When should you consider upgrading from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

Microsoft Dynamics GP began its life as an accounting package from Great Plains Software before it was acquired by Microsoft in 2000. Since then, its evolved to a web-enabled application that now goes far beyond its accounting roots.

It’s a tried-and-true platform run by tens of thousands of organizations. But many companies are considering migrating to the cloud with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, GP’s successor ERP product. 

Wherever you may be on this journey, it helps to have a quick breakdown to reference. Here’s a brief overview of both: What Microsoft Dynamics GP has to offer and the benefits of migrating your business system to Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud. 

What is Microsoft Dynamics GP?

Microsoft Dynamics GP is a business management solution that allows for better, more efficient control over important business processes. This software is a match for businesses that don’t need a full-service CRM but would benefit from having an ERP for operations like accounting, human resources, inventory and distribution management, analytics, business intelligence and sales processing.

Microsoft Dynamics GP users can:

• Customize the product to meet your specific needs.
• Adapt quickly, as tools are built similarly to other Microsoft products.
• Access information and processes from anywhere with companion apps for functions like business intelligence and time management.
• Set reminders, track tasks and share quick, filtered lists of data among team members.
• Attach and view documents easily and all at once for more informed and enriched reporting.
• Set access limits according to individual roles for greater efficiency.
• Create customizable workflows for business processes.
• Seamlessly share information and data across the software’s modules for greater accuracy, fewer errors and a more convenient experience overall.

Microsoft Dynamics GP vs Business Central 

There are a lot of misconceptions around the cloud, whether it’s for personal or business applications. But migrating to the cloud with a modern ERP like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has many benefits and few drawbacks. Business Central, the successor to Microsoft Dynamics GP, was designed for the cloud; Microsoft Dynamics GP works best on-premise. Consider these other advantages of Business Central: 

Greater security – Microsoft is ahead of the curve when it comes to security. Make moving to the cloud part of your disaster recovery planning and put your mind at ease. 

Fewer limitations – Deploying to the cloud reduces roadblocks. Adapt to growth, such as adding users or expanding the tools you use. You also won’t have to worry about your support ending or your system aging out of requirements.  

Lower costs – Maintaining an on-premise system costs in many ways: Your IT professionals spend their time servicing it, you must pay to upgrade, and you might need to purchase new hardware in a pinch or to meet new requirements. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you eliminate a great deal of these excess costs and reduce them to a monthly subscription fee. 

Latest updates – When you deploy to the cloud, you’ll get automatic updates included in your subscription cost so that your system is always up-to-date. Continue to operate your business without interruption, knowing you have access to the best tools available. Microsoft is dedicating a lot of resources to Business Central; Business Central users are likely to get updates before they’re available to GP users. 

Better teamwork – Give your team access from anywhere at any time to the most current data and tools. This will make for better collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page.  

Access to modern functionality – Business Central provides the foundation you need to access new technology, including machine learning and AI.  

Advanced integrations – Integrations, like BI and CRM, and functions, like distribution and warehousing, have an advanced level of functionality in Business Central compared to GP. 

Constant growth – The number of compatible apps available continues to grow, expanding the capabilities of Business Central. 

Integrated CRM – One of the most significant differences between GP and Business Central is the fact that Business Central comes with an integrated CRM. With GP, you would have to integrate Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales to have CRM capabilities. 

Though migrating to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has many benefits, GP may still be the best route for your business. Microsoft plans to continue support for GP even as it focuses its attention on Business Central. If you aren’t sure where to begin and you want to learn more: 

• Five questions to ask your project manager before you migrate 
• Get the resources you need to take the next step with Business Central: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 
• Microsoft’s insights into using the cloud to transform your business