If your business is currently using Microsoft Dynamics GP and thinking about migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central, then you’ve come to the right place! It’s important to weigh your options, especially when it comes to big decisions like changing your ERP. You want to be confident in your choice, knowing that you picked the best product for your business.
Before we get into the benefits of making the switch to the cloud, let’s discuss what Business Central is.
What is Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, formerly Dynamics NAV, is Microsoft’s cloud-based, all-in-one business management solution. Released publicly in 2018, Business Central is designed for small and mid-sized organizations looking to automate and streamline business processes. These processes include finance, sales, manufacturing, project management, shipping, services, and more.
To sum it up, Business Central takes the functionality of Dynamics NAV and Dynamics GP and offers it in the cloud.
So, why should your business consider moving to Business Central (BC)?
Benefits of migrating to Business Central
1.) Flexibility
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers flexibility in its deployment options. Businesses can decide whether running BC in the Microsoft Cloud, on-premise, or both (hybrid) would be the best option for them. No matter how you choose to deploy, Business Central provides a consistent, modern experience. Users can access Business Central from:
- Universal Windows App for Desktop
- Web-based Client (via browser)
- Android and iPhone App
- Windows, Android, or iOS Tablet Apps
Business Central also provides flexibility within the application itself. Since it’s readily expandable, the solution is able to grow with your business as the need arises.
2.) Customization
Your business can customize Business Central with features, functionality, and data that best suits your daily work. An advantage is that little to no code development experience is needed to extend and customize the application. Dynamics GP users will find it much more difficult to modify the solution. Some customization options in Business Central include:
- Change users’ workspace by customizing their assigned role
- Simply change the user interface for a profile (role) so that all users of that role see a customized workspace
- Change which UI elements are visible
- Enable colors on Role Centers to signal importance
- Install an extension to add functionality, change behavior, provide access to new online services, and more
3.) Seamless Microsoft Integrations
Business Central seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft applications and suites such as Microsoft Teams, Excel, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales. A familiar, modern, and user-friendly interface makes it easy to work across multiple apps, enhancing your work processes. If an application doesn’t have an integration available, you can build your own through BC’s development environment.
4.) Cost-Effective
Since Business Central primarily operates in the cloud, businesses no longer have to pay for expenses that come with an on-premise ERP like Dynamics GP. Servers, upgrades, and maintenance costs become a thing of the past. Business Central’s subscription-based payment approach allows businesses to predict expenses.
Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to conduct a TEI study to outline the cost savings and business benefits enabled by migrating from Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Dynamics GP to the Business Central cloud. Microsoft stated:
“Forrester interviewed five current Dynamics 365 Business Central customers to understand the benefits, costs, and risks associated with migrating to the cloud. Modeled after these five interviews, analysis was conducted on a $15-million, 250-employee composite organization. This analysis demonstrated benefits of $466K over three years versus costs of $178K, adding up to a net present value (NPV) of $288K and an ROI of 162 percent.“
5.) Improved Security and Compliance
Business Central comes with built-in cloud security that protects your database and the information within it from unauthorized access. You’ll have control over which objects or tables a user can access within each database. You can specify if users are able to read, modify, or enter data.
The four different levels of security in Business Central, outlined in the image below, include database, company, object, and record.
Source: Microsoft
Taking the Next Steps
As you can see, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides benefits that support businesses looking to modernize and embrace remote work. If your business thinks migrating to the cloud is in its future, our team at Opal Business Solutions, a Microsoft Gold Partner, will help you get there. We’d be happy to show you a demonstration of Business Central and discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Click below for more on Business Central.
