Dynamics GP: Approaching End of the Road
Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) has been a cornerstone ERP solution for mid-sized businesses for over two decades. However, as Microsoft shifts its focus toward cloud-native solutions, GP is gradually reaching its twilight.
While extended support for GP 2018 R2 continues until January 2028, Microsoft has:
- Halted new feature development
- Limited updates to regulatory, security, and tax compliance
- Transitioned customers to a Modern Lifecycle Policy with only three updates per year
➡ If you’re running Dynamics GP, it’s time to consider your roadmap.
The Future Is Cloud: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is Microsoft’s modern, scalable, and cloud-first ERP platform that offers:
- Full integration with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform
- Anywhere access and mobile-ready design
- Advanced automation, approvals, and reporting
- AI-powered insights and native Power BI dashboards
- Seamless multi-entity and multi-currency management
Whether you’re in finance, operations, or procurement, BC delivers everything GP did—and more—with continuous innovation.
High-Level Migration Steps: GP ➡ BC
Migrating from GP to Business Central is a strategic digital transformation, not just a technical upgrade. Here’s how it works:
1. Assessment & Discovery
- Review GP modules in use (GL, AP, AR, SOP/POP, Fixed Assets, etc.)
- Identify customizations, reports, and integrations
- Align with Business Central capabilities
2. Data Cleansing & Migration Planning
- Clean up legacy master and open transaction data
- Define what data to migrate (no need for 10+ years of history)
- Use tools like Microsoft’s Data Migration Extension for GP
3. System Configuration & Customization
- Configure companies, dimensions, posting groups in BC
- Redesign custom GP logic using AL extensions and Power Automate where needed
4. Testing & Validation
- Execute User Acceptance Testing (UAT) across business functions
- Validate balances, reports, and business workflows
5. Training & Go-Live
- Follow a “Train the Trainer” approach
- Execute a clean cutover with minimal downtime
- Establish post-go-live support and change request handling
Best Practices for a Successful Migration
- Avoid “Lift and Shift” mindset — reimagine your business processes using BC’s native features
- Engage users early — involve business stakeholders from Day 1
- Modular rollout — consider a phased approach across companies or regions
- Focus on reporting — leverage Power BI and Jet Reports for modern dashboards
- Plan post-go-live support — stabilize with a structured AMC and governance framework
How PositiveEdge Can Help
At PositiveEdge, we’ve successfully helped clients across industries—aviation, logistics, finance, and manufacturing—transition from Dynamics GP to Business Central with minimal disruption.
With:
- A proven migration framework tailored for GP users
- Global delivery centers and regional expertise
- In-house Power Platform and Azure specialists
- Microsoft Gold Partnership
…we bring both the technical muscle and domain depth to make your migration a success.
Ready to Future-Proof Your ERP?
Let’s build your roadmap together
Contact us at sales@positiveedgesolutions.com or visit www.positiveedge.net to schedule a discovery call.