Tailored approach to data migration for better management in Dynamics ERP: cloud-ready or standalone
Data migration strategy for Dynamics NAV/Business Central - why it matters?
Data migration is critical for multiple processes that enhance data management across systems:
◻️ legacy system migration
◻️ integrating data from older apps into modern systems
◻️ performing major software upgrades
◻️ adopting new cloud or on-premises platforms
In Dynamics NAV and BC, data migration is rarely as simple as copy-pasting items from one location to another. The underlying business logic and various validations usually prevent this approach.
Trying to migrate data "as is", without filtering it beforehand, may move outdated or irrelevant data alongside critical information. As a result, businesses using the newest versions of Business Central cloud or on-prem may struggle with data integrity, security, and performance issues.
Efficient and well-planned data migration, on the other hand, is crucial for effective data management in Business Central and good data strategy.
To meet concrete project requirements and specific business needs, we offer a flexible approach to data migration, combining recommended Microsoft guides and tools, boosted by custom processes when relevant.
Data migration from NAV/Business Central: benefits of moving with us
Minimal or no disruption of business processes, as the migration processes are mainly run on the weekend, outside business hours.
Data Shipping App, a unique data migration tool that boosts data migration from on-prem to cloud for large databases, when go-live can't be done over a single weekend.
Tailored approach to specific migration cases and customer needs.
Flexible planning and implementation of data migration.
Data security. The way we handle data is through VPN-enabled virtual machines with two-factor authentication in a secure environment.
Vast experience in data migrations and Business Central cloud solutions.
A team of outside-the-box thinkers to suggest alternative solutions when they fit best.
Direct, no-middlemen communication with our professionals for a faster project delivery.
Pick your unique approach to data migration services for NAV/Business Central
For the most comprehensive approach, we conduct data migration as a standalone package (for either moving to the cloud or on-prem migrations) and as a key component of Stairway to Cloud, our complete cloud migration package.
To migrate on-premises data to Business Central online in a predictable manner, we suggest starting with Discovery X-ray
as the first step. This NAV/BC pre-migration review reveals modifications in the current NAV/BC solution to later plan a predictable and surprise-free migration to Business Central cloud.
We plan and conduct data migration based on our NAV/BC customizations review, and 4 major approaches for secure data migration.
For any of the approaches, we can apply a “no as is” migration by filtering legacy data and moving only relevant tables and fields to the cloud.
Data only
Our approach involves only transferring the business data that the customer requires, without affecting system modifications or code.
Best fit: simple system upgrades with minimal custom processes.
Data first
The first step is to transfer business data. Once it’s in the cloud, we later update business logic or develop custom functionality, if needed. The customers’ business processes are up and running as we use our tool, built for this type of migration – Data Shipping app - to make the transition even faster and smoother.
Best fit: systems with significant customizations or major logic updates.
Code only
We move functionality, customized features, or extensions to the cloud without moving business data. Instead, we help prepare and implement new, fresh data sets.
Best fit: scenarios where only functionality needs to be migrated to the cloud.
Code first
After the code is migrated, we move standard and custom data, including custom fields or pages. We also adapt the underlying code or customizations for a smooth performance from the very start.
Best fit: in particular, large and complex projects where both the data and application logic need restructuring or updating in parallel.
Data migration as part of a Business Central cloud migration strategy
Data migration backs cloud migration in many scenarios:
Moving from legacy to cloud
When moving legacy apps that use large datasets, it is crucial to migrate data to Business Central online to ensure the app functions effectively in the cloud.
Improving data management
Cloud solutions improve collaboration and enhance data management with centralized access to data across business departments.
Adding scalability
Migrating business data to the cloud is a must to benefit from its scalability by managing large or changing business workflows effectively.
Optimizing operational costs
Maintaining cloud solutions is more cost-friendly than maintaining and upgrading the solutions' infrastructure in the on-prem versions.
Global Mediator defines and tailors data migration for Dynamics NAV/BC depending on specific customer and project needs, or regulatory requirements.
Thus, we can accommodate any of the 4 approaches within our cloud migration suite.
However, data migration is not always obligatory and depends on the specific requirements and strategies of cloud migration.
Data migration as a standalone package
For businesses that need data migration services outside the cloud migration, Global Mediator conducts data migration as a standalone package.
The package covers, among other things:
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modernizing legacy systems without migrating to the cloud
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moving data from one physical location to another (on-prem to on-prem migration)
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running major software upgrades (e.g., moving to a more recent version of an ERP) that may require data migration
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consolidating data from multiple systems and databases into a unified source
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changing database platforms when moving from one database management system to another
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migrating applications from one environment or platform to another for better compatibility, performance, and cutting costs