Microsoft Dynamics NAV version update to the new Business Central

The new generation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV is known as Dynamics 365 Business Central. The transition to Business Central takes place in the same way as a Dynamics NAV update – flexibly in 16 weeks. Read the article: Microsoft Dynamics NAV is now Dynamics 365 Business Central.

At EmCe, version updates always start with a free initial analysis that aims to map the customer’s baseline, goals and schedule. After this, the process advances according to the illustration below. See the life cycles of old Dynamics NAV versions and their end of support dates.

Week 1 – Getting started

Get started – contact the sales team

The best way to get in touch with our sales team is by calling, by e-mail or by booking an appointment directly from the calendar.

Initial analysis – goals & schedule

Tell us about your situation with the current version, what kinds of goals and expectations you have for the new version and what type of schedule you have in mind. These questions may be helpful at this point.

Offer – costs of version upgrade

Based on the initial analysis, we can make an offer that will include a price for the version update.

Agreement – good decision

If the offer looks good, we can reach an agreement on beginning the version update and starting the project.

Week 3 – Conversions & deployment

Analysis – precise objectives

The project starts with a current state analysis and, at this stage, the goals are specified.

Technical update – we take care of this

You can relax at this stage. We will roll up our sleeves a little higher and begin the actual update work.

Week 10 – Training & testing

Test environment release – study the new features

Around week 10, you will have access to new version and get a first-hand experience in the test environment. Our goal is not just to deliver technology, but to help you get the most out of your new system. There are no shortcuts to happiness, but there is a shortcut to becoming an expert through training. Learn more about our training selection.

Testing – process specification

Now it is your turn. You and other experts in your company get to test and specify processes.

Get ready – new version

Prepare your organisation to adopt the new version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Week 13 – Production

Beginning production – get inspired & learn

The new version is now in production and available. Get inspired about the new features and learn new things!

Week 16 – Finish line

Further development

Gather experiences, learn more about the features and see what new possibilities the version offers. You may have additional needs and development ideas during the project, so it is a good idea to write down and re-process these after you have gained some experience with the new Business Central version. This shows the way forward!

These questions will get you started with the version update

When you are considering updating your current NAV version to the new Business Central environment, it is a good idea to learn and think about a few things in order to choose the best update model. We have put together a list of questions that will help you advance. It is a good idea to plan the version update together with the software partner accordingly. 

• What version of NAV are you currently using?
• How many users does the system have? Do you need to change the number of users and access rights when the new system is deployed?
• What kinds of customer-specific customisations have been made to the current system?
• Are all the customisations still in use and necessary? In the new version, these can already be found as standard features – we will investigate this.
• How much information from the old system do you want to transfer to the new one?
• Do you want to develop the reporting process? In what respects?
• Where do you want to use the new environment; only in cloud, in hybrid cloud or locally in an on-premise environment?