Are you considering migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365? If so, you’re not alone. Companies using Microsoft Dynamics GP are now evaluating whether it is time to modernize their ERP system. With changes in support, increasing infrastructure costs, and the rise of cloud-based solutions, more organizations are transitioning from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central.
This guide explains why businesses are upgrading, what the migration process involves, and how to plan a smooth transition with the right tools and support.
Why Businesses Are Moving from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Many organizations have relied on Dynamics GP for years, and it continues to provide solid financial and operational tools. However, the way companies work has changed, and GP no longer aligns with the flexibility, reporting, and automation that modern teams expect. This shift has led many businesses to evaluate whether their GP environment can support their future goals.
Common challenges include:
Rising IT maintenance and infrastructure costs
GP environments often depend on servers, SQL maintenance, backups, and manual patches. These recurring costs place additional pressure on internal IT teams and create delays whenever updates are required.
Limited mobility and remote access
Even with hosting in Azure, users still rely on remote desktop tools to access GP. This creates friction for multi-location teams and employees who need secure access from anywhere.
Manual upgrades and reliance on third-party tools
GP updates require planning, system downtime, and technical support. Many functions also depend on add-ons, which increases cost and complicates maintenance.
Gaps in reporting and decision-making visibility
Financial and operational data is often spread across Excel files, integrations, and custom reports. This makes it difficult to get real time insight into performance or inventory movement.
Increasing security and compliance expectations
On-premise or hosted GP environments demand continuous attention to security, backups, and user access controls. Many organizations struggle to keep up with evolving requirements.
These challenges are common drivers behind a Dynamics GP migration as companies look for more flexibility and long-term stability.
Benefits of Migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central
The most recent version of Dynamics GP has been designed to operate in the Azure cloud. Still, updates are not automatic, and not all of its features will be available without third-party solutions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based business management system for businesses of all sizes. And, because it is cloud-based, there is no need for expensive hardware or software upgrades. Plus, the monthly subscription fee makes it affordable for businesses of all sizes. So, why are businesses migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central? Here are some reasons:
1) It’s easy to use – The intuitive user interface makes it easy for employees to navigate and find the information they need.
2) It’s affordable – The monthly subscription fee makes it more affordable than other business management systems on the market. No hardware purchases, no SQL upgrades, and no costly system refreshes.
3) It’s customizable – Business Central supports a wide range of business needs, from basic financials to advanced operations. Companies can tailor the system with built-in functionality or use extensions from Microsoft AppSource without heavy development work.
4) It reduces IT workload – Because updates happen automatically throughout the year, IT teams no longer need to coordinate upgrade projects, handle downtime, or apply patches manually.
5) It works anywhere – Business Central is accessible from any device with a browser, making it ideal for organizations with remote employees, multiple warehouses, or distributed teams.
6) It strengthens security and compliance – The Microsoft cloud provides built-in security monitoring, data protection, and identity management. This helps businesses reduce risk and meet compliance requirements more easily.
8) It supports automation and AI – Business Central includes workflow automation, AI-assisted tasks, and Microsoft Copilot capabilities that simplify routine work and improve accuracy.
So, if you’re considering migrating to a new business system, Dynamics 365 Business Central should be at the top of your list.
Case Study: Calbee North America’s Migration from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central
Calbee North America, the company behind the Harvest Snaps snack brand, relied on Dynamics GP for accounting and sales while depending on several external systems for inventory, warehouse management and production. This created data silos, manual processes and limited real time visibility.
To modernize operations, Calbee selected Dynamics 365 Business Central and partnered with Calsoft to manage the transition.
🔴 Before the Migration
- Dynamics GP used mainly for accounting and sales
- Inventory and production tracked in separate systems
- Heavy reliance on Excel spreadsheets
- Limited real time visibility across departments
- Manual warehouse and production processes
🟢 After Migrating to Business Central
- Unified cloud ERP covering finance, sales, inventory, and production
- Real time visibility across operations
- Mobile WMS and improved production planning
- Automated EDI order processing
- Significant reduction in spreadsheets and disconnected tools
Project Highlights
- Full migration from Dynamics GP to Business Central
- Mobile WMS and production planning
- Consolidation of legacy add ons
- Automated EDI order integration
- Unified reporting and workflows
Client Feedback
Dynamics 365 Business Central created a more efficient flow and helped us identify areas for improvement with real time data processing and a modern, unified system.
