Your Dynamics ERP Path Going Forward – GP, NAV and Business Central

If you’re a Dynamics GP user or a Dynamics NAV user, you may have heard discussion about transitioning to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Some customers may be experiencing confusion around the transition concept as well as with changes in Microsoft’s roadmap. Encore would like to take some time to discuss your ERP path forward and explain what options are available to you as either a GP or NAV user.

What’s Happening to Dynamics GP

Dynamics GP is not going away. In the latest Microsoft Dynamics GP Roadmap, there are future “GP Next” versions to come. “GP Next” will include ongoing development and top features requested by customers and the community. The latest version, Dynamics GP 2018 R2, was released in October 2018. This version will have mainstream support until January 10, 2023, and extended life support until January 11, 2028.

What’s Happening to Dynamics NAV

Dynamics NAV has been rebranded as Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft stopped selling Dynamics NAV to new customers on April 1, 2019. However, existing Dynamics NAV customers will still be able to purchase new licenses for their solution as needed. Microsoft will continue to offer support for Dynamics NAV 2018 through January 2028 but will no longer release updates for Dynamics NAV 2018.

What is Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your organization grow beyond the limits of your basic accounting software. It is an all-in-one business management solution that’s easy to use and adapt, helping you connect your business and make smarter decisions.

Options Available

Whether your organization chooses to transition or not, there are three options available going forward. Customers are not required to migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central, however clients that do will have the best access to the latest functionality.

1. Transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud

2. Transition to the latest version of your Dynamics solution and try Intelligent Cloud Insights

• For GP users: upgrade to Dynamics GP 2018 R2 and try Intelligent Cloud Insights
• For NAV users: upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises and try Intelligent Cloud Insights

3. Stay on your current on-premise version and renew your BREP (Business Ready Enhancement Plan)

Whichever option you choose, Encore will be able to support your organization’s path forward.

Encore hosted two webinars – one for Dynamics GP users and one for Dynamics NAV users. These recorded webinars provide some further clarity around the transition to Business Central, what the options mean, and how Encore can support your organization. There is discussion around how Business Central, an end-to-end ERP business management solution, connects data from across their organization to streamline business processes, improve customer interactions, and make better decisions.

For more information about Intelligent Cloud Insights, see this Microsoft article or watch this short video “Get Started with Intelligent Cloud Insights” to see an example of how it works.

Contact us if you would like to discuss Dynamics 365 Business Central transition options for your organization.