Why Are Businesses Moving From Dynamics Nav to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

dynamics 365, business central, erp, upgrade, migration
5 min read

Why do so many businesses continue to use legacy systems, even after newer, more robust options come on the scene? Mainly because they tend to be reliable and familiar. But the inherent risks in ageing solutions can often result in significant time, money, and productivity losses.

When Microsoft launched its Dynamics 365 Business Central in early 2018, many organizations, especially smaller businesses, were happy to continue using Dynamics NAV, which came on the scene in 2003. Today, many of those same businesses are moving from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central to take advantage of all the updated features the newer software offers.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the top reasons organizations are making the switch.

Making the Move from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

As NAV’s successor, cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central brings rich functionalities and greater flexibility across accounting, sales, marketing, financial management, and other organizational processes. Easy-to-use and customize, it can be configured to match your organization’s unique needs. 

Here are the other advantages most frequently mentioned by companies switching to Dynamics.

Improved Security Functions

Dynamics 365 Business Central handles all security monitoring, intrusion detection, threat management, and penetration testing. As a result, IT teams no longer have the burden or stress of continuously changing security measures.

Predictable Costs

Not only are businesses spending less time on maintenance and infrastructure, but they’re also gaining greater visibility into operating costs. They’re able to accurately predict monthly expenditure because the solution includes infrastructure and maintenance fees as well as patches and upgrades. Dynamics 365 also offers a pay-as-you-go plan where your business can quickly increase or decrease its user count as needed. For instance, companies that bring in staff during the busy holiday season can add licenses during those months and remove them when they’re no longer required.

Easy Upgrades

Upgrades can be a costly endeavour for legacy system users. Business Central includes regularly scheduled upgrades that require little to no time and money to complete. One major update is done in the spring and another in the fall. In addition, six minor updates are done throughout the year. 

Better User Experience

Companies love Business Central’s modern user experience and platform. It has an intuitive look and feel and can be accessed from any device and any location with an internet connection, with no RDP or VPN needed. That’s a boon to businesses adopting remote or hybrid work models. The software also seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Suite programs such as AzureOffice 365, Outlook, and Sharepoint.

Improved Features and Functions

Saving time is saving money, and Dynamics 365 Business Central users often see significant savings through features and functionalities that help boost productivity and reduce manual tasks, including:

  • Cash flow functionality
  • Enhanced approval workflows
  • Extension development
  • Job costing and projects
  • Late payment predictions
  • Warehouse management

There are also hundreds of add-on functions you can use to enhance the functionalities your business needs the most. 

Robust Reporting Options

Finally, Business Central’s Essential Business Insights extension elevates the ERP solution above any legacy system. It provides you with:

  • Predictive insights.
  • Robust reports.
  • Intuitive dashboards.

The Power Platform includes Power BI, Flow, and Power Apps, which together enable you to build custom apps, analyze data, automate workflows, and much more.

Dynamics 365 lets you embrace the cloud and operate your entire business with a single solution. For busy SMBs, it can be precisely what’s needed to operate more effectively and efficiently. For example, suppose you run a legacy ERP system, or you’ve outgrown your existing accounting software. In that case, Business Central is the obvious choice for helping you make better-informed decisions, deepen customer engagement, and gain a more powerful competitive advantage.

Barbara Allen
Barbara Allen
Throughout her career, Barb has held various key leadership positions as ERP Team Leader, Project Manager, Consultant and Business Systems Implementer. She has successfully implemented ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, Deltek Maconomy and WorkBook in organizations of all sizes; from start-ups companies with 2 users, to Fortune 500 companies with over 1400 users.
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