Dynamics NAV End of Support: Dates, impact and moving to Cloud ERP

As of 10th January 2023, all versions of Dynamics NAV moved out of ‘Mainstream Support’ after serving businesses well during its active support phase. In this article, we will explore the implications of this transition and discuss the benefits of moving to cloud-powered solutions such as D365 Business Central.

The End of Mainstream Support – What it means and what your options are

Mainstream support from Microsoft provides regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches. With Dynamics NAV now out of mainstream support, businesses need to consider their options:

1. Extended Support

During this period, critical security updates are still available, but businesses must pay for incident-based support. The extended support end dates for Dynamics NAV 2015 through to Dynamics NAV 2018 are as follows:

Version                                         Extended Support End Date
Dynamics NAV 2015                     14/01/2025
Dynamics NAV 2016                     14/04/2026
Dynamics NAV 2017                     11/01/2027
Dynamics NAV 2018                     11/01/2028

2. Upgrade to Business Central

The natural progression from Dynamics NAV is to migrate to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Here are just a few reasons why:

Cloud Advantages: Business Central is a cloud-based solution, which means no more on-premises servers to manage. It offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility from anywhere.

Continuous Updates: Unlike Dynamics NAV, Business Central receives regular feature updates. New functionalities, improved performance, and compliance enhancements keep your business competitive. Major updates are typically made available twice a year, in April and October, bringing significant enhancements, new features, and improvements to the platform.

Integration and Automation: Business Central seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools such as M365 and allows automation of routine tasks.

Microsoft apps for Dynamics 365 Business Central offer modular extensions that add specific functionalities, customisations, or industry-specific features to the core Business Central system. Installed from Microsoft AppSource, the apps seamlessly integrate into your Business Central environment, enhancing its capabilities and tailoring it to your business’ needs.

Modern User Experience: Business Central’s user interface is intuitive and modern, making it easier for employees to adapt. Users can access Business Central from any location, using any device with an internet connection.

Security and Compliance: Cloud solutions benefit from robust security measures and compliance certifications.

AI-powered assistant: The latest version of Business Central provides users with access to Microsoft Copilot, playing a significant role as an AI-powered assistant to make work easier and more efficient.

5 Tips for Navigating to Cloud-Powered ERP

Moving to the cloud is not just about upgrading software; it is about embracing innovation. Here’s how businesses can navigate this transition:

1. Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your current processes, pain points, and growth plans. Identify areas where cloud solutions can add value.
2. Data Migration: Plan the migration of your data from NAV 2018 to Business Central. Ensure data integrity and consider historical data retention.
3. Customisations and Extensions: Business Central allows customisations and extensions. Migrate your existing customisations or explore new ones to enhance functionality.
4. Training and Change Management: Prepare your team for the shift. Training sessions and change management strategies are crucial for a smooth transition.
5. Partner with Experts: Work with a certified Microsoft partner to guide you through the upgrade. They can provide insights, best practices, and technical assistance.

Cloud-powered innovation

The end of mainstream support for Dynamics NAV signals a new era of cloud-powered innovation. Businesses that embrace this change will benefit from agility, scalability, and continuous improvement. Navigating to cloud-powered solutions ensures that your ERP system remains relevant and future-ready.

To learn more about what’s new and planned for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, visit the main Microsoft Website.

Find out more about how BCN can help streamline your ERP operations with custom and out-of-the-box application development services built on Microsoft 365 Business Central.