Navision, also known as Dynamics NAV, is popular ERP software that has been used by many small and medium-sized businesses for decades.
However, Microsoft has recently rebranded and revamped Navision into Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based solution that offers more features, flexibility, and scalability than its predecessor.
If you are still using Navision, you might be wondering how to upgrade Navision to Business Central and why you should do it. In this article, we will answer these questions and guide you through the upgrade process.
What is Business Central, and How is it Different from Navision?
Business Central is Microsoft’s latest ERP solution that combines the functionalities of Navision with the power of the cloud.
It is designed to help businesses manage their finances, operations, sales, service, and more in a unified platform that can be accessed from any device, anywhere, and anytime.
Business Central also integrates with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Power BI, Power Apps, and Teams, as well as third-party apps from the AppSource marketplace.
Some of the main differences between Business Central and Navision are:
- Business Central is cloud-based, which means you don’t need to invest in hardware, servers, or maintenance agreements. You also get automatic updates from Microsoft twice a year, ensuring that you are always running on the latest version.
- Business Central has a modern and intuitive user interface that adapts to your role, preferences, and device. You can also customize and extend the solution using Power Apps or Visual Studio Code.
- Business Central has more features and capabilities than Navision, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, workflows, notifications, data insights, and more. You can also leverage the Common Data Service to connect your data across different applications and sources.
What are the Benefits of Upgrading Navision to Business Central?
If you are a current user of Navision, there are various benefits of upgrading to Business Central to streamline your business processes. Some of them are:
- Advanced mobile access: You can access your data and perform tasks from your smartphone or tablet using the Business Central app or a web browser. This gives you more flexibility and productivity while working remotely or on the go.
- Custom adaptability: You can tailor Business Central to fit your specific needs and industry requirements using Power Apps or Visual Studio Code. You can also choose from hundreds of apps and extensions from the AppSource marketplace to enhance your functionality.
- App integration: You can integrate Business Central with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Power BI, Power Apps, and Teams, as well as third-party apps from the AppSource marketplace. This allows you to share data, collaborate, communicate, and automate processes across different platforms.
- Seamless upgrades: You don’t have to worry about upgrading your software or hardware when you use Business Central. Microsoft takes care of everything for you in the cloud, ensuring that you always have the latest features and security updates.
- Reporting capability: You can use Power BI to create stunning dashboards and reports that visualize your data and provide insights into your business performance. You can also use Excel or Word to create custom reports using your Business Central data.
- Affordability: You can save money on upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees when you use Business Central. You only pay for what you use based on a monthly subscription model that scales with your business growth.
How to Upgrade Navision to Business Central?
The upgrade process from Navision to Business Central depends on various factors, such as your current version of Navision, your deployment option (on-premises or cloud), your customizations and extensions, your data migration strategy, and your testing plan.
However, here are some general steps that you can follow:
- Assess your current situation: Before you start the upgrade process, you need to evaluate your current situation and determine your goals and expectations for the new solution. You also need to identify any potential risks or challenges that might arise during the upgrade process.
- Choose your deployment option: You need to decide whether you want to deploy Business Central on-premises or in the cloud. The cloud option offers more benefits in terms of scalability, security, updates, and integration. However, the on-premises option might be more suitable for some businesses that have specific compliance or regulatory requirements or that want more control over their data.
- Prepare your data: You need to clean up your data and ensure that it is well-organized and not corrupted before migrating it to Business Central. You also need to back up your data and test it for compatibility with the new solution.
- Upgrade your customizations and extensions: You need to upgrade your customizations and extensions to make them compatible with Business Central. You can use tools such as the Upgrade Toolkit or Visual Studio Code to help you with this task. You might also need to replace some of your customizations and extensions with standard features or apps from the AppSource marketplace.
- Migrate your data: You need to migrate your data from Navision to Business Central using tools such as the Data Migration Tool or the Intelligent Cloud. You also need to verify that your data is accurate and complete after the migration.
- Test your solution: You need to test your solution thoroughly before going live with Business Central. You need to check that all your features, functionalities, integrations, and workflows are working as expected and that your data is consistent and reliable.
- Go live and train your users: You need to plan and execute a smooth go-live process that minimizes any disruptions or downtime for your business. You also need to train your users on how to use Business Central and provide them with support and guidance.
Conclusion
Upgrading Navision to Business Central is a smart move that can help you modernize your business and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Business Central offers more features, flexibility, and scalability than Navision, as well as seamless integration with other Microsoft products and third-party apps. The upgrade process can be challenging, but with proper planning, preparation, and testing, you can achieve a successful transition.
