Choosing a Partner for Migrating From Dynamics GP to Dynamics Business Central
Microsoft (MS) Dynamics GP, previously known as Great Plains, has an end date. MS will discontinue this platform’s support and updates on December 31, 2029. Although this might be a while away, now is the best time to migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) — a similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
If you’re a GP user, you’ve probably heard many advantages of moving to BC’s platform. However, the thought of a move from Dynamics GP to Dynamics BC can be overwhelming. That’s where a qualified GP migration partner can provide assistance and guidance. Selecting the right partner is a very important component, as ERP systems, regardless of brand, are complex and must be optimized for your business and industry.
The right partner can mean the difference between an implementation success or failure — or, at the very least, a slower, more frustrating, and more expensive experience. The right Dynamics 365 Business Central partner will understand GP and BC and the smartest path between them.
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Partner
Here are some specific qualifications to look for in your Business Central partner.
1. The Partner Is Knowledgeable
When planning your GP migration to BC, your partner needs to be knowledgeable of these five things:
- Dynamics GP
- Dynamics BC
- The options for making the move
- The supporting technology, like cloud platforms
- Your industry
Everyone in the partner company should demonstrate an understanding of these areas. If you feel uneasy or lack confidence after every interaction, keep looking.
2. The Partner Has GP-to-BC Migration Experience
Ensure the partner has successfully completed GP-to-BC migrations before. Ask for references and read customer reviews and testimonials. See if they have a sound methodology, and have them explain it with examples of how it has worked in the past.
3. The Partner Provides After-Migration Support and Upgrades
Your partner should be qualified beyond the move from GP to BC. Find out about their qualifications around upgrading BC, asking the same questions as you asked about moving from GP. They need knowledge, experience, a proven track record, and a solid methodology to continue as your partner for years to come.
For example, ArcherPoint provides a continuous upgrade solution that keeps your business current. Our Get Current, Stay Current plans are the best way to stay updated, access new features and functionality faster, and cut your upgrade costs by more than half with predictable fixed monthly fees.
4. The Partner Listens to You
Your GP migration partner should listen to you and understand your company, processes, and desired future state. Only then can they effectively advise you on the best migration strategy. If they start out by telling you how it “should” be done before asking you anything about your company other than budget — run.
5. The Partner Provides Clear Communication
Communication is just as important. A Business Central partner should keep you in the loop through every stage of the migration process — from the assessment to the go-live date and ongoing support. Ask yourself:
- How is their responsiveness?
- What is their communication style?
- Are they willing to understand your business’s needs and culture?
- Does their communication indicate a want to build long-term relationships?
The partner should use clear communication channels accessible to you and your team, consistently informing you of any progressions and challenges so you always know how the migration is going.
6. The Partner Offers Flexible Engagement Models
Another factor to consider is the partner’s ability to offer different approaches to migrating ERP systems with varying involvement and control preferences from SMBs. This way, you can select an engagement model that best fits your needs and resources. For instance, you can either make use of a self-service, hybrid, or fully managed migration — depending on the partner’s offerings.
7. The Partner Has Various Case Studies
One last thing to look into is whether the partner case studies relate to the specific migration or something similar. You can visit their website or ask for references for previous migration projects. Case studies help you get a real-world idea of what they do and what you can achieve when partnering with them. Client satisfaction is an indispensable indication of how capable a partner can be.
Questions to Ask Potential Partners
Asking potential Business Central partners various questions about the migration provides you valuable insights into whether they can support your SMB during a GP-to-BC migration. Here’s a list of examples:
- Can you provide examples of previous migrations from Dynamics GP to Business Central that you’ve successfully completed?
- How do you approach customization and configuration to ensure Business Central aligns with our specific business needs?
- What methods do you take to maintain data security and accuracy during a Dynamics GP to BC migration?
- Can you explain your project timeline and the steps involved in the migration process?
- How do you communicate progress updates and address any challenges that may arise during the migration project?
- What ongoing support and training services do you offer after the migration is complete?
- What certifications and expertise do your team members have in Dynamics GP and Business Central?
Partner with ArcherPoint for Your Migration
Choosing a partner for migrating from Dynamics GP to Dynamics Business Central takes some careful planning. With these traits and questions in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to find the right partner for your specific business and industry needs. Having a capable, knowledgeable, and experienced partner can make or break your migration experience. Once you find the perfect fit, it’s a business relationship that can last long-term.
At ArcherPoint, we believe that Business Central will fit the needs of most GP users better than any other mid-market ERP. But Business Central won’t be the optimal product for everyone. The best way to select a new ERP is to have a reputable partner evaluate your business needs and recommend the product that works best for you. We’ll do that for you and give you an honest recommendation, whether you use us or not.
Download our free eBook to learn more about making the move from GP to BC. You can also contact us to speak with an expert about your options, questions, or concerns. We’ll also provide you with a free assessment to help you determine the right path for business.
