Choosing the right ERP software that fits your business is essential. A new ERP system represents change and progress as you leverage everyday advances in new technology. However, change comes with disruption. For instance, when businesses started to move to the cloud environment, existing users of on-premise platforms needed migration clarification. Would the new solution perform better than the legacy system, and would the applications maintain the level of accuracy and security that they were used to?
Microsoft introduced Dynamics 365 Business Central in 2018, building on the strengths of Dynamics NAV with numerous new features that help businesses adapt to new technologies and improve productivity and efficiency. It is a more comprehensive business management solution that quickly adjusts to market trends.
Microsoft charted a roadmap for NAV users to help them understand the product evolution timeline and plan their investments.
Why Upgrade from Dynamics NAV to D365 Business Central?
The Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central migration enabled businesses to optimize productivity and insights powered by its optimal performance and operational flexibility—features that most legacy ERP applications lacked.
Although Business Central and Dynamics NAV are built on the same foundation, Business Central automatically receives free upgrade releases and monthly updates. In addition, Business Central has the following advanced features:
- Ability to connect with external databases and websites
- Equipped with built-in business apps with Power BI Intelligence
- It has a more user-friendly and intuitive search function set on a flexible platform
D365 Business Central is powered by artificial intelligence for data analysis, improved market predictions, and other insights. It helps industry leaders make informed decisions and plan their business moves smartly. It is a customizable solution that can be tailored according to industry-specific needs. It has a unified platform that can integrate critical operational processes such as accounting, sales, supply chain, reporting, operations, and project management in one dashboard.
It also integrates easily with the entire suite of Microsoft and third-party applications. The most significant advantage of upgrading to D365 BC over NAV is the automated updates released by Microsoft for hotfixes and security patches. Simply put, Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one business management solution capable of running organizations faster and smarter than legacy solutions.
Related: Reasons to Migrate from Dynamics NAV to Business Central
Tips for a Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central Upgrade
- Dynamics 365 BC can be deployed on the Azure platform (on-premise). However, it does not support .NET variables in Dynamics NAV. You must convert .fob files to .al with TextTOAL to deploy Business Central.
- During migration, you can use configuration packages such as RapidStart to export data from Dynamics NAV to D365 Business Central through VLS. APIs and web services can help you load bulk data.
Options to upgrade from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Business Central On-premises Perpetual
Microsoft offers three named Business Central users for every concurrent NAV user purchased before 1st October 2018, meaning you get six essential users for a minimum requirement of the starter pack.
Business Central On-premises Subscription
With a smaller initial investment, you can purchase Business Central licenses on a per-user per-month basis and increase the number of licenses as you grow. Microsoft allows you to host these licenses on the Azure platform and offers a discount. This helps you save money that might otherwise be spent on running a server on internal premises or outsourcing to a local partner.
Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) – Existing Customer Transition License Type
Microsoft provides a 40 percent discount on Business Central Cloud user costs if you migrate from your on-premise Dynamics GP or NAV deployment to D365 Business Central. With this offer, you can always maintain your on-premises solution exactly as it is and move to the Cloud when ready. In addition, the Existing Customer License Type does not expire. However.
Read also: Upgrading from NAV to Business Central – Insights and answers to FAQs
Why DemandDynamics?
If migration to Business Central is a serious consideration, finding an experienced Microsoft partner is imperative. DemandDynamics is a Certified Microsoft Gold partner that has accomplished numerous migrations for its demanding clients. Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 BC migrations are a specialty. Our team of experts takes the time to understand your business, requirements, and customer base before we develop a coherent strategy.
DemandDynamics is famous for its on-demand services. The approach is simple: employ our services as required and only pay for the time used. On-demand services eliminate the traditional contractual subscription method and work on a zero-commitment basis. Contact one of our experts to learn more about how migration from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your business grow and excel.
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