Business software has transitioned to the cloud, prompting many clients to reconsider their Dynamics GP setup. While they own Dynamics GP, their IT departments are increasingly hesitant to maintain on-premise servers. The question arises: should they migrate Dynamics GP to Azure or make the shift to Dynamics 365? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. My role is to assist companies in weighing their options for current and future planning.

Both avenues come with their associated costs:

• Transitioning Dynamics GP to Azure incurs monthly Azure hosting charges along with regular upgrades.
• Shifting from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central isn't just an upgrade; it entails a completely new ERP system implementation.

Moving to Dynamics 365 BC involves a higher initial cost, followed by a predictable monthly fee to Microsoft. Azure migration, on the other hand, involves ongoing expenses for licensing, upgrades, server migrations, or additional server space, albeit with less disruption to business operations.

Consider whether you presently have the budget and workforce to execute a BC implementation or prefer to delay it while covering Azure fees. Some opt for a three to five-year ERP system plan, while others have already committed to change.

Let's delve into various scenarios to ascertain the ideal timing for transitioning Dynamics GP to Azure or migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

4 Scenarios for Comparing the Move from Dynamics GP to Azure versus Business Central

Scenario 1: "I have everything I need with Dynamics GP. I simply want it in the cloud. We're struggling to find skilled workers, and I'm managing with a small team that's already stretched thin."

Suggestion: Transition to Azure

Scenario 2: "I appreciate Dynamics GP; we just require these three specific functionalities."

Suggestion: We can address those three issues within half a day. You can continue utilizing your current Dynamics GP setup while simultaneously devising a plan for the future.

Scenario 3: "I require additional functionality in Dynamics GP, and I'm prepared to invest in a significant third-party add-on tool (e.g., AP Automation)."

Suggestion: This is an opportune moment to explore transitioning to Dynamics 365 Business Central. It may already offer the desired functionality, potentially saving you the expense of additional add-ons. Additionally, investing in add-ons for Dynamics GP now may not be compatible with the system you migrate to in the future.

Scenario 4: "I'm currently using Dynamics GP and now I'm interested in integrating CRM functionality, specifically Dynamics 365 Sales."

Suggestion: Dexpro Dynamics specializes in implementing Microsoft CRM and facilitating the connection between Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Sales. This allows you to continue utilizing Dynamics GP for the time being. However, there's an integration services fee associated with this, which you'll need to pay again upon transitioning to Dynamics 365 BC later. Therefore, it might be more cost-effective to first migrate to Dynamics 365 BC and then incorporate Sales. Before proceeding, we would need to delve deeper into the following questions:

• Does Dynamics GP currently fulfill all your requirements?
• Are additional add-ons or separate systems necessary to address any existing issues?
• Is your team equipped to handle a new ERP implementation at this juncture? A "lite" version of CRM is included within Dynamics 365 BC, and current promotions offer the opportunity to add the full CRM functionality to Business Central at a minimal cost. Many clients opt for a combined or phased implementation of Business Central and CRM.

Looking Beyond the Costs

I understand that change can be daunting. People tend to stick with what they know, and Dynamics GP is familiar. However, it's essential to consider not just the expenses but also the benefits of transitioning.

When you migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central:

• You gain access to an application fully integrated with Microsoft Office.
• You can effortlessly access sales orders from your email on your phone without navigating through multiple platforms.
• Business Central is continuously evolving with new features.
• The reporting capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central surpass those of Dynamics GP, thanks to the power of Power BI and AI.
• You no longer need to invest in new servers.
• Your team can conveniently access the system remotely.
• Say goodbye to costly and time-consuming system upgrades.

And that's just scratching the surface.

However, it's crucial to recognize that Business Central is a different product. If you've been using Dynamics GP for years, there will be a learning curve. While some aspects may exceed Dynamics GP, others may initially be missing.

At Dexpro Dynamics, we specialize in Dynamics GP and understand the needs of its users. That's why we include custom adjustments and customizations when transitioning to Business Central, making the process smoother. This level of support is only achievable when partnering with a team familiar with both systems.

Summary: Comparing Cloud Scenarios

Making a decision regarding cloud scenarios can be complex. If your needs are fully met with Dynamics GP, you don't require additional products, and you're not prepared to invest significant time and money into a new implementation, sticking with Dynamics GP and transitioning to Azure may be the best option.

However, in my experience, only a small percentage of clients fall into this category. When clients express dissatisfaction with Dynamics GP or express the need for additional functionality, it's crucial to consider transitioning to Dynamics 365 BC.

At Dexpro Dynamics, we support all the systems mentioned above. However, our focus is always on what's best for our clients at any given time. We aim to provide clear and honest evaluations of your options so that you can make the most informed decisions for your business.

Dexpro is proud to be a Dynamics GP Partner, a Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner, and a Dynamics 365 Sales Partner.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation so we can start the conversation and give you the information you need to make the right decision for your specific business scenario.

By Marlena Stark, President, Dexpro Dynamics, Microsoft Silver Partner