Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation
Most businesses don't start thinking about migration to a cloud ERP until something forces them to plan it. A report that takes days to produce. A competitor that moves faster because their ERP systems allow that.
For companies still running Dynamics NAV, that forcing moment is coming with a fixed date: mainstream support for NAV 2018 ends in 2028.
The triggers that push businesses to plan cloud migration differ, but all the scenarios lead to the same question. And the move to the Business Central cloud itself is not the question. It's whether to move while you still have options and can dictate terms, or when you already don’t have much time. In practice, the move to the cloud begins with Data migration.
Why is Business Central implementation important?
Choosing Business Central cloud means changing how a business operates.
◾ Processes get more organized. They move from scattered tools to a single, connected system.
For companies shifting from Dynamics NAV, the functional logic of the new cloud ERP feels familiar. But the infrastructure under the hood is different.
◾ The daily operations in the cloud change as business processes now rely on real-time data, cloud access from mobile devices and remote locations, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Benefits of implementing Dynamics 365 Business Central
Businesses that complete a Business Central implementation report a set of benefits that embrace finance, operations, and strategic decision-making.
Less manual work because of automation.
You can automate repetitive steps in processes such as invoice handling, stock replenishment triggers, and approval workflows, once you choose the cloud version of Business Central.
After setting up the processes properly, these automations run practically without user initiation.
Better financial visibility to faster close the books.
Finance teams spend less time digging out figures from outdated spreadsheets. Instead, they spend more time acting on real-time data.
Organizations don’t need to add more members on the team to close the month-end in a faster and cleaner manner.
Operations that connect, not simply exist on their own.
You have a single ERP system. Sales, purchasing, inventory, and warehouse operations run on the same data inside it.
Teams no longer need to track updates across disconnected tools or correct errors that go unnoticed between departments.
Scaling easily without a server project holding you back.
Business Central cloud scales differently compared to on-premise solutions. On-prem systems need physical server upgrades to grow. Business Central cloud scales thanks to configuration. Adding users, companies, or markets fits into a change plan.
And where the standard configuration ends, custom development can help.
No extra work to stay compliant and audit-ready.
With each action logged automatically, role-based access, and support of operations across different regions, countries, and sales channels, organizations spend less time on compliance.
They do not need additional tools or manual workarounds.
Microsoft ecosystem, ready for use straight away.
Business Central cloud means Outlook, Teams, Power BI, and Power Platform become part of the daily organization's workflow through native integration, eliminating the need for custom connectors.
Still, a specific scenario may need a specific tool like Jira Connector for BC for project management across both platforms.
Business Central cloud migration: a smart way to max out an ERP system
The transition from an old Dynamics NAV to Business Central cloud is a real opportunity for your customers to future-proof their ERP systems with
◾ Reduced infrastructure spending
◾ Automated updates from Microsoft
◾ Extended cloud potential with automation
◾ Integrations within the secure Microsoft ecosystem
◾ Enhanced scalability of a cloud solution
Business Central cloud migration with Stairway to Cloud
Stairway to Cloud, our end-to-end Business Central migration service, helps your customers migrate to Business Central online through a structured, well-planned process starting with a detailed NAV/BC customizations review.
As a result of the S2C journey, customers get a cloud-based Business Central ready for planned and needed enhancements.
Whether a quick, 1-to-1 migration to the cloud or a tailored NAV/BC reimplementation, our BC professionals stick to direct, no-middleman communication with customers for smarter decisions and faster development.
Stairway to Cloud in a nutshell
◾ no dirty, “as is” migrations, but reimplementation driven by data, business needs, or cloud optimization possibilities
◾ smooth and transparent, 8-step cloud migration process
◾ confident cloud migration kickoff, backed by detailed NAV/BC pre-migration check
◾ extensive experience with vertical solutions, complex integrations, and legacy Dynamics NAV
What businesses gain with Stairway to Cloud
1. Cost-efficiency. Transparent cloud journey without hidden costs thanks to comprehensive planning and structured processes.
2. Speed: a quick start for larger organizations that seek minimal disruption of business processes within a Dynamics NAV to Business Central migration.
