Is it Time to Move to Business Central? A Guide for GP Users to Help Decide When to Make the Move

Does your organization still run on Microsoft Dynamics GP? If so, you're in good company. GP has powered finance teams for decades, offering deep functionality and stability. But as Microsoft shifts its focus to the cloud-first Dynamics 365 platform, many businesses are wondering: Is it time to move to Business Central? 

This blog is designed to help you answer that question. We’ll look at what’s changing with GP (and when), why some teams are choosing to move to Business Central (BC) sooner rather than later, and offer a practical checklist you can use to assess your organization’s readiness.  

Whether you're on the fence or already exploring options, you'll walk away with more clarity and direction. 

The Reality of GP in 2025 

We have reached the tipping point for GP users. Microsoft has made it clear: Dynamics GP will continue to be supported, but it’s no longer evolving. 

Under Microsoft’s Modern Lifecycle Policy, GP will continue to receive tax, regulatory, and security updates, but no new features or innovations will be developed. Microsoft has also confirmed that its primary investment is in Dynamics 365 Business Central, their cloud-based ERP solution. 

According to Microsoft’s latest update, “technical support for GP will end on December 31, 2029, with security updates available until April 30, 2031.” They also shared that “the final day for new customers to license Dynamics GP subscriptions will be April 1, 2026.”  

GP isn’t disappearing overnight, but it’s wise to start preparing for what’s next. 

If you’re still using GP, now is an excellent time to begin planning your long-term strategy and consider whether remaining on GP is sustainable for your organization’s growth and digital transformation goals. 

Positioning Your Organization for Long-Term Success in the Cloud 

While transitioning to a new ERP may feel daunting, making the strategic choice to move to Business Central is about positioning your organization for long-term success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.  

Unlike GP, Business Central is built for the cloud, enabling faster updates, better integrations across Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, and more scalable automation tools. While GP was designed for on-premises environments, BC is designed to grow and adapt with your business.  

As a cloud system, Business Central also offers regular enhancements, embedded AI, and a roadmap that aligns with today’s and future financial operation needs. 

However, while there are many reasons to make the move away from GP, not all organizations will be ready to transition right away. At Mekorma, we understand the decision to migrate isn’t simple. That’s why we’re investing in tools, resources, and expert guidance to support both paths, whether you need to get the most out of GP today or start planning for Business Central tomorrow. 

Why Some Teams Are Choosing to Move to Business Central Now 

While Dynamics GP continues to function reliably for many businesses, a growing number of finance teams are choosing to move to Business Central sooner rather than later, and the reasons go beyond just following Microsoft’s lead. 

Here’s what’s driving early adopters of BC: 

• A Future-Forward, Cloud-First ERP: Because Business Central is built for the cloud, you will no longer have to manage servers, make manual updates, or spend time on version upgrades. For teams looking to reduce IT burden and increase flexibility, this shift alone can be a game-changer. 

• Real-Time Data and Insights: Finance leaders need fast, actionable insights. Business Central integrates seamlessly with Microsoft tools like Power BI and Excel, so you can analyze performance, forecast trends, and make smarter decisions without the need to export or import data from multiple systems. 

• Stronger Automation and Integrations: From streamlined approvals to intelligent cash flow forecasting, BC delivers built-in automation that helps teams work faster and reduce human error. You also get access to thousands of third-party apps through AppSource, including embedded solutions like the Mekorma Payment Hub. 

• Ongoing Innovation: Unlike GP, Business Central receives monthly updates and regular feature enhancements. So, you’re not just maintaining your system, you’re investing in a platform that will continue to evolve with your business over time.  

According to Mike Morton, Vice President, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, migrating to BC sooner “can help eliminate redundancies, save money, and offer more visibility into [your] business health and areas for improvement.” 

Mekorma’s Role in Your Transition Journey 

Whether you're preparing to move to Business Central or looking to extend the life of your GP environment, Mekorma is here to support you at every stage. 

As longtime GP advocates, we understand the depth of investment many organizations have made in the platform. That’s why we continue to fully support our Dynamics GP customers, offering automation, security, and vendor validation tools to help maintain efficiency, compliance, and control, even as GP enters its maintenance phase. You can read more about how we’re continuing to support GP users here. 

At the same time, we recognize that for many finance teams, the shift to Business Central is becoming a question of when, not if. Mekorma is actively helping customers navigate this change, planning for what’s next while protecting the systems they rely on today. 

Whether you're staying on GP a little while longer or beginning your move to Business Central, our goal remains the same: to keep your AP processes secure, efficient, and ready for the future.

For customers who choose to stay on Microsoft Dynamics GP for now, Mekorma is happy to help enhance your payment processes and strengthen your finance operations. That way, when you're ready to move to Business Central, your team will already be working in a way that supports a smooth transition. 

Is it Time to Move to Business Central?  A Checklist for Decision Makers & Partners

Not sure if your (or your client's) organization is ready to move from Dynamics GP to Business Central? We've put together this checklist to help you find out. Feel free to work your way through the checklