For organisations considering a move from Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) to Business Central (BC), one of the key differences lies in how updates and upgrades are managed. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses looking to streamline operations and future-proof their ERP system.
Traditional vs. Modern ERP: Upgrade Complexity
Microsoft Dynamics GP follows an on-premises model, meaning upgrades require manual intervention, IT involvement, and significant planning. Businesses using GP typically need to schedule upgrades, ensure compatibility with customisations, and manage any potential disruptions to operations. These updates can be resource-intensive, often necessitating downtime and careful coordination with IT teams and consultants.
By contrast, Business Central operates on a cloud-based model, with updates delivered automatically by Microsoft. This ensures businesses always have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements without the need for major IT overhauls.
Frequency and Cost of Updates
With GP, updates are periodic, often released annually or biannually, and may involve costly upgrades depending on the complexity of the customisations in place. Businesses running outdated versions of GP may also face higher expenses when upgrading, as older versions require more extensive work to bring them up to date.
In contrast, Business Central follows a continuous update cycle, with Microsoft releasing two major updates per year along with monthly minor updates. These updates are applied seamlessly, ensuring businesses benefit from new features and security improvements with minimal disruption.
Customisations and Compatibility
One of the concerns when upgrading from GP to BC is the impact on customisations. GP users often rely on bespoke modifications and third-party integrations, which may not always be easily transferable to Business Central. Since GP is an older system with a different architecture, customisations often need to be rebuilt or replaced when transitioning to BC.
However, Business Central’s modern extensibility model ensures that customisations remain intact through upgrades. Extensions in BC are built using AL code and managed via Microsoft’s AppSource, reducing the risk of compatibility issues when updates are applied.
Security and Compliance Considerations
With GP’s on-premises setup, security updates and compliance requirements are the responsibility of the organisation. This means businesses must proactively manage their IT infrastructure to ensure it remains secure and compliant with industry regulations.
Conversely, Business Central’s cloud-based environment benefits from Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security measures. Microsoft automatically applies security updates, reducing the risk of cyber threats and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
Future-Proofing Your Business
Businesses still using GP must consider the long-term sustainability of their ERP system. Microsoft has signalled a shift towards cloud-first solutions, with Business Central representing the future of Dynamics ERP. As GP becomes increasingly outdated, companies may face rising costs for support, maintenance, and upgrades.
Transitioning to Business Central allows organisations to take advantage of AI-driven insights, enhanced automation, and seamless integrations with other Microsoft 365 applications. With Business Central, businesses can scale efficiently while benefiting from continuous innovation.
Final Thoughts
For businesses evaluating the transition from GP to Business Central, the differences in managing upgrades and updates are a major consideration. BC’s cloud-first approach eliminates the complexities of traditional ERP upgrades, ensuring businesses remain agile, secure, and ready for the future. By embracing Business Central, organisations can reduce IT overheads, enhance security, and stay ahead with the latest innovations in ERP technology.
By focusing on modernisation, automation, and seamless updates, Business Central provides a robust and future-proof alternative to GP. If your organisation is looking to move to the cloud, now is the time to explore how Business Central can transform your ERP experience.
