If your business still runs on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, it is time to start planning your move. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Dynamics NAV on January 10, 2023, and extended support will end on January 11, 2028. After that, the system will no longer receive updates or security patches.
That means a NAV to Business Central upgrade is not just a good idea. It is a necessary step to stay secure, compliant, and connected with modern business tools.
Before you make the move, there are a few basics you should know. In this section, we will look at what the transition involves, the paths available to you, and how to approach the upgrade strategically so that it feels more like an improvement than a disruption.
Upgrading to Business Central Is Smoother Than You Think
Moving from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed to be an easy, low-disruption experience. Since both platforms share the same core code base, businesses can modernize confidently while keeping familiar tools, data, and workflows intact.
Here’s what makes the transition seamless:
- Minimal Disruption: Customers retain their existing object ranges, Windows Client, Files, and Dotnet variables, making the upgrade as straightforward as a standard NAV update.
- Modern Interface: Gain access to Business Central’s web-based, intuitive experience across desktop and mobile — available on Windows, Android, and iOS.
- Flexible Deployment Options: Choose between on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups to modernize at your own pace without operational downtime.
- Unified User Experience: Enjoy the same consistent interface and functionality across deployment models, ensuring smooth adoption.
- Intelligent Edge Integration: Leverage Microsoft’s Intelligent Edge to access cloud-powered AI, analytics, and intelligent recommendations within your on-prem setup.
Find the Right Upgrade Path to Business Central
Once you’ve decided to move forward, the big question is how you want to upgrade. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central gives you three clear choices — on-premises, cloud, or hybrid. Each path offers the same core capabilities, but the experience and level of control differ.
Think of it like choosing how fast and how far you want to modernize.
Here’s a quick look at your options:
- On-Premises: Perfect if you want to keep everything within your own servers. You stay in control of data, security, and customizations while still benefiting from Business Central’s modern interface. Best for industries with strict compliance or companies that already have solid infrastructure.
- Cloud: The go-to choice for organizations that want agility and low maintenance. Microsoft handles updates, security, and uptime. You always have the latest features and can scale easily as your business grows.
- Hybrid: A middle ground that gives you cloud innovation while keeping critical systems on-premises. You can test new features, use AI and analytics from the cloud, and still maintain local data control.
How to decide:
If compliance is your top concern, stay on-premises or go hybrid.
If you want faster innovation and zero maintenance, cloud is the way to go.
And if you’re somewhere in between, hybrid lets you modernize gradually.
Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls During Your NAV to Business Central Upgrade
Upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is exciting, but many teams hit roadblocks because they underestimate what is involved. The move to a cloud-based ERP is not just a version upgrade; it is a complete shift in how your system, data, and users operate.
Here are some of the mistakes you will want to avoid and how to prepare for them:
- Underestimating the Migration Effort
Many businesses think moving from NAV to Business Central SaaS is a quick, straightforward process. In reality, it involves data migration, extension rework, integration testing, and user preparation, all while keeping operations stable. Start with a detailed assessment and clear timeline so you understand every step before beginning the transition. - Ignoring Customizations and Integrations
Most NAV systems are built around unique business needs with years of custom development. Not all of these customizations move seamlessly into Business Central SaaS. Some will need to be rebuilt or replaced with standard features. Reviewing each customization early can help you avoid expensive rework later. - Overlooking User Readiness
Teams that have used NAV for years may struggle with Business Central’s new interface and workflows. Without proper training, productivity dips and resistance to change are common. Build a structured onboarding plan with training sessions, user guides, and partner support to ensure smooth adoption.
What You Gain by Upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Business Central
Upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central is not just a technical necessity. It is a chance to modernize your operations, improve accessibility, and unlock capabilities that make your ERP faster, smarter, and more resilient.
Here is what you can expect when you make the transition.
- Lower Risk and Ongoing Microsoft Support
Upgrading ensures your ERP stays secure and reliable. Business Central continues to receive updates, feature enhancements, and security patches that protect your system from cyber threats and compliance risks. With consistent Microsoft support, you gain higher uptime, faster resolution of issues, and a more stable environment overall.
- Cloud Flexibility and Easy Access Anywhere
Business Central’s cloud-first setup allows your teams to access the system from any location or device using a web browser or mobile app. This eliminates the need for VPNs or heavy IT setups and makes it easier to support remote teams and multi-branch operations while reducing infrastructure costs.
- AI-Driven Insights with Microsoft Copilot
Artificial intelligence built into Business Central helps you move beyond static reports. With Microsoft Copilot, users can forecast cash flow, identify sales trends, and automate repetitive tasks. This makes decision-making faster and more accurate without requiring technical expertise.
- Seamless Integration Across the Microsoft Ecosystem
Business Central works naturally with the Microsoft tools your business already uses. You can send invoices through Outlook, view real-time dashboards in Power BI, and automate tasks through Power Automate. This integration helps teams work more efficiently and reduces duplication of effort.
- Modern, Responsive, and Easy-to-Use Interface
The redesigned interface in Business Central provides a cleaner, more intuitive experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Users can personalize dashboards, find information faster, and adapt easily to new workflows. This improves adoption and productivity from the start.
- Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance
Business Central is built on Azure’s security framework and uses encryption, identity management, and advanced monitoring to safeguard your data. It aligns with international compliance standards such as GDPR, ISO, and SOC, ensuring your data remains protected and audit-ready.
- Scalability Without Infrastructure Overhead
The subscription-based model of Business Central allows your system to scale with your business. You can add users or expand storage without buying new servers or worrying about capacity planning. This flexibility keeps costs predictable and operations efficient.
- Smarter Process Automation
Repetitive tasks such as approvals, reminders, and data updates can be fully automated. Business Central’s built-in workflows and Power Automate integration help reduce manual effort, prevent errors, and free up your teams to focus on higher-value work.
- Effortless Upgrades and Reduced IT Maintenance
Unlike NAV, which required time-consuming manual upgrades, Business Central receives updates automatically twice a year. This means your system always runs on the latest version without downtime or disruption, lowering the workload for your IT team.
- Rich Analytics and Unified Business Visibility
Embedded Power BI and detailed reports give your teams a complete view of financials, operations, and performance in real time. Business Central brings all data into one place, allowing managers to track KPIs, identify trends, and make decisions with confidence.
Conclusion
When it comes to upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Business Central, there are a few things that make all the difference. Careful planning, clear assessment of your current setup, and the right implementation partner are key.
Finding the right Business Central upgrade partner is one of the most important steps in this process. A skilled partner not only handles technical migration but also helps you align your data, workflows, and integrations to fit the new environment seamlessly. They ensure that your business experiences minimal downtime and maximum benefit from the new system.
With the right approach and support, your upgrade will not feel like a transition. It will feel like an evolution toward a more connected, intelligent, and future-ready ERP that grows with your business.
