If you’re still using Microsoft Dynamics NAV, it’s time to upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It’s the latest and greatest version of Microsoft’s ERP suite, covering financials, purchasing, inventory, operations, warehousing, and projects.

You can extend Business Central with pre-built apps covering functions such as payroll, scheduling, and materials planning. If you can’t find what you need in the app store, you can add your own customisations.

We commonly hear four misunderstandings about upgrades. So, let’s bust some myths!

Myth #1: I’ll lose my customisations

Many organisations have customised their ERP solution so it perfectly fits their business. That’s to be expected: no two companies are identical and off-the-shelf solutions can’t cater for every niche process.

There are three approaches you can consider for upgrading any given customisation:

  1. Migrate to using standard functionality in Business Central, where available. You may find that a built-in process meets your needs with minimal changes to your existing workflow.
  2. Switch to using pre-built apps, encapsulating the expertise of leading niche software providers, where available.
  3. Implement customisations in your new ERP suite in partnership with an expert software consultancy.

Our team of business software consultants can help you to identify the right approach for your business. If you require customisation, our team can help you to specify your requirements clearly so our team of developers can implement them effectively. We can carry out your customisations using the Extensions feature in Business Central, to help make future upgrades much smoother.

Myth #2: Upgrades are risky

Risk is relative: using an outdated ERP solution also carries risks. Old solutions may no longer be supported, which means any security flaws and bugs are not being patched. Without an ERP solution, many businesses are paralysed, so it is reckless to use a solution that could become vulnerable to attack. Unsupported solutions won’t be updated for the latest business, tax and regulatory changes, either, forcing you to use workarounds and risk falling out of compliance. If you’re using Dynamics NAV 2013, for example, you don’t have built-in support for GDPR or Making Tax Digital.

Obviously, there is a risk inherent in any change, but you can minimise it by choosing an expert team to implement your upgrade. We use robust project management methodologies that are designed to deliver upgrades on budget and on time. Because we focus on serving businesses in the North East, Cumbria, and surrounding areas, we have a presence near our customers. We can meet you as often as necessary, and we’re on hand to quickly address any queries or concerns you have. After your new ERP launches, we can continue to support it for you, and implement any new customisations you require as your business evolves. We have a dedicated in-house support team, comprised of fully qualified IT technicians, so we can provide first class technical support to help you avoid downtime.

We offer a fixed price upgrade package to insulate you from the cost of any unforeseen issues, reducing the financial risk of an upgrade project.

Myth #3: Upgrades are expensive

Actually, if you have a Business Ready Enhancement Plan (BREP) for Dynamics NAV, you don’t have to pay any additional licence fees. It’s already covered. So, after implementation, you get the peace of mind and enhancements of Business Central at no additional cost. Your upgrade costs are limited to the cost of implementation.

Myth #4: It’ll upset users

In our experience, users want to be using the most effective software. They don’t want to be using workarounds or software that’s outlived its useful purpose, which is a feeling often evoked by legacy ERP solutions.

Business Central has an interface similar to Microsoft Office, so it immediately feels intuitive, and users can quickly find their way around it. The software helps by automating and streamlining processes, so your team can be liberated from some of the administration that might be required in your existing ERP solution. With ready access to the information they need, they can make smarter decisions to drive your business forwards.

We’ll help you by training your team too, so they can quickly get up to speed and start taking advantage of the new features that are available to them.

What’s holding you back? Contact us, and we’ll be pleased to talk over your concerns.

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