For CFOs and senior business leaders who want to learn more about the Dynamics GP end-of-life and the next step of migrating to a modern ERP system.
The ERP Seas are Changing
Just as ancient mariners once relied on trusted but outdated maps, many businesses have long depended on Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) to navigate their financial waters. But as with all great explorations, the time has come to embrace new technologies and chart a course for more prosperous shores.
As we sail towards April 2025 and a few other landmark moments in 2026, Dynamics GP will hit choppy waters, with businesses on an active enhancement plan losing the ability to add functionality or users to their system, and anyone on a Fixed Lifecycle using a GP product older than 2019 losing all support. And of course, no further updates to their platform at all, inhibiting integration with modern systems and the ability to harness AI features.
Fear not, for a new ship awaits – one built for the cloud-powered future of business: Dynamics 365 Business Central.
In this guide, we'll explore:
The final voyages of Dynamics GP
Why Business Central is a robust replacement
The treasure trove of benefits awaiting Business Central adopters
How to prepare your crew for the journey ahead
What
does the GP End-of-Life mean?
Microsoft have committed to supporting the latest GP product (2019+) until 2029, but any GP products older than this will lose support entirely sooner. This doesn’t mean you should stick with the system until then, because the closer you get to the deadline, the more rushed your migration will be, and the more things could go wrong.
The GP end-of-life will allow competitors using other upgraded systems to pass you. You’ll be stuck with an oudated system! Let us explain...
When the system goes end-of-life, although there will be some official extended support available, the development teams will stop on any further platform progression, halting any new functionality or integrations. The focus will simply be to maintain what exists today with bug fixes and security patches.
If you begin using any other modern platforms or systems, the likelihood is that you will not be able to integrate them with your GP ERP as it won’t have continued upgrades and new integrations added.
You’ll also be stuck with an on-premises system and won’t have the chance to be cloud-based if you stay with GP, and furthermore you won’t be able to harness any of the AI-powered features and functionality that are available with newer ERP systems.
What this means for you:
No new features
No new functionality
No integration with new systems
Existing integrations expiring
Increased cyber threat vulnerability
Continued maintenance costs
Essentially, you’ll be paying for a stagnant platform that becomes less and less valuable daily.
The experts at Enhanced agree with Microsoft that the best path forward is a migration to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
We understand many GP customers will know of Business Central and have reservations about this switch. The common misconception is that Microsoft ERP migrations take a long time. They don’t anymore though! With Business Central being cloud-based and off-the-shelf, a migration can be as fast as months rather than years. If the reservation you have is the time it takes to migrate, you don’t need to worry about that with Business Central - especially if you were to choose a trusted partner to sail that ERP ocean with you, and who would manage the configuration, migration and onboarding.
What’s the difference?
Vs.
As we compare our trusted GP galleon to the sleek Business Central clipper, let's examine the key features that will propel your business forward.
Modern Cloud-Based Architecture
Improved Reporting and Analytics
Enhanced Financial Management Dimensions vs Segments
Streamlined Journal Entries Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
Modern Cloud-Based Architecture
Business Central is built specifically for the cloud, providing a more modern and flexible architecture compared to the onpremises GP. This cloud-based approach offers:
Automatic updates and easier maintenance
Improved accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection
Better scalability to accommodate business growth
Improved Reporting and Analytics
Business Central offers advanced reporting capabilities:
Financial Reporting tool (formerly Account Schedules) for customisable financial statements
Ability to drill down into transaction details
Better use of dimensions for more flexible and detailed reporting
Enhanced Financial Management
Business Central introduces improvements in financial management...
Dimensions vs Segments
Business Central uses dimensions instead of GP's segments, allowing for more scalable and granular reporting. This approach enables:
Easier management of a smaller chart of accounts
Flexibility to report on additional data points
Ability to capture dimensions across various transaction types and master records
Streamlined Journal Entries
Business Central allows users to make entries to both the General Ledger and Subledgers simultaneously, simplifying correction processes and reducing the need for multiple transactions.
Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
As part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Business Central provides:
Seamless integration with other Microsoft products like Office 365
Improved collaboration and productivity tools
A familiar user interface for Microsoft users
Future-Proof Solution
With Microsoft phasing out Dynamics GP, moving to Business Central ensures:
A stable future with a defined product roadmap
Continued support and updates from Microsoft
Access to the latest features and improvements in ERP technology
Embark on a journey where every aspect of your ERP system is optimised for the modern business explorer.
Hosting
Licensing Price
Upgrades/Updates
Add-on Options
Power BI Integration
Budgeting
Dynamics 365 Sales/CRM Integration
Financial Reporting
GL Account Structure
On-premise or IaaS (not included). Cloud (included). There is also an onpremise option.
