Top Things We Learned In Our Transition From Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 BC Transition
Transitioning from GP to BC has been a significant journey for us, filled with valuable lessons and insights.
, retired Microsoft MVP and CTO of Mekorma and , Microsoft MVP of Business Central and CEO of presented twice in the last couple months on top things they learned while making the transition between GP to BC and valuable tips to share with end users and consultants of GP looking to make the transition. Both of us combined have over 50 years of experience in both Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC).
Here are the top things we learned during this transition:
1. Change is Hard, but Rewarding
Adapting to a new system, especially one hosted in the cloud, can be challenging. However, it's important to remember that this change is an investment in the future. Allow yourself time to learn and adjust, and you'll find that the rewards far outweigh the initial difficulties. Users have until 2029 to make this move but in the scheme of IT projects, this is not a lot of time including planning and execution for the larger GP customers.
2. Building a Future-Ready System
Investing in Cloud ERP is a forward-thinking decision. Our approach involved two phases: meeting current requirements and automating processes in Phase I, and enhancing the system to its best potential in Phase II. This strategy ensures that a system is built to last.
3. Timing is Everything
Timing plays a crucial role in the success of any project. Avoiding shortcuts and cheap options is essential, as they often lead to poor results. Instead, focus on thorough and well-planned solutions to achieve the best outcomes. Cheaper is not always better when it comes to a well planned ERP system. Our team at offers a, which offers customers the chance to put together a plan to make the migration and allows for a more personalized and customized demo of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
4. The Cloud is So Much Better
The enhancements and benefits of the cloud far outweigh the investments in time, change management, and cost. The cloud offers cohesiveness with the M365 Suite and Microsoft tools like Power Platform, Power BI, Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel, providing ample opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
5. Staying Current with BC
With BC Cloud, we always stay current with Microsoft's investments in new hardware, upgrades, and features. Companies have control over upgrades, requiring only internal testing, which ensures that software stays secured and up to date with the latest AI and Copilot features.
6. Accessibility Improvements
Accessing BC remotely has eliminated the need for VPNs, RDPs, Citrix, Servers, and USB keys. This change has enhanced work flexibility, allowing us to work from anywhere with greater convenience and efficiency.
7. Reducing Apps and Costs
We have significantly reduced the number of apps in Business Central by 80-90% for most clients. Business Central also receives many new features and enhancements with each release, and Microsoft is constantly adding features to match GP functionality on top of hundreds of features BC has that GP never had.
8. Power Platform Integration
We leverage Power Automate and Azure for 90% of our integrations. Thousands of connectors are available for Business Central, Dynamics 365 Sales, and other applications. Power BI Dashboards offer built-in connectivity and out-of-the-box applications for quick and easy reporting. Power Apps can be used to extend Business Central and assist with additional data entry and data tracking outside of the Dynamics 365 interface. BC has tons of out of the box API endpoints making it's connection to the Power Platform and other systems very easy.
9. Implementation vs. Migration
Today's requirements differ significantly from those of 10, 15, or 20 years ago. It's crucial to evaluate and improve current processes rather than just migrating old systems. Migration tools can be unreliable and incomplete and do not allow for data transformation, including a chart of accounts revamp and the cleanup of old, outdated and duplicate records.
10. Training and User Adaptation
Extensive training is crucial for success, especially when adapting to new user interfaces and navigation methods. While the learning curve isn't steep, it exists, and thorough training ensures smooth adaptation. Finding a partner that does very thorough training and documentation is critical to this journey.
11. Understanding the ISV Ecosystem
The apps ecosystem is growing, and many familiar GP ISVs are now available on BC with similar offerings. It's important for your partner to understand the ISV ecosystem and roadmap to leverage these resources effectively.
Some of the ISVS that are support Dynamics 365 Business Central:
- Integrity Data-Payroll
- -AP Automation Tools
- Nodus-Credit Card Processing
- Binary Stream-Multi-Entity Management and Subscription Billing
- EOne Solutions- SmartConnect and PopDock
- Avalara- AvaTax
- Fidesic- AP Automation
- TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce- EDI
12. Subscription Licensing
Most apps are available on a subscription basis, offering cost predictability and various payment modalities. AppSource provides options like free trials, immediate purchase, contact options, and new purchase features. As part of the Bridge to Cloud 2 Program, Microsoft is offering customers, who are current on their GP renewals, 40% off licensing of Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) with a three year commitment. A BC Consulting Group is a bridge to cloud partner and Microsoft has extended the program through the end of 2025.
13. Customizations and Apps
All Apps are customizations, but not all customizations are Apps. AppSource Apps undergo a stringent validation process and are upgraded by Microsoft for ISVs. Per-Tenant Extensions involve minor or major changes to business logic for a single customer, installed manually and not reviewed by Microsoft.
In conclusion, the transition from GP to BC has been a transformative experience. The cloud offers significant benefits, including cohesiveness with Microsoft tools and constant updates. Business Central reduces app usage and costs, integrates well with Power Automate and Power BI, and requires thorough training. Undergoing a Why Not Dynamics 365 Business Central discovery is a great way to future-proofing your move to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
For more information and a free consultation about moving from Dynamics GP to Dynamics BC, email us at [email protected] or visit our website at .