Get more out of your Microsoft Dynamics investment: 4 resolutions in 2026

Posted January 02, 2026

As a trusted Microsoft Dynamics partner in Canada, Joesoftware presents our new year resolutions to help you get the most out of your Microsoft Dynamics investment in 2026.

Resolution #1: No more delays: Plan your move to Business Central.

If you are running Microsoft GP, you have likely heard that Microsoft will no longer be supporting GP starting in 2029. If you haven’t started planning your transition to a new ERP, we highly recommend that you start this year.

Planning for, implementing, and testing a new ERP system takes time. Joesoftware recommends you start at least one year in advance. The process begins with understanding your organization; where you are now and where you want to be in the future. From there, Joesoftware creates a detailed plan for the transition to and implementation of Business Central. You can read our blog post from earlier this year on what you can expect as you transition to Business Central. As we work together, we will also consider if there are other Microsoft or AI solutions that could further accelerate your operating efficiency.

Resolution #2: Make the time to embrace AI with Microsoft Copilot.

Copilot is Microsoft’s suite of AI-powered productivity tools or assistants in its various products in the Microsoft ecosystem. Copilots can help you with everyday tasks in your Microsoft apps, documents, and conversations. Microsoft is rapidly expanding its AI Copilot ecosystem and so 2026 is a good year to start paying more attention to AI.

AI and Copilot are all about enhancing your productivity. Copilot can do deep dive research on a complex topic or find extremely specific information online; tasks that would be challenging with a standard search inquiry. With Copilot in Microsoft 365, responses can be grounded in your own data and information, allowing you to query company specific information in your Excel spreadsheets, Outlook emails, and more.

Make 2026 the year for working smarter, not harder. Use more AI.

Resolution #3: Empower your people.

Organizations are asking their teams to do more every day. Make 2026 the year when you give your finance, manufacturing, marketing, and operations teams the tools they need to perform to their full potential.

What could this look like? It could be more AI tools to remove the routine tasks from their plates, freeing up more of their time for critical thinking and planning. It could be more training and professional development so your employees better understand how to use the Microsoft tools you already have. It could be involving your people in the early stages of your transition planning to Business Central so they feel consulted, engaged, and a part of something bigger.

Resolution #4: Work with the right partners.

There is a time and a place for consultants, and smart business leaders know when outside support is needed. Sometimes your team doesn’t have the expertise or the resources, or sometimes you just need an experienced, objective perspective.

Changing or enhancing your ERP system is likely one of those times when having an outside consultant makes good sense. How do you choose the right partner?

While we are biased and would love for you to choose Joesoftware as your Microsoft Dynamics partner, as you consider your options, here’s what we recommend you look for:

• Find a partner with a proven track record of implementing Microsoft Dynamics solutions for organizations that are similar in size and scope. When you change the core systems that run your business, working with a partner with demonstrated experience is a must.
• Understanding the software is important – no question. But understanding business is equally as important. Look for a partner that has accountants, business people, and software/programmer people on their team. They will be able to understand your business and ask good questions, leading to a better end result.
• The key to any good relationship is open dialogue and communication. Ask potential partners about how they will work with you. What does their planning and implementation process look like, and how will your team be involved and kept up to date.
• Finally, any good consultant puts their clients first. This is a hard variable to see or know at first but ask potential partners for examples or case studies of how they have put service before self.

This new year, when you are ready to explore your move to Business Central, how AI can make your business better, or how you can get more out of your current investment in your various Microsoft solutions, we’d love the chance to have a conversation with you.