Upgrading from NAV to Business Central – Insights and answers to FAQs

The digital market has constantly been expanding and evolving at a rapid pace.

As a result, businesses that use ERP solutions upgrade to newer versions as they grow and their needs change. In the modern tech world these days, Dynamics 365 Business Central has set in as Microsoft’s premier mid-market ERP solution and part of the Dynamics 365 suite of business applications.

Business Central is undoubtedly one of the best ERP solutions in town as it comes with a cloud-based, user-friendly interface that easily integrates with all the Dynamics 365 apps. (Office 365, Dynamics 365, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams)Taking its roots from Microsoft NAV, it is the newer and more advanced version of NAV with added functionalities and features.

People who contemplate making the switch weigh the benefits and consider the hassles in migrating from Microsoft NAV to Dynamics Business Central because money matters! If you’re using NAV and considering switching to Business Central, you may have several questions. To help you out with it, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for a NAV to Business Central upgrade.

Q1: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO UPGRADE?

While staying on-premise or moving to the cloud is your choice, it is essential to keep in mind that Microsoft is no longer supporting NAV, and there will be no more updates or new releases. It might also affect the feasibility of getting license files on-premise.

Q2: WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THE CLOUD MAKE?

Dynamics 365 Business Central remotely stores your data and applications and eradicates the need for local servers and cumbersome paperwork storage. It makes accessing files so much easier as you can view and access data from anywhere and at any time. Hosted on Microsoft’s Cloud, Business Central is a Software as a Service (SaaS) that saves businesses time, cost, and effort.

Q3: IS BUSINESS CENTRAL AVAILABLE ON-PREMISE?

Yes, it is. On purchasing a license beforehand and paying annual renewal fees to Microsoft, you will have access to the complete database and all the add-ons. When you host Business Central on Azure, you would be able to access your apps anywhere, anytime, without the need to worry about servers, IT, or support.

However, moving to the cloud comes with advanced, cost-effective benefits such as automatic upgrades, many available add-ons, no database access, and practically zero licensing and infrastructure costs (per user/per month).

However, moving to the cloud might not be the best option in the following scenarios:

1. If your ERP solution requires many modifications.

Customizations alter the code of the already existing systems. Therefore, when an upgrade happens, there is a high chance of changing the customization code, requiring a person to fix and additional money for it, especially in more significant customizations.

2. If your business is located in a place with feeble internet connectivity

Accessing browser-based apps will be a problem if you do not have strong internet. In such cases, an on-premises solution may be better.

Q4: WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES DIFFERENCES?

Though Business Central and Dynamics NAV are built on the same foundation, Business Central automatically gets upgrade Releases and monthly updates for free. In addition, Business Central has advanced features such as:

1. The more user-friendly and intuitive search function
2. Credit card processing
3. Ability to Connect to external databases and websites

Q5: HOW SAFE IS THE CLOUD?

Microsoft provides niche security features, including perimeter fencing, video cameras, security personnel, secure entrances, and real-time communications networks. To ensure that only authorized users access your data, you can opt for Azure Active Directory and multi-factor authentication options. There will be a backup data center among two Microsoft data centers. Industry-standard encryption protocols and threat protection services give you tight security.

Q6: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY EXISTING DATA DURING THE MIGRATION PROCESS?

During the upgrade, conversion tools move NAV data to Business Central, and you can access it once the process is complete.

Q7: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY CUSTOMIZATIONS AND ADD-ONS?

Business Central is the advanced version of NAV, and its benefits are way more than that of your customizations. You might not need the add-ons and customizations anymore as Business Central single-handedly can run your whole system. But If you choose to stick to your add-ons, you would have to switch the C/AL code that NAV used over to the AL code that Business Central uses. And as for customizations that you want to keep, good migration partners can translate those customizations into Business Central.

Q8: DOES A MIGRATION PROCESS NEED ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS?

No. The migration process depends on your current solution, so while moving to Business Central on-premise, make sure that the SQL and the version of your Operating system are up-to-date.

Q9: IS THERE A BUSINESS CENTRAL DEMO AVAILABLE?

Yes. Microsoft does a 30-day trial in which user data is available. You can also import your data. In addition, the ‘Bridge to the Cloud’ promotion going on through June 30, 2022, allows businesses to begin transitioning to Business Central and trying it out while still using their current solution.

Q10: WHAT IF I’M NOT PREPARED FOR AN UPGRADE TO BUSINESS CENTRAL YET?

We understand that other business needs and budget estimates might hold people back from migrating to the Business Central, but we suggest you consider migrating in the future. Meanwhile, you can start preparing for the migration. Here are a few points to keep in mind.

1. Don’t invest in infrastructure or hardware. Instead, migrating from NAV to cloud comes with plenty of benefits.
2. Implement the NAV web client to get your users accustomed to running ERP on a more modern interface.
3. Sort and declutter your data in preparation for future migration. Depreciate any Mods you are not using.

We have answered some of the most common questions, and we’ll also be happy to help if you have any additional doubts. Please reach out to us if you’d like more help and information on Dynamics NAV to BC Upgrade.