Upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central

If you're looking for guidance on how you can best upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central, you will find it here. Not only that – we will also show you how you can stay on the latest version!

Why upgrade?

Getting to Evergreen

Upgrading routes

Book a free Upgrading consultation

Why upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Originally, Dynamics NAV releases used to happen every 3 years. Now, with Dynamics 365 Business Central, we have enjoyed a functional update every 6 months since 2018!

Many versions of the software are now out of both Mainstream and Extended Support. This means that those versions of Dynamics NAV/Business Central will not have bugs fixed or security patches applied by Microsoft, and any new regulatory requirements will not be added. We understand that there can be valid reasons why a business might choose not to upgrade, so we will continue to support your existing version! That said, we actively support our customers to make an upgrade plan.

We have designed a range of upgrade methodologies that will bring your solution to the latest version of Business Central and, with our Evergreen service, we will keep you on the latest version! This includes Business Central Online (or SaaS) and Business Central on-premise.

Get a free upgrading consultation

The benefits of upgrading

Security

You can securely access Business Central from any device. Azure AD authentication with MFA means you will have added protection from cyber risks by upgrading to Business Central Online. Backups and Disaster Recovery can be managed automatically. Your business can ensure compliance with various standards, such as Cyber Essentials.

Scalability

Users can be added and removed as required, with subscription licences available on a monthly, annual or 3 year basis. Access to Business Central is available from a browser, which allows for rapid client deployment. Business Central runs globally in many Microsoft Azure data centres. All infrastructure and services are continually monitored and optimised to deliver the best possible experience. Infrastructure will also scale with users and processing requirements.

Integration

As a Microsoft product, Business Central benefits from streamlined built-in Office integration. This includes free Microsoft Teams user access, the ability to process transactions directly from Outlook, editing document layouts in Word, and 'Edit in Excel' functionality! Modern secure integrations are available through web services and APIs, as well as Dataverse. Business Central also comes with a connection to Shopify as standard.

Saving

A move to Business Central Online means you could eliminate the hosting costs and infrastructure maintenance. Microsoft would take care of this for you, with the cost absorbed into your subscription fee. You can benefit from the efficiencies available from amazing new functionality that will be provided every 6 months. You may even be eligible for a Microsoft Cloud Promotion, giving further savings.

Your final upgrade!

You will never have to think about which version of Business Central you are using, or if Microsoft still supports it. Our Evergreen service will make sure that you are always on the latest version. We can provide this service for both Business Central Online and on-prem deployments.

Book an upgrading consultation with our experts

Getting to an Evergreen version

Evergreen is key to upgrading to Business Central, but what is Evergreen? Evergreen is a service provided by TNP, where we keep your solution constantly up-to-date, in a controlled process.

For Business Central Online, this will include the two major updates per year and it is also available for an on-premise deployment, where we will deliver an annual update.

What is the process? The Evergreen process starts with the new Business Central App being deployed in a sandbox. We then deploy the latest version of your add-ons and TNP's nHanced apps, and fix any issues that arise.

The sandbox is then handed over to you for testing, and the Evergreen team are available to help you with this. We then agree and schedule the production upgrade date – that’s it, you are on the latest version!

How do I get to Business Central?

Depending on your version, whether it is Navision, Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central, we have a plan for you to get onto the latest version. Discover what the options are in the table below.

Evergreen	Evergreen First Step	TNP's Upgrade Factory	Clean Start
TNP move you straight to Evergreen	Ensure code compliance and then move to Evergreen	Convert your code to extensions and data to BC	Start with a clean Business Central system and upload master data and opening balances
BC17 and newer	BC15 and BC16	NAV 2015 up to BC14	NAV 2013r2 and older / Option for newer versions

Our plans are designed to give you the most efficient and effective route to Business Central, taking the following factors into consideration:

Your current version of Dynamics NAV/Business Central - find out which version you're using with our helpful blog.
Availability of Super users in your team to work on some of the upgrade tasks
The complexity of your solution
Whether the existing solution and customisation is still relevant and working well

Talk to our expert team

Other upgrading factors

Licensing

Microsoft have various offers and promotions that might be beneficial to help you get the most out of your investment. This could aid you in transitioning from seat based licences to named users. Read more about Business Central licensing.

Deployment on-premise or on a SaaS platform

The decision to host your solution on-premise or on a SaaS platform depends on your business needs. Our Upgrade team are well placed to help you arrive at the right solution for your business.

Data migration
We can provide options to allow you to access historic data. This might be particularly relevant to the Clean Start upgrade options, where you would start afresh on a new Business Central solution.

Upgrade bridge

If your system is large or complex, a Big Bang approach may not be an option. In this case, we can discuss an upgrade bridge to reduce the risk in upgrading and deliver a smoother transition.

Upgrading case studies

Hear what our customers have to say about going through upgrades with our team!

Pearce Seeds Revisited | Agriculture

After a rescued project in 2014, a halted BC upgrade due to Covid, Pearce Seeds and TNP are now celebrating their strong relationship, leading to a successful Dynamics 365 BC Online project completion in 2023.

Interfood Technology | Food Processing Equipment

Interfood Technology worked with TNP to upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central from Dynamics NAV.

Portico Shipping | Port Operations

To align with Portico's wider IT strategy, TNP implemented Business Central as a cloud ERP for Portico Shipping.

Original Style | Retail

Original Style chose retail management solution partner TNP to implement Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Book an upgrading consultation

Get a free consultation with our upgrading team to discuss the specifics for your business. We can answer any questions, discuss the options in further detail and help you to make the important decisions in the best way for your business.