Dynamics NAV end of support is coming fast — and food businesses need to be ready.

If you’re still running your business on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, now is the time to start thinking about what comes next. Microsoft has officially begun phasing out support for NAV, and that has real implications for the future of your ERP environment. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and operations.

Microsoft’s Dynamics NAV Lifecycle: What’s ending and when

Microsoft follows a fixed lifecycle policy for its software products, which gives each version of NAV 10 years of support: 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. Once that ends, no more security patches, regulatory updates, or bug fixes are released. That creates risk.

Here’s where things stand:

The Dynamics NAV end of support timeline affects regulatory compliance, integration, and long-term scalability.
View Microsoft’s official product lifecycle here

What Happens If You Stay on NAV After Dynamics NAV End of Support?
Continuing with an unsupported version of NAV might seem like a way to save costs in the short term, but the long-term risks are significant:

• No more critical security updates
• Risk of falling out of compliance with regulations
• Difficulty integrating with modern tools and systems
• Rising maintenance and support costs

Why Microsoft recommends Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s modern replacement for NAV. It delivers all the functionality of NAV, plus enhanced tools, better integration, and cloud flexibility. You can deploy it on-premise or in the cloud, depending on your business model.

Business Central gives you:

• Real-time data across your operations
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Role-based dashboards for smarter decisions
• Cloud or on-premise deployment
• Flexibility to work anywhere, on any device

Read more about the benefits of Business Central here.

Why Work with Liberty Grove Software

We’ve worked with every version of Dynamics NAV and helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade to Business Central. We’ve helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade from every version of NAV to Business Central.

We bring:

• Deep expertise in every NAV version
• Proven upgrade methodologies
• Strong project management to stay on time and on budget
• Clear guidance and personalized support throughout the transition

We’ve even helped clients migrate in under 30 days. See how we did it.

For more technical detail and migration considerations, you can also read our in-depth blog on NAV to Business Central migration.

What Should You Do Next?

If your business is running on Dynamics NAV, start the conversation now. Whether you’re looking for continued support or exploring your upgrade path, Liberty Grove Software can help you map out the right next steps.

Let’s talk about:

• Where you are in the NAV lifecycle
• What a move to Business Central would look like
• How to plan a smooth transition that fits your business needs

Your Next Step

Whether you’re preparing for an upgrade or just exploring options, Liberty Grove Software can help you assess your readiness, understand your options, and create a transition plan that works for your business.

Let’s talk. Request an executive briefing or private demo today.

If you’re looking for more clarity on key transition questions, we’ve included a few common ones below. You can also explore other resources throughout our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the end-of-life date for Dynamics NAV? Each version of Dynamics NAV has its own support timeline. For example, NAV 2015 reaches end of extended support in January 2025, NAV 2016 in April 2026, and NAV 2018 in January 2028. After these dates, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or security patches. View lifecycle dates

What should I do about the Dynamics NAV end of support? Begin evaluating your options with Business Central now to avoid unsupported risks.

Can I continue using Dynamics NAV after support ends? Yes, but it comes with risks. You won’t receive critical updates or security patches, which can expose your system to compliance issues and vulnerabilities. Many businesses use this time to plan an upgrade to avoid disruption.

What is Dynamics 365 Business Central? It’s Microsoft’s modern ERP platform and the official successor to Dynamics NAV. It includes all NAV’s core capabilities along with modern features like cloud hosting, better reporting, integration with Microsoft 365, and enhanced scalability.

Is upgrading from NAV to Business Central difficult? The upgrade process depends on your current NAV setup. Liberty Grove Software can help assess your system and create a tailored roadmap. We’ve completed migrations in as little as 30 days.

Can I keep Business Central on-premise? Yes. Business Central can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise. You can choose the model that fits your business best.

Where can I learn more about NAV to BC migration? Read our full migration guide here: NAV to Business Central Migration Blog

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have announced its intention to extend the compliance date for Food Traceability Rule under (the “final rule”) its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) by 30 months, but the urgency for companies to begin preparations remains critical.

At the core of this rule is a requirement for companies to maintain digital records detailing the journey of high-risk products from origin to consumer and rapidly produce comprehensive electronic traceability information within 24 hours upon regulatory request. FSMA Section 204 establishes rigorous requirements for the electronic traceability of certain high-risk foods such as leafy greens, dairy products, seafood, and other fresh commodities. Companies must be able to digitally trace these products from source to consumer, producing comprehensive traceability records promptly: within just 24 hours upon regulatory demand. Failure to comply poses significant risks, including operational disruptions, costly fines, severe reputational damage, and potential loss of critical retail partnerships.

Understanding these changes – and preparing now – remains essential for ensuring smooth compliance and maintaining competitive advantage.

A Strategic Regulatory Overview

In the United States, food manufacturing regulations are primarily enforced by two agencies: the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the USDA oversees meat, poultry, and egg products, the FDA is responsible for approximately 80% of the food supply, including produce, dairy, packaged foods, and seafood.

The FSMA represents a significant shift from reactive to preventive compliance, requiring food manufacturers to proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards throughout the production process. Recent regulatory updates, such as the inclusion of sesame as a mandatory labeled allergen, illustrate the increasing complexity and evolving nature of compliance requirements.

Risks of Delayed Compliance Preparation

Executives tempted to delay preparations until closer to the deadline may underestimate the complexity involved in transitioning from legacy systems to digital traceability. Companies relying on manual methods – such as paper documentation, spreadsheets, or disconnected databases – face considerable operational risks. Fragmented systems not only slow down data retrieval but also increase the likelihood of human error, raising the stakes significantly during regulatory inspections. Delaying this transition can lead to last-minute bottlenecks, compliance gaps, and unnecessary operational stress, all of which could lead to costly repercussions.

Strategic Advantages of Early Implementation

Companies that act early by implementing integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions gain substantial strategic advantages. These benefits extend far beyond mere compliance, offering:

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

ERP systems provide a centralized digital platform, drastically reducing paperwork and manual data entry. This unified approach streamlines audit processes, expedites data retrieval, and reduces administrative overhead, freeing up resources for other critical business functions.

Improved Traceability and Recall Readiness

Advanced ERP platforms allow real-time lot-level tracking from suppliers to end customers, significantly improving recall effectiveness. With instantaneous traceability, companies can limit the scope of recalls, mitigate risk quickly, and maintain consumer trust.

Proactive Risk Management

Digital traceability systems include automated alerts for potential compliance breaches, such as missing documentation or unverified suppliers. Automated checks within ERP systems ensure critical compliance steps are not overlooked, effectively embedding regulatory adherence within daily operations.

Staff Training and Change Management

Adopting digital solutions early provides ample time for staff to adjust to new processes, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions. Early training also ensures employees are proficient in managing digital systems, reducing error rates and enhancing overall compliance effectiveness.

Building Customer Confidence

Companies demonstrating proactive compliance capabilities reinforce trust among customers and partners. Retailers and consumers increasingly demand transparency regarding food safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Robust ERP-driven traceability provides verifiable proof of these commitments, enhancing brand reputation and market differentiation.

Embracing Future-Proof Technologies

Preparing for the Food Traceability Rule presents an ideal opportunity to future-proof your organization. Beyond FSMA compliance, ERP systems can seamlessly integrate with emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. These technologies offer powerful tools for ongoing compliance, advanced analytics, real-time monitoring, and enhanced supply chain transparency.

IoT devices, for instance, can continuously monitor critical control points, alerting staff to deviations instantly. AI-driven analytics can predict potential compliance issues before they escalate, allowing proactive interventions. Blockchain technology can create immutable, transparent records, enhancing trust and traceability throughout the supply chain. Investing in these technologies today prepares businesses not only for Food Traceability rule compliance but also positions them advantageously for future regulatory evolutions.

Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage

Compliance should be viewed not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic opportunity. Companies that proactively adapt and integrate advanced ERP solutions are better positioned to navigate regulatory complexities, mitigate risks effectively, and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Organizations leveraging technology to ensure compliance can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making capabilities. This proactive approach allows companies to focus on innovation, product quality, and customer satisfaction, rather than constantly reacting to regulatory pressures.

Act Now for Long-Term Success

The potential compliance date extension offers an opportunity rather than an excuse for delay. Acting now ensures your organization is well-prepared, operationally resilient, and strategically advantaged in the food and beverage industry. At DynamicsFoodERP, our ERP solutions are specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges of food manufacturing compliance. By integrating proactive compliance management into everyday operations, DynamicsFoodERP enables businesses to confidently meet regulatory demands while pursuing sustainable growth and innovation.

Don’t let the impending regulatory changes catch your organization off-guard. Connect with us today to learn how our ERP solutions can streamline your compliance journey and secure your long-term competitive advantage.

Imagine having an extra set of hands in your food business – one that never tires, analyzes massive datasets instantly, and helps your team make smarter, faster decisions. That’s exactly what Generative AI and cloud-based ERP can do. But if your business is still running on Dynamics GP or NAV on-premises, you might be missing out on tools that can optimize production, enhance traceability, and reduce operational bottlenecks.

To help organizations move forward without disrupting operations, Microsoft has introduced the Bridge to the Cloud 2 program and Accelerate, Innovate, Move (AIM) initiative. These programs make it easier and more affordable to migrate to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

AIM: Your Strategic Guide to Cloud Migration

To empower businesses of all sizes to take full advantage of AI-powered technologies, Microsoft has introduced AIM (Accelerate, Innovate, Move):

1. Accelerate: Begin with assessments to understand the value and steps for cloud migration.
2. Innovate: Gain expert implementation guidance to reduce risks and accelerate value.
3. Move: Access exclusive offers and support for scaling business operations in the cloud. This comprehensive program is designed to help businesses migrate to the cloud and leverage AI-powered technologies.
   

Bridge to the Cloud 2: Exclusive Savings on Migration

This comprehensive program is designed to help businesses migrate to the cloud and leverage AI-powered technologies. An aspect of “Move” is the Bridge to Cloud 2 program.

An update from the original Bridge to the Cloud offer, with Bridge to the Cloud 2, any eligible Dynamics on-premises commercial customers can receive a 40% discount during a 3-year term when migrating to most Dynamics 365 online products – this includes Business Central.

Why Upgrade Now?

With Dynamics 365 Business Central, food businesses can:

• Use AI to optimize supply chains by predicting demand and reducing waste.
• Automate compliance tracking to stay ahead of food safety regulations.
• Gain real-time insights into inventory, production, and sales data.
• Scale operations seamlessly as your business grows or enters new markets.

Taking full advantage of these programs

• Dual Access Rights – Continue using your on-premises ERP while transitioning to the cloud.
• $0 User Licenses for Business Central – Eligible businesses can request additional licenses at no extra cost.
• 50% Discount on Additional On-Premises Users – If you need more users during migration, you can get them at half price.
• Security & Compliance – Protect your data with Microsoft’s enterprise-grade cloud security while maintaining food safety, lot tracking, and traceability requirements.

Don’t Get Left Behind

Your competitors are already leveraging AI-driven insights to optimize food production and distribution. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to catch up. DynamicsFoodERP from Liberty Grove is here to ensure your transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your business needs.

Contact us to learn how you can move forward without the headache of a costly, disruptive migration.

Part 1 of 2: The case for transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, complete with Liberty Grove’s ERP Cloud Migration checklist.

Even with over two decades in the industry, I must acknowledge that today’s business environment is in a perpetual and swift transformation as I have never seen before. Organizations must be well ahead of the curve to thrive in this rapidly evolving environment. One of the most common trends I’m witnessing is ERP Cloud Migration, with many organizations upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Due to its expanded capabilities, upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central is prudent for organizations that employ Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

The upgrade from NAV to Business Central enhances productivity and guarantees future scalability. In this article, I will discuss the necessary resources to manage upgrades and detail some critical steps for a successful migration.

What’s the Rationale for Upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a popular and robust ERP solution that has been upgraded to Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) to accommodate contemporary business requirements. Upgrading from NAV to Business Central allows you to enroll in a more sophisticated business solution without leaving the Microsoft ecosystem.

Microsoft guarantees that Business Central maintains Dynamics NAV’s capabilities and provides sophisticated tools to manage supply chain, finance, operations, sales, and customer service more effectively.

Upgrading your organization from Dynamics NAV to Business Central will allow you to capitalize on its numerous benefits. It will undoubtedly enhance operational efficiency and expedite the business’s growth.

Benefits of Cloud ERP vs. On-Premises ERP

An ERP Cloud migration from NAV to BC offers many primary benefits we will now delve deeper into:

Enhanced Functionality and Features: Dynamics 365 Business Central introduces advanced features and functions that surpass those of Dynamics NAV. The ERP Cloud transition from Dynamics NAV to Business Central is a comprehensive solution that optimizes business operations and maximizes efficiency.

Business Central’s functionalities include embedded sales and customer support modules, sophisticated inventory monitoring, and robust financial management features.

Dynamics 365 Business Central integrates with other Microsoft services and products, such as Azure, Power BI, and Office 365, as part of the Microsoft platform.

This straightforward connection simplifies numerous operations for your organization. These may encompass the seamless interchange of data, the coordination of teams, and the automation of various business operations. They will enhance your organization’s efficacy and decision-making and mitigate the high cost of managing legacy systems.

Cloud-Based Scalability and Flexibility: Dynamics 365 Business Central offers cloud-based deployment options, unlike Dynamics NAV, which is typically an on-premises installation.

This cloud-based architecture offers your business unparalleled scalability and adaptability. Corporations can adjust their resource allocations according to their business demands. The cloud-based deployment also ensures continuous updates and maintenance, which reduces the burden on your IT team and provides access to the latest features and security measures.

Furthermore, it enables remote access to the ERP system, enabling staff members to operate from anywhere, anytime, using any device.

Enhanced Security and Compliance: Utilize Business Central Dynamics to migrate NAV to ensure the complete protection of sensitive data and compliance with regulations. Adhering to stringent security protocols and compliance regulations is essential to achieving this level of proficiency.

Business Central provides a secure environment for manipulating financial data, client information, and business operations. This protection is the result of its frequent enhancements and built-in security measures.

Streamlined Business Processes and Workflows: Business Central offers a comprehensive array of features and functionalities to facilitate the organization of your business processes and workflows.

A Dynamics NAV ERP Cloud migration to Business Central allows your business to streamline operations, reduce manual duties, and improve efficiency by automating invoicing and procurement and modernizing inventory management and financial reporting.

Advanced Analytics and Reporting Capabilities: Dynamics 365 Business Central includes built-in reporting tools and advanced analytics capabilities. By upgrading Dynamics NAV to Business Central, your organization gains valuable insights into business performance and trends.

Business Central empowers your enterprise by producing interactive reports and customizable dashboards. It assists in identifying areas for development, accelerating business growth, and formulating data-driven decisions.

Future-Proofing Your ERP Investment: By transitioning from NAV to Business Central, your organization can guarantee its ERP investment will remain future-proof and competitive.

Due to Microsoft’s consistent upgrades and advancements, Business Central establishes a scalable and long-term foundation for your future development and innovation.

By staying informed about recent technological advancements and industry trends, your enterprises can capitalize on new opportunities for prosperity and adapt to changing market conditions.

ERP Cloud Migration Checklist to Follow Before a Technical Upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central

You must take the initiative to prepare your company and ERP system for your ERP Cloud migration before commencing the technical upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Liberty Grove’s ERP Cloud Migration Checklist ensures your organization is prepared for the upgrade:

In Conclusion

The ERP Cloud transition from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is a critical and strategic decision that can significantly improve and expand your organization’s ERP capabilities.

You can use Dynamics 365 Business Central’s entire power and capabilities to expedite your organization’s progress toward increased efficiency, productivity, and growth.

The NAV to business central upgrade provides enhanced functionality and features, seamless integration with other Microsoft products, cloud-based flexibility, and scalability. Additionally, it offers enhanced security and compliance, workflows, and more organized business processes.

It also provides access to sophisticated analytics and reporting capabilities, thereby future-proofing your ERP investment.

Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a comprehensive solution that adapts well to the evolving requirements of contemporary enterprises. By leveraging its potential, your organization can achieve sustainable growth, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation in the current competitive Business environment.

