What to Consider When Considering Business Central Presented
What to Consider When Considering Business Central Presented by: Logan Consulting
Agenda • Questions • A History Lesson • Where We Are Today • What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central • GP Future – Is it Dead? • Microsoft’s Plan – Reading the Tea Leaves • Compare/Contrast – Which One • What is the Process of Changing if We Wanted To? • What Now?
The Questions • I need to upgrade as my Dynamics GP is getting old. What should I do? • I hear Microsoft isn’t supporting Dynamics GP going forward? • I have heard about Dynamics 365 and Business Central, What is it? • Why would I want one or the other, GP or Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics History • In 2000 and 2001 Microsoft acquired four ERP solutions • Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Dynamics NAV, Dynamics AX • Dynamics AX targeted to large/enterprise type companies with complex needs • GP, SL, NAV targeted to small and mid-market • Plan was always to consolidate to one platform, but that proved difficult
Where Are We Today • Microsoft has moved Dynamics AX to the cloud rebranded as Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (until they change it) • Still supporting Dynamics GP, NAV and SL (Sort of) on-premises • Dynamics GP, NAV and SL will always stay on-premises • Cloud hosting is through a partner, not Microsoft , not true cloud solutions • Microsoft released (on April 2, 2018) Dynamics 365 Business Central •
What is Dynamics 365 Business Central • Microsoft Dynamics NAV moved to the cloud, had other names over last two years • Small and mid-market cloud hosted solution from Microsoft • Natural integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM (365 Sales) • In summary, Microsoft now has small to enterprise level solutions available in the cloud • Continue to invest in “ 365” brand integration (Office, CRM) • Large user base (from NAV) • Offered in the cloud from Microsoft or on-premises • Works in any browser, device
Future of GP – Is it Dead? • You can absolutely stay on Dynamics GP • Microsoft has NOT announced plans to discontinue or abandon Dynamics GP (or Management Reporter) • You may see information to the contrary • Annual release cycle until 2024 (Three times a year? ) • What is Modern Lifecycle • However, Microsoft is focused on the cloud and will continue to drive innovation and resources to Dynamics 365 Business Central and related 365 solutions
Microsoft’s Plan – Reading the Tea Leaves • Disclaimer – these are my thoughts not any official communication from Microsoft!!! • Clearly focused on the cloud moving forward • But not abandoning Dynamics GP • Less investment in Dynamics GP than in the past, more on Business Central • Would expect less major new functionality changes in Dynamics GP, but user improvements • Major innovation will be with Business Central
Compare and Contrast – Which One • Do they both do the same thing? • Who might tell you GP or BC was better? • No pat answer based on industry, or even major functionality • It really comes down to your system requirements, business vision • Do you need mobile, do you want to move the Cloud, How big of an effort would it be • Not a simple answer, it depends
What if We Wanted to Change • Microsoft has developed a Dynamics GP to Business Central tool • The tool moves customers, vendors, items • Historical transactions go into “Extensions” (think tables) • Doesn’t magically move everything from GP to BC • Chart of Account structures are very different • It is a different system with different interface and terminology • Bottom line – you can move, it isn’t like starting over, but not just a simple transition • Cost and Complexity will depend on your environment, - are processes documented, do you want to change COA, what parts of GP do you use
What Now • You don’t HAVE to do anything. Again, GP isn’t going anywhere, for a long time • You should understand your company’s direction • Cloud – No Cloud • Mobile or not • Are you missing something or having issues with GP • You should understand improvements in GP will be limited • Outlook integration, CRM integration, major improvements in modules • Talk to your partner, they should be able to help you determine the best path forward • Stay informed, things will change
Contact Information Jim Bertler Logan Consulting jbertler@loganconsulting. com 312 -345 -8804
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