Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for companies relying on aging ERP systems that no longer meet modern demands. It’s why we created this ERP Migration Roadmap to give companies the confidence to make the leap.
Whether you’re running Microsoft Dynamics GP, NAV, or another legacy ERP platform, the shift to a cloud-based ERP like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) is not only inevitable; it’s an opportunity to reinvent how your business operates. With features such as seamless integration of business processes, advanced analytics for informed decision-making, and scalability to accommodate your business growth, BC offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your operations.
At Liberty Grove Software, we’ve guided countless organizations through this journey. One conversation stands out: I was sitting down with the CIO of a mid-sized manufacturing company last year.
He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and said, “Andrew, I know we have to do this, but the last thing I want is a drawn-out, disruptive project that paralyzes our business. How do we make this as smooth as possible?”
That’s the question every executive asks, and it’s precisely why having a clear, step-by-step ERP migration roadmap is essential.
Below, I’ll share how we helped that CIO navigate his concerns and outline the proven path we use to take companies from discovery to go-live with confidence.
We also understand that ERP migration can be a complex process, with challenges such as data migration issues and user resistance.
With our expertise and proven methodology, Liberty Grove ensures your move to Business Central is seamless and sustainable.
1. Discovery: Building the Foundation for ERP Migration Success
Every successful ERP migration begins with discovery. That’s where we assess your current ERP environment, business processes, and strategic goals. The objective isn’t just to replicate what you have today in the cloud; it’s to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
In this stage, we:
- Conduct stakeholder interviews to uncover pain points and priorities.
- Analyze your existing data, customizations, and integrations.
- Define your vision: What does success look like one year after migration?
When I met with that manufacturing CIO, he initially wanted to “move everything as-is.” But through discovery, we uncovered redundant processes and outdated reports that were slowing down his team.
By challenging the status quo, we designed an ERP migration roadmap that modernized their ERP while simplifying operations.
2. Planning: Creating a Realistic ERP Migration Roadmap
Once discovery is complete, the next step is to turn insights into a clear migration plan. Planning is where we outline:
- Scope: Which modules, customizations, and third-party add-ons will be included?
- Timeline: A realistic project schedule that minimizes downtime and aligns with business cycles.
- Resources: Key internal champions and external partners who will drive the project.
- Budget: Including migration costs, licensing, and potential change management initiatives.
For our manufacturing client, timing was critical. Their busy season ran from September through November, so go-live had to fall outside that window. We structured their migration to Business Central in quieter months, reducing disruption while keeping leadership aligned with the broader digital transformation strategy.
3. Preparation: Cleaning and Aligning ERP Data
Data is the lifeblood of your ERP system, but legacy ERP systems often carry decades of outdated or duplicate data. Migrating “as-is” can create inefficiencies in your new cloud environment.
During preparation, we:
- Audit your existing data for accuracy and relevance.
- Determine which data should be archived versus migrated.
- Standardize formats and eliminate redundancies.
The CIO’s finance team initially felt overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning their general ledger history. By breaking the work into phases and leveraging automation tools, we streamlined the process.
The result? A cleaner, more reliable Business Central migration with fewer headaches down the road.
4. Design and Configuration: Tailoring Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
One of the most significant benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is its flexibility. At this stage, we configure the system to align with your needs while embracing best practices.
Activities include:
- Mapping existing processes to Business Central’s modern workflows.
- Incorporating necessary extensions or add-ons.
- Setting up user roles, security, and approvals.
At Liberty Grove, our mantra is ‘configure first, customize second‘. That means we prioritize setting up the system to align with your business needs using the standard features of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Companies often carry over outdated customizations from legacy ERP systems, adding complexity without value. Instead, we help you focus on what drives growth today, not what made sense 15 years ago.
5. Testing: Validating Your ERP Migration Roadmap
Testing is where your ERP migration becomes tangible. It’s the chance to validate processes, train users, and refine the system before going live.
Key testing phases include:
- Unit testing: Confirming core functionality.
- Integration testing: Ensuring third-party apps and data flows run smoothly.
- User acceptance testing (UAT): Allowing employees to confirm usability and accuracy.
Our client’s CIO initially feared testing would slow the project down. Instead, by introducing iterative cycles, testing built confidence, helping end users feel ready for the switch to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
6. Training: Driving ERP User Adoption
Technology is only half the battle; people are the other half. Training ensures user adoption and long-term ROI for your ERP migration project.
We design training programs that:
- Are role-based and tailored to daily tasks.
- Blend formal instruction with hands-on practice.
- Include ongoing support beyond go-live.
For our manufacturing client, combining in-person workshops with digital modules created a culture of confidence. Their CFO later told me, “This was the first rollout where my team didn’t feel left behind.”
7. Go-Live: Transitioning to Business Central with Confidence
Go-live is the moment everyone anticipates, but it’s not the finish line. It’s the start of your journey in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
A successful go-live includes:
- Final data migration and cutover.
- On-site and remote support for transition.
- Quick resolution of post-launch issues.
That once-nervous CIO? After go-live, he sent me a note: “Andrew, this was the smoothest major system change in my career. Thank you.” His confidence underscored the power of a well-executed ERP migration roadmap.
8. Post-Go-Live Optimization: Unlocking the Full Potential of ERP
The real value of Business Central emerges after launch, when companies move from stabilization to optimization.
Post-go-live steps include:
- Refining workflows based on real-world input.
- Expanding functionality with new extensions.
- Leveraging analytics and AI for more intelligent decisions.
The companies that thrive are those that treat their ERP migration not as a one-time project, but as an ongoing journey toward efficiency and innovation.
The Liberty Grove Advantage
Migrating to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central isn’t just a technology upgrade; it’s a strategic transformation. At Liberty Grove Software, we bring:
- Deep expertise: Decades of experience with Dynamics GP, NAV, and BC migrations.
- Proven methodology: A step-by-step ERP migration roadmap that minimizes risk.
- A partner mindset: We don’t just implement software; we empower your team to succeed long-term.
The manufacturing CIO I mentioned earlier? Today, his company closes its books three days faster, generates reports in minutes instead of hours, and operates with agility unthinkable under their old legacy ERP system.
Ready to Begin Your ERP Migration Journey?
If you’re ready to explore moving from your legacy ERP system to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the first step is a conversation. Let’s build your personalized ERP migration roadmap together so that you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and measurable results.
Let’s talk. We’ll help you start your ERP Migration Journey.
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 transformations across various industries, including manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.
Andrew’s extensive knowledge comes from personal experiences with various companies. His hands-on operational knowledge stems from his experience in engineering and maintenance, as well as his 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 required for navigating the seas with the challenges of steering a successful company. Under his leadership, Liberty Grove Software thrives, providing tailored solutions that empower clients and optimize operations with innovative, Microsoft-based systems.
