The 5 Greatest Risks of Staying with Microsoft Dynamics GP
Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) has been a reliable enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for many organizations. However, as technology evolves, businesses face critical decisions about whether to stick with their legacy systems or embrace modern alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll explore the risks associated with staying on Dynamics GP and highlight the benefits of upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). Additionally, we’ll delve into how AI is transforming the landscape of business management.
1. Outdated Technology
The Risk:
Dynamics GP relies on older technology stacks, limiting its ability to keep up with modern business demands. As technology evolves, GP may struggle to provide the agility, scalability, and user experience that businesses require. Staying on GP means missing out on the latest features, security enhancements, and seamless integrations available in BC.
The Solution:
Upgrading to BC ensures access to cutting-edge features, including AI-driven insights, real-time analytics, and streamlined workflows. BC’s cloud-based architecture allows for rapid updates and scalability, keeping your business competitive in a dynamic market.
2. Limited Scalability
The Risk:
As your business grows, GP’s limitations become more apparent. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding to new locations, or integrating with other systems, GP may struggle to scale efficiently. This can hinder your ability to adapt to changing business needs.
The Solution:
BC’s cloud-native design allows seamless scalability. Whether you’re a small business or a multinational corporation, BC adapts to your growth. Adding users, extending functionalities, or expanding to new markets becomes straightforward with BC’s flexible architecture.
3. Higher maintenance costs
The Risk:
Maintaining on-premises systems like GP involves ongoing costs. These include hardware upgrades, software patches, database maintenance, and IT support. Over time, these expenses accumulate, impacting your budget.
The Solution:
BC’s subscription-based model shifts maintenance responsibilities to Microsoft. You benefit from automatic updates, security patches, and reduced infrastructure costs. BC’s cloud deployment eliminates the need for costly on-premises servers and maintenance.
4. Data security risks
The Risk:
GP’s on-premises nature exposes it to security vulnerabilities. Physical disasters, cyberattacks, and data breaches pose significant risks. Protecting critical business data becomes challenging without robust security measures.
The Solution:
BC, hosted in Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud, offers advanced security features. These include encryption, regular backups, compliance certifications, and threat detection. BC’s data centers adhere to industry standards, ensuring your data remains safe.
5. Lack of real-time insights
The Risk:
GP’s reporting capabilities are limited, hindering real-time decision-making. Businesses need timely insights into inventory levels, financial performance, and customer behavior. Without real-time data, you may miss opportunities or fail to address challenges promptly.
The Solution:
BC’s robust reporting and analytics empower users with real-time insights. Whether it’s inventory optimization, sales forecasting, or cash flow analysis, BC provides actionable data. AI-driven features like Copilot enhance productivity by assisting users directly within their workflows.
Benefits of Upgrading to Business Central
Improved Productivity: BC streamlines processes, automates routine tasks, and frees employees from mundane activities. AI-powered features like Copilot assist users directly within their workflows, enhancing productivity.
Enhanced Decision-Making: BC’s real-time analytics enable data-driven decisions. Whether it’s inventory optimization, sales forecasting, or financial planning, BC provides actionable insights.
Seamless Integrations: BC seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications and third-party solutions. This unified platform enhances collaboration and streamlines business processes.
AI-Powered Experiences: BC introduces AI-powered experiences through Copilot. From automating repetitive tasks to generating compelling marketing text, Copilot enhances user efficiency and creativity.
The Role of AI in Business Central
AI in BC transforms how work gets done:
Automating Repetitive Tasks: Copilot automates routine tasks, allowing users to focus on strategic activities.
Improving Customer Service: Sales and Inventory Forecasting helps optimize inventory management, ensuring better customer service.
Anticipating Business Challenges: AI-driven insights anticipate trends, enabling proactive decision-making.
Enhancing Decision Making: Real-time analytics empower users to make informed choices.
Ultimately, as Dynamics GP approaches end of life upgrading to Business Central not only mitigates risks but also positions your business for growth, efficiency, and innovation. Embrace the future with BC and harness the power of AI to drive success. Remember, the decision to upgrade is crucial. Consult with a reliable Microsoft partner such as Solution Systems, Inc. to assess your unique needs and create a migration plan tailored to your business.
Continue Your Journey
Schedule a free Business Central demo here.
Take our free ERP assessment here.