WHY GP TEAMS RE-EVALUATE
When Does Moving from GP to Business Central Actually Make Sense?
Dynamics GP has earned its loyalty. Many teams have used it for a decade or more, invested heavily in training, reporting, and custom processes, and built real confidence around how it works.
But most GP customers don’t start this conversation because they want a new ERP. They start it because something changes:
- Server refresh cycles force a financial comparison between on-prem infrastructure and cloud ERP Growth, acquisitions, or new entities strain GP’s scalability
- Leadership or personnel changes occur — new CFOs, Controllers, or long-time GP experts preparing to retire
- Growth or acquisitions make GP increasingly complex and costly to manage
- End-of-support timelines force long-term planning
When that happens, the real question isn’t “What’s the flashiest system?”
It’s “What’s the lowest-regret next step?”
WHAT TO EXPECT
What Carries Forward and What’s Different in Business Central
What Carries Forward from GP
Reporting & Management Reporter
Business Central approaches reporting differently. GP users relying heavily on Management Reporter usually evaluate add-ons or alternative reporting tools.
Navigation, SmartLists & Workflow
Menu-driven navigation and SmartLists don’t translate directly. Business Central uses role-based navigation, search, and lists that work differently day to day.
What's New In Business Central
Reporting & Management Reporter
Business Central approaches reporting differently. GP users relying heavily on Management Reporter usually evaluate add-ons or alternative reporting tools.
Navigation, SmartLists & Workflow
Menu-driven navigation and SmartLists don’t translate directly. Business Central uses role-based navigation, search, and lists that work differently day to day.
Where BC Adds value
What Actually Improves in Business Central
While some workflows feel different at first, many GP customers see meaningful operational improvements once they’re live on Dynamics 365 Business Central:
- Accessibility: Cloud access without VPNs or on-prem servers
- Integration: Native Microsoft platform connections instead of heavy middleware
- Scalability: Easier multi-entity management as organizations grow or acquire
- Updates: Regular enhancements without disruptive upgrade projects
- Modern workflows: API-driven integrations, automation, and mobile access
These aren’t abstract benefits. They’re the reasons many teams ultimately feel relief once they’ve made the transition.
Business Central isn’t GP in the cloud and that’s exactly why it works better for many teams.
AN HONEST FIT CHECK
When Business Central May Not Be the Right Next Step
Business Central is the most common next step for GP customers — but it isn’t automatic.
Teams often pause for deeper evaluation when:
- Financial reporting requirements are highly specialized
- The organization operates in finance-first or nonprofit models with complex structures
- GP has been heavily customized to support nonstandard workflows
In these cases, Business Central may still be the right choice, but only with clear expectations, careful scoping, and open conversations up front. For some teams, staying on Dynamics GP, with the right support, remains an option.
WHY TIMING MATTERS
Why Many GP Customers Wish They’d Started Earlier
Teams rarely regret taking time to evaluate their options. What they often regret is waiting until the decision is forced.
Delays can lead to:
- Higher implementation costs than expected
- Fewer partners with immediate availability
- Less flexibility when infrastructure, staffing, or ownership changes accelerate timelines
Starting the conversation earlier doesn’t mean committing. It simply gives you more control over timing, scope, and outcomes.
WHY GP EXPERIENCE MATTERS
How BCS’ GP Background Changes the Business Central Conversation
Deep GP Experience
The BCS team has worked with GP long before Business Central existed and understands how GP environments are typically configured and used.
Clear Scoping Before Anything Else
BCS documents what’s in GP, what lives outside it, and what truly matters before implementation begins.
Advice, Not Just Execution
BCS advises on smarter, more standard ways of working — not simply recreating GP inside Business Central.
Built for Real Teams
ROOTED IN MICROSOFT
Trust BCS for GP to Business Central Expertise
GP to Business Central Expertise
BCS helps organizations move forward with clarity — whether that means migrating to Business Central or confirming a different path. Experience across GP, Business Central, and the broader Microsoft ecosystem allows BCS to guide decisions that hold up long after go-live.
Not sure whether Business Central is right for you?
Related Insights
More on GP, Business Central, and Making the Right Call
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GP to BC - FAQ
Is Dynamics 365 Business Central really the replacement for Dynamics GP?
In most cases, yes — but fit depends on industry, reporting needs, and how GP is used today.
How disruptive is a GP to Business Central migration?
With proper scoping and testing, most teams find the transition manageable and less disruptive than expected.
Is Business Central too complex for long-time GP users?
There’s a learning curve, but most users adapt quickly once they understand the different navigation and workflows.
What happens after GP end of support?
After end of support, Microsoft no longer provides fixes or updates — making long-term planning essential.
Can we stay on Dynamics GP instead of moving?
Yes. Many organizations continue running GP successfully with the right support, especially when timelines, budgets, or business priorities don’t yet justify a move.
