FAQs: Migrating from Dynamics 365 NAV to Business Central

1. What is Dynamics 365 Business Central, and how does it differ from Dynamics 365 NAV?

Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one business management solution that helps organisations streamline processes and improve productivity.

It is the successor to Dynamics 365 NAV (Navision), with enhanced features, a modern user interface, and cloud-based capabilities.

The transition to Business Central offers users a more integrated and scalable solution for their evolving business needs. 

2. Why should I migrate from Dynamics 365 NAV to Business Central?

Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central provides several benefits, including improved user experience, enhanced integration capabilities, and the flexibility of a cloud-based solution.

Business Central also has advanced functionalities and regular updates, ensuring your business stays competitive and adapts to changing market demands.

Business Central offers enhanced integration capabilities, allowing it to connect seamlessly with other Microsoft services and third-party applications. 

3. Is data migration a complex process, and how can it be managed during the transition?

Data migration is critical to transitioning from Dynamics 365 NAV to Business Central. While complex, Microsoft provides tools and resources to assist this process.

You should thoroughly analyse existing data, clean up unnecessary information, and utilise the Data Migration Wizard supplied by Microsoft to facilitate a smooth transition. 

4. Can I continue using my existing customisations and extensions after migrating to Business Central?

Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed to support customisations and extensions from Dynamics 365 NAV. However, assessing and updating these customisations to align them with the latest version is essential.

Microsoft offers tools like the AL Language Extension for Visual Studio Code to help developers seamlessly transition their existing code to the new platform. 

5. How does the licensing model differ between Dynamics 365 NAV and Business Central?

Business Central operates on a subscription-based licensing model, allowing users to pay for the specific features they need. This departs from the traditional perpetual licensing used in Dynamics 365 NAV.

The subscription model enables businesses to scale their usage based on their requirements, making it a more cost-effective solution for many organisations. 

6. Can I host Business Central on-premises, or is it only available in the cloud?

While Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed as a cloud-first application, Microsoft provides the option for on-premises deployment to accommodate businesses with specific compliance or security requirements.

However, the cloud version is recommended for leveraging the full benefits of continuous updates, scalability, and accessibility. 

7. What kind of training and support is available for users during migration?

Microsoft offers a wealth of resources for users migrating from Dynamics 365 NAV to Business Central. These include documentation, online training modules, and a dedicated community forum.

Additionally, organisations can opt for Microsoft’s premium support services for personalised assistance and guidance throughout migration. 

8. Are there any potential downtime or business disruptions during the migration?

The extent of downtime or disruptions during migration depends on the complexity of your existing Dynamics 365 NAV setup and the size of your data.

Thorough planning and testing are crucial to minimise downtime. Performing a trial migration in a sandbox environment can help identify and address potential issues before migrating the live data. 

9. What are the security considerations when moving to Business Central?

Business Central, being a cloud-based solution, follows industry-standard security practices. Microsoft ensures data encryption, regular security updates, and compliance with global data protection regulations.

However, it is recommended for organisations to assess their specific security requirements and work with Microsoft to implement any additional measures needed to meet those needs. 

10. How frequently does Microsoft release updates for Dynamics 365 Business Central, and how can I stay current with the latest features?

Dynamics 365 Business Central upgrades are released by Microsoft approximately twice a year. Along with bug fixes, these updates offer additional features and performance enhancements.

To stay up to date, organisations should interact with Microsoft’s support channels, participate in relevant forums, and subscribe to the company’s release notes to understand and use the most recent upgrades with ease. 

11. What training is needed for users during the migration?

Train end-users, administrators, and developers to familiarise them with the new features, user interface, and any updated business processes in Business Central. 

12. Which testing is necessary for the migration process?

Testing involves validating migrated data, customisations, and integrations in a sandbox environment. Include key users and stakeholders in the testing process to ensure everything functions as expected. 

Upgrade from NAV to Business Central

In summary, migrating from Dynamics 365 NAV to Business Central is a strategic move that will improve your company’s operations with more functionality, flexibility, and scalability.

Even though the procedure requires meticulous planning and execution, it is nevertheless profitable because of the advantages of a modern, cloud-based solution. Use Microsoft’s tools and support services to ensure a seamless transition and optimise your Dynamics 365 Business Central investment return. 

At Mercurius IT Ltd, we are proud to be a Microsoft Gold Solution Partner, offering comprehensive services across various Microsoft solutions.

Specialising in consulting, implementation, and BAU support, we cover Dynamics 365, Business Central, Finance & Supply Chain, and all aspects of CRM, including Dynamics 365 for Sales, Customer Insights, Customer Service, Field Service, Project Operations, and HR. Additionally, we extend our expertise to Managed services on Azure. 

Elevate your business by transitioning from Dynamics 365 NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Immerse yourself in enhanced features, scalability, and a modernised user interface. Our seasoned experts stand ready to guide you through a seamless migration process. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and unlock the full potential of Dynamics 365 Business Central for your business. Experience the difference with Mercurius IT Ltd.