Signs you should upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

As the countdown continues towards Dynamics GP’s eventual departure, numerous users believe they can continue using it until compelled by Microsoft to shift to Business Central or until server problems arise. Nonetheless, there are unmistakable signs indicating the need for an early strategy to shield your business from potential disruptions. If you’re unsure whether this applies to your situation, here are five clear indicators signaling that it’s time to transition (or at least start planning the transition) from Dynamics GP to BC.

Scalability

If your business is undergoing significant growth or expansion, Dynamics GP might struggle to manage the escalating data volume and transaction complexity anticipated in the next 1-5 years. Failure to address this promptly could result in performance issues, slower processes, and an inability to cope with growing demands, impeding effective scalability for your business. Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a more scalable solution with adaptable licensing options to meet your evolving business requirements.

Remote Accessibility

For organizations with a dispersed workforce or the need to access the ERP system from multiple locations, Dynamics GP’s on-premises nature can be restrictive, affecting efficiency and responsiveness. Dynamics 365 Business Central, being cloud-based, provides seamless remote accessibility, allowing users to access and work with the system from anywhere, at any time.

Data Integration

Dealing with the arduous and time-consuming task of integrating various third-party applications and systems with Dynamics GP is unsustainable. These challenges can result in data silos, manual data entry, and limited visibility across business processes. Dynamics 365 Business Central enhances integration with its native capabilities for smooth integrations. Through connectors, APIs, and the Power Platform, users can effortlessly connect with other Microsoft and third-party applications, fostering a unified and connected ecosystem that facilitates seamless workflows.

Copilot

If you sense lagging behind competitors, struggling to uncover insights within your data, or not optimizing resources efficiently, Dynamics GP’s lack of advanced analytics and AI capabilities will continue to hinder your business potential. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers embedded Power BI for data visualization and analysis, along with the AI-powered CoPilot feature for intelligent suggestions, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics, thereby enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.

End of Mainstream Support

Experiencing a fear of missing out (FOMO) whenever Microsoft introduces new Dynamics 365 or Microsoft 365 features or encountering limitations with Dynamics GP, including unsupported ISVs, underscores the importance of considering the future. Once GP’s mainstream support ends in 2028, critical security updates, bug fixes, and access to new features will be absent, leaving the system vulnerable and compromising long-term sustainability. Migrating to Business Central ensures ongoing support, maintenance, and access to the latest advancements, safeguarding the ERP environment for years to come.

Even if you don’t intend to migrate immediately or within the next few years, planning the roadmap for your post-GP future is paramount.

For further information on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with allonline365 at +27 (21) 205 3650, email us at contact@allonline365.com or visit our website www.allonline365.com.