Perpetual licensing starts from £3,750 for 3 users. Subscription licensing starts from £50 /user/month.
GP 2019 October release and later — free service pack updates.Earlier GP versions — manual upgrades.
Large pool of add-ons.
YES – some effort.
Setup and import Excel-based budgets. Advanced capabilities through ISVs.
Licensing starts at £55 /user/month.
Free and automated updates.
Large and rapidly growing pool of apps.
YES – little effort.
Create multiple budgets for financials, revisions, analysis, and dimensional reporting.
YES — significant effort. YES — little effort.
Management Reporter and Jet Reports.
Leverages account schedules and analysis views. Can also use Jet Reports.
Multiple segments for structure. Dimensional chart of accounts.
Purchase Orders
Requisitions, PO creation, separate inventory receipt, and 3-way PO invoice matching.
PO creation, separate inventory receipt, and 3-way PO invoice matching. Does not have requisitions.
AI Capability
No AI capability.
Built-in generative AI with Copilot, as well as other AI-powered self-optimising and productivity features.
Why Set Sail for Dynamics 365 Business Central?
It may be the logical best next step but we’re sure you also want to know if Business Central is the right fit for your business, regardless of how easy the migration from GP is.
Cloud-Powered: Gone are the days of being tethered to port. With Business Central, access your ERP from any shore, riding the cloud-powered trade winds of productivity. Your crew can work from anywhere, while automatic updates keep your systems shipshape without the need for a large IT crew.
A Familiar Deck, With New Possibilities: Step aboard Business Central, and you'll find an intuitive helm that feels familiar to GP veterans. But look closer, and you'll discover enhanced financial rigging, robust customisation options, and the power to navigate even the most complex business waters with ease.
Future-Proofing Your Fleet: Business Central ensures you're always sailing with the latest technology. Regular feature updates and sustained (and new) integrations keep you ahead of the competition, while the scalable nature of the platform means your ERP can grow with business. 3
Your New First Mate: Meet Copilot, your AIpowered first mate. This intelligent assistant helps automate the mundane tasks that once bogged down your journey, providing predictive insights to help you steer clear of obstacles and towards uncharted opportunities.
4
Set your compass for success – Business Central is your ticket to unexplored realms of business potential.
Preparing for Your Voyage
Before setting sail for the Business Central horizon, wise captains know the importance of thorough preparation. Here's your pre-voyage checklist:
Chart Your Current Position: Conduct a comprehensive system audit to understand where you are and what you're carrying.
Clean the Decks: Just as you wouldn't start a voyage with barnacles on the hull, ensure your data is clean and ready for the journey.
Rally the Crew: Engage your key stakeholders early. Every successful expedition needs buy-in from the entire ship's company. You don’t want a mutiny on your hands!
Inspect the Rigging: Assess your current customisations and integrations. Which will you bring aboard, and which will you leave ashore? Regardless of migration, it’s important to check this to see which integrations you will potentially lose with the GP End-of-Life!
Train Your Sailors: Develop a robust training plan. Even the best ship is only as good as its crew's ability to sail it.
Choose Your Navigator: Select an implementation partner with the experience to guide you through calm and stormy seas alike.
TheTreasureMapof BusinessProcessReview
Before embarking on any great voyage, wise captains consult a map. In the world of ERP transitions, that map is the Business Process Review. A well-executed BPR is your treasure map to:
Uncover hidden inefficiencies in your current operations
Ensure your new ERP aligns perfectly with your business goals
Define the true scope of your journey, avoiding unexpected detours
Assemble the ideal crew for your implementation adventure
Why Choose Enhanced as Your ERP Co-Captain?
In the vast ocean of Microsoft partners, Enhanced stands out as a seasoned navigator of the Dynamics seas. Here's why we should be your first choice for this grand voyage.
Over 30 Years at the Helm
We'veweatheredeverystormand seizedeveryopportunityinthe MicrosoftDynamicsworld
A Time-Tested Ship's Log
Ourimplementationmethodologyhas beenrefinedthroughcountless successfulvoyages
Masters of Every Ocean
Ourcrewbringsdeep,industryspecificknowledgetonavigate youruniquewaters
Always on Watch
Weprovidecomprehensivesupport fromtheplanningstages,throughthe implementationstorm,andlongafter you'vereachednewshores
We Partner with You
We'renotjusthereforasingle trip–we'recommittedtobeing yourtrustednavigatorforyearsto come
Ready to Embark?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your voyage from GP to Business Central with our experts today.
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