Upgrade your ERP system today and embark on a digital transformation journey with Dynamics 365 Business Central. Investigate novel opportunities, optimize operations, and assist your organization in thriving and prospering in the digital era.

Watch for Part 2 of this two-blog series, which will detail the procedures for conducting the technical upgrade from NAV to Business Central.

Are you ready to Experience the Advantages of a Cloud-Based ERP System with Business Central?

If you’re ready to tip the scales in your favor with an ERP Cloud transition from Dynamics NAV to BC, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth digital transformation that will increase organizational efficiencies and profits.

Still unsure? The Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade‘s numerous new features convey the Cloud vs. ERP narrative and illustrate the superiority of Cloud ERP over on-premises.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its team of experts can guide your organization through an ERP Cloud migration strategy and the transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

About Andrew Good

Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove Software, a leader in digital transformation, directs the company with strategic insights that deliver impactful results. With over two decades of expertise in Microsoft technologies, Andrew has guided businesses through digital transformation across manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

Andrew’s extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge comes from Engineering, Maintenance, and operational roles at Unilever and Sony Music. Fourteen years of working with Microsoft Dynamics BC/NAV follows successful projects in ERP, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (EAM), and quality systems.

His passion for technology is matched by his love for sailing, which inspires his leadership. Andrew parallels the precision of navigating the seas and the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, offering tailored solutions to empower clients and optimize operations with innovative Microsoft-based systems.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Andrew’s Newsletter on LinkedIn

From sustainability to automation, the trends of 2025 and beyond promise to revolutionize the way food is produced, packaged, and distributed. Here are the top trends to watch and how they’re set to impact the food manufacturing industry.

1. Sustainable Practices Take Center Stage

Consumers are driving demand for environmentally friendly practices, pushing manufacturers to adopt sustainable packaging and reduce waste. Innovative solutions such as edible packaging, compostable materials, and advanced recycling technologies are gaining traction. For instance, by replacing traditional plastic with biodegradable alternatives, companies are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Moreover, food manufacturers are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint through energy-efficient facilities and water conservation technologies. The integration of closed-loop systems that recycle byproducts into production processes is another step toward achieving sustainability goals. A leading success story being aluminum, which can be endlessly recycled with zero degradation, and 75% of all aluminum produced is still in use today.

2. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Quality Control

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming food manufacturing, particularly in quality control. Machine learning algorithms can now detect inconsistencies in texture, color, and shape at speeds far surpassing human capability. Supply-chain management is a key function that can also benefit from AI deployment. Forecasting based on underlying causal drivers of demand rather than prior outcomes can improve forecasting accuracy by 10 to 20 percent, which translates into a potential 5 percent reduction in inventory costs and revenue increases of 2 to 3 percent.

Predictive maintenance is another area where AI shines. By analyzing machinery data, AI systems can predict when equipment needs servicing, minimizing downtime and maintaining seamless production. As food safety standards become stricter, the ability to detect and prevent contamination through AI will be a game-changer for manufacturers.

3. Personalization Through Advanced Analytics

Consumer preferences are shifting toward personalized experiences, and food manufacturing is adapting. Advanced analytics and data-driven insights enable companies to create products tailored to specific dietary needs and taste profiles. For example, using data from customer feedback and purchasing patterns, manufacturers can develop products that cater to vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free diets.

This trend is particularly evident in the rise of custom snack options and ready-to-eat meals. With the help of ERP systems, manufacturers can integrate consumer insights directly into production workflows, ensuring that personalized products reach the market faster.

4. Automation and Robotics Reshape Production Lines

Robotics is transforming production lines by handling repetitive tasks with precision and efficiency. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are streamlining warehouse operations, while robotic arms are speeding up packaging and assembly processes. Additionally, As the demand for automation and efficiency in industrial processes continues to rise, there has been a noticeable shift towards collaborative robots or “cobots“. These robots are designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace, providing a safer and more flexible solution. 

As labor shortages continue to challenge the industry, automation offers a scalable solution to meet demand.

5. Emphasis on Food Safety and Traceability

Food safety remains a critical concern, with consumers and regulators demanding greater transparency. Blockchain technology is emerging as a powerful tool, providing a tamper-proof record of each transaction in the food supply chain. This allows all stakeholders to access real-time information about product movements, ensuring authenticity, reducing fraud, and building trust with consumers. 

The Food Industry Association (FMI) highlights that traceability not only boosts consumer confidence but also mitigates risks during recalls. Implementing advanced food safety protocols, such as allergen management and lot tracking, ensures compliance with regulations and protects brand reputation.

6. The Growth of Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins

The global market for plant-based foods is projected to reach $162 billion by 2030, and make up almost 8% of the global protein market. From lab-grown meat to pea protein-based snacks, innovation in this space is catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Major brands are already investing in new plant based products and manufacturers will continue their R&D efforts to improve the taste, texture, and nutritional value of alternative proteins.

The Role of ERP in Keeping Up with Industry Trends

Staying ahead of these trends requires more than just innovation and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like DynamicsFoodERP play a pivotal role in enabling food manufacturers to adapt and thrive. Here’s how:

• Real-Time Data Insights: ERP systems provide a centralized platform for tracking production, inventory, and sales data. This real-time visibility allows manufacturers to respond quickly to changes in consumer demand or supply chain disruptions.
• Streamlined Compliance: With evolving food safety standards, ERPs help automate compliance by managing lot tracking, allergen information, and traceability requirements seamlessly.
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: By integrating processes across departments, ERP systems eliminate silos, reduce manual errors, and optimize workflows from procurement to delivery.
• Support for Sustainability Goals: Advanced ERP features enable better resource management, waste reduction, and tracking of sustainability metrics, helping manufacturers meet both regulatory and consumer expectations.
• Scalability for Growth: Whether introducing new product lines or expanding into new markets, ERP systems provide the flexibility needed to scale operations without compromising efficiency.

Why Choose DynamicsFoodERP?

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To stay ahead of these trends, food manufacturers need technology that supports agility, efficiency, and compliance. DynamicsFoodERP from Liberty Grove empowers businesses with tools for advanced traceability, real-time data insights, and seamless production management. By integrating these capabilities, manufacturers can adapt to industry changes and drive growth.

Ready to future-proof your food manufacturing operations? Contact us today to learn how DynamicsFoodERP can help you stay ahead of the curve.

As I speak with clients day-to-day, one question keeps coming up: What’s the right choice between Cloud vs On-Premises ERP?

Why?

An increasing number of companies are migrating ERP solutions, such as Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics SL, to Dynamics 365 Business Central to unlock potential, mitigate the high cost of maintaining legacy systems, and achieve faster innovation.

Businesses across the globe have come to recognize the importance of having a cloud-based ERP system. More companies and IT departments are switching from outdated on-premises ERP systems to more adaptable, affordable, and flexible cloud technology.

When comparing Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP, companies often consider cost, scalability, and security factors.

In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of cloud-based ERP and provide strong arguments for pursuing your ERP cloud migration.

Business leaders understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced business environment. For many organizations, this means upgrading their systems to ensure efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.

One significant digital transformation journey companies embark upon is moving to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). This transition is pivotal for companies seeking to harness the power of modern ERP solutions.

Here’s why this transition is essential and how it can benefit your business.

Why is the Move to Business Central Important?

1. Upgrade from NAV to BC

For businesses currently using Dynamics NAV, upgrading to BC is more than just a software update—it’s a complete transformation. Dynamics NAV has been a reliable ERP solution for many years, but as technology advances, so must your systems. Business Central offers a more intuitive interface, enhanced functionality, and seamless integration with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Power Platform.

Key Benefits:

This upgrade ensures your business remains competitive and can leverage technological advancements to drive growth and efficiency.

• Moving from BC On-Premises to SaaS

Transitioning to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model provides substantial benefits for those already using Business Central on-premises. The SaaS model offers improved accessibility, which means teams can work from anywhere they have an internet connection. It also reduces the burden of maintaining hardware and infrastructure, as Microsoft handles all updates and security measures.

Key Benefits:

This transition can lead to cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and greater agility in responding to business changes.

• Addressing Legacy Systems and Limited Support

Many businesses still operate on legacy systems that are no longer supported or are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. These outdated systems can hinder growth and expose your business to security risks. Moving to Business Central gives you access to a modern, supported platform with robust security features and regular updates.

