Should I Move from Dynamics GP to Dynamics Business Central? 

Should I Move from Dynamics GP to Dynamics Business Central?

Let’s start with the most important question: Is Dynamics GP still working for your business?

If the answer to this question is “yes”, then why put your team through the chaos of an ERP Implementation Project? If the answer is “yes” then why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars that you could otherwise spend fulfilling the mission of your business at a time when many businesses are hurting? If the answer is “yes”, then why embark on this journey just to end up with a new system that does less for your business than Dynamics GP does for it today? 

Dynamics GP is a powerful, trusted accounting system with a deep ecosystem of ISV solutions that can support your business well into the future.

Microsoft Dynamics GP is a powerful, trusted accounting system with a deep ecosystem of ISV (Independent Software Vendor) solutions that can support your business well into the future. Moving away from GP is a significant decision—one that can come with complications you might not be prepared for.

Dynamics Business Central is often presented as an alternative to GP by Microsoft and partners whose interests may not algin with your own, but it’s crucial to understand that Business Central doesn’t automatically deliver the rich functionality that GP offers right out of the box. Specifically, Business Central lacks the full ecosystem of ISV solutions that many businesses have relied on for years in Dynamics GP. These third-party applications provide critical features such as advanced payroll, manufacturing, and supply chain functionality. Without these, you might find yourself investing significant resources into configuring and customizing Business Central just to replicate a fraction of what GP already provides. 

Business Central lacks the full ecosystem of ISV solutions that many businesses have relied on for years in Dynamics GP.

Business Central and GAAP Compliance: Proceed with Caution

One critical area of concern is GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) compliance. Dynamics GP has built-in functionality designed for GAAP adherence, which many businesses rely on to ensure accurate and trustworthy financial reporting. However, Business Central must be specifically configured to be GAAP compliant as it was originally developed in Europe with European accounting principles and compliance standards as its foundation. In fact, most BC customers today are still located outside of the US.

Here’s the risk: If your partner doesn’t configure Business Central properly, you could end up with a system that not only fails to support your business but produces data that your CPA cannot understand to prepare your taxes, perform an audit, or provide you with accurate financial statements. 

The Stress of ERP Implementations: Don’t Underestimate the Disruption

ERP implementations, no matter how well planned, are notoriously difficult and stressful. In fact, many businesses experience friction and distraction during the transition process, slowing down their progress toward their core mission and goals. The complexity of moving to Business Central can introduce obstacles that prevent your business from achieving its full potential. 

ERP implementations, no matter how well planned, are notoriously difficult and stressful.

Your leadership team will need to dedicate countless hours to managing this massive project. Do you really have the leadership bandwidth to manage a transition like this right now, when inflation and economic pressures are squeezing businesses harder than ever? Furthermore, Business Central implementations often cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Is this a cost you can absorb while maintaining your focus on growth and profitability?

Are You Moving Just Because Microsoft Told You To?

One question we must ask is: Why are you considering the move to Business Central? Is it because you’re being told by Microsoft that it’s the only way forward? Dynamics GP is a robust, mature system, and just because Microsoft won’t be supporting it after 2031 doesn’t mean Dynamics GP will suddenly stop working. And Microsoft is likely to push that date years into the future anyway.

In short, don’t let someone else’s agenda force you into an expensive and unnecessary move at time that just isn’t right for your business.

Stick with What Works

If Dynamics GP is still serving your business well, and if the thought of a massive implementation project fills you with dread, it may be worth sticking with GP. After all, why take on the risk and cost of moving to Business Central, when GP continues to provide everything you need—including compliance, reliability, and flexibility with its powerful ISV ecosystem?

Before you make the leap, ask yourself one final question: is this move is truly necessary for your business’s future success, or is it simply a reaction to outside pressures?

If staying on GP is the right decision for your business, Njevity is here to help you and to support you every step of the way. As the only Value Added Reseller dedicated to Dynamics GP on AccountingToday’s VAR100 list, you can be assured of our committment to your continued success with the product that has become the backbone of so many businesses, including our own.