If you are a business owner who uses Dynamics GP software to run your company, you may wonder if upgrading to the Dynamics 365 Business Central platform is worth it. After all, Business Central is newer and has more features than GP. This blog post will discuss the cost of migrating from GP to Business Central and help you decide if the switch is right for you.
Benefits of Switching To Dynamics 365 Business Central
Before we discuss the costs associated with switching from Dynamics GP to Business Central, let’s examine why so many businesses are making the switch. Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a wide range of features that make it easier for companies to manage their finances, sales, and customer relations.
Cloud-Based Software
For starters, Business Central is cloud-based software that allows you to access your data and applications anywhere in the world. This means you can run your business more efficiently without worrying about physical limitations like hardware or location. It also has an integrated suite of applications that work together seamlessly to provide valuable insights into your business operations. Additionally, it integrates easily with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI, making it easy to collaborate with team members using different software.
Boost Sales and Improve Customer Service
Business Central also allows you to automate sales and customer service processes, making it easier for your team to manage customer relationships. Additionally, it can help you better understand customer needs through analytics and reporting tools, which can help you craft more effective marketing campaigns and boost sales.
Optimize Supply Chain Management
Ensure that your customers receive their products on time by implementing a system that provides visibility into all aspects of the purchasing, manufacturing, stocking, and shipping process.
Security
If your business handles sensitive customer data, you can rest assured that Dynamics 365 Business Central has built-in security features to keep your information safe. It also offers audit and reporting features that track any changes made to the system.
Available As Pay-As-You-Go Service
Business Central is also a pay-as-you-go service, making it easy to scale up or down depending on your business needs. You can add or remove features without worrying about being stuck with long contracts or costly upgrades. This also means that you can pay for what you use and is billed each month according to this.
Available In Multiple Countries and Languages
Finally, Business Central is available in multiple countries and languages, making it easier for businesses to reach international customers. So if you have a company that operates on a global scale, you can rest assured that Dynamics 365 Business Central can keep up with your needs.
Let’s Look At The Costs
Now that you know the benefits of switching to Dynamics 365 Business Central let’s look at how much it will cost to make the switch.
The cost of migration depends on factors such as the size and complexity of your organization. Still, there are three main components: a one-time licensing fee, an implementation project fee, and ongoing maintenance costs.
One-Time Licensing Fee
The one-time licensing fee is the cost of purchasing the software. This fee will vary depending on the type of license you are buying and how many users need access to the system.
There are many different types of licenses depending on your business needs, such as:
Assigned Application Licensing, Unassigned Application Licensing, Cross Application Licensing, and Additional Licensing. Depending on the size and needs of your organization, the cost of these licenses can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
Implementation Project Fee
The implementation project fee covers all aspects of preparing your business for Dynamic 365 Business Central, including data migration, customization, training, and testing. The cost of this will depend on the complexity of your organization’s setup and the amount of time required to complete the work. Let’s look at each of these aspects:
Data migration includes taking existing data from Dynamics GP and moving it into a database format suitable for usage with Dynamics 365 Business Central. This could consist of formatting, cleaning, or customizing data transfer scripts.
When migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central, the cost of consulting services can vary widely depending on your specific needs. Generally speaking, consultants will help you with data conversion and integration and provide training and support with the new system. The cost of these services usually depends on the scope of work required and the number of people who need training.
Customization – Customizing the software to fit your business needs may require working with third-party developers to build out any additional features you need. It can also involve changes to customer profiles, workflows, security settings, etc.
Training – Once your system is up and running, training will be required for all users who will use Business Central to become familiar with how it works and what features are available.
Testing – After your system is customized and the users have been trained, the system needs to be tested to ensure everything works as expected.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
The ongoing maintenance costs are associated with supporting and maintaining the software over time. This includes software updates, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing customer service support when needed. Additionally, you may need to pay for additional licenses if more users need access to your system.
Migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central will provide a comprehensive cloud-based solution for managing your business operations, sales, and customer relationships. The cost of migrating depends on factors such as the size of your organization and the complexity of setup but generally consists of one-time licensing fees.
Additionally, you may need to pay for additional training and consulting services to set up the system properly.
Overall, Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to stay competitive. The upfront and ongoing costs are reasonable and provide a return on investment through improved efficiency and customer service. With its many features, Dynamics 365 Business Central can help your business become more successful.
The best way to determine the exact cost of implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central is to contact a Microsoft partner and discuss your specific needs. They will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of the total cost involved in migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central. This will help you make an informed decision about the best way to proceed with your business.
To learn more, please call (310) 539-4645 or click here to schedule a time to speak with one of our experienced consultants.