How Do You Convert from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Posted on: May 29, 2020 | By: Guy Logan | Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

Introduction

Dynamics GP has a huge install base of customers. Many companies are wondering how you convert from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Microsoft is not abandoning Dynamics GP, but it is clear that Microsoft continues to decrease their investment in Dynamics GP and redirect that effort to Business Central. So, for companies that want to take advantage of the cloud, move to a system that Microsoft is investing in, or has a need for mobile or remote access, Business Central may make sense.

Microsoft Conversion Tool

The most simple way to convert from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central is to use the tool provided by Microsoft. Depending on your current Dynamics GP version Microsoft does offer free tools to help you convert from Dynamics GP to Business Central. The tool will move typical elements like customers, vendors and items. It will also convert transactional data, so you don’t lose historical transactions. The chart of accounts can even be converted even though Dynamics GP and Business Central use different approaches to the chart of accounts structure. We don’t want to mislead you that this effort is simply the push of a button, but the tools does dramatically reduce the effort to convert.

Export Data and Keep it Running

The other approach to converting from Dynamics GP to Business Central is to export data from Dynamics GP (usually via SmartLists into Excel) and use what are called Configuration Packages to import the data back into Business Central. While there is more effort in this approach, some clients have found they want to use this approach because it allows them to cleanse the data after it has been exported. It also allows for chart of account restructuring and mapping as part of the process. If a client wants to keep the cost down on this effort, Logan Consulting has helped their clients setup templates for the Configuration Packages and trained them on how to export and import the data.

Process Review

So, our discussion so far has been about converting the data, but when you convert from Dynamics GP to Business Central there are process considerations as well. While the two solutions are both in the Microsoft Dynamics family, they are two different systems. Certainly, some things will look quite familiar like customer or vendor setup. Dynamics GP for example, uses a segmented chart of accounts where Business Central gives you the flexibility to use dimensions so you can capture more information in your chart of accounts, but the chart of accounts is much smaller. In addition, as we have moved clients from Dynamics GP to Business Central, our clients have also found that the process review has helped them clean up their processes that may have not been the best practice anymore.

Conclusion

If you are trying to decide how to convert from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central, Logan Consulting can help you determine the best approach and lead you through the process. There are other considerations such as licensing or new functionality in Business Central which we will cover in a later blog. If you want to understand whether you should stay with Dynamics GP or upgrade to a solution such as Business Central, feel free to contact us.

Logan Consulting is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner located in Chicago, Illinois serving clients throughout the United States with a concentration in Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee.

 



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