Top 10 Reasons to Switch from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Before Support Ends

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Microsoft has announced that support for Microsoft Dynamics GP will end on September 30, 2029, with security patches wrapping up in April 2031. If your business has relied on Dynamics GP for years, it’s time to start considering a transition to more modern solutions. This change brings new opportunities to boost efficiency and adapt to future needs, so understanding what’s next and planning for a smooth shift is essential.

Why Has Microsoft Chosen to Discontinue Support for Dynamics GP?

Microsoft’s focus on innovative technology is evident in the discontinuation of support for Dynamics GP, as it shifts priority to cloud-based ERP solutions like Dynamics 365 Business Central .

How Will This Impact Dynamics GP Users?

Restricted Support: Following the end of support date, Microsoft will significantly cut back on its support services, making it harder for you to get assistance with technical setbacks or problem resolution.

No More Software Updates or Security Fixes: Once support is terminated, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, security fixes, or patches for Dynamics GP. Consequently, your system will be more susceptible to cyber threats and other hazards.

Higher Costs: With the obsolescence of Dynamics GP, you might encounter greater challenges and costs in its maintenance and operation, leading to increased expenses for software, hardware, and IT support.

So, there are many compelling reasons to consider modernizing your ERP, but here are ten proven benefits you can expect by migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central, the most advanced, comprehensive, and competitively priced ERP solution available. Read on to learn more.

10 Benefits of Business Central after Moving on from Dynamics GP

1. Ensure Data Protection

Making the move from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central brings an elevated focus on security, with Business Central showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to protecting your data. Built-in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a secured layer to your sign-in process, enhancing username and password protection. Once inside, you’ll experience seamless single sign-on across Microsoft apps like SharePoint, Teams, Power BI, and Exchange, while user access is tightly managed to ensure that only the right people see the right information.

Moving to the cloud also means better security than traditional servers, eliminating the need for a Remote Desktop or VPN. Plus, Business Central stays compliant with security standards like HIPAA, FERPA, SOC1, and SOC2, so you can trust that your data is secure.

2. Significant Cost Savings

The biggest reason to switch to Business Central? Cost savings! Licensing is much more affordable, with options tailored to your business needs.

The Essentials license is only $70 per user per month and includes all from finance to supply chain management . For those looking for added features, the Premium license will cost $100 per user per month and offers advanced manufacturing as well as service management tools.

Get Team Member licenses for as low as $8 per user per month, and there’s no limit on how many you can add if you already have full Essentials or Premium users.

And remember, with a cloud application, you’ll save considerably on infrastructure by eliminating the need for servers and hosting!

3. Built for Your Needs, Not the Other Way Around

While Dynamics GP is a solid mid-market ERP solution, it can feel rigid compared to today’s modern applications. Organizations often have to adapt their processes to fit GP’s framework, which isn’t ideal.

With Business Central, you can start with the out-of-the-box features and then explore the extensive ISV marketplace with over 4,300 approved offerings. If you need more functionality, you can customize as needed, but with proper planning, many businesses find Business Central fits their needs without major modifications.

Think of customizations as enhancements rather than essentials to get started!

4. Eliminate Stuck Batches

Dynamics GP feels outdated compared to Business Central, especially in terms of user experience and transaction processing. With GP, entries are batch-processed, making it slow and limiting multitasking. Users often deal with stuck batches and system lock-ups due to poor connections or slow speeds, which can waste valuable time.

Switching to Business Central means no more batch headaches. As a web-based app, it continuously saves your work, ensuring that entries are never lost or stuck.

5. Say Goodbye to Static Layouts

With Dynamics GP, you’re pretty limited to a static layout. You can only rearrange a few links on your homepage, meaning you have to work within its constraints, which can hold back your growth.

Business Central offers extensive personalization options. You can customize windows, screens, and modules to fit your organization’s processes, creating tailored views based on job roles. You can also make surface-level changes to the application’s look and feel.

Company profiles help you navigate multiple companies easily, with color-coded badges for quick identification. Personalization lets you adjust your user interface to what feels most comfortable, including moving or hiding fields, quick links, and modifying column widths on your dashboard.

6. Better Data Insights Beyond SmartLists

Business Central has superior data analytics capabilities with dynamic reports and dashboards, allowing you to segment data by dimensions like time, department, or category for tailored insights, something Dynamics GP’s SmartLists can’t match.

Business Central offers intuitive filters and customizable visuals, allowing users to quickly drill down into data, spot trends, and make informed decisions. This enhances reporting and empowers teams with real-time insights for better strategic planning and efficiency.

7. A Platform That Evolves with Your Business

A key benefit of moving from Dynamics GP to 365 Business Central is its continuous evolution. Unlike Dynamics GP’s traditional upgrade process, Business Central gets automatic updates multiple times a year, introducing new features, improved functionality, and enhanced security without downtime or installations. As a cloud-based ERP solution, Business Central adapts to changing business needs, regulations, and trends, ensuring you always have access to the latest tools. This “evergreen” approach reduces maintenance tasks, letting your team focus on innovation and growth.

8. Copilot in Business Central

With the most recent cloud upgrades, Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central migration now delivers advanced AI capabilities, including Microsoft Copilot, an intelligent assistant designed to streamline daily tasks and boost productivity. Copilot in Dynamics 365 Business Central goes beyond basic automation, offering real-time assistance for data entry, reporting, and in-depth analysis.

By suggesting actions based on historical data, generating insights, and identifying trends, Copilot supports more smart and informed decision-making. Integrated across Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook and Teams, Copilot ensures smooth collaboration without app-switching, enabling businesses to work smarter and focus on strategic priorities.

9. Simplified Data Import for a Smooth Migration

Migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central simplifies data import. Business Central makes transferring essential data, like vendor, customer, and inventory records easy with built-in templates and tools for accurate mapping. This ensures a quick setup with minimal downtime. It supports various data formats and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, enabling smooth alignment of legacy data with your new ERP system, and ensuring continuous business operations.

10. Seamless Outlook and Teams Integration for Smarter Workflows

Migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central offers seamless integration with Outlook and Teams. You can manage ERP data directly in Outlook, monitor emails, build sales orders, and view customer details without leaving your inbox. Business Central’s Teams integration allows real-time collaboration by easily sharing data, be it customer invoices, inquiries, or sales reports, thus boosting productivity and streamlining communication across teams.

Why Korcomptenz?

As a certified Microsoft Dynamics Gold Partner, Korcomptenz provides a distinct edge when implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. We specialize in enhancing operational efficiency, boosting financial transparency and performance, and uniting your team, processes, and data to accelerate decision-making, all through unified cloud-based ERP solutions tailored for small to mid-sized businesses.

Final Thoughts

Dynamics GP to Business Central migration offers your business more flexibility with cloud as well as AI capabilities. Unlike GP, which faces integration issues and complex maintenance, Business Central delivers constant updates and better features, empowering you to work smarter and adapt faster. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss switching from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Dynamics 365 HR, paired with seamless ERP implementation , offers a complete solution to optimize your HR functions. It centralizes employee information, boosts decision-making with real-time insights, and automates repetitive tasks. Integrating with other tools in the Dynamics 365 suite, such as Power Apps and Teams, ensures flexibility as well as scalability. This robust combination allows you to align your HR processes with business goals while staying agile in a dynamic market.

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