Dynamics NAV (Navision) versus Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central carries all the same features as its older relative (Dynamics NAV) but has the added benefits of a true cloud solution. Benefits such as access to your information from anywhere in the world, real-time updates and easy integration. The transition from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is so much more than a facelift. Microsoft has successfully created a cost-effective all-in-one solution that can seamlessly grow with your business. 
Data analytics dashboard displayed on a desktop monitor, tablet, and smartphone with various charts and metrics.
By 2025, 60% of ERP deployments will be in the cloud, up from 46% in 2023.

ERP software is evolving—and so should your business. In 2018, Microsoft introduced Dynamics 365 Business Central to replace Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision), taking everything users loved about NAV and moving it to the cloud. But this wasn’t just a facelift. Business Central delivers all the core NAV functionality, plus cloud-native flexibility, lower costs, stronger security, and better integrations with Microsoft 365 tools.

The evolution of the all-in-one ERP Dynamics NAV

Just like your business, software evolves. It adapts to our ever-changing needs and advances processes by delivering more ground-breaking functionality. In 2018, Microsoft released Dynamics 365 Business Central to the enterprise resource planning market to replace what was Dynamics NAV (formerly known as Navision). But how does Dynamics 365 Business Central compare? 

Benefits of Dynamics NAV are as follows: access to your information from anywhere in the world, real-time updates and easy integration. The transition from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is so much more than a facelift. Microsoft has successfully created a cost-effective all-in-one solution that can seamlessly grow with your business. 

Here are some of the main reasons our customers have made the switch to Dynamics 365 Business Central. 

1. Familiar and Easy to Use

If you’re familiar with Dynamics NAV or tools like Microsoft 365, Outlook, or Teams, Business Central will feel second nature. The interface is intuitive, and user adoption is smooth, reducing training time and increasing productivity from day one.

Example: One Monpellier customer reduced onboarding time by 50% after switching from NAV to Business Central.

2. Access Anytime, Anywhere

With Business Central’s true cloud infrastructure, your team can work from any location or device. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the move, you get real-time access to critical data, no VPNs or remote desktops required.

Benefit: Secure remote access for hybrid teams and multi-site businesses.

3. Lower IT Costs and Predictable Pricing

Say goodbye to expensive on-premise servers, manual upgrades, and infrastructure headaches. With a monthly subscription model, Business Central provides an all-in-one ERP platform hosted on the Microsoft cloud—with automatic updates and minimal maintenance.

Tip: Many of our clients report saving up to 30% in IT overhead after switching to the cloud.

4. Built-In Enterprise-Grade Security

Hosted on Microsoft Azure, Business Central benefits from multi-layered security, 24/7 threat monitoring, and more than 70 global compliance certifications (including GDPR and ISO 27001). You get peace of mind knowing your data is protected by one of the world’s most trusted cloud platforms.

Azure also provides built-in disaster recovery and data encryption.

5. Flexible, Scalable, and Built for the Future

Business Central integrates seamlessly with tools like Power BI, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. It also supports custom extensions through Microsoft’s AL coding, allowing you to tailor the system to your processes without being locked into costly bespoke solutions.

Future upgrades are easier, faster, and more cost-effective—no full rebuilds required.

Seamless Migration from Dynamics NAV to Business Central

At Monpellier, we specialise in helping businesses transition from Dynamics NAV to Business Central—efficiently, securely, and with minimal disruption. Our experienced consultants ensure you get the most out of your ERP investment with a migration strategy tailored to your operations.

Why Partner with Monpellier?

With over 20 years of ERP implementation experience, Monpellier is a trusted name in digital transformation for UK businesses. As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, we meet Microsoft’s highest standards for technical expertise, training, and customer satisfaction.

One client reduced manual reporting time by 40% within 6 weeks of switching to Business Central.

  • Access to the latest Microsoft innovations
  • Proven track record in successful NAV to Business Central migrations
  • Ongoing support, training, and optimisation services
  • Deep understanding of industry-specific requirements

Whether you’re upgrading, migrating, or starting fresh, Monpellier provides end-to-end support to ensure your ERP works for you, now and into the future.

Dynamics 365 Business Central users report 50% fewer upgrade and scalability issues compared to legacy ERP users.

https://www.idc.com/

Frequently Asked Questions About Dynamics 365 Business Central

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solution from Microsoft designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps manage finances, supply chain, sales, service, projects, and operations, all from one integrated platform.

How is Business Central different from Dynamics NAV?
Business Central includes all the functionality of Dynamics NAV but adds the benefits of a modern, cloud-first solution. This means automatic updates, better scalability, real-time access from any device, seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps (like Outlook and Excel), and reduced IT overhead.

Is it difficult to migrate from Dynamics NAV to Business Central?
Not with the right partner. At Monpellier, we provide end-to-end migration services—from data migration and setup to user training and post-launch support—ensuring minimal disruption and maximum return on investment.

Can Business Central be customised to our business needs?
Yes. Business Central is built for flexibility. With Microsoft’s AL coding language and an extensive app marketplace, the platform can be tailored to fit your specific industry requirements and workflows.

How secure is Business Central in the cloud?
Very secure. Business Central is hosted on Microsoft Azure, one of the most secure cloud platforms globally, offering built-in encryption, multi-factor authentication, and over 70 compliance certifications, including ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2.

How much does Dynamics 365 Business Central cost?
Pricing typically starts at around £57.50 per user/month for the Essentials licence (as of 2025). Costs can vary based on user count, functionality, and custom requirements. Monpellier offers custom quotes tailored to your needs.

Is support included after implementation?
Yes. Monpellier provides ongoing support, training, and system optimisation post-deployment. Our goal is to ensure you get long-term value from your investment in Business Central.

91% of organisations using Microsoft ERP tools reported improved customer satisfaction and better data visibility.

https://www.microsoft.com/en/customers/story/

Ready to modernise your ERP?

Call us on 01228 550 167 or email info@monpellier.co.uk to book your free demo and consultation today. Alternatively, fill out a form on our contact page and we will get in contact with you asap.

Get in Touch

Have a project in mind? To request a quote contact us directly or fill out the form and let us know how we can help.

Email

info@monpellier.co.uk

Phone

0191 500 8150

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