Key Benefits:

When considering Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP and which is right for your organization, evaluate the comparisons above and how Cloud ERP could positively impact your business. The transition enhances your operational capabilities and ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations, giving you and your organization peace of mind and a solid foundation for growth.

Key Considerations for a Successful Transition to Business Central

While the benefits of moving to Business Central are clear, it’s essential to approach the transition strategically to ensure success. Here are some key points to be aware of:

Thorough Planning and Assessment

Before initiating the transition, thoroughly assess your current systems, processes, and business needs. Identify areas for improvement and set clear objectives for the migration. This planning phase is critical to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Actions:

• Conduct an assessment of your current ERP system and identify areas for improvement.
• Set clear objectives and goals for the migration, aligning them with your overall business strategy.
• Develop a detailed project plan outlining the steps, timeline, and resources required for the transition.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Engage key stakeholders, including employees, management, IT staff, and external partners, early in the process and maintain open communication throughout the transition. Ensuring everyone is aligned and informed will help mitigate resistance and foster a collaborative environment.

Key Actions:

• Identify key stakeholders and engage them in the planning and decision-making process.
• Communicate the benefits and objectives of the transition to all employees, addressing any concerns or questions.
• Establish regular communication channels to provide updates and gather feedback throughout the project.

Data Migration and Integration

Data migration is critical to the transition and must be accurately and securely transferred from the old system to Business Central. Additionally, plan to integrate Business Central with your organization’s other systems and applications.

Key Actions:

• Develop a data migration plan that details the steps for transferring data, ensuring accuracy and security.
• Conduct thorough testing of data migration processes to identify and address any issues before going live.
• Maintain accurate records by defining dimensions and establishing gatekeeper rules, which effectively require data accuracy checks to ensure data cleanliness.
• Plan to integrate Business Central with other systems and applications, ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow.

Training and Change Management

Provide in-depth training to employees to ensure they are comfortable and proficient with the new system. Additionally, implement change management strategies to support employees throughout the transition and address any challenges.

Key Actions:

• Develop and deliver training programs customized to different user roles and responsibilities.
• Implement change management strategies to support employees in adapting to the new system and processes.
• Provide ongoing support and resources to address team questions and challenges after the transition.

Continuous Improvement and Monitoring

The transition to Business Central is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Continuously monitor the system’s performance and gather user feedback to identify areas for improvement. Regularly reviewing and updating your processes is essential to ensure optimal performance and alignment with business goals. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Business Central will always be at the forefront of your business’s needs.

Key Actions:

• Establish a system to monitor Business Central’s performance and effectiveness.
• Gather user feedback and conduct regular reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and enhance the system’s performance.

Cloud vs On-Premises ERP: Which One is Right for Your Business?

Embrace the Future with Business Central

The journey to Business Central is a strategic move that positions your business for future success. Whether upgrading from Dynamics NAV, transitioning from on-premises to SaaS, or moving away from legacy systems, Business Central provides a comprehensive solution that meets your needs. Embrace the change and unlock the potential of your business with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This transition is about change and the exciting opportunities and growth it can bring to your business.

By carefully planning and executing the transition, engaging stakeholders, ensuring data accuracy, providing comprehensive training, and fostering a culture of perpetual improvement, companies can achieve a successful and smooth migration to Business Central. This strategic move will empower your organization to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment, driving growth and innovation for years.

Cloud vs. ERP: Are you ready to take the next step toward Business Central?

So, Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP. Do you know which is right for you?

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to transition from Dynamics NAV to BC, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can guide you through each step for a smooth digital transformation that will increase organizational efficiencies and profits.

Still on the fence? The many new features in the Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade tells the Cloud vs. ERP story and demonstrate how Cloud ERP trumps On-premises. The upgrade also illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to the product – and the companies that use it to maximize efficiencies.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its team of experts can guide your organization through the Cloud vs. On-Premises ERP decision and the transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

About Andrew Good

Andrew Good, CEO, Liberty Grove Software

Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove Software, a leader in digital transformation, directs the company with strategic insights that deliver impactful results. With over two decades of expertise in Microsoft technologies, Andrew has guided businesses through digital transformation across manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

Andrew’s extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge comes from Engineering, Maintenance, and operational roles at Unilever and Sony Music. Fourteen years of working with Microsoft Dynamics BC/NAV follows successful projects in ERP, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (EAM), and quality systems.

His passion for technology is matched by his love for sailing, which inspires his leadership. Andrew parallels the precision of navigating the seas and the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, offering tailored solutions to empower clients and optimize operations with innovative Microsoft-based systems.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Subscribe to Andrew’s Newsletter on LinkedIn

The Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade includes many new features and improvements to enhance business efficiency and profitability. Andrew Good, CEO of Liberty Grove, recently presented the upgrade’s features.

Business Central has a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution, starting as a single-user version. As Windows evolved in 1995, Microsoft acquired The Vision and rebranded it as part of its suite of ERP solutions in 2005. The most significant evolution came in 2018 with the introduction of Business Central, a game-changing event for businesses, and the simultaneous introduction of NAV to take it to the cloud.

Microsoft updates Business Central, one of its most popular products, twice a year to keep it current and enhance its features, which companies rely on for efficient business management.

Here’s a detailed look at some of the Liberty Grove team’s favorite features of the most recent Business Central upgrade and how they can benefit businesses:

Enhanced Reporting and Analytics

The Wave 2 update elevates the reporting functionalities within Dynamics 365 Business Central, providing users with tools to gain deeper insights and conduct real-time data analysis. It is essential for informed and timely decision-making. New industry-specific templates and highly customizable dashboards make it easier for teams to visualize data and track key performance indicators (KPIs).

AI-Powered Insights and Forecasting

Business Central now leverages AI to provide predictive insights and forecasting capabilities. It helps businesses anticipate market trends, manage inventory more effectively, and make data-driven decisions that increase profitability.

Financial Management Improvements

The upgrade includes enhancements to financial management features, such as support for multiple VAT numbers and the ability to use installments on sales documents. These improvements streamline financial operations and ensure compliance with various government regulations.

Workflow Automation and Usability Enhancements

Business Central Wave 2 introduces new automation tools that simplify and expedite routine tasks. For example, Copilot can help create sales orders directly from chat, making the process faster and more efficient. Additionally, integrating with GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code improves developer productivity by providing intelligent code suggestions and automating repetitive coding tasks.

Expanded E-Document Capabilities

The e-document feature in Business Central now offers more capabilities for sending documents, including integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service and expanded reporting capabilities for sustainability. That allows businesses to track their greenhouse gas emissions and other sustainability metrics, helping them meet regulatory requirements and improve their environmental impact.

Global Availability and Localization

Business Central Wave 2 expands its global availability, making it easier for businesses to operate in multiple regions and comply with local regulations. It includes support for various VAT numbers and country-specific features that cater to the unique needs of different markets.

Improved Integration with Third-Party Applications

The upgrade enhances integration with third-party applications, allowing businesses to connect Business Central with other tools and systems seamlessly. This interoperability ensures data flows smoothly across various platforms, reducing manual data entry and improving overall efficiency.

Core Application Functionality

• Copilot Integration: Enhanced Copilot capabilities for creating sales orders directly from Chat and generating product information faster.
• Sales Order Creation: Copilot can now assist in creating sales orders directly from Chat, making the process faster and more intuitive.
• Multiple VAT Numbers: Support for various VAT numbers to facilitate international business.
• Product Information: Copilot helps generate product information, such as Variables, Units of Measurement, and other details, more efficiently.

Integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service

• Service Orders: The integration now covers service orders, allowing for better coordination between Business Central and Field Service.
• Document Archiving: New capabilities to archive service management documents.

Sustainability Reporting

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: New reporting features to help companies track and report their greenhouse gas emissions, aiding in sustainability efforts.

Power Platform Integration

• Auto-Apply Templates: Templates are automatically applied when synchronizing data with Dataverse, streamlining data management.
• Subscription Billing: Improved management of subscription billing and revenue recognition.
• Shopify Connector: Enhanced integration with Shopify, including features like synchronizing product translations and defining shipping information.

User Experience Improvements

• Multi-User Warehouse Entries: More than one user can now post warehouse entries simultaneously, improving efficiency in warehouse management.
• Financial Reporting: New reports and demo data for financial reporting to help businesses better analyze their financial health.
• Project Planning: Users can add extended text to project planning lines, providing more detailed project information.

Application Enhancements

• E-Document Capabilities: Expanded capabilities for sending documents.
• Integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service: Expanded integration to cover service orders.
• Sustainability Reporting: New reporting capabilities for tracking greenhouse gas emissions.

Power Platform Integration

• Auto-Apply Templates: Auto-application of templates when synchronizing data with Dataverse.
• Subscription Billing and Revenue Recognition: Management of subscription billing and revenue and expense recognition.
• Shopify Connector: Improved Shopify connector for better integration.

Country and Regional Updates

• Legislative Capabilities: New legislative capabilities to help organizations stay compliant with various government regulations, ensuring they meet all legal requirements.

Conclusion

The Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade introduces features that streamline business processes, enhance decision-making, and improve financial management. Businesses can increase efficiencies and profit by leveraging AI-powered insights, automation tools, and expanded e-document capabilities.

The global availability and enhanced integration with third-party applications further solidify Business Central as a comprehensive business management tool for small and mid-sized organizations.

Microsoft Business Central offers a comprehensive solution that meets all your needs for managing complex business operations. With its robust tools for data management, synchronization, and correction, you can ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

Business Central is a powerful tool designed to manage complex business processes efficiently. By ensuring accurate static and transactional data, providing robust controls and workflows, and offering flexible user permissions, Business Central helps businesses maintain data integrity and operational efficiency.

Investing in Business Central means embracing a future-proof solution that supports informed decision-making and drives business success.

Ready To Make the Most of Business Central?

Liberty Grove can help you optimize Business Central to ensure your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you maximize Business Central and increase organizational efficiencies.

Related Reading

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central 2024 Release Wave 1

Printing from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Payment Automation in Business Central: A Strategic Advantage for Businesses

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs are crucial in enhancing the platform’s core functionality. Liberty Grove Software, a renowned Microsoft Partner, specializes in providing a range of ISV solutions that cater to businesses’ unique needs.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP offers business solutions with state-of-the-art functionality for a solid foundation to meet the most common business requirements.

Microsoft solutions are comprehensive and continually evolving to meet changing requirements for the market. However, customers with unique industry requirements may need more functionality.

The Liberty Grove Software team has decades of experience with best-of-class, proven Dynamics Business ISV solutions. It can recommend, implement, and support these third-party solutions to fit your operations seamlessly.

Recommended Business Central ISVs

Here’s a synopsis of some mission-critical Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs under the Liberty Grove Software umbrella:

YAVEON PROBATCH is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the life sciences industry. It offers a customized solution with a modular design for easy extension, ensuring more reliable and efficient processes2. This ISV extends Microsoft ERP with industry-relevant functions, making it a valuable addition for businesses in this sector.

CONTINIA provides innovative solutions for accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR), including expense management, AP matching, approval workflows, and document management. This ISV helps businesses streamline their financial processes and maintain accurate records.

FORNAV is a tool for creating and modifying reports for Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Business Central. It makes running legacy reports in Business Central easy, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses upgrading from NAV.

ANVEO specializes in business process solutions integrated into NAV and Business Central solutions. The company provides enhancements for mobile apps, web portals, Power Apps, and EDI, making it easier for businesses to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Lanham is a proven leader in advanced supply chain technology. It offers comprehensive management, from shipping and receiving to EDI. It is available in the cloud or on-premise and fully integrates with NAV and Business Central.

INSIGHT WORKS offers manufacturing and distribution apps, including warehouse management, inventory control, shop floor management, scheduling, Configure, Price, and Quote (CPQ). This ISV helps businesses optimize their production processes and improve overall efficiency.

Dynaway offers Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions that seamlessly integrate with Dynamics 365 Business Central. Their EAM solution helps businesses streamline maintenance operations, reduce costs, and extend asset lifetimes by providing tools for tracking maintenance assets, planning work orders, and managing spare parts inventory. This integration ensures a unified platform experience, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

Netronics provides Visual Production Scheduling (VPS) and Visual Jobs Scheduler (VJS) solutions for Dynamics 365 Business Central. These tools offer visual scheduling capabilities, allowing businesses to manage production schedules and resource planning more effectively. With features like drag-and-drop scheduling, transparency in planning, and improved resource utilization, Netronics’ solutions help businesses achieve better on-time deliveries, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance overall production efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Liberty Grove Software’s expertise in working with ISVs is invaluable for businesses leveraging Dynamics 365 Business Central. As a renowned Microsoft Partner, Liberty Grove ensures that organizations can tap into the enhanced functionalities offered by various Business Central ISVs to meet their unique operational needs.

The robust solutions provided by ISVs like YAVEON PROBATCH, CONTINIA, FOR NAV, ANVEO, Lanham, INSIGHT WORKS, Dynaway, and Netronics are seamlessly integrated into Business Central to drive efficiency, accuracy, and business growth.

Supercharging Dynamics 365 Business Central

Liberty Grove’s extensive experience and commitment to delivering best-of-class Dynamics 365 Business Central ISV solutions means businesses can rely on their expertise to recommend, implement, and support these third-party tools. By bridging the gap between standard ERP capabilities and specific industry requirements, Liberty Grove empowers businesses to maximize their investment in Dynamics 365 Business Central, ensuring a comprehensive and effective ERP solution that evolves with the market demands.

Partnering with Liberty Grove Software enhances your business operations with state-of-the-art ISV solutions and provides the confidence and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Embrace the full potential of Dynamics 365 Business Central ISVs with Liberty Grove’s unparalleled expertise and comprehensive support.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you optimize Dynamics 365 BC to meet your organization’s specific needs.

Related Reading

Transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

The Importance of Keeping Business Central Data Clean

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is often the central transaction system for an organization. As such, it needs to be a trusted source of information for the daily operations and reporting. So, ensuring Business Central data is clean is essential to being a trusted resource.

Following his recent UST Education session, our CEO, Andrew Good, will explore the various Business Central resources and techniques to ensure your data starts and remains clean.

And that trusted data is based on a couple of critical areas:  

1. Ensuring the setup data is correct and keeping it clean, and when you have transactions, making sure that those flow through, have the information they need, and are gathering it as they proceed through the business.
2. Having the tools to fix issues when they arise.

This blog will address:

• The various data sources and techniques to ensure the data starts and remains clean.
• Tools to correct transactions when things go wrong.

Andrew will share some techniques to keep your static and transaction data clean. He’ll also discuss correcting transactions if they go wrong in Business Central. Because we’re going to review several different areas, we’re not going to get into any area in depth, but you will walk away with a sense of how you can set things up and keep things under control.

Overview of Business Central: A Brief Introduction

Business Central is an all-encompassing business management solution designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for small to medium-sized enterprises. It integrates various business processes, providing finance, sales, customer service, and supply chain management tools. Business Central enables organizations to make informed decisions, improve productivity, and foster growth by unifying these functions.

Business Central has a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Over the years, it has undergone significant evolution, starting as a single-user version. As Windows evolved in 1995, Microsoft acquired The Vision and rebranded it as part of its suite of ERP solutions in 2005. The most significant evolution came in 2018 with the introduction of Business Central, a game-changer for businesses, and the simultaneous introduction of NAV to take it to the cloud.

This evolution is crucial for you to understand, as it sets the context for the current capabilities of Business Central.

The result was that Business Central was on premises for legacy customers hosted in the cloud through data centers and private hosting or as a software-as-a-service solution (SaaS), or the cloud as we now refer to it. In 2023, many things happened. The ecosystem has continued to grow from both a user and a partner perspective. Microsoft introduced AI to Business Central last year, and the ecosystem has exploded with apps that fill in the gaps with Business Central, which is good at providing base functionality.

The Flexibility of Business Central

Organizations may have unique needs related to multi-company manufacturing or specific needs such as Food and Beverage. For instance, a manufacturing company might need to track production across multiple locations, or a Food and Beverage company might require specific inventory management features. Some apps address these differences between the base product and your needs.

If we look at critical static data that you would have in Business Central, there’s a lot of setup information, such as General Ledger sales, purchasing, manufacturing, inventory, and warehouse.

