It has been almost 3 years since Microsoft dropped the bomb that it intended to replace NAV with something known as ‘Business Central’. That was April 2018. Since then, the one thing that seems to be bothering existing users big time is whether their current ERP system has become obsolete and whether they should finally make up their minds to make the switch to Dynamics 365 Business Central or not. They know that a Microsoft Business Central Upgrade at some stage is inevitable but are unsure of the way forward and the most suitable way to do so.

A Microsoft Business Central Upgrade at some stage is inevitable as Microsoft has built it to become an end-to-end solution for all aspects of business operations and processes including:

• Accounting & Financial Management
• Supply Chain and Inventory Management
• Project Management
• Operations Management
• Service Management
• Human Resource Management
• Sales Management
• Manufacturing

Additionally, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has been integrated with robust security features and support features for mobile devices so suit the requirements of all kinds of businesses operating nowadays.

This brings everyone to the million-dollar question. Should users of NAV make up their minds for a Microsoft Business Central Upgrade? Microsoft rolls out automated updates for both security patches and hotfixes. Besides, if NAV users waste no time in moving to Business Central, then these re the benefits they stand to gain:

• Thorough Autonomy and Incredible Flexibility
• Smart and Intelligent Built-In Apps
• Connecting Directly with Decision Making Parties
• Better Compliance
• Concentrating on Specific Industries

How Soon Should Existing Customers Upgrade to Business Central?

Microsoft has integrated BC with Artificial Intelligence to make it easy for end users to analyze connected data and drive insights, besides smart analytics that help take informed decisions. Moreover, such is the make of Business Central that any business can customize the solution and integrate accounting, sales, supply chain, reporting, operations and project management in one single dashboard.

Given below are some smart tips one can follow while doing a Microsoft Business Central Upgrade:

• Business Central does not support .NET variables on cloud. It must be deployed on-premises.
• End users must use TextTOAL to convert .fob files to .al files.
• End users must use Configuration Packages (RapidStart) for data migration, exporting data from NAV and then importing it into D365 BC via XLS.
• In case the data load has a very high volume, then there are different ways such as using web services or APIs to load data.

As of today, the situation is such that existing users must pay the full price just like a new customer for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central licenses.

Summary: The facts presented above aim at throwing some light on the ways how existing customers can plan and execute a Business Central upgrade and move onto the solution from their existing solution.