Why You Should Upgrade from Dynamics GP to Business Central

As businesses across the UK continue to evolve digitally, legacy ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) are increasingly showing their age. In contrast, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has emerged as the modern, cloud-powered solution designed to help growing companies streamline operations, enhance productivity, and embrace AI-driven efficiency.

If you’re still running Dynamics GP, 2025 is the perfect time to make the switch. Partnering with a trusted Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK ensures a seamless, secure, and cost-effective transition that empowers your business to thrive in the digital era.

In this article, we’ll explore the top seven reasons why upgrading from GP to Business Central in 2025 is a strategic move, along with key migration insights, partner benefits, and answers to the most common FAQs.

1. The End of the Road for Dynamics GP

While Microsoft continues to support Dynamics GP, its roadmap clearly indicates that it’s moving toward maintenance mode rather than innovation. GP relies heavily on on-premises infrastructure and older technology stacks, which limits flexibility, scalability, and integration with newer Microsoft tools.

In 2025, businesses still using GP face:

• Limited new feature releases
• Rising costs for upgrades, servers, and IT maintenance
• Increasing security vulnerabilities
• Difficulty integrating with modern tools like Power BI, Power Automate, and Teams

In contrast, Dynamics 365 Business Central offers continuous updates, improved security, and seamless integration with the full Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem. Partnering with a reliable Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK ensures you stay aligned with Microsoft’s long-term ERP vision.

2. Cloud-First, AI-Driven Innovation

Business Central is a cloud-first solution designed for agility and innovation. It leverages Microsoft’s powerful Azure infrastructure, offering secure access from anywhere, automatic updates, and AI-driven features that enhance decision-making.

Key Benefits of Cloud Migration:

• Scalability: Easily scale users, storage, and features as your business grows.
• AI Insights: Use predictive analytics for cash flow, sales forecasting, and inventory management.
• Seamless Collaboration: Integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Power BI boosts productivity.
• No Downtime for Updates: Business Central updates automatically with minimal disruption.

When you work with an experienced Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation Services provider in Manchester, UK, you gain access to proven methodologies for smooth cloud migration and employee training, ensuring business continuity throughout the transition.

3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

One of the biggest motivations for businesses migrating from GP to Business Central is the significant cost savings. Maintaining on-premises GP systems requires:

• Expensive hardware
• IT personnel for upkeep and backups
• Licensing and upgrade costs
• Downtime for updates and maintenance

With Dynamics 365 Business Central, you pay a predictable monthly subscription that includes hosting, updates, and support. There’s no need for physical servers or manual upgrades. Plus, with the support of a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Support Services provider in Manchester, UK, you can reduce maintenance costs while improving operational efficiency.

Cost Comparison Example:

Cost Area	Dynamics GP	Business Central
Hardware	Required	Cloud-hosted
Updates	Manual	Automatic
Security	Limited	Enterprise-grade
Licensing	Perpetual	Subscription
Integration	Complex	Native Microsoft ecosystem

Over time, the savings and efficiency gains make Business Central a clear financial win.

4. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem

In today’s connected environment, ERP systems must communicate effortlessly with other business tools. Dynamics GP struggles with modern integration, while Business Central is built for the Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring unified operations.

Native Integrations Include:

• Power BI: Real-time dashboards and visual analytics
• Microsoft Teams: Share data and collaborate within Teams channels
• Power Automate: Automate routine workflows
• Outlook: Access Business Central data directly from emails
• SharePoint & OneDrive: Simplify document management

By working with a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK, your organisation can unlock full integration potential, aligning your ERP, CRM, and productivity tools for maximum impact.

5. Improved User Experience and Accessibility

Dynamics GP users are familiar with a traditional interface that lacks the modern usability features employees expect today. Business Central’s intuitive web-based interface delivers a vastly improved user experience.

What Makes Business Central More Accessible:

• Web and Mobile Access: Use any device from anywhere
• Personalised Dashboards: Tailored views for each user role
• AI-Powered Assistance: Built-in Copilot features for efficiency
• Faster Navigation: Unified and responsive UI design

With Dynamics 365 Implementation Services in Manchester, UK, your team can receive structured onboarding and role-based training, ensuring your workforce adapts quickly to the new system.

6. Greater Flexibility and Scalability

As businesses grow, they need ERP systems that scale with them. Dynamics GP requires costly add-ons or infrastructure expansion. Business Central, being cloud-native, allows modular scalability — you can start small and expand functionality as needed.

Flexible Licensing Options:

• Essentials: Core financials, sales, purchasing, and inventory
• Premium: Includes service management and manufacturing
• Team Member: For light users who need access to reports and approvals

Your Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK can help you choose the right plan based on your company’s size, goals, and industry needs, ensuring you pay only for what you use.

7. Easier Upgrades and Future-Proofing

Unlike GP, which requires complex upgrades and version management, Business Central evolves continuously. Microsoft releases updates twice a year, automatically applied through the cloud, so you always have access to the latest features.

Benefits of Continuous Innovation:

• No downtime or manual patches
• Access to cutting-edge AI and automation tools
• Seamless compatibility with future Microsoft products
• Improved compliance and data governance

By migrating now, you future-proof your ERP investment. With guidance from an experienced ERP Migration Services provider in Manchester, UK, your business will be positioned for long-term growth and innovation.

Migration Path: Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central

Transitioning from GP to Business Central isn’t just a technology change — it’s a business transformation. The process involves assessing data, defining migration scope, and aligning workflows with Business Central’s capabilities.

Typical Migration Steps:

1. Assessment & Planning: Evaluate your current GP setup, data, and customisation.
2. Partner Consultation: Choose a trusted Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK with migration expertise.
3. Data Migration: Transfer master data, transactions, and configurations.
4. Testing & Validation: Ensure data accuracy and process alignment.
5. Training & Go-Live: Empower your team through role-based training and post-go-live support.

Working with a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Migration Services provider in Manchester, UK guarantees a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

Why Choose a Local Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK

A local implementation partner brings in-depth industry experience, local compliance knowledge, and faster response times. Whether it’s ERP Migration Services in Manchester, UK or ongoing support, a nearby expert ensures your ERP system evolves with your business.

Advantages of Partnering Locally:

• Personalised consulting and support
• Face-to-face training and workshops
• Knowledge of UK data protection and financial standards
• Faster resolution of technical issues

If you’re considering a Dynamics GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central Upgrade in Manchester, UK, working with a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK ensures your migration is cost-effective, compliant, and strategically aligned with your business goals.

Conclusion

2025 marks a turning point for businesses still relying on Dynamics GP. Upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is not just a technological leap — it’s a strategic move that empowers organisations to innovate, scale, and stay competitive in a cloud-first world.

From lower costs and AI-driven insights to enhanced mobility and integration, the benefits of migration are undeniable. Partnering with an experienced Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK ensures your ERP transformation is seamless, secure, and future-ready.

Whether you’re exploring Dynamics 365 Implementation Services in Manchester, UK, ERP Migration Services in Manchester, UK, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Support Services in Manchester, UK, upgrading to Business Central will unlock new levels of performance and growth.

FAQs: Upgrading from Dynamics GP to Business Central

Q 1. Is Dynamics GP being discontinued?

Ans: No, Dynamics GP isn’t being immediately discontinued, but Microsoft has shifted focus to cloud-based ERP like Business Central. This means fewer new features and more maintenance updates.

Q 2. How long does it take to migrate from GP to Business Central?

Ans: Typical migrations take 4–12 weeks, depending on data volume, integrations, and customisation complexity. A trusted Dynamics 365 Migration Services provider in Manchester, UK can help streamline this timeline.

Q 3. Can I migrate historical data from GP?

Ans: Yes. Business Central migration tools and expert partners can help transfer key historical data, including customers, vendors, chart of accounts, and transactional records.

Q 4. What are the licensing options for Business Central?

Ans: Business Central offers subscription-based licenses: Essentials, Premium, and Team Member. Your Dynamics 365 Partner in Manchester, UK can help select the best fit.

Q 5. How secure is Business Central compared to GP?

Ans: Business Central is hosted on Microsoft Azure, offering enterprise-grade security, automated backups, and compliance with UK GDPR standards — far superior to traditional on-premises setups.