Back when I started in ERP consulting, somewhere between Y2K panic and the first iPod, “ERP cloud migration” wasn’t a phrase in anyone’s vocabulary. “The cloud,” back then, was something that messed with your satellite dish, not something you trusted with your financial data.

These days, I get asked all kinds of tough questions: “Is now the right time to upgrade?” “What’s involved in migrating ERP to the cloud?” “Can you help me explain this to my board without using the word synergy?”

Valid questions. But here’s the one that comes up the most:

“Are the benefits of cloud ERP really worth the move?”

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer? It depends on whether your current system is helping you scale—or just helping you stay busy.

In this blog, I’ll walk through why ERP to cloud migration (specifically to Dynamics 365 Business Central) isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a smarter way to run your business.

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Why Migrating to the Cloud Isn’t Just IT—It’s a Growth Engine

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Cloud ERP migration isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about setting your business up to grow without the confines of legacy systems. When I talk with clients still running on-premises software, the conversation usually turns to flexibility:

• Can we scale without new hardware?
• Can we integrate with newer tools like Power BI or Microsoft Teams?
• Can we support remote work without improvising our way through every workflow update?

Cloud ERP checks all those boxes and probably a few you didn’t think to ask. More importantly, it keeps your systems aligned with your business goals, not your IT department’s maintenance schedule.

Is It Worth Upgrading from Dynamics GP or NAV to Business Central?

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If you’re on Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics NAV, I’ll save you the suspense: yes, it’s worth upgrading. In fact, it’s a no-brainer—and here’s why:

NAV and GP have been the reliable pickup trucks of ERP for decades: dependable, familiar, and tough to part with. But they weren’t built for the speed, flexibility, or cloud-first world we work in today.

Business Central delivers modern functionality, seamless cloud access, and AI-driven features older systems weren’t designed to handle. It also includes embedded analytics, automated workflows, and a UI that doesn’t feel like you're stuck in2008… all without the heavy customization GP or NAV would require. Add hassle-free updates and fewer disruptions, and the upgrade looks less like a leap, and more like common sense.

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The ROI: What Does ERP Cloud Migration Actually Deliver?

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Let’s talk numbers.

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According to Microsoft, organizations see a 172% ROI over three years when they move to Dynamics 365 Business Central. That includes faster reporting, reduced IT overhead, and improved productivity across teams.

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You also gain predictability. No more budgeting for surprise server upgrades or reacting to Dynamics GP end-of-life announcements. With Business Central, you get a subscription model that scales with your business, and updates that don’t require a weekend-long IT lock-in.

The benefits of cloud ERP systems go beyond ROI—they improve agility, boost user productivity, and reduce IT overhead.

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What Are the Steps to Migrate from Dynamics GP to Business Central?

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Here’s the high-level roadmap I walk clients through:

1. Assessment – We review your current Dynamics GP setup, including customizations andreporting requirements.
2. Data migration planning – Identify what should move, what can be archived, and how to map fields intoBusiness Central.
3. Test migration – A sandbox environment lets your team preview how Business Central will work with your data.
4. Training and user acceptance testing(UAT) – This step should be non-negotiable .I’ve seen great migrations stall due to a rushed timeline.
5. Go live and support– Final cutover, followed by close support in the days and weeks that follow. This period—often called 'hypercare'—is focused on quickly resolving any issues and helping your team adjust with confidence.

It’s not a plug-and-play project, but it doesn’t have to be painful, either. And with a good partner, it’s totally manageable.

How Long Does It Take to Migrate from GP or NAV to Business Central?

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Typical ERP migration projects from GP or NAV to Business Central take 8 to 16 weeks, depending on the complexity of your environment. Factors include the number of companies you manage, the degree of customization in your current system, and whether you’re integrating third-party tools.

That timeline includes planning, data migration, testing, and training. Treat it like a sprint, and you’ll be surprised how many detours pop up.

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‍What Data Can Be Moved During a Dynamics GP or NAV Migration?

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Most businesses move key master records (customers, vendors, items), open transactions, and general ledger balances. Historical data can also be brought in, but it’s worth evaluating what you actually need.

I always recommend caution: Just because you CAN bring over 15 years of purchase orders doesn’t mean you SHOULD. During migration is an ideal time to clean house and start fresh—or at least cleaner.

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Do I Need a Microsoft Partner to Migrate to Business Central?

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Technically? No.

Practically? Yes.

Sure, there are tools and documentation that let you DIY your migration. But those tools don’t replace experience. They don’t flag the custom report that breaks when you change a field. They don’t tell you which historical data isn’t worth the trouble.

Working with a provider that specializes in ERP cloud migration services helps you avoid expensive missteps and ensures a smoother transition to ensure the project aligns with your business goals.

If you want a second opinion, this post on why GP customers are switching gives a broader view.

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Moving to the cloud? It’s not IT’s project. It’s everyone’s.

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ERP migration to the cloud gives you more than a shiny new system. It gives you control, agility, and the ability to grow without being held back by yesterday’s limitations. It helps you make smarter decisions faster—which, last I checked, is still the goal for just about every business.

If you’re still unsure, let’s talk. I’m always happy to share what I’ve seen work and what to watch out for… before you make the leap.

Learn more about what you can expect when migrating to the cloud at my upcoming webinar.

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About the Author

Aaron Thomas is the founder of QBIX LLC, a consultancy known for helping organizations turn ERP complexity into clarity. With more than 20 years of experience in financial systems and business consulting, Aaron blends strategic insight with deep product knowledge—particularly in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. His hands-on approach and commitment to long-term client success have made him a trusted partner to leaders across industries including finance, manufacturing, real estate, and nonprofit.

Through his newsletter Built to Scale, Aaron shares grounded, real-world guidance to help decision-makers streamline systems, sharpen reporting, and scale sustainably—without the jargon or the hype.

Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn.

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