Reviews and corrects ledger-to-subledger alignment in D365 by fixing posting configurations, inventory profiles, reconciliation logic, GL mapping, and critical reporting procedures.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Dynamics GP
Posted on: July 26, 2024 | By: Page Wildridge | Microsoft Dynamics GP
Last month, Jim Bertler from Logan Consulting presented on Dynamics GP and the question “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” at Dynamics Community Summit. Dynamics GP has been around for a long time but the changing technology landscape and Microsoft’s approach to ERP solutions keeps driving questions about Dynamics GP.
What is GP?
Microsoft purchased Dynamics GP way back in 2000 and continued to invest in the solution for many years. As times changed the need for a cloud-based solution become evident. So, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, but said they would continue to support Dynamics GP. Recently, Microsoft announced the end of sales of Dynamics GP, signally a shift away from on-premises solutions and Dynamics GP and towards Business Central.
Is Dynamics GP Dead?
If you would like to stick with your on-premises solution, you absolutely can- GP is not dead, and will still support your needs. However, you should understand the risks of sticking with GP, and where you could run into problems in the future. Microsoft has not announced plans to discontinue Dynamics GP, but they have decided to stop new sales within the next 6-18 months. There is a large push from Microsoft to switch users from GP to Business Central, though it is not just a simple upgrade to do so.
Dynamics GP Support
One of the biggest challenges for users staying with GP will be their support options. While some partners (including Logan Consulting) will continue to support you, there are differences between the Modern and Fixed Lifecycle. On the Fixed plan, you will not receive support for GP versions before 18.2. On versions 18.1 and 18.2, you can update for bug fixes and tax upgrades, but will not be able to update the whole system. If you install major updates to the 18.5 version, you are automatically enrolled in the Modern Lifecycle. The modern lifecycle technically has three updates, but in reality, it is just one annual update with bug-fixes and small improvements to the ERP.
What Are The Benefits of Business Central?
The cloud-based ERP has a variety of benefits that GP lacks. These include simpler updates, access to the full 365 ecosystem, and mobile capabilities. Additionally, you can access Business Central through your browser. This allows you to view your ERP from any device that has internet access. Other benefits include a better interface, improved reporting and a simpler and more effective chart of accounts.
What Does Mitigation Look Like?
Changing from GP to Business Central is not just a simple switch. The change is not just a one to one mitigation, but Business Central does have an easier look and feel to it. Additionally, there is a mitigation tool, though you need to understand what will and won’t migrate. In addition, many companies keep their GP available for historic or reporting purposes which is easy to do.
Microsoft’s Plan
In our opinion, Microsoft has changed their focus to the cloud moving forward, though they have not abandoned GP. We believe that Microsoft will attempt to innovate with Business Central, while putting little to no investment into GP. This means limited improvements and no new features with Dynamics GP. Whether you should stay or go from GP is based on your needs though it is important to understand the issues and limitations of Dynamics GP if you stay.
Next Steps
Please click here to view our full slide deck on Dynamics GP that we gave at the Dynamics Community Summit Roadshow. Contact us today to speak to an expert about your options with GP going forward.