Then, you must consider those accessing the system, so user setup is essential. What permissions do they have within the system?

For example, we can start with Finance and consider various functional areas in the system. We have critical base data such as our chart of accounts and the dimensions used within Business Central posting groups. These are the background tables that record a payment from a customer. What balance sheet account has the payment hit? How does that flow into the General Ledger set up in the background so that users don’t have to pick GL accounts on a transaction-by-transaction basis?

As we move away from Finance and look at some of the other operational areas of the system, we will have customers, vendors, items, and bills of material routings. We also have work centers, machine centers, and work center groups.

That makes for a considerable amount of data you want to store correctly initially and continually as time passes.

Your organization’s chart of accounts might morph. You may need to adjust your chart of accounts by adding new accounts or dimensions. You may want to gather information in a more detailed fashion, so there might be several changes you wish to make related to dimensions.

The intent here is not to get into the dimensions in significant detail but from a Business Central perspective. You might have a typical chart of accounts where transactions flow and accumulate underneath those accounts in the General Ledger and its entries.

Dimensions are the ability of Business Central to stamp additional characteristics on each transaction. Those additional characteristics your team may have worked with when they had a segmented chart of accounts represent the various segments.

Business Central provides tremendous flexibility to accumulate data so that you can go back and look at how your organization is performing. But suppose you’re going to analyze the data down the road. In that case, you want to ensure that people aren’t adjusting a chart of accounts, changing an account number, adding new dimensions, or blocking dimensions without your control.

With these things under control, you start to have Clean Master Data or static data that you can trust.

Maximizing Efficiency with Microsoft Business Central

A robust ERP system like Microsoft Business Central is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment. This powerful tool helps manage static and transactional data, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Here’s how Business Central can benefit your business and why it stands out as a top choice for managing complex business processes.

Managing Static Data

Comprehensive Setup: Business Central allows you to manage extensive static data, including pricing locations, warehouse descriptions, and more. This static data forms the foundation upon which dynamic business processes are built.

Project and Service Management: Business Central integrates project management and service management functionalities, streamlining various aspects of your business operations.

Handling Transaction Data

Versatile Journals: Business Central offers a range of journals to manage different types of transactions. These include:

• Financial and General Journals: For recording standard financial transactions.
• Recurring General Journals: For repetitive financial entries.
• Fixed Asset Journals: For managing asset transactions.
• Sales and Purchase Journals: For sales and purchase-related entries.
• Manufacturing Journals: For consuming and outputting manufacturing components.
• Item and Warehouse Journals: For inventory adjustments and warehouse management.

Transaction Tracking: Sales orders, purchase orders, and production orders in Business Central automatically build and post journals in the background, ensuring comprehensive transaction tracking and accuracy.

Key Tools and Controls

Role Centers: Each user in Business Central is assigned a role, providing a customized interface relevant to their specific tasks. That ensures users have access to the tools they need without unnecessary complexity.

Workflows for Data Validation: Business Central’s workflow functionality helps validate data setup for customers, vendors, and items. It ensures data integrity and smooth operations. For example, setting up a vendor approval workflow ensures no one can engage a vendor until their setup is fully approved, maintaining data accuracy.

Permissions Management: Business Central allows you to control user access through permission sets and security groups. That ensures that users have the appropriate access based on their roles, maintaining data security and compliance.

Dimensions and Data Integrity

Setting Up Dimensions: Business Central allows the setup of multiple dimensions to characterize transactions. These dimensions help categorize data meaningfully, enhancing reporting and analysis capabilities.

Default Values and Gatekeeper Rules: By setting up default values and gatekeeper rules, you ensure that all necessary data characteristics are present before posting transactions to the general ledger. That prevents errors and maintains data integrity.

Validation Rules: Business Central allows you to establish validation rules to prevent invalid data combinations. It ensures that only accurate and relevant data enters your system, simplifying reconciliation and reporting processes.

Benefits of Business Central

Integration with Dynamics 365: Business Central integrates seamlessly with other Dynamics 365 applications, offering a comprehensive solution for mid-sized organizations.

Enhanced User Experience: The intuitive interface and role-specific dashboards make Business Central user-friendly, reducing the learning curve and increasing productivity.

Scalability and Flexibility: Whether you operate on-premises or in the cloud, Business Central scales with your business needs, providing the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

Optimizing Business Operations with Microsoft Business Central

Microsoft Business Central provides a robust ERP solution for businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and ensure data integrity. This platform offers comprehensive tools to manage static and transactional data effectively, ensuring your business runs smoothly. Here’s how Business Central can benefit your organization:

Ensuring Data Integrity

Defining Dimensions and Gatekeeper Rules

Defining dimensions and setting gatekeeper rules, essentially mandatory checks for data accuracy, are essential to maintaining accurate records. For example, if you’re dealing with inventory, you might require an item type code for every transaction. By setting this as a gatekeeper rule, any transaction missing this dimension will prompt the user to correct it, ensuring consistency and accuracy. The advantage is that once set on an item, this information flows seamlessly into transactions, reducing the need for manual entry.

Master Data Management – Synchronizing Data Across Entities

If your organization operates across multiple legal entities, such as international branches, master data synchronization is vital. Business Central allows you to set up a parent company with standardized charts of accounts, dimensions, and other data. This data can then be synchronized across all local companies, ensuring consistency. For example, a client with 47 companies uses this feature to keep their data in sync, making consolidation processes much more efficient.

Correcting Data and Ensuring Accuracy

Dimension Corrections

Mistakes happen, and Business Central provides tools for corrections when someone records data incorrectly. The Dimension Correction tool, a feature that allows you to update previously posted entries, ensures your records remain accurate. This tool is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your financial and operational data, as it allows you to correct any errors without compromising the accuracy of your records.

Audit Trails and Transaction Reversal

Business Central maintains a sequential ledger for all transactions, providing a complete audit trail. If a transaction is incorrect, you can reverse and replace it, ensuring transparency and accuracy in your records. For instance, if a sales transaction was recorded incorrectly, you can use the Transaction Reversal feature to reverse the entry and replace it with the correct one, maintaining the accuracy of your records. This feature is particularly useful in maintaining compliance and accountability.

Practical Tools for Data Management

Workflows for Data Validation

Workflows in Business Central help validate data setup, ensuring the correct configuration of customers, vendors, and items in the system. For example, a vendor approval workflow prevents using a new vendor until the setup is fully approved, maintaining data integrity from the start.

Permissions and Security

User access control is essential for data security. Business Central uses permission sets and security groups to manage user access based on their roles, ensuring users have the appropriate access while maintaining data security.

Real-World Applications

Managing Complex Transactions

For businesses involved in manufacturing, Business Central handles complex transactions like production orders. A release production order allows you to manage the production process, from component consumption to final output. This feature ensures that you can track and record all aspects of production accurately.

Keeping Data Clean

Timely Review and Validation

Regular review and validation of transactions are crucial for data accuracy. With Business Central’s proactive approach, you can set up workflows and validation rules to ensure all necessary data characteristics are present before posting transactions. This proactive approach empowers you to prevent errors and maintain the integrity of your data.

At Liberty Grove, we have one client in the manufacturing area where about three different departments touch a given item (or four!), so the engineering department sets up the new item. When they’re ready for approval, it goes from engineering to the production department to purchasing, and then ultimately, finance reviews everything and completes the approval process.

So, in that case, the client has four levels of approval before that item is used. That focus on control has paid dividends since they implemented a rigorous process and control in and around the item approval process.

At Liberty Grove, our CRM system spans both countries that we work in, and we have one CRM entity, but in the background, we have two legal entities for the transactions. One of the ways to set up a template effectively in Business Central is to set up a recurring journal.

You can establish setup templates in Business Central for customers and items, allowing you to have different types of customers, such as service or parts customers. You can set up templates, and they will populate your typical choices.

And lastly, timely review of transactions. You can resolve an issue and revisit the business process if you find it. Root cause analysis is crucial. Consider this technique when you’re running into problems in your system.

Keeping Business Central Current

Microsoft updates Business Central significantly twice a year and in a minor way another ten times a year, meaning there is a monthly update to your system when you’re in the cloud. It’s in the background, and Microsoft manages it. Additionally, you can schedule when to upgrade your sandbox, which is your test environment, versus your production environment.

