Microsoft Great Plains, also known as Dynamics GP, is no longer a fit for today’s business environment. Microsoft will be moving its innovation to Dynamics 365 Business Central, Finance & Operations and Dynamics 365 Business Central as mainstream support ends in January 2025. Companies need to start preparing now to migrate to cloud native platforms that can scale and offer analytics.

Business Central, in particular, is very similar to Great Plains GP, both in terms of user interface and functionality. It also introduces true cloud flexibility and embedded Power Platform tools.

This is the level of functionality and scalability that legacy GP can’t match:

1. Cloud Delivery & Mobile Access: No on-premise servers or manual updates; anywhere, anytime access
2. Integrated Accounting plus CRM, Inventory, Projects: All on a single platform, not siloed systems
3. Advanced Analytics & Automation: In-built AI and dashboards, not error prone Excel spreadsheets
4. Security & Compliance: Continuous updates and Microsoft grade data protection as GP Support Wanes
5. Scalability: Built to easily grow and support consolidations of multiple entities, foreign currencies, or acquisitions

GP users today are faced with the challenge of using a system with outdated architectures, limited cloud migration roadmaps, and one that is increasingly supported by Microsoft as versions get phased out. A professional migration to a new ERP system can transform accounting and operational visibility, as well as improve efficiency.

Connect Business Solutions, LLC can help. Connect Business Solutions is a trusted business partner with expertise in Business Central implementations, system integration, and transaction processing. They work with clients across their entire lifecycle, from vendor selection and project management to post-go live support. The company has experience working with SMBs, startups, and with distribution, manufacturing, professional services, and other industries.

For startups who want to scale fast, Startup CFO Services provides outsourced accounting leadership as well as implementation support. The team’s services are comprehensive and can be combined with ERP selection and migration.

Why does this matter?

Microsoft’s own roadmap shows that Dynamics 365 platforms are receiving only maintenance patches (no security fixes after 2028), with no plans for new modules or AI capabilities. GP users will be more susceptible to security vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, and rising costs as they try to integrate with unsupported systems. Cloud native modern ERP systems are future proof and are built for finance, operations, and sales collaboration.

The best practices when choosing a new ERP system are:

• Assessment: Understanding current processes, data dependency, and integration with other systems.
• Selection: Consider D365 Business Central if you want a better option to ensure continuity for your SME, NetSuite if you need a global solution with scale, or Acumatica/Sage Intacct if you are specialized and in a niche.
• Planning: Develop realistic timelines, change management plans, and training road maps.
• Data Migration & Testing: Ensure seamless mapping from GP and the new ERP.

Support for go-live and optimization after implementation

Connect Business Solutions, LLC, combines systems project management and outsourced accounting to deliver both operational integration and financial integration with minimal disruption, so that your accounting team can concentrate on strategic insights instead of repetitive inputs.

Business Central, NetSuite and AccountMate all are recommended as one of the top modern ERP options according to independent research sources. This is true especially for those companies that need to go beyond basic accounting capabilities and want enterprise-grade operations.

Replacement for Great Plains with systems like D365 Business Central, NetSuite, and Acumatica, modernizes your financial and operations backbone and can help drive efficiency, resiliency, data insights and secure growth. Lean access to fractional support from a CFO combined with robust cloud ERP allows startups and small business owners to get strategic advice without a full-time employee. Reach out to Connect Business Solutions, LLC to explore the best path forward–accelerating your transition to a future-ready system.