3. Flexibility: customer-specific way to define a cloud migration strategy.
4. Clean start: a cloud-native, reimplemented Business Central system for better scalability and compatibility.
5. Clarity: a better understanding of what to migrate to the new cloud BC and what to leave behind, based on the practical findings of our NAV/BC pre-migration review.
6. Productivity and security: easy Business Central integration with Microsoft 365 tools for better productivity in the new cloud solution, aligned with automated Microsoft updates.
7. Simplicity: using as much standard functionality of BC cloud as possible, minimizing extensions and personnel training.
8. Post-migration enhancements: a cloud-optimized, tested BC cloud system, ready for post-migration enhancements and automation to use the system's full power.
Why the right implementation partner matters
Not every Business Central implementation goes smoothly.
Some run over budget. Some go live with workflows that don't match how the business actually operates. Most of these outcomes trace back to the partner choice, not the software.
The right partner asks relevant questions.
About processes, data quality, and internal readiness early because fixing those things mid-project is more expensive than addressing them upfront.
Post-go-live matters too.
Ongoing maintemnance and support, and a team that knows your setup, are part of what you are paying for.
What customers say about Global Mediator
Jorrit Wulffers
Director at acadon B.V.
on Global Mediator's handling multiple migrations for Business Central
Working on larger vertical solutions not only requires knowledge of Dynamics 365 Business Central but also an in-depth understanding of the vertical business solution itself. Succeeding in a cooperation like this requires strong business continuity and excellent communication.
Global Mediator has managed to deliver on all these parameters for an extended period of time.
Carsten Pedersen
Onboarding Manager at ERPgruppen
on results of Discovery X-ray - the first step of the our cloud migration suite
We thought it was a fantastic tool as a gift basis to help our customer through their upgrade process by allowing us to focus on the areas where they had to make adjustments in their current installation. So I think it is something that can be brought into play going forward in cases where customers want to bring their current development to Business Central.
It was very informative and easy to understand even for non-developers.
How migration to Business Central cloud works: 8 clear steps
Discovery phase
Our partners initiate Discovery X-ray, a NAV/BC pre-migration review on our free portal, Customer Zone. We review their customers' solution code for customizations to help them pick the crucial vs non-essential functionality for migration.
Defining migration and maintenance strategy
We align with the specific business needs to define a cloud migration strategy and consider the maintenance of the new cloud solution.
Data migration
When applicable, we prioritize moving data to the cloud first (via the specifically developed Data Shipping App) to speed up the go-live. We are flexible in migrating data, as the next steps depend on the approach that fits the specific customer case and business needs.
Scoping
We run scoping workshops to determine what to reimplement in the cloud and how to do it best. We identify functional fits/gaps to maximize the use of standard MS features and reduce training. These findings guide migration estimates and the implementation plan.
Solution development
We reimplement the necessary functionality and break customizations into extensions for easier maintenance.
Testing
We test the new cloud system so there are no post-go-live surprises (manual and automated testing).
Go-live
We deploy the tested Business Central cloud solution. The new cloud ERP is ready for daily operations.
Maintenance and Enhancement
We maintain, support, and help extend the cloud system's potential with automation, app integrations, enhanced security with Azure, and AI.
Why choose Global Mediator as a migration partner?
What’s next? Beyond cloud migration: the time to optimize and grow
Migration is not the destination.
It’s the real opportunity to maximize Business Central with practical Microsoft 365 integrations and related technologies like Power Platform and AI solutions. We can help your customers unlock Business Central’s real potential and prepare for real business growth.
Business Central implementation cost: what to expect?
Implementation cost depends on how complex the current environment is, how much data needs to migrate, the number of customizations that are still needed in the cloud, and if purchase or sales order workflows need rebuilding from scratch.
For companies moving from Dynamics NAV, existing customizations are often the biggest cost driver, especially around sales order processing and reporting. Custom features built for an on-premise version rarely transfers to Business Central cloud as is.
Strategy comes first. Then comes the budget. Trying to do it the other way around does not really work.