Microsoft’s learning environment has evolved significantly, and there are a couple of tools related to workflows. In addition, there are tools for dimension corrections and master data management available in Microsoft Learn.

The principles and the concepts of clean data apply to any system you’re working with, whether it be CRM or accounting. If you have control of your static data and limit access to those who can access, approve, or change it, you know your transactions are trustworthy. You’re in an excellent spot to move forward, consider your techniques for dealing with exceptions when they occur, and make necessary changes.

Conclusion

Microsoft Business Central offers a comprehensive solution that meets all your needs for managing complex business operations. With its robust tools for data management, synchronization, and correction, you can ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.

Business Central is a powerful tool designed to manage complex business processes efficiently. By ensuring accurate static and transactional data, providing robust controls and workflows, and offering flexible user permissions, Business Central helps businesses maintain data integrity and operational efficiency.

Investing in Business Central means embracing a future-proof solution that supports informed decision-making and drives business success.

Is Your Business Central Data Clean and Optimized?

Liberty Grove can help you make the most of Business Central to ensure your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you ensure your data in Business Central is clean and easy to analyze and understand so you can make informed business decisions.

Related Reading

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central 2024 Release Wave 1

Transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Undoubtedly, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central has changed how we work and become one of the primary tenets of business operations.

Yet, clients frequently ask us how to print from this vital tool.

Imagine that you are the captain of a modern, sleek sailboat.

The wind is ideal, the sea is tranquil, and your destination is unambiguous. Your vessel glides effortlessly across the water with a steady hand on the tiller and a gentle tug on the sails.

Similarly, printing documents from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is straightforward and effortless, saving you valuable time.

You can concentrate on guiding your business toward success without any disruption as you prepare and print your documents with a few keystrokes.

We like that idea, too, so based on Microsoft’s guidelines, we compiled this step-by-step guide to get you started.

A little background

Regardless of the Business Central client or app you employ, submitting print jobs directly to one of your organization’s printers is generally advisable. Local printers connected to users’ devices are not directly accessible through Business Central online, as it is a cloud service.

However, cloud-enabled printers can be attached to Business Central online.

What printer options are available in Business Central?

Business Central provides the following features to accommodate your printing requirements:

Universal Printing

Microsoft offers Universal Print as a cloud service for printer management. This feature, designed for convenience, enables you to configure your printers in Universal Print and subsequently register them for use in Business Central. This feature necessitates the Universal Print Integration extension and a Universal Print subscription.

Email Print

This function enables the configuration of printers that are compatible with email. Business Central then transmits print tasks to the printer using the printer’s email address. The Send to Email Printer extension and email-enabled printers are necessary for this feature.

Browser printing

The user’s browser’s print functionality, a flexible option, manages print tasks. If a cloud printer is not installed and configured or malfunctions, printing will default to the browser’s printing options. The browser will manage the Printer field on the report request page.

The Printer Management site in Business Central, your guiding tool, is the primary tool for setting up printers. Nevertheless, when employing Universal Print devices, the Azure Portal or the Microsoft 365 admin center may be necessary.

For Universal Print and Email Print in Business Central on-premises, Microsoft Entra ID or NavUserPassword authentication is necessary.

Custom printer extensions

Business Central is compatible with additional custom printer extensions that enhance print features. If you have any custom printer extensions installed, your application may incorporate print features not detailed in this article.

Configuring Universal Print Printers

Universal Print operates exclusively on Microsoft Azure, a Microsoft 365 subscription-based service. It provides centralized printer management through the Universal Print portal. Using the Universal Print Integration extension, Business Central facilitates the accessibility of printers configured in Universal Print to client users.

Universal printing configuration

The complete configuration requires using Microsoft Azure, Business Central, and the Azure portal. Two primary duties comprise the setup:

• Set up Universal Print in Microsoft Azure and add the printers you wish to utilize in Business Central to a print share. Navigate to this section.
• Add the printers from the print shares in Universal Print to Business Central.

Requirements

Supported printers:

Business Central supports Universal Print–compatible or non-compatible printers—the same way Universal Print does. Universal Print supplies additional connector software for non-compatible printers, enabling them to communicate directly with the system. Support may not be available for certain ancient printers.

Universal Printing:

• A Universal Print subscription/license for your organization.
• You possess at least the Printer Administrator position in Microsoft Entra ID.

Your Microsoft Entra ID account must possess at least the Printer Administrator role to administer Universal Print. Universal Print Management necessitates these positions exclusively. The printers from Business Central and the individuals setting them up do not require them.

Business Central online and on-premises:

• Business Central 2021 release wave 1 or later.
• The Universal Print Integration extension has been deployed.

Business Central online and on-premises include this extension by default.

Business Central on-premises:

• The authentication method is either Microsoft Entra ID or NavUserPassword.

The Universal Print extension does not support service-to-service (S2S) authentication. You must be a signed-in user to submit print tasks to the Universal Print service via the Graph API.

• Your Microsoft Entra tenant and Business Central have registered an application for Business Central.

Universal Print, like other Azure services that integrate with Business Central, necessitates completing an app registration for Business Central in Microsoft Entra ID. The app registration service offers authentication and authorization services between Universal Print and Business Central.

Your deployment may already utilize an app registration for other Azure services, such as Power BI. It is advisable to use the current app registration for Universal Print rather than creating a new one. In this scenario, the sole action required is to incorporate the necessary print permissions for the Microsoft Graph API into the app registration: PrinterShare.ReadBasic.PrintJob.Create, PrintJob, and all.ReadBasic.

Adhere to the procedures outlined in the “Register an application in Microsoft Entra ID” guide to register an application and establish the appropriate permissions.

Configuring Universal Print and printers in Microsoft Azure

Before you can begin managing Universal Print printers in Business Central, you must complete several duties to ensure that Universal Print is operational in Azure with the printers you intend to use.

Refer to Microsoft’s “Get Started” section for comprehensive instructions on configuring your system. Consult the Universal Print documentation to configure Universal Print. The subsequent procedures must be executed. The Azure portal implements most of these procedures.

Assign Universal Print licenses to yourself and other users

How you designate the license depends on whether you integrate with Business Central online or on-premises.

You assign licenses through the Microsoft 365 admin center with Business Central online.

You assign licenses to your tenant using the Azure portal with Business Central on-premises.

Install the Universal Print connector to register printers that cannot communicate directly with Universal Print.

You must install the Universal Print connector, as most in-market printers cannot communicate directly with Universal Print.

Registering your printers with Universal Print

By registering a printer, Universal Printer becomes aware of the specific printer.

Follow the instructions provided by the printer manufacturer for printers capable of communicating directly with Universal Print.

Modify the properties of the printer (optional)

After registering a printer, you can access and modify its properties, including its default preferences.

To utilize any printer in Business Central, you must add it to a printer share in Universal Print. All users who require printer access must be added as members of the printer share.

Facilitate the conversion of documents

Universal Print generates content in XPS format for printing. However, in many instances, legacy in-market printers do not support rendering XPS content; they only support the PDF format.

Therefore, printing to these printers will be unsuccessful unless Universal Print is configured to convert documents to the printer-supported format.

You are now prepared to add the printers to Business Central, establish default printers for reports, and Print.

Incorporate printers into Business Central online

Once printers have been configured and shared in Universal Print, you can incorporate them into Business Central. Two methods are available for adding Universal Print devices. You can add the printers altogether or individually, one at a time.

Individually adding printers makes it possible to configure the same Universal Print printer in Business Central multiple times. Subsequently, you can modify the print parameters for each installed printer, including the orientation, size, and paper tray. In this manner, it is possible to configure printers for various reports and documents with unique output requirements.

Note

If you use Business Central on-premises, proceed to the next section; the initial configuration differs marginally.

To activate the “Tell Me” feature, select the Lightbulb icon. Then, navigate to Printer Management and select the relevant link.

Select Universal Print and then select one of the following options:

Include all Universal Print printers, which are all printers that have yet to be defined. This option is available regardless of the presence of existing printers.

To include a particular printer, add a Universal Print printer.

Adhere to the instructions that appear on the screen.

If you select “Add all Universal Print Printers,” the “Add Universal Print Printers” configuration will commence.

