The end of Dynamics GP

Staying with Dynamics GP is like continuing to use a Blackberry or a Nokia: you fall behind. It is clear that the end of Dynamics GP is near, and that is why this comparison highlights the transition from our trusted Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Although Dynamics GP works well, migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central opens up new possibilities (such as Microsoft's AI, Copilot) that can revolutionize your workflows, productivity and operations.

In addition, Forbes Advisor recently named Dynamics 365 Business Central the best cloud ERP for SMBs, confirming its status as the best option for your business.

"A Forrester study showed that implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central increased operations productivity by 10% on average. In addition, organizations were able to avoid hiring additional finance and operations staff, reducing the need for new hires by 10%. All of this resulted in an impressive 162% ROI." Forrester – The Total Economic ImpactOf Microsoft Dynamics 365

Although you can still use GP, more than 95% of companies will move to Business Central (BC) Online within the next 2-3 years. In fact, studies show that more than 40% of GP users plan to migrate to Business Central in 2026. This means there will be a surge in migrations through 2026, and those who wait until the last moment will face competition for resources, team stress and tight deadlines.

The urgency of migrating is further underscored by Microsoft's strategic shift toward offering a full range of cloud products and services. This includes Dynamics 365 Business Central, CRM, Microsoft 365, Teams, Azure, PowerPlatform, Copilot and more, all designed to integrate seamlessly and give companies a collaborative and productive advantage. If they do not integrate well, companies could face difficulties resolving issues.

Microsoft will continue to release regulatory and security updates for GP, but the October 2022 version was the last to receive new functionality. This makes the end of Dynamics GP even clearer. From now on, Business Central will be the main focus of Microsoft's investments in the SMB segment.

What does this mean for Dynamics GP users?

Although current GP users may receive essential updates, the reality after 2025 is stark. GP users will experience the following:

Risks of staying on Dynamics GP

• Increased maintenance costs to stay up to date
• Delays in support service
• Time lost fixing manual, error-prone workflows
• Falling behind on innovation and losing customers to the competition
• Lack of remote access to data and information
• Stuck in an outdated, inflexible and ineffective system

Limited Dynamics GP updates

• Regulatory taxation
• Basic security
• Basic usability

To reiterate, without investing in GP and following Microsoft's recommendation to migrate to Business Central, eventually it will be Microsoft that makes the decision for you.

When is the right time to migrate and what should you expect?

Understanding the best time for your migration is extremely important, since the process can take between six months and a year, depending on how complex the project is.

That is why it is key to have a clear plan so you know the state of your current ERP system and what your goals and expectations are (such as timelines, budget and the team required). This preparation lets you plan properly and make sure you can carry out the transition at your own pace.

Migrate now

• Save on licensing and implementation.
• Plan according to your calendar and take advantage of the flexibility.
• Support your team by designing a project plan that fits them.
• Stay at the forefront.
• Take advantage of Business Central's industry-leading features.
• It includes Copilot and gives you automatic updates every six months.

Migrate later

• Higher licensing and implementation costs.
• More competition for resources and support among GP users.
• Business disruption due to a shorter implementation timeline.
• Risk of falling behind.
• The modern GP lifecycle still requires manual updates.

Timeline

To get a better idea of the timing, take a look at this overview of what you can expect in a migration from GP to Business Central:

\1. Initial call

A general conversation to understand your organization's needs.

\2. Proposal and statement of work

Get a detailed plan through a document that describes every detail of the project in line with your goals and needs.

\3. BPR sessions (Business Process Reengineering)

Take part in in-depth discussions and a walkthrough of your business processes with key people to make strategic decisions.

\4. Documentation of recommendations

Work as a team to resolve issues and receive recommendations (such as integrations, customizations, etc.).

\5. Migration process

Carry out data mapping, customizations and configurations.

\6. Post-migration

Run migration testing, training and go-live support.

In short, the end of Dynamics GP marks the beginning of a new era for companies looking to modernize their systems and optimize their operations. While saying goodbye to a familiar tool can be a challenge, the transition to more advanced and flexible solutions such as Dynamics 365 Business Central offers countless benefits. Not only will you be investing in cutting-edge technology, you will also be preparing your organization for a more efficient and connected future. It is the perfect moment to take the leap and make the most of this opportunity for growth.