If your organization is thinking about a move to Business Central, you undoubtedly have questions.
Joesoftware has years of experience implementing Business Central for organizations of various sizes and in many different industries and sectors, including the non-profit world. As companies start to explore Business Central, there are the initial top 5 questions they ask, complete with our honest answers.
Is Business Central the right choice for my company or organization?
This is an important question to ask. Before you dive into a new ERP system like Business Central, there are many factors to consider.
If your business is running Microsoft Dynamics GP or NAV currently, your team is likely comfortable working in a Microsoft ecosystem, which will make the transition to Business Central easier. Also, there are migration tools and clear path, so for many current Microsoft ERP customers, Business Central is a stong option.
Business Central is primarily a cloud-based solution, which is where Microsoft is focused going forward. While an on-premise option exists, the cloud version is what receives continuous updates, new features, and the latest AI and Copilot capabilities. If secure remote access and staying current with Microsoft’s latest innovations would be valuable to your team, Business Central in the cloud is the smart move.
It is important to know that Microsoft is ending all support and updates to GP at the end of 2029, and NAV users should be aware that extended support for the final version of NAV ends in 2028. If you are running either system, you need to start planning your transition now. Waiting until the last minute could leave your organization scrambling. And if you are already running Business Central on-premise, moving to the cloud version means you can take full advantage of continuous Microsoft updates, improved security, and remote access for your team.
There is also a financial incentive to act sooner rather than later. Microsoft is currently offering current Dynamics GP and other on-premise solution customers a 30% discount on Business Central cloud licensing for three years through their Bridge to the Cloud promotion. This offer is available until December 31, 2027, so there is a real advantage to starting your transition before that window closes. Contact Joesoftware to learn more about how this promotion could apply to your organization.
Finally, it is important to analyze, explore and plan before you make any change to your ERP. Joesoftware can help you analyze if the move to Business Central is the right choice for your business not just today, but also in the future.
Can Business Central handle the complexities and unique aspects of my business?
Business Central is built to handle both routine and complex operations across a wide range of industries. It can be customized to your business, and with Joesoftware’s support, you can integrate your existing data and most custom software applications with your new Business Central system.
Business Central handles manufacturing complexity so you can optimize production. Whether you have simple inventory needs or need more advanced warehouse management, Business Central can be scaled to where you are today and in the future. It is a modern platform that you can extend and customize to fit your specific needs with little to no code development.
Is there any evidence of the benefits of moving to Business Central?
First, talk with colleagues in other organizations and businesses that run Business Central. What is their experience? Is there anything they would do differently?
Second, talk with your implementation partner (companies like Joesoftware) about what they are hearing and seeing with their Business Central clients. A good partner should be open and honest in sharing the feedback they receive from clients, and what their experience has been with past Business Central implementations.
In addition to your own fact-finding, Microsoft recently commissioned a study examining the return on investment benefits of Business Central. For an organization with $15M in revenue and 150 employees, a move to Business Central generated:
- 265% return on investment in three years;
- Payback on their investment in less than six months;
- Productivity improvements for operations, the sales team, and the finance team;
- A savings of more than $80K in third party fees.
Now your business may be smaller or larger than this example, but these results should give some comfort. Business Central has been in play now for many years and it is Microsoft’s chosen ERP system going forward.
If we want to implement Business Central, can my team do implement it on its own, or do I need to work with an implementation partner like Joesoftware?
Changing or enhancing your ERP system is likely one of those times when having an outside consultant makes good sense. Your business can’t afford major downtime or significant errors during an ERP transition, and you want to make sure you plan and test your new system.
Working with an experienced partner like Joesoftware can eliminate uncertainty and make sure your transition goes smoothly. Our team has extensive experience guiding organizations through Business Central implementations and transitions, whether you are moving from Dynamics GP, migrating from NAV, or making the move from an on-premise Business Central environment to the cloud. If you are moving from GP specifically, we are one of the most experienced Microsoft GP partners you can find in North America. Wherever you are starting from, Joesoftware will make sure your transition is well planned, well executed, and that you get the most out of Business Central from day one.
Our business wants to move to Business Central. How much time will be required and how much will a transition cost?
The timeline and investment for a Business Central implementation depends on the size and complexity of your organization. Every business is different, but here is a general sense of what to expect.
For straightforward implementations, most businesses are up and running within approximately three months. If your needs are more involved, such as multiple locations, deeper customization, or more complex workflows, a timeline of four to six months is more typical. For organizations that require manufacturing, assembly, or detailed inventory and warehouse management, you should plan for somewhere between six months and a year to do it right.
Cost follows a similar pattern. A more straightforward implementation will naturally be less involved than one requiring significant configuration and testing. Joesoftware takes the time to understand your business before providing a realistic scope and investment estimate, so you know what to expect before the work begins.
What we can tell you is that the investment pays off. As noted above, the research shows that businesses typically see a full return on their Business Central investment in less than six months.
If you are ready to talk about Business Central, and if you have other questions, our team is ready and willing to learn more about your business and help guide your path forward. Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started.