Your Microsoft Dynamics GP on-premises solution works well—you’re holding off on moving your ERP platform to the cloud. Why fix something that’s not broken?
However, Microsoft recently announced end-of-support for Dynamics GP in 2029. While five years seems a ways off, it takes time and careful planning to complete an ERP migration to minimize the impact on daily operations.
There’s another important consideration: migrating to the cloud allows you to capitalize on the benefits of a modern cloud ERP solution.
We understand your hesitations about moving away from Dynamics GP. In this blog, we share some of the concerns of our customers. We also discuss how modern ERP technologies provide several benefits to make the case to begin the cloud journey.
We customized GP heavily
Many GP customers hire a software development staff to program modifications to the core code. These customizations rely on integrations with other applications. This often creates compatibility issues with subsequent updates to GP and any applications it connects to.
Businesses also need resources to enforce centralized development policies to ensure consistency and compliance with changing internal and external rules and regulations. All that customization can easily be transferred to the Microsoft cloud where the Power Platform provides access to many Microsoft apps and integration with third-party apps.
Cloud migrations cost too much and take too much time
Any ERP transition is a major undertaking. Standing pat with an on-premises solution, however, is also costly and time-consuming when considering system maintenance and technical support. Plus, there’s the opportunity cost of not being able to innovate—simply because your on-premises solution does not have the latest ERP functionality.
To ease your transition from GP to the cloud, Microsoft offers the Bridge to the Cloud program. In addition to discounts on licenses, Microsoft provides tools to simplify cloud migrations. Microsoft partners like Western Computer have migration experience to further streamline the assessment, testing, and migration processes. And with Western Computer Managed Support Services helping you maintain your ERP solution, you can anticipate your long-term costs.
We don’t trust cloud security
The concept of keeping applications and data safe on-premises is understandable. That comfort also comes with a cost. To build and maintain a strong security posture, you need dedicated, high-end IT resources to develop security tools. They must stay current on regulatory compliance as well as disaster recovery. One minor slip can lead to accidental data loss or data theft.
By moving your ERP platform to the Microsoft cloud, you benefit from advanced data center security technologies managed by leading experts. Plus, Microsoft data centers provide a guaranteed 99% uptime service level agreement, and Microsoft applies regular security patches along with updates for localized compliance and governance.
To learn more about the security risks of an on-premises solution and ERP horror stories, check out this on-demand webinar about a company Western Computer worked with that experienced a ransomware attack. By moving to the cloud, your data will be more secure than ever before.
Our on-premises GP solution works “good enough”
Dynamics GP can continue to function effectively. However, because the solution runs on-premises, there’s limited flexibility to add capabilities. Customers must wait until Microsoft releases an upgrade.
Without new capabilities—such as improved mobility and remote access as well as integrated data with other enterprise applications—it’s impossible to innovate ERP processes. This holds you back from running your operations more efficiently. Critical business data may be siloed and not easily shared.
Once you migrate away from GP to the cloud, your business gains more flexibility to run your company efficiently and drive growth. With Microsoft managing the technology from one of its data centers, the ERP platform automatically scales compute resources. You also benefit from new functionality added by Microsoft online throughout the year so you can innovate your ERP workflows.
Help for Your Cloud Journey
For more information on migrating your ERP system to the cloud, check out our Transitioning from Dynamics GP library. It provides resources for understanding the advantages of moving to the cloud and tips on how to make the migration go smoothly.
To further explore your options and gain insights into deciding between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management, be sure to watch our informative webinar, How to Decide Between D365 Business Central and FSCM: Key Considerations. This session will guide you through critical factors to consider when transitioning from Dynamics GP, helping you make an informed choice for your cloud journey.
Once you’re ready to transition, Western Computer is here to help. We assist with evaluating Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions so you can determine which solution is right for you. Contact us today to get started.
