Is Business Central a viable upgrade path for a Dynamics GP Manufacturing customer?
Yes — especially for manufacturing companies.
At Sabre Limited, we’ve supported ERP systems like Visual Manufacturing, Dynamics GP, and Dynamics NAV for over 20 years.
We originally specialized in Microsoft Dynamics GP manufacturing. Over time, we shifted our focus to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Today, we help manufacturers move from GP to Business Central. They benefit from:
- Better integration
- Easier customization
- Modern, cloud-based features
A Look Back at Our History with GP
Our first 100–200 customers were Visual Manufacturing users who needed consulting support.
In 2008, we started working with Great Plains ERP and developed strong expertise in GP manufacturing. But it became clear Microsoft—and the market—were moving away from GP.
By 2012, we added Microsoft Dynamics NAV to our offerings. Within three years, we were only selling NAV to new customers. Our GP work naturally slowed.
Then Business Central arrived.
Ironically, it brought us back to GP. Now, we’re helping customers migrate from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Business Central, especially those in manufacturing.
When Is the Right Time to Migrate from Dynamics GP?
If you’re still using Dynamics GP manufacturing, you’re not alone. Many companies rely on it daily.
But Microsoft will end mainstream support by 2029. That means:
- No new features
- No innovation
- Eventually, no security patches
As ERP technology advances, staying on GP may leave your business behind.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Migrating
- You rely on Excel or manual workarounds
- Processes across departments feel disconnected
- You plan to grow and need an ERP system that scales
- You want stronger integration with Microsoft 365, Power BI, or Office 365
- You’re concerned about your system’s future
Business Central is more flexible, scalable, and cloud-ready. Planning your move early can help you avoid costly delays.
We’ve helped many manufacturers successfully migrate. We can guide you through the process too.
Dynamics GP End of Life (2029)
Microsoft has announced that mainstream support for Dynamics GP will end in 2029, with no new features planned.
While security updates will continue, GP is no longer part of Microsoft’s long-term ERP roadmap. Now is the time to start evaluating your options—especially with Microsoft investing heavily in Business Central as its future-facing platform.
Comparing GP and Business Central for Manufacturing
We’ve compared GP and Business Central across key manufacturing features. In each category, we name a winner—or declare a tie—based on real-world experience.
Generic Features
Customization
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers far more flexible customization tools. Microsoft Dynamics GP manufacturing is harder to modify, leading to more manual processes and fewer ISV extensions.
Integration
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
GP modules often feel disconnected. Business Central integrates seamlessly across the system, especially for inventory and manufacturing orders.
Purchasing
Blanket Purchase Orders
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
Blanket POs in Business Central are intuitive. You can manage quantities, releases, and receipts easily—something Great Plains doesn’t handle as clearly.
Purchase Requisitions
Dynamics GP Manufacturing – Winner!
To be fair, GP’s requisition system is more user-friendly than what Business Central offers out of the box. The BC worksheet works but lacks the polish of GP’s functionality.
Outsourced Services
It’s a Tie!
Both platforms handle subcontracting well. Each has its quirks, but neither is significantly better.
Sales Order Management
Sales to Manufacturing Integration
It’s a Tie!
Both systems do a solid job connecting sales orders to manufacturing orders. Some small differences exist, but neither has a major edge.
Product Configurator
Dynamics GP Manufacturing – Winner!
GP includes a basic Sales Configurator. Business Central requires an add-on, though many strong options exist.
Project Manufacturing
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
GP’s Project Accounting isn’t great for manufacturers. Business Central’s Jobs module—especially with Sabre’s ETO add-on, supports real project management.
Assemblies and Kitting
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
Business Central is better for light manufacturing and kitting. It’s easy to use and flexible.
Shipping
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
Business Central supports made-to-order and scheduled shipments. Features like packing slips and tracking are built in.
Production Manufacturing
Out of the Box Features
It’s a Tie!
Both systems offer solid MRP and MPS features. BOMs and Routings are comparable, though GP includes the SUPER BOM.
Data Loading and Integration
Business Central Manufacturing – Winner!
Business Central allows Excel imports for BOMs, Routings, and more. GP requires third-party tools and is harder to work with.
Great Plains vs Microsoft Dynamics 365: Final Thoughts
If you’re comparing Great Plains vs Microsoft Dynamics 365, especially for manufacturing, the choice is clear.
Business Central is more modern, flexible, and cloud-based. While GP has strengths in finance, those features are often unused by manufacturers.
Business Central simply fits real-world business processes better.
Need some help?
Looking for pricing for Business Central or other Dynamics 365 products? You can find the current pricing at Microsoft.com. If you need help with a Microsoft Dynamics implementation, especially executing one remotely, give us a call at: (519) 585-7524 or contact our team, we’re excited to talk with you soon!
FAQ Section
Is Business Central better than Dynamics GP for manufacturing?
Yes, in most cases. Business Central offers better integration, customization, and ease of use—particularly for small to mid-sized manufacturers. It also includes modern features like Excel data loading and native CAD integrations that Microsoft Dynamics GP lacks.
Can I migrate my manufacturing data from Dynamics GP to Business Central?
Yes. Data such as BOMs, routings, inventory, and vendors can be migrated to Business Central. Cleanup and mapping are often needed, so working with a partner like Sabre Limited makes the process smoother.
Is Business Central cloud-only?
Not entirely. Business Central is primarily a cloud-based ERP system but also supports hybrid and on-premise deployments. Microsoft’s roadmap is heavily focused on the cloud.
How long does it take to migrate from GP to Business Central?
Most small and medium-sized manufacturers complete the move in 3 to 6 months, depending on complexity and available resources.
What does Microsoft Dynamics GP stand for?
Microsoft Dynamics GP originally stood for “Great Plains,” the name of the software company that developed the system before being acquired by Microsoft in 2001. The “GP” abbreviation remains a legacy of its origins.
