What does this mean for you?
While Dynamics GP, or Great Plains, won’t be phased out immediately, Microsoft is set to gradually scale back support. This means fewer resources, less innovation, and almost certainly no new feature releases beyond the October 2024 update. Dynamics GP will likely enter “maintenance mode,” making now the right time to consider your next steps. Though the final deadline is still a few years away, planning your migration now will help avoid any last-minute rush and allow you to work around other projects while keeping your accounting processes uninterrupted.
Currently, it’s estimated that around 900 UK businesses—and approximately 30,000 worldwide—rely on Great Plains for their accounting. However, with more companies moving away from GP, the pool of experienced UK-based GP partners is shrinking. Waiting too long could limit your choices, extend your timeline, and potentially increase your costs.
By planning early, you’ll maintain control over your timeline and budget, steering clear of elevated service fees and stressful deadlines. Many GP clients have relied on the system for over a decade, and while some may wish to extend its use, we strongly advise planning for a transition. Security has come a long way since GP’s early days, and legacy systems are increasingly vulnerable to today’s advanced cyber threats. Regular updates are essential to safeguard your data and systems, so you should start preparing your path forward now.
Your 4 step guide for a smooth transition from Great Plains
1. Assess your needs
Your Dynamics GP system may have served you well, but it's time to reassess. Review your current pain points and long-term goals to see how Business Central, with its flexible cloud-based features, can meet your evolving needs.
2. Prepare for data migration
Migrating data can be complex. Clean and organise your data to streamline the process. Kick offers tailored strategies for GP-to-BC data migrations, ensuring a seamless experience.
3. Train your team
A smooth ERP transition depends on thorough training. We recommend recording sessions for easy reference and quicker onboarding of new employees.
4. Implement gradually
Phased implementation minimizes disruption. Start with core features and gradually scale, keeping your team informed of key milestones.
What are your options?
Option one
Upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft's natural successor to Dynamics GP is Dynamics 365 Business Central, a robust cloud-based ERP solution that offers several key advantages:
- Cloud Accessibility: Access your data from anywhere with cloud-based functionality. Business Central works seamlessly across devices, including PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. All you need is a browser or the Business Central app to get started.
- Seamless Integrations: Easily connect with Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, Teams, Power BI, Power Automate, and Dynamics 365 CRM, as well as third-party applications such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Concur, BambooHR, and other cloud-based front-office solutions.
- Scalability: Customize the system to grow alongside your business and adapt to evolving needs. Microsoft handles performance, allowing you to quickly scale by adding new users and workloads with just the cost of a monthly license.
- AI & Automation: Leverage AI-driven insights, automation, and predictive analytics with Copilot to enhance decision-making. This will expand further with the upcoming release of Microsoft’s Copilot for Finance.
Option two
Remain with GP for now
While we don't recommend this as a long term strategy, some businesses may choose to continue using Dynamics GP for a few more years, possibly even beyond its end of life. If this is your approach, be sure to:
- Prioritise Security: Keep your system fully updated with the latest security patches, and remain vigilant for potential vulnerabilities.
- Evaluate Integration Gaps: Identify any software you currently use or plan to implement that may not integrate well with GP, and establish workarounds or processes to ensure your business operations remain smooth.
Timeline of Dynamics GP
Discover the benefits and comprehensive support Microsoft offers for transitioning your business to the Cloud with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
How we can help
Our team is here to help you explore your options. If you're considering a migration from Dynamics GP, simply fill out the form below to start the conversation.
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