From Great Plains to Business Central: A Modern ERP Migration Journey

Why Migrate from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses must evolve to stay competitive. For organizations still relying on Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains), the shift to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is more than a software upgrade—it's a strategic transformation.

The Case for Migration

Dynamics GP has long been a reliable on-premises ERP solution. However, its architecture presents limitations in scalability, integration, and remote accessibility. With Microsoft announcing the end of support for GP by 2029 

Businesses are encouraged to transition to Business Central—a cloud-based, modern ERP platform designed for agility, automation, and integration.

Key Benefits of Business Central

• Cloud Scalability: No more hardware constraints. Business Central grows with your business.

• Seamless Integration: Native compatibility with Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and third-party apps.

• Real-Time Insights: Built-in analytics and dashboards for smarter decision-making.

• Mobility: Access your ERP from anywhere, on any device.

  
  

Migrating now means future-proofing your operations and unlocking new efficiencies.

The Integration Process – Step-by-Step

Transitioning from GP to Business Central involves a structured approach to ensure data integrity, minimal disruption, and maximum ROI.

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

Start with a comprehensive audit of your current GP environment. Identify workflows, customizations, and data dependencies. Define clear migration goals—whether it's improving reporting, streamlining operations, or enhancing user experience.

Build a cross-functional migration team including IT, finance, operations, and end-users. This team will guide the project and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Step 2: Data Migration and Integration

Using tools like Azure Data Factory and Business Central’s migration framework. Data is securely transferred from GP’s SQL Server database to the cloud.

This includes:

• Master data (customers, vendors, items)

• Historical transactions

• System configurations

  
  

Data is migrated table-by-table, with validation checks to ensure accuracy. Integration runtimes facilitate secure data flow between environments.

Step 3: System Configuration and Customization

Business Central is configured to mirror your business processes. Customizations from GP are either replicated or redesigned using Business Central’s extension-based architecture. This reduces long-term maintenance and enhances flexibility.

Thorough testing ensures that all modules—finance, supply chain, sales—function as expected.

Change Management, Go-Live, and Optimization

Step 4: Training and Change Management

User adoption is critical. Develop a tailored training program to onboard users to Business Central’s interface and features. Use change management strategies to address resistance and foster engagement.

Step 5: Go-Live Execution

After final testing, execute the go-live plan. Monitor system performance closely and resolve any post-migration issues promptly. A phased rollout can help minimize downtime and disruption.

Step 6: Post-Migration Support and Continuous Improvement

Post-migration, focus on optimization. Monitor workflows, gather user feedback, and refine processes. Leverage Business Central’s automation tools and AI capabilities to drive continuous improvement.

Best Practices for Success

• Don’t replicate outdated workflows: Use this opportunity to redesign processes for efficiency 

• Engage stakeholders early: Their buy-in ensures smoother transitions.

• Plan for the long term: Business Central is built for scalability—design with growth in mind.

  
  

Migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central is a transformative journey. It’s not just about changing software—it’s about reimagining how your business operates. With the right strategy, tools, and support, your organization can unlock new levels of agility, insight, and performance.

Ready to modernize your ERP? Start planning your migration today and embrace the future with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.