A Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 BC ERP Migration Strategy
Welcome to the second part of our two-blog series on ERP migration from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. In the first blog, I discussed cloud ERP vs. on-premises ERP and the many benefits of cloud-based ERP systems. In this blog, I’ll outline an ERP migration strategy for your organization.
Once your organization has completed the crucial preparatory steps mentioned in the previous blog, it's time to embark on the significant and vital technical upgrade journey.
Many customers tell me this is the most daunting part of their cloud transition. That’s why I always recommend a sound ERP migration strategy, laying out the step-by-step procedure required for a successful cloud transition.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the step-by-step procedures necessary to ensure a smooth and successful migration. From installing Dynamics 365 Business Central to syncing your databases and updating custom codes, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this transition seamless. Stay tuned as we navigate this transformative process, empowering your organization to fully leverage a cloud-based ERP system's advantages.
Procedures for Conducting the Technical Upgrade from NAV to Business Central
Here is a comprehensive explanation of the procedures necessary to ensure you are fully prepared and ready to complete the upgrade:
- Install Dynamics 365 Business Central
The process of upgrading Dynamics NAV to Business Central can commence with the installation of Dynamics 365 Business Central on your server environment. Cloud-based deployment is also an option. Configure the installation settings in accordance with the instructions provided by Microsoft.
- Establish a connection to the application database
Set up a secure connection between the application database and Dynamics 365 Business Central to initiate the upgrade. That involves providing the requisite connection parameters, such as the server name, database name, and authentication details. Ensuring these parameters are correct is crucial for a successful upgrade.
- Establish a connection between the server instance and the development environment
Create a connection between the Dynamics 365 Business Central server instance and the application database in your development environment.
Verify that the connection settings are up-to-date and that the upgrade is proceeding smoothly before continuing.
- Import the Codeunit 1 Replacement
This step involves replacing the existing Codeunit 1 in Dynamics NAV with the updated version for Business Central. Codeunit 1 is a system codeunit that contains essential functions for the application. Importing the replacement ensures that these functions are updated and compatible with Business Central.
To preserve fundamental functionality during the upgrade process, import the Codeunit 1 replacement objects provided by Microsoft and follow the instructions for importing and configuring them in your development environment.
- Compile All Objects
Compile all items within the Dynamics 365 Business Central environment to guarantee compatibility and functionality.
Thoroughly evaluate the compilation output and address any warnings or issues during the process. Then, meticulously test the compiled objects to ensure they are fully functional and unaltered.
- Resolve Compilation Errors
To safeguard your system's integrity, rectify any compilation errors or complications arising during the upgrade process. Analyze the error signals the development environment produces and address each individually to guarantee a successful compilation.
This methodical approach ensures that the updated system is free of defects or issues.
- Repair the Published V2 Extensions
Repair any published V2 extensions to guarantee compatibility with Dynamics 365 Business Central. Adhere to the instructions the extension publisher or vendor provided for downloading and implementing the requisite updates or patches.
Evaluating the repaired extensions in a development or prototype environment is imperative to guarantee seamless integration and functionality.
- Align the Tenant Database
Synchronize your database and the new Dynamics 365 Business Central environment to ensure all data is accurate and current. Initiate a comprehensive database synchronization and monitor its progress to ensure successful synchronization.
This synchronization phase is essential for guaranteeing the integrity and consistency of data across your business's modules and capabilities.
Sound daunting? At Liberty Grove, we simplify these migration steps by starting with a current backup, delivering a testing database/environment, and performing the final migration. It's how our team ensures a smooth transition for our customers, minimizing downtime and maintaining data integrity.
"LGS manages the nuances of each migration, working with your stakeholders to ensure a successful migration. This is a complex and detailed process where our team excels." - Andrew Good
Procedures Following the Technical Upgrade of NAV to Business Central
Following the technical upgrade to Dynamics 365 Business Central, your organization must implement additional procedures to guarantee a seamless transition and optimal performance. The measures that are essential to adhere to are as follows:
- Enhance JavaScript-Based Control Add-Ins
Inspect and revise any JavaScript control extensions in the Dynamics NAV system. These add-ins enhance the user interface's functionality and may require updating to ensure compatibility with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Acquire the necessary enhancements for the add-ins and collaborate with developers or external suppliers to execute them. Evaluating the updated add-ins in a development or prototype environment is essential to guarantee that they are functional and compatible.
- Install the V2 Extensions
Install any V2 extensions that are necessary to take advantage of the additional functionality or customization available in the new Dynamics 365 Business Central environment.
You can employ the extension management tools provided by Microsoft to locate, acquire, and install the desired extensions from the Dynamics 365 Business Central marketplace. Ensure that all extensions installed are compatible with the current version of Business Central and do not interfere with any existing functionality.
- Transition the Custom Code
Transfer custom code from your NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central and guarantee it functions as intended in the new system.
Review the custom code objects inventory and adhere to Microsoft's migration requirements to ensure a seamless transfer. Test the converted code in a development or sandbox environment to identify any inconsistencies or defects before deploying it to the production environment.
- Configure Reports and Pages
Optimize the efficacy of Dynamics 365 Business Central by configuring pages and reports according to your business needs. Utilize the development environment tools offered by Microsoft to customize and configure the user interface components to meet the requirements of your organization.
All configured pages and reports must adhere to the most effective standards for performance, accessibility, and usability. I recommend performing user acceptance testing to collect feedback and implement the requisite adjustments to guarantee that the configured pages and reports align with user expectations and facilitate the efficient operation of your organization.
- Submit the customer license
Upload the customer license to guarantee that your Dynamics 365 Business Central environment is fully licensed and compliant. Adhere to Microsoft's instructions for activating and uploading the license.
It is imperative that the license is current and encompasses all the necessary users and features to operate your business. Additionally, it's essential to supervise license consumption and utilization to guarantee that license agreements comply and to prevent license breaches or penalties.
In Conclusion
Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is a significant milestone toward modernizing your business operations. By following this detailed guide and leveraging the expertise of Liberty Grove Software, your organization can successfully migrate to Dynamics 365 Business Central and unlock the full potential of a cloud-based ERP system for your business.
Remember, our support team is always here to assist you. Each step is designed to optimize efficiency and scalability, from installing Dynamics 365 Business Central to fine-tuning custom codes and configuring reports.
Business Central can propel your business into the future, where enhanced functionality, robust security, and advanced analytics come together to drive growth and innovation while freeing you from the costs of maintaining legacy systems.
Is it Time to Embrace the Advantages of a Cloud-Based ERP System with Business Central?
If you’re ready to take the success route and transition from NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central, the Liberty Grove team of ERP consultants can work with you to develop an ERP migration strategy to ensure a smooth cloud transition.
With Dynamics 365 Business Central, your organization can adapt to the ever-evolving business environment and thrive in the digital era. Its future-proof nature ensures that your business can confidently face the challenges of tomorrow.
On the fence? The first of these two blogs discusses the benefits of transitioning to Business Central, and many Liberty Grove customers report that they are delighted with the great new features unveiled in the Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2024 upgrade.
Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on how its team of experts can guide your organization through an ERP 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.
