Migration to the cloud: From Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Object security, reliability, redundancy, IT security, scalability, flexibility: the list of advantages of cloud solutions over on-premise is very long and has probably been known to everyone for a long time. In recent years, we have also written very often and in detail about the advantages of business solutions from the cloud. 

• Advantages and disadvantages of cloud-based ERP systems 
• A presentation of why solutions from the cloud are more secure,  
• A brief summary: If you move your ERP system to the cloud, you have these advantages 

In the last article, we described the migration from Microsoft Dynamics AX to Microsoft Dynamics 365. However, the added value that the cloud offers in this migration also applies to a migration from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. 

As you can see, there are more and more reasons to use the cloud. While staying on-premise can increasingly become a risk, cloud users have long been in the fast lane thanks to AI and Copilot.  

• But how exactly does an upgrade to the cloud from NAV to Business Central work? 
• And is this migration not as complex as a small ERP project of your own? 

We answer these questions in the second part of this article. You will see - there is a detailed roadmap for every migration to the cloud and even if no two ERP systems are exactly the same, this “migration project from NAV to BC” has long since become routine.

Below we describe what you can expect from this “project”.  

This approach is similar to introducing a new ERP system. Your processes are revised and adapted to the current ERP standard. A restart is an excellent opportunity to eliminate old problems and inconsistencies in the system and to thoroughly “clean up” your system.  

A restart is often chosen when the old system has too many customizations and legacy issues or the migration path is too long, as just described. This “clean restart” requires more detailed conceptual work than an upgrade. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile in most cases, as it can lead to a significant improvement in your processes. 

Of course, you could also choose any competitor product to Microsoft for a reboot. As Business Central is very similar to the previous NAV solution in terms of procedures, processes, workflows, layout, etc., in our experience key users will find their way around the new system very quickly. Importing data from NAV to BC is also much easier. And if you were satisfied with NAV, you will love Business Central.

Like most ERP projects, an upgrade project is divided into these phases: Analysis, implementation, deployment and operation. 

Depending on the chosen migration path, in-depth analyses of code and processes begin. The result is a list of all the technical tasks required for the migration. What exactly needs to be done varies greatly from project to project. Possible tasks could be 

• Preliminary work in the legacy system (e.g. cleaning up inconsistent data) 
• Migration of all necessary additions / add-ons from third-party providers 
• Conception of necessary interfaces  

Your ERP partner is responsible for these tasks. If you also have in-house users / developers with good Business Central knowledge (programming language AL), you are welcome to use them for support.  

Once the preparatory work has been completed, a complete software solution is available that can manage the entire database of the old system. All your processes and workflows are set up in the new environment. As a rule, you are still working on a test environment at this stage. 

Once the preparatory work has been completed, the test phase follows. All users are given access to the test environment in order to test the processes comprehensively. Both the overall solution is tested and a go-live is simulated. A checklist records the test results and creates a schedule for the go-live, which usually takes place after a dress rehearsal with the current live database. 

At some point, there simply comes a point where everything works. The old NAV system is shut down, databases are exported and transferred to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Now you have successfully arrived in the cloud. 

As shown in this blog post, there are currently - in 2024 - no real arguments against the cloud apart from a “vague feeling”. On the contrary, those who do not migrate now will be left behind by the competition. Because AI is getting better and better. Even if some test reports and personal experience still cast doubt on the quality: Used correctly, AI tools can help to increase efficiency and automate routine tasks. And more time means a head start.  

In this blog post, we have also shown you that migration - at least from such large and frequently used systems as Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central - has long since become routine. At least for us.  

And thanks to the “Bridge to the cloud 2” promotion directly from the manufacturer Microsoft itself, the financial incentive is also right. 40% discount on all cloud licenses for up to 3 years: it doesn't get any cheaper than this. 

Do you want a customized roadmap for your migration to the cloud - from NAV to BC?

Then get in touch with us now.

We would be happy to meet you for an initial joint scoping workshop in which we analyze your system and your requirements in one day.

• We check the status quo (NAV environment, database, etc.),
• check your infrastructure (interfaces, extensions, etc.),
• analyze the efficiency of your system
• and also take a look at the financial aspects of migration to the cloud and compare the effort, costs, benefits and long-term advantages and opportunities for you.

You will receive concrete results, recommendations on how to proceed, licensing tips and a valid cost estimate from us on the very first day.  

And best of all: under certain conditions, we also offer you this initial service free of charge. Simply use the contact form below to arrange an initial appointment without obligation.