From Legacy to Innovation:
In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead requires embracing innovation and leveraging modern technology solutions. If you’re currently using Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), it’s time to consider upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Business Central is the next-generation ERP system that offers enhanced capabilities, improved scalability, and seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.
Is Dynamics NAV the same as Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, which replaces Dynamics NAV, is an ERP system. This cloud-based solution encompasses various business administration functions such as finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, project management, and more. Small and medium-sized enterprises can take advantage of Business Central’s capabilities, including intelligent insights, integration with other Microsoft products (including Office 365 and Power Platform), and flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises).
Upgrading from NAV to Business Central isn’t just about moving from one system to another; it’s about embracing the future of ERP technology. By upgrading, you’ll unlock new features, gain improved efficiency and visibility, and position your business for growth and innovation.
Common steps to migrate to Business Central
01 Preparing for the Upgrade
Evaluate your existing NAV system, including customizations, integrations, and third-party add-ons. Identify any potential challenges or areas that may require special attention during the upgrade process. Familiarize yourself with the hardware, software, and infrastructure requirements for Business Central. Ensure that your environment meets the necessary prerequisites. Before making any changes, create a full backup of your Dynamics NAV database to ensure you have a restore point in case of any issues during the upgrade process.
02 Choose an Upgrade Path
There are typically two approaches for upgrading NAV to Business Central: the “Cloud Upgrade” and the “On-Premises Upgrade.” Choose the option that aligns with your business requirements, resources, and future goals. Depending on your chosen upgrade method, you may need to use specific migration tools provided by Microsoft. Research and select the appropriate tool for your upgrade.
03 Plan and Prepare
Review and refine your business requirements and configure Business Central accordingly. Determine how you want to set up modules, permissions, workflows, and other settings in the new system. Clean up and validate your existing data to ensure its integrity before migration. Identify and resolve any data quality issues or inconsistencies.Provide training and resources to your staff to familiarize them with the new system. This will help them adapt to the changes and maximize the benefits of Business Central.
04 Perform the Upgrade
Set up the new Business Central environment based on your defined configuration. Install the necessary components and configure the system according to your requirements.
Use the selected migration tool to transfer your data from Dynamics NAV to Business Central. Follow the tool’s instructions and ensure that the data mapping and transformation are accurate.Thoroughly test and verify the migrated data in Business Central. Check for any inconsistencies or missing information and address them accordingly.
05 Post-Upgrade Tasks
Conduct comprehensive testing of the system to ensure that all functionalities and customizations work as expected. Involve key users in this process to validate the system against their specific requirements. Develop a detailed plan for the go-live process, including data cut-off, final data migration, and user transition. Consider any potential downtime and communicate the plan to all stakeholders.
Finally, the go-live process marks the final step in the upgrade journey. It is essential to have a backup of your NAV database before proceeding, and to monitor the system post-upgrade for any issues or concerns that may arise.
Don’t navigate the ERP migration journey alone. Connect with our team of Microsoft experts today to kick-start your journey towards Business Central.By partnering with us, you can leverage our in-depth knowledge and experience with both Dynamics NAV and Business Central. Our experts will guide your team through the transition, helping you fully utilize Business Central’s flexibility, user-friendly design, and productivity features.
