avail End of Plan Transition SKU which cannot be used for on-premises or perpetual licenses.

Given the benefits and the bright future of Business Central, deciding to upgrade now is a smart move for the growth and development of your business enterprise.