Whether you’re currently using Dynamics GP or NAV, understanding the journey to Business Central is crucial for ensuring your operations works smoothly. With thousands of users currently on GP and NAV and only so many partners available to support your migration, the need to transition early is becoming increasingly apparent.
In addition, Microsoft is strongly recommending users to migrate to Business Central as they are pouring their investment into the cloud ERP. As a reminder, Dynamics NAV users are already unsupported, and GP users are taking a phased-out approach, with support set to end by 2026. Keep in mind that an implementation takes at least 6 months to 1 year to complete, especially if your requirements include (but not limited to) customizations unique to your business needs or if you have very large and complex data.
Having said that, let’s delve into what you need to know about migrating to Business Central.
Final Phases (April 2025-2026)
By April 2025, there would be an end to new sales of Dynamics GP perpetual licenses for new customers. The conclusion came in April 2026, marking the end of all new sales for new customers to purchase Dynamics GP, covering both perpetual and subscription licenses.
Impact Post-2025
While existing GP users may get essential updates (e.g., regulatory tax, basic security), the reality post-2025 is stark—no new sales, increasing license costs, and maintenance plans to stay updated, leading to a stagnation in business growth.
Strategic Push Towards Business Central
With no investment in GP and Microsoft’s recommendation to transition to Business Central, Microsoft will eventually make the decision for you. The cloud SaaS license is a more viable path than ongoing maintenance plans.
Seamless Collaboration with Microsoft’s Cloud Stack
This strategic push towards Business Central aligns with Microsoft’s overarching goal of offering a cohesive cloud stack of products and services. This includes Dynamics 365 Business Central, CRM, Microsoft 365, Teams, Azure, PowerPlatform, CoPilot, etc., designed to seamlessly collaborate with each other and assist businesses in flourishing while staying at the forefront of technology.
Migration Planning
Understanding when is the right time to migrate is pivotal. Plan a year in advance of your desired go-live date to ensure a smoother path to meeting your timeline.
Migration Steps
Prepare for your Dynamics GP or NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central migration, including a comprehensive system audit, stakeholder engagement, and a post-migration support strategy.
Choosing the Right BC Partner
Not all Dynamics 365 Business Central partners are created equal. When you’re looking for a partner to help with your implementation, evaluate a partner based on their experience, competency, industry expertise, customization capabilities, technical support, and integration skills.
Assessing Business Needs
Before migration, a comprehensive assessment is crucial. Work with a partner , like TMC, who has a methodology to clearly plan your roadmap, ensuring your unique requirements are understood.
Navigating this transition requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you’re currently on Dynamics GP or NAV, the path forward involves understanding the changes, planning strategically, and choosing the right partner to guide you through this transformative journey.
Contact us to discuss your Business Central Migration plan to secure your migration slot!
About TMC
TMC (Technology Management Concepts) is a renowned Gold Microsoft Dynamics Partner located in Southern California. With over 350 Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM users in their clientele, TMC has a strong track record of software implementation spanning over 30 years. They have consistently been recognized as one of the top workplaces and fastest-growing businesses, earning the prestigious INC 5000 recognition and consistently ranking in the top 100 VAR.
Jennifer, the esteemed CEO and President of TMC, has been nominated for the Inspirational Woman and Role Model of the Year awards by the LA Times B2B Publishing Inspirational Women Awards and CRN Role Model of the Year Award, which showcases her exceptional leadership.
The TMC team comprises experienced professionals from various industries, bringing their unique blend of software expertise and practical business application to the table. This diverse background has been crucial to their consistent success. At TMC, they are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on their clients and each other.
What sets them apart is their distinctive and vibrant culture. Although they have the necessary expertise and resources, they foster a close-knit environment where every team member is valued and contributes to a collaborative, creative, and enjoyable work atmosphere. They strongly believe that a happy and fulfilled team leads to enhanced client experiences.
