Why Do Need to Migrate from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

Over the years, all the products from the Microsoft dynamics clan have been rolled out to serve the best or enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management-related needs. 

The concept of developing standard dynamics solutions and further driving them through dynamics applications through reselling partners has made Microsoft dynamics reach and serve diverse industries. 

For instance, ProjectPro is a construction accounting software designed to serve the needs of mid-sized construction businesses that need an effective grip on accounting, ERP, CRM, and project management. 

One of the most significant transitions made to the industry started with the introduction of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. However, the introduction of the latest Dynamics update made it difficult for existing users who are working with Dynamics NAV.

But if we consider the news and viewpoints from the Dynamics community, they always emphasize the need for an upgrade from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Why so? There are so many good reasons which make Dynamics 365 a better option to choose when every industry demands the best for the business. 

1. A Minimalistic Experience  

Dynamics 365 Business Central has rolled with exceptional features but one thing which makes it the best Dynamics update is its simplicity. The latest software has got a very streamlined screen experience that complements its innovative features and extensions.

Apart from this, the software brings the best ever web client that enables cross column search, shortcut keys, personalization, and all the features that make it easy to manage data. Also, it brings the concept of power BI which enables the best use of artificial intelligence technology to create/manage dashboards. 

2. The Advantage to Customize

The earlier versions of Dynamics were designed using the C/AL language. Since it was integrated into the core system, dealing with updates required potential redevelopment. However, the better and newer Dynamics 365 Business Central runs on AL code which is much easier to manage. 

Moreover, any interactions between the core system and extensions could be managed easily with fewer expenses and greater ease. Also, users could take benefit of drag options to personalize data while those using public cloud could also customize using extensions without any constrained common in shared platforms. 

3. On-premise, Dedicated Hosting, Public Cloud, and IaaS Options

Unlike Dynamics NAV, Dynamics 365 Business Central can be used on multiple platforms as per the business requirements and user convenience. Moreover, using Dynamics 365 on any of the available platforms has its own unique benefits. 

For users who are taking access to the software using a public cloud, it becomes easy to access extension apps using an app source that is not available with other points of access. Moreover, the public cloud brings automatic updates every six months while in case of private cloud or on-premise services, users have entire control to upgrades. 

Besides, the introduction of Dynamics 365 Business Central has changed all mods to extensions which means easy access to updates and necessary changes that can keep the process more streamlined. 

4. Change of Licensing for Dynamics NAV

With Dynamics 365 Business Central, the NAV brand is being replaced. Under the latest Business Central update, the concurrent users will be users with a name. These users will be further divided into categories called team members, essentials and premiums. 

However, the present functionality and license will be considered as grounds for the user license which you could avail after the upgrade. Also, the subscription model will be deployed using a private cloud, public cloud, or even on-premise.

Apart from this, the user who needs to use the concurrent model with 2009 database, it was made mandatory to upgrade the license for such purpose. Moreover, the users who are already using a version later than 2013 itself could upgrade to 2018 sustaining concurrent licensing. 

What to know, in case you need to/ don’t need to upgrade:

• For those who want to upgrade may have to rush if they are 2009 or earlier version. However, they can still stick to perpetual and get a subscription with a limited discount period benefit on business-related upgrades. 

• For those who are not looking for upgrade need not require any changes and could pay BREP for licenses. This will allow them to use dynamics NAV until any mainstream end dates or extended support is stopped. 

Quick Checks for Those Planning to Upgrade:

• Make sure you go for an upgrade to Dynamics 365 using the same license.

• Make sure you don’t try to remove a user or manufacturer as it can lead you to freeze of license for 3 years with limitation on upgrade.

• After upgrading your license, it is necessary to make or demonstrate an upgrade within 6 months 

• After upgrading to a new license, the older license gets frozen to prevent the addition of users/objects. 

• Why it’s worth upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Though working on dynamics NAV can be continued and it is not a mandate for all to upgrade, planning a technical upgrade that brings the power of cloud and Business intelligence in a single software. 

Moreover, upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central brings you better access to data with more streamlined management. It has got an all-new simplified interface that makes it easy to control all the processes related to project management. 

Benefits of upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central

1. Experience the security with Microsoft cloud on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It brings you all the security and stability with protection to threats. In short, it can help you improve IT productivity without any need to manage servers or security regulations.
2. Though not cheaper than Dynamics NAV, Dynamics 365 Business Central could help you get a better check on your expenses for more effective project management. However, it is the final upgrade to invest which will bring you future upgrades and extensions at no extra cost of implementing the extensive coding.
3. Dynamics 365 has a very pleasing interface that can be accessed at any time and from anywhere for maximum flexibility. It is designed to work on features like payment prediction, fuzzy search, along with so many applications that can help expand the capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
4. Above all, it brings the advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning that can assist the user in tasks related to construction accounting services. It can avoid manual effort with effective monitoring, image detection, filters, and predictions, etc. In short, Dynamics 365 Business Central could bring you better data which can help plan more informed decisions and delivering projects on time.

The Crux

Moving on Dynamics 365 Business Central from dynamics NAV is all about a productive cloud transition in every aspect. With the advantage of reduced expenses on hardware and servers, Business Central brings the benefit of strong data integration through office applications. 

Irrespective of the industry, it can be used to satisfy any ERP, CRM and project management requirements using power BI to track real-time data and business analytics. Moreover, the benefit to automate workflows and reduce manual efforts through custom solutions brings everything that a business may need for engagement, sales, service delivery, and marketing. 

If you are an aspiring business either a manufacturing unit or a construction firm that needs expert support on construction accounting, remember Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the technology of the future that is designed on innovation and intelligence. 

Author Bio:

Scarlett Jonathon is the Head of Marketing at ProjectPro, a venture dedicated to delivering MS Dynamics 365 Business Central based accounting solutions for the construction industry. She has a knack for the MS Dynamics and Marketing industry since she aligns well with the idea of end-user experience and driving sales. She is fond of traveling and loves to explore places especially nature. She believes traveling helps to rejuvenate creativity and boost her energy and perform better with her work.