In a recent announcement that has echoed through the business community, Microsoft confirmed that support for Dynamics Great Plains (GP) will end on September 30, 2029, with security patches available until April 30, 2031.
Dynamics GP has been a cornerstone for many businesses since its launch. Known for its robustness and reliability, it has enabled countless organizations to manage their finances, inventories, and operations efficiently. Its ability to integrate with other Microsoft tools and ease of use made it a preferred choice for companies of all sizes.
However, the technological landscape has changed drastically in recent years. The need for more agile, accessible, and secure solutions has driven the evolution towards cloud-based platforms. With this in mind, Microsoft has positioned Business Central as a compelling alternative, offering a range of advantages that are hard to ignore. Today, many companies are opting to migrate to BC, so let’s explore the key points to consider when analyzing this migration.
Key Benefits of Migration
Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central is not just a software upgrade; it’s a complete digital transformation. Microsoft highlights that migrating to Dynamics 365 unlocks significant benefits such as automatic updates, access from anywhere, and the ability to optimize operational processes. As a cloud-native solution, it offers greater security and lower IT costs:
– Cloud Technology: BC allows access to your data and applications from anywhere, anytime, offering greater flexibility. This is especially important in a world where remote work and mobility are increasingly common. Additionally, Business Central integrates with Power BI, enabling customizable dashboards to monitor key financial data and create interactive visual reports, enhancing decision-making with real-time analytics.
– Continuous Updates: You won’t face disruptions due to major updates. With Business Central, you’ll always be up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. This not only reduces downtime but also ensures your business is using the most advanced tools available. The low-code platform of Power Platform facilitates the creation of automations and custom solutions without the need for developers.
– Simplified Integration: Integration with other Microsoft applications and third-party tools is much smoother, making it easier to manage your daily operations. This means you can easily connect your ERP system with productivity tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Additionally, Dynamics 365 merges accounting and finance with the rest of the business, eliminating the challenges and risks of using a disjointed ERP solution.
– Productivity Improvement: The advanced tools of Business Central are designed to optimize your business processes, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Companies achieve everything from automating repetitive tasks to improving decision-making with real-time analytics.
Operational Differences Between Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 BC
Before diving into specific differences, it’s important to understand that the operation of an ERP system can significantly impact a company’s efficiency and productivity. Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central, while both Microsoft products, offer very different experiences and capabilities.
– Interface and Accessibility: Dynamics 365 Business Central has a more modern interface and is accessible from any device with an internet connection, unlike Dynamics GP which is more limited to local environments. This not only improves the user experience but also facilitates access to critical information anytime, anywhere.
– IT Costs: Business Central significantly reduces IT costs by eliminating the need for local servers and constant maintenance. This frees up resources that can be reinvested in other strategic areas of the business. Additionally, being hosted on Microsoft Azure, Business Central offers superior physical, infrastructure, and operational security, vital for protecting sensitive company data and complying with security regulations.
– Security: Hosted on Microsoft Azure, Business Central offers superior physical, infrastructure, and operational security. This is vital for protecting sensitive company data and complying with security regulations.
– Scalability: Business Central allows you to scale capacity according to business needs, something Dynamics GP cannot offer with the same flexibility. This is especially useful for growing companies that need to quickly adapt to new demands.
AW Latam: Three Decades of Technology Experience
At AW, we have over 30 years of experience in implementations, migrations, and support for Microsoft. Based in LATAM, North America, and Europe, we help partners and clients achieve their operational, technical, and commercial goals.
Thanks to our work, we know that migrations or system changes can be a decision that should not be taken lightly. That’s why we accompany you at every stage of the process, from the initial evaluation to the final implementation, following a roadmap drawn up together based on your organization’s needs.
Our priority is to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, allowing you to quickly adapt and take full advantage of the new capabilities of the Microsoft world.
Ready to Get Started?
At AW, we are the strategic partner that will enable you to take the next step in your company’s digital transformation. Complete the form and let’s schedule a personalized needs assessment so you can undertake the necessary migration to optimize your business.
