Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration

Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP was developed by Great Plains Software Company. Microsoft Dynamics later acquired it in the year 2000. After that, Microsoft released several versions of the product, each one better than the previous one. However, companies are moving from Dynamics GP to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This article will provide you with information about why companies are doing that and how it could be beneficial for your company.

Talking about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it is one of the primary applications of the Dynamics family. It is a SaaS-based product that also has its on-premises version available. It was first launched with the name “Navision,” which was also acquired by Microsoft in the year 2002.

Officially, Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM were merged to form the Dynamics 365. After two years of that, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was launched publically.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the best Dynamics GP Alternative. We will provide you with strong reasons to support this claim as we move forward.

Shortcomings of Microsoft Dynamics GP

There is no doubt that Microsoft Dynamics GP 2019 is one of the most reliable ERP software. It is also renowned as a highly successful Microsoft product.

Shortcomings of Microsoft Dynamics GP

Even after this, the future of this ERP system is of grave concern. Microsoft is powering up its efforts to make its Dynamics 365 Family prominent. This would eliminate the use and requirement of Microsoft Dynamics GP.

One of the further drawbacks of using Microsoft Dynamics GP is the ongoing increase in the expensiveness of server maintenance, hardware requirements, and expert resources. Therefore, such a

situation has already encouraged many users to make an attempt for Dynamics GP to Business Central Transition.

Talking about the features and functionality, there is no doubt that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is far more superior to Microsoft Dynamics GP. Dynamics 365BC is modern, serves to solve present issues, and have an easier approach to all aspects. With Dynamics GP, your ability to stand the competition decreases as you won’t be having the functionalities that your competitors would have.

Benefits of Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration

Though both the products, Dynamics GP and Business Central, are developed for SMBs, there are a few vast differences. On the surface, those differences may not even get detected, but affect the functioning of business operations in a significant manner.

Benefits of Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration
Licensing
Microsoft Dynamics GP

For purchasing Dynamics GP, you have the option to pay an up-front license fee and get the software for a lifetime. It may sound like a one in a million deals, but it’s not.

In addition to the license fee, you need to pay a yearly maintenance fee too. If you still wish to move forward with a perpetual license, we would like to let you know that major Dynamics GP updates are not part of a perpetual license. If your Dynamics GP works on on-premises, you will need to put additional costs in getting these upgrades.

You have the option to pay for a monthly subscription, but it may cost you more when you use Dynamics GP for a longer run. Overall, the Microsoft Dynamics GP cost is higher than what you would experience with Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Your company requires choosing one out of two licenses:

  • Premium
  • Essential

Therefore, with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you get the flexibility of choosing the plan as per your need. It will eliminate your unnecessary costs by selecting the Essential Plan when you have limited requirements. For Microsoft Dynamics 365BC, you need to get a monthly subscription. The functionality highly depends upon the modules you select, and you have to only pay for the selected modules.

Hosting
Microsoft Dynamics GP

Dynamics GP comes with the option to host the software on your own servers or choose to get a cloud hosting deployment through a Microsoft Partner. As Dynamics GP is not purposely built for web accessibility, there will be issues in getting upgrades.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

When you purchase a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central license, you get it as a SaaS-based application. The application, like the other Dynamics 365 products, and even the add-ons are hosted on Microsoft Azure. That makes Business Central a cloud-based ERP system, where you won’t need to conduct manual upgrades. The enhancements, bug fixes, feature addition, etc. will get visible automatically without any additional payment or putting your data at risk. This Microsoft ERP system doesn’t even require you to make any hardware investments.

Add-ons
Microsoft Dynamics GP

If we talk about the core functionality of Microsoft Dynamics GP, it allows users to control finances and supply chain. Therefore, you have to purchase both of these modules mandatorily. In addition to these modules, there are only three add-ons provided by Microsoft related to customer service, manufacturing, and payroll.

Besides these add-ons, there are numerous add-ons developed by Microsoft Partners. Though they provide a high value to GP, still many partners have stopped updating them as users are now switching to Business Central.

Also, whenever you get an add-on, you need to conduct back-end development. This adds resource costs as you will need a highly skilled developer who knows Microsoft Dynamics GP dexterity programming language. Also, you need to manage the add-on separately. Therefore, a full-fledged integration is not possible.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

For all Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central add-ons, there is a specific platform- Microsoft AppSource. However, such a platform is missing in the case of Dynamics GP. For that reason, it is easier for users to find the required add-on. Furthermore, for testing the application, they can take advantage of free-trial and install the add-on on Business Central in minutes.

Currently, the number of add-ons is roughly equal in the case of both the apps. However, developers are continuously working to develop applications for Business Central as it is well-predicted that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central will exponentially expand its reach in the future.

Why transition to Business Central

Latest technology

By transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you gain access to Microsoft’s full stack of cloud services. Further, Business Central seamlessly integrates with Office, Outlook, and Power platform. It also offers real-time data and business analytics.

Business Central helps you utilize predictive analytics and AI to analyze business data, allowing you to make informed decisions for your business. E.g., Predictive Inventory and Sales Forecasting, Cash Flow forecasting, and Overdue payment predictors.

Cost Reduction
Dynamics GP to Business Central transition turns out to be cost-effective as costs incurred on future software upgrades can be avoided. Further, Business Central as a hosted solution frees you up from routine maintenance tasks like backup and restore.
Security, Privacy, and Reliability
Business Central transition can be scaled as per your requirements. It offers unmatched security and governance. Microsoft guarantees 99.9% SLA for its uptime, and hence it is always available for your business.
Efficient
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central simplifies and drives efficiency in

  • Financials
  • Sales
  • Services
  • Operations

It centralizes your data from accounting, sales, purchasing, inventory, and customer interactions for an accurate end-to-end view of your business.

Mobile workforce
Business Central empowers a mobile workforce. Get powerful desktop capabilities needed across Windows, iOS, and Android Platforms.

WebMasters Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration Services

WebMasters is a prominent Microsoft Partner that has Dynamics GP clients as well as Business Central clients. We are conducting services such as implementation, training, upgrade, staff augmentation, and migration for the last two decades. These services are not only provided for Dynamics GP or Business Central but all the primary Microsoft products.

We would like to let you know that veteran Microsoft product experts perform our Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration service. They are working in this field from the time when these products were just launched and have experienced every stage of their development.

We aim to provide our clients with maximum benefits. Therefore,

Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration

we are currently moving all our clients from Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration. Microsoft has introduced a migration tool for the transition process. We have a thorough knowledge of the tool. Therefore, we will be able to conduct the migration process at a fast pace and in a systematic way.

Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration FAQs

Is Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration a mandatory process?
No, it is not mandatory to move to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Still, it is highly recommended as you get the best of technology, cloud-powered functionality, integration with advanced-level applications, and an AI ecosystem.
How much one needs to pay for the Microsoft Azure cloud hosting after moving to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

No, you won’t need to pay any separate amount for hosting. All you need to do is get a Business Central subscription, and hosting comes for free.

What if I decided to move on-premises from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central online?

It is possible to move on-premises from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central online. However, you will need to ask your Microsoft Partner to conduct this migration. We would suggest that you consult with us before migrating to Business Central, and we will let you know the best option for you out of these two. It will save you additional costs.

Where can I learn about the complete details about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
For learning about the features, modules, and benefits of business Central in detail, you can check out our Business Central webpage. It contains thorough information regarding the product.
Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration

Conclusion

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a better application than Microsoft Dynamics GP. We have added a lot of facts to support our conclusion. However, the difference between the applications is because of Microsoft’s continuous effort to enhance and brings all its customers to the cloud and be a part of the Dynamics family.

The Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration process can be a tedious one. Therefore, reach us out, and let’s discuss the process in detail. We will come up with the best plan for the migration, minimally disturbing your business operations.

Contact Us

for Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration
Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration