I’m thrilled to sit down with Dominic Jainy, an IT professional whose deep expertise in ERP software migration, particularly from Dynamics GP to Business Central, has helped countless businesses navigate this complex transition. With a robust background in Microsoft solutions and custom development, Dominic has a unique perspective on how to ensure a seamless move to modern systems while avoiding common pitfalls. In this conversation, we’ll explore the strategic importance of migrating to Business Central, the critical role of choosing the right implementation partner, and the qualities that make a partner truly effective in delivering long-term success.
What drives businesses to consider migrating from Dynamics GP to Business Central as a strategic priority right now?
The push to migrate from Dynamics GP to Business Central is largely driven by the need for modernization. Businesses are looking for cloud-based solutions that offer better scalability, real-time data access, and integration with other Microsoft tools like Office 365. On top of that, with Microsoft ending support for GP in 2029, companies are motivated to act sooner rather than later to avoid being stuck on an unsupported system. It’s about future-proofing operations and gaining a competitive edge through enhanced functionality and efficiency.
Why is the 2029 deadline such a significant factor in planning this migration?
The 2029 deadline is a hard stop for Dynamics GP support from Microsoft, meaning no more updates, security patches, or technical assistance after that point. Businesses that wait until the last minute risk running an outdated system that’s vulnerable to security issues and incompatible with modern requirements. Planning ahead allows for a thoughtful transition, giving companies time to address data migration, user training, and customizations without the pressure of a looming cutoff.
How can a smooth migration to Business Central transform a business compared to one that goes off track?
A smooth migration can be a game-changer. It minimizes downtime, ensures data integrity, and gets employees up to speed quickly on a system that’s tailored to their needs. This leads to improved productivity and often immediate cost savings from cloud efficiencies. On the flip side, a migration that goes off track can be a nightmare—think lost data, extended downtime, frustrated staff, and blown budgets. It can disrupt operations for months and erode trust in the new system, making recovery a long and painful process.
What are some of the biggest hurdles businesses encounter when moving from GP to Business Central?
One major hurdle is underestimating the complexity of the migration. GP and Business Central are fundamentally different, especially with BC being cloud-based, so data mapping and workflow adjustments can be tricky. Another challenge is user adoption—employees accustomed to GP might resist change without proper training. Then there’s the issue of customizations; many businesses have heavily customized GP setups that need to be reimagined in BC, which requires careful planning to avoid functionality gaps.
Why is selecting the right implementation partner so crucial for a successful migration?
The right partner acts as a guide through uncharted territory. They bring expertise in both GP and Business Central, anticipate potential issues, and tailor the solution to fit the business’s unique needs. Without that level of insight, you’re gambling with a process that impacts every corner of your organization. A good partner ensures the project stays on track, while a poor choice can lead to costly missteps and a system that doesn’t deliver value.
What risks come with working with a partner who lacks specific experience in GP to BC migrations?
A partner without direct experience often treats the migration like a generic upgrade, missing the nuances between GP and Business Central. They might overlook critical differences in data structures or functionality, leading to errors in data transfer or broken processes. This can result in delays, extra costs, and a system that doesn’t work as expected. Experience in this specific migration path is key to navigating the technical and functional challenges effectively.
How does a partner’s Microsoft affiliation, like being a Solutions Partner, benefit a migration project?
Being a Microsoft Solutions Partner means the partner has direct access to Microsoft’s advanced support, early product updates, and exclusive training. This translates to faster issue resolution, insider knowledge of Business Central’s roadmap, and confidence that the partner is aligned with Microsoft’s best practices. For a business, this reduces risks and ensures the migration leverages the latest tools and support available.
Why is industry-specific knowledge so valuable in a migration partner?
Every industry has unique processes and compliance needs—think manufacturing with inventory tracking or healthcare with patient data regulations. A partner with industry knowledge understands these requirements and can configure Business Central to match. They’re not just implementing software; they’re solving real business problems with tailored solutions, which leads to a system that feels intuitive and drives better outcomes for that specific sector.
How important are customization capabilities when evaluating a migration partner?
Customization capabilities are often a make-or-break factor. Business Central is powerful out of the box, but most companies have unique workflows or integrations that require custom development. A partner skilled in building extensions or automating processes ensures the system aligns perfectly with how the business operates. Without this, you might end up with a generic setup that forces you to adapt to the software instead of the other way around.
What role does post-go-live support play in ensuring the long-term success of a migration?
Post-go-live support is critical because the migration doesn’t end when the system is live—it’s just the beginning. Issues can pop up as users settle in, and having a partner available to troubleshoot, refine configurations, or provide additional training makes all the difference. Strong support ensures the system evolves with the business and prevents small problems from becoming major disruptions over time.
What’s your forecast for the future of ERP migrations as more businesses move to cloud solutions like Business Central?
I see ERP migrations accelerating as cloud adoption becomes non-negotiable for businesses aiming to stay competitive. With deadlines like the 2029 end of support for GP looming, we’ll see a surge in transitions to platforms like Business Central over the next few years. The focus will shift toward partners who can deliver not just technical migrations but also strategic value—helping companies leverage AI, analytics, and integrations in the cloud. The future is about making ERP a central hub for innovation, not just operations, and I expect businesses to increasingly prioritize partners who can guide them there.