Are you one of the companies that still use older versions of Navision, the slightly newer NAV, on-premises Business Central, or an entirely different ERP solution?
And have you, like so many other companies, realized that the time has come to switch to or upgrade to Business Central Cloud, because Business Central Cloud offers so many benefits for a modern business?
Upgrading to Business Central Cloud requires a bit of preparation. But if you break the project down into phases, it becomes much more manageable.
ERP projects have a reputation for being large and almost always “going off the rails.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you break the process down into phases, you can ensure that your organization and employees can keep up.
Upgrading from an older system to the latest version of Business Central typically requires a number of changes to workflows and processes. And changes to workflows, in particular, require adaptation and an understanding of the human element of the process in order to be successful.
That is why users should be involved as early in the process as possible.
We therefore always start by asking the company to prioritize tasks and processes, and then we divide the process into phases. Within each phase, we conduct workshops and tests. This means we complete one phase before moving on to the next. It makes it much easier to get an overview of the project, track progress, and ensure that employees are on board.
Luckily, there’s money for that.
Older versions of Navison/NAV with customizations are not uncommon. These customizations address a range of specific functions, processes, or workflows that are important to the business. This is probably more the rule than the exception.
Normally, we can address these specific functions, processes, or workflows using Business Central Standard, vendor-independent apps, and extensions. This means the company becomes far less dependent on the few internal and external resources who are familiar with the company’s specific solution. With a Business Central solution based on standard, vendor-independent apps and extensions, the company becomes independent of individuals and vendors.
It can be difficult to understand which licenses – and in particular which combination of licenses – is optimal for your business.
Microsoft – and a number of the app vendors that are often closely associated with a Business Central solution – have significantly changed the way you buy licenses.
We can help you get an overview of the different licenses and the options you have, so you can ultimately find the solution that best pays off for your business.
It all starts with an initial consultation, where we’ll explain both the opportunities and the pitfalls to you.
At the meeting, we’ll typically also discuss your requirements and needs—both now and in the future. The need for integrations with line-of-business systems. Special adjustments in your old system—how do we address them in the new one? Does data need to be converted or migrated? Do we need to address security and data protection? And how do we ensure that users embrace the new system and the new workflows?
When companies consider migrating their ERP solution to Business Central Cloud, a number of important questions quickly arise: What will it cost? How will we handle customizations, data, and integrations? And what does the transition actually mean for our day-to-day operations and future opportunities?
Here, we’ve compiled answers to some of the questions we most frequently encounter in our conversations with customers.
1. How much does it cost to switch to Business Central Cloud—and what is the licensing model like?
The price depends on both the licenses and the project itself. In Business Central Cloud, you typically pay per user per month, and there may be additional costs for apps and any customizations. On top of that, there is the upgrade/implementation project itself.
We’ll help you get a comprehensive overview of license types, the number of users, apps, and project scope so you can see both the one-time costs and the ongoing expenses—before you make your decision.
2. Is the switch to Business Central Cloud an upgrade or a completely new implementation?
It can be either. Some opt for a nearly 1:1 conversion, in which the current setup and processes are largely preserved—simply migrated to Business Central Cloud. Others use the transition as an opportunity to “clean house,” simplify processes, and adopt a more innovative approach, making it resemble a classic new implementation.
It depends on what you want to achieve as a company: How much do you want to reuse, and how much do you want to improve along the way? We’ll review your solution with you and create a plan that fits your starting point and level of ambition—whether it’s 1:1, “tweak as you go,” or something in between.
3. What will happen to our current customizations and special solutions?
Many customizations can now be replaced by standard features in Business Central or by apps and extensions. This makes you less dependent on custom code and individual developers—and makes future updates much more seamless.
We’ll map out your current customizations, assess what still adds value, and provide recommendations on how best to meet your needs in Business Central Cloud—using standard features, apps, AI, and agents
4. Can we migrate our historical data—and what makes the most sense?
Yes, it is possible to migrate historical data—but it’s not always a good idea to include “everything.” For many companies, combining the following may provide the most value:
Together, we’ll determine what data you need for your day-to-day operations and how best to handle the rest. That way, you’ll have a fast and efficient system—without losing either the big picture or your history.
5. Is Business Central Cloud secure—and how is our data handled in the cloud?
Business Central Cloud runs on Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, which offers a high level of security, backup, monitoring, and access control. It includes built-in capabilities for access control, traceability, and personal data management.
Throughout the project, we always focus on roles, permissions, and compliance to ensure that the solution supports your internal requirements, customer requirements, and any audit and regulatory requirements.
6. Can Business Central Cloud be integrated with our other systems and solutions?
Yes, integrations are often an important part of a Business Central project. These can include, for example, production, warehouse automation, online stores, CRM, EDI, or industry-specific solutions.
During the initial assessment phase, we map out your system landscape and evaluate the options: standard integrations, apps, or custom integrations. The goal is a comprehensive solution where Business Central Cloud works seamlessly with the systems that are critical to your business.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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