Selecting “Add a Universal Print Printer” will appear on the Universal Printer Settings page. Select the printer share that contains the Universal Print printer by filling in the Name field and then selecting “next” to the Print Share in the Universal Print field.

Complete the remaining fields as necessary. To read a brief description, hover over a field.

The Printer Management page allows you to modify and review a printer’s configurations after it is added. To do so, select the printer and select “Edit printer settings.”

Incorporate printers into Business Central on-premises

Before a user can add or use Universal Print printers in Business Central, they must authorize access to the Azure services used by Universal Print and grant permission to data and operations, such as:

• Reading the user profile and signing in
• Comprehending fundamental employment information in Print

Producing print projects

This is typically performed during the initial connection to the Azure registered app utilized for Universal Print.

Business Central Online executes this authorization process without user intervention. Business Central on-premises, however, functions differently.

You, or any other user who wishes to utilize Universal Print printers, must initiate the authentication process—typically, only once.

The following stages outline the most direct approach. Connecting to an integrated service utilizing the same Azure registered app, such as OneDrive or Power BI, is less direct. Each user is typically required to complete this task only once.

Note

If you are an administrator, complete this task before other users. Subsequently, provide instructions to users who require Universal Print devices. If the Azure-registered app for Universal Print necessitates admin consent for API permissions, it is more convenient to grant consent on behalf of the organization. Granting administrative consent is feasible through the Azure Portal or by conducting the subsequent procedures.

First-time connection to Universal Print

Follow these steps to connect to the Universal Print service for the first time.

• To activate the Tell Me feature, select the Lightbulb icon. Then, navigate to Printer Management and select the relevant link.
• To initiate the add universal print printers assisted configuration guide (wizard), select Universal Print > Add all universal print printers.
• Continue to adhere to the on-screen instructions until you reach the MICROSOFT ENTRA SERVICE PERMISSIONS page.
• Click on the “Authorize Azure Services” link.
• If the Permission Requested page appears, review it closely and select Accept to proceed. If you are an administrator, you can approve it on behalf of the organization to all users.

Azure request permissions page

• Sign in with your name and password if prompted.
• Successful authorization returns you to the Add Universal Print Printers page. To finalize the configuration, select Next > Finish.
• The Printer Management page allows you to modify and review a printer’s configurations after it is added. To do so, select the printer and select “Edit printer settings.”

After you have completed the initial sign-in process, use the Universal Print printers to print reports and other print tasks. To add, remove, or modify any printers, simply return to the Print Management page and select Universal Print.

Common issues and their resolutions

This section will help you understand the most prevalent issues users may encounter when configuring or operating Universal Print devices.

The printer is not accessible to you.

This message may be the result of one of the following conditions when a user attempts to print a document to a Universal Print printer:

Universal Print licensing is not associated with the user’s Azure Active AD or Microsoft 365 account.

Universal Print does not designate the user to the printer share.

Universal Print’s Azure app registration is either nonfunctional or has undergone recent modifications since the user’s most recent login.

(On-premises) The user has not yet opted into the Azure registered app for the Universal Printer app and has provided consent for the first time.

The printers shared with you were not retrieved due to an error.

Suppose a user encounters this message while attempting to add a Universal Print printer from the Printer Management page. In that case, it is probable that they have not yet signed in to the Azure registered app for the Universal Printer app and provided consent for the first time.

Setting up email printing

This section explains the process for configuring email-enabled printers in Business Central. Business Central transmits print tasks to these printers using the printer’s email address.

Requirements

• Business Central 2020 release wave 1 or later
• You have successfully installed the Send to Email Printer extension.

This extension is included in the default installation. For additional information about installing extensions, visit the “Installing and Uninstalling Extensions in Business Central” page.

Incorporate an email printer

The Printer Management page displays the established printers. It also allows you to access the Settings page for each printer, enabling you to modify an existing setup or set up a new one.

To activate the “Tell Me” feature, select the Lightbulb icon. Then, navigate to Printer Management and select the relevant link.

Select “Email Print” and then “Add an email printer.”

Fill in the fields as required on the Email Printer Settings page. To read a brief description, hover over a field.

Note

As there is no capacity to retain local printers or user settings, it is necessary to select the appropriate paper size for a printer manually.

It is important to note that the Email Printer extension is configured to print on A4 paper by default.

Notice of Privacy

With the Email Printer extension, the email address associated with the printer is the recipient of all or a portion of the print tasks. A printer device should be associated with a unique email ID by utilizing the services provided by the hardware manufacturer, such as HP ePrint, Konica Minolta EveryonePrint, or Epson Email Print.

Ensure that the email printing solution is correctly configured for permissions, privacy settings, and retention policies, and take all necessary privacy precautions. You are responsible for furnishing an operational, verified, and accurate email address. For additional information, please refer to the Microsoft Privacy Statement.

Specifying a Default Printer

Print task sizing

It is possible to designate the default printer after establishing printers in Business Central.

Two methods exist by default to designate printers for reports and other print tasks. A default printer can be beneficial if you work with reports requiring distinct printers due to their placement within the organization or output capabilities.

Note

Microsoft Print to PDF and cloud printers configured for use in Business Central, such as Universal Print and Email printers, are the only printers designated as default. An administrator typically configures cloud printers.

Designate a printer as the default printer for all print tasks

Accessing the Printer Management page allows you to designate a printer as the default printer for all print tasks. You can designate the printer as the default for all users or just yourself.

To activate the “Tell Me” feature, select the Lightbulb icon. Then, navigate to Printer Management and select the relevant link.

You can also access the Printer Management page from the Printer Selections page by selecting “Printer Management.”

On the Printer Management page, select a printer from the list, select Manage, and then select either Set as my default printer or Set as the default printer for all users.

Note

Setting a default printer in the Printer Management page adds an entry to the Printer Selections.

Establish a default printer for particular reports

The Printer Selections page allows you to designate the default printer a report will utilize. Users establish default printers within their respective accounts. You can establish a default printer for all users, another user, or yourself.

Open the “Tell Me” feature by selecting the Lightbulb icon. Enter Printer Selections and then select the relevant link. Alternatively, select a printer from the Printer Management page and then select the Printer Selections action.

Select the “New action” option to include a printer selection for a particular report.

Complete the sections as required.

The default setting for the specified report is to print to the selected printer.

Note

The Print field on the report request page allows you to select a separate printout when you print the above report.

Suppose a report is not configured for a specific printer on the Printer Selections page. In that case, it will be printed to the company’s default printer, as specified on the Printer Management page.

You or the administrator may also utilize the Printer Selections page to establish alternative printing configurations for users and reports.

Print a report to a designated printer for all users

Fill in the Report ID and Printer Name fields with appropriate values while leaving the User ID field vacant.

For a particular user, print all reports to a designated printer. Fill in the User ID and Printer Name fields with appropriate values while leaving the Report ID field vacant. This entry performs the same function as the “Set as my default printer” action on the Print Management page.

Establish the default printer for all users and all reports. Fill in the Printer Name field and leave the User ID and Report ID columns empty. This entry performs the same function as the “Set as default printer for all users” action on the Print Management page.

To print a particular report to the user’s default printer, leave the Printer Name and User ID columns blank and enter a value in the Report ID field.

Provide values for all three fields to print a report to a particular printer for a specific user.

Note

Printer selections that are more specific override those that are more general. For instance, a printer selection that contains values in the User ID, Report ID, and Printer Name fields is superior to a printer selection that contains vacant entries in the User ID or Report ID fields.

Selecting the printer during the execution of a report

You can modify this configuration from the request page rather than employing the preset printer when generating a report. Select the printer you wish to utilize for this report from the Printer drop-down menu.

Documents of a reasonable quantity are the intended use of cloud printing. Most cloud services, such as HP ePrint and PrintNode, have a maximum file size of 10 MB per task. If you require printing more extensive reports, dividing them into multiple outputs may be necessary.

Still Need Help with Printing from MS 365 Business Central?

Liberty Grove can help you use all the tools in the Microsoft suite to improve your organization’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its experts can help you optimize Microsoft 365 Business Central to elevate your market position.

Related reading:

The Power Pair: Business Central and Power Platform

Leveraging AI in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

About the Author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions, as well as training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.