Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: How Long Will it Take?
We love Microsoft Dynamics NAV here at ArcherPoint, but we also love what we’re seeing in Business Central and strongly urge our customers to plan for an upgrade as soon as your schedule and budget permit. But there are so many questions and frankly, a lot of misinformation out there about moving from NAV to Business Central, and we have already had significant experience with these upgrades, so we created a blog series and an eBook to help you navigate through the noise. We answer the most frequently asked questions we hear from our customers so you can be confident in your decisions regarding when, why, and how you should upgrade.
Read the first four blogs in this series:
- Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: What Will It Look Like?
- Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: What are Events and Extensions?
- Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: What About My Add-Ons?
- Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: Moving Data
Question #5: How long will our upgrade take?
The time it takes to perform an upgrade depends on many variables: the size of your database, the number of customizations, how old your version of NAV is, among other factors.
However, as a general rule, you can expect:
- 1-2 months for your partner to convert your database and create/deliver a test database
- 2 months minimum for testing
- 2 days (usually over a weekend) for go-live
There might be other considerations as well, such as providing additional resources from your staff to help the upgrade team as well as upgrading hardware and other infrastructure in your building. Your partner will help you develop a “to-do” list to help you stay on track, so the upgrade process goes as smooth as possible. Remember, though, that you must commit the necessary time and resources on your end to ensure the upgrade is successful.
IMPORTANT NOTE: With the introduction of Eventing and Extensions, Microsoft has radically changed how upgrades will look after your initial move to BC—on premises or SaaS. Testing and turnaround will be significantly faster and less disruptive. We like to say this: “Once you are 100% Evented, future upgrades will be a ‘non-event.’”
Reach Out for Expert Help
We strongly encourage you to look to your Dynamics upgrade partner for help with deciding on your path to upgrading from NAV to BC. There are many considerations, but if you have a partner who understands the upgrade process and work closely with them on where you are now and where you want to be, the upgrade does not have to be painful. Also, talk to us about upgrade subscription from ArcherPoint. This takes the burden off your shoulders and puts it into the hands of the experts.
In the next blog in this series, we’ll discuss how much you should expect your upgrade to cost
To learn more answers to your upgrade questions, download this free eBook, Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Business Central: Everything You Always Wanted to Know…but Didn’t Know to Ask.