– Farshad Mehr, IT Manager, Calbee North America
Thinking About Moving from Dynamics GP to Business Central?
See what this migration looks like for your organization.
Dynamics GP vs. Dynamics 365 Business Central
Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central are both powerful ERP solutions with overlapping features. So, what is the difference between Dynamics 365 and Dynamics GP?
The main difference is the design of each product. Dynamics GP is a legacy product designed for on-premise deployment, while D365 Business Central is a newer solution built for the cloud.
Below is a simple comparison to help evaluate the differences.
| Feature | Dynamics GP | Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Hosting | Legacy On-Premise or IaaS via Azure or AWS (not Included) | Native Microsoft cloud |
| Licensing Model | Perpetual with annual enhancement | Subscription per user |
| Updates | Manual upgrades, added cost | Automatic updates included |
| Reporting | Management Reporter and Jet Reports | Built in reports, dimensions, Power BI |
| Payroll | Supported in GP | Available through AppSource |
| Budgeting | Excel-based | Multiple budgets with revision tracking |
| CRM Integration | Possible with significant effort | Integrated with Dynamics 365 Sales |
| Chart of Accounts | Segment-based | Dimensional chart of accounts |
| Purchasing | Standard PO and invoice matching | Standard PO and invoice matching |
Transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365
The transition from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central is easy since most features match seamlessly. Financial modules such as general ledger, payables, receivables, and inventory follow similar logic, which helps teams adapt quickly.
However, there will be some features you will have to learn, but it’s still a Microsoft-style interface. It is important to work with a certified partner to align the new system with your processes.
How a Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Migration Works
Organizations that choose to migrate from Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central benefit from following a structured migration process designed to reduce risk and protect data.
Below is a typical migration process:
1. Environment and Data Assessment
Review existing modules, customizations, and third-party integrations. Identify the data required in the new system such as master records, open transactions, and historical data.
2. Add-on and Customization Review
Determine which GP customizations can be replaced with Business Central functionality or extensions from AppSource.
3. Mapping and Configuration
Set up companies, financial dimensions, posting groups, workflows, and security roles.
4. Data Migration
Move master data and transactional history into Business Central. Some organizations choose summary history for simplified reporting, while others migrate detailed transactions for full visibility.
5. System Testing
Validate finance, purchasing, sales, and inventory processes. Ensure integrations and workflows operate correctly.
6. User Training
Train employees on navigation, posting routines, reporting, and any newly introduced features.
7. Go Live and Support
Complete final cutover, monitor system performance, and provide post-deployment support for users.
Using Cloudshift Migration Tool to Get Started
Many companies delay their upgrade because of concerns about data migration, historical records, or system downtime. To address these concerns, Calsoft developed CloudShift, an automated migration tool built specifically for organizations moving from Dynamics GP to Business Central.
CloudShift streamlines every major step in a Dynamics GP migration, including historical data transfer, configuration, validation, and testing. This reduces manual effort, improves accuracy, and gives teams a clearer path to a smooth and predictable transition
CloudShift can help organizations:
- Transfer master records and history efficiently
- Reduce manual data entry
- Improve reporting accuracy
- Strengthen security and control
- Speed up the transition to the cloud
This tool gives companies a clear path toward modernizing their ERP environment.
Learn how CloudShift supports GP to Business Central migrations
Explore our automated migration tool
Conclusion
Dynamics GP has supported mid-market companies for many years, but many organizations are now preparing for cloud modernization. Dynamics 365 Business Central provides automatic updates, stronger reporting, improved security, and predictable subscription pricing.
A migration from Dynamics GP to Business Central becomes much easier with a guided approach, structured planning, and the right migration tools.
Plan Your Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Upgrade
Calsoft’s certified Microsoft consultants help organizations assess their GP environment, migrate data, and set up Business Central for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft continues to provide security updates, but innovation and major enhancements now focus on the Dynamics 365 platform.
Most projects range from several weeks to a few months depending on data volume and customization level.
Data migration can include master records, open transactions, and selected historical periods. Full history is possible depending on your needs.
Business Central eliminates server maintenance and manual upgrade projects, which often reduces long-term costs.
No. Everything runs in the cloud, so no additional servers are required.
Yes, but the learning curve is manageable because Business Central uses a modern Microsoft interface.
