Microsoft Grain Plains (Dynamics GP) vs. Dynamics 365 Business Central

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are crucial to managing and integrating core business processes. Microsoft offers several ERP solutions, including the well-established Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and the modern Dynamics 365 Business Central. This article will compare these two ERP systems across several dimensions. As GP is gradually being phased out with users migrating to Business Central, we detail the differences between these two ERP systems across different dimensions.

What Is Microsoft Great Plains and Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Microsoft Great Plains (Dynamics GP):

Dynamics GP, originally known as Great Plains, is an on-premises ERP solution designed for small to medium sized businesses, offering comprehensive functionality for financial management, supply chain management, human resources, and more.

The key features of GP include:

Financial management
Inventory and supply chain management
Sales and service management
Human resources and payroll
Project accounting
Business intelligence and reporting

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for small to medium sized businesses, and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, offering a modern, scalable platform with advanced functionality.

Key features of Dynamics 365 Business Central include:

Financial management
Inventory and supply chain management
Project management
Human resources management
Advanced analytics and reporting
Seamless integration with Office 365, Power BI, and other Microsoft services.

Why choose one over the other?

Why choose Microsoft Great Plains (Dynamics GP)?

Dynamics GP has a long history and is a well-established solution known for its stability and reliability. It offers a comprehensive on-premises solution, which is ideal for businesses that prefer or require on-premises solutions due to regulatory, security, or operational reasons. Additionally, you can utilise the extensive customisation options and third-party add-ons available through a mature ecosystem.

Why choose Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Take advantage of the benefits of cloud computing, including scalability, lower upfront costs, automatic updates, and enhanced security. Dynamics 365 Business Central includes advanced features such as AI, machine learning, real-time analytics, and integration with other cloud-based services.

Enjoy smooth integration with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Power BI, and Azure, enhancing your businesses productivity and collaboration. Dynamics 365 Business Central is aligned with Microsoft’s overall strategic direction towards cloud-based solutions ensuring continuous improvements and innovations.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed for the future, and we recommend that you choose this option – keeping in mind that Microsoft is sunsetting their Dynamics GP software. This will help keep your business processes future-proofed, enabling you to keep working with little to no disruptions.

Robust ERP capabilities, designed for the future

Both Microsoft Great Plains (Dynamics GP) and Dynamics 365 Business Central offer bespoke ERP capabilities tailored for small to medium sized businesses. We recommend you choose Dynamics 365, as Microsoft is gradually decreasing the support provided for Great Plains.

By carefully evaluating your business requirements and future aims, you can make an informed decision on which ERP solution best suits your organisation. Whether you choose to continue with Dynamics GP for the time being, or to utilise or transition to Business Central, both options provide the tools necessary to drive efficiency and growth in your business operations.

Preparing for the transition from GP to Dynamics 365

Organisations using Dynamics GP should start planning for the transition to a newer ERP solution. There are some steps to consider:

Assessment: Evaluate your current use of Dynamics GP, and identify critical processes, customisations, and integrations that will need to be replicated within your new system.
Exploration: Investigate alternatives such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, which offer enhanced features.
Planning: Develop a comprehensive migration plan that includes timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies to ensure a smooth transition. Getting in touch with us at City Dynamics means we can support you through this phase, and help you to introduce Dynamics 365 at the right pace for your business.
Data migration: Plan and execute a thorough data migration strategy, ensuring data integrity and continuity.
Training: Invest in training for your team to facilitate a smooth adoption of the new system and minimise business downtime and disruption.

Ready to transition from Microsoft Great Plains to Dynamics 365 Business Central? Talk to us about how we can help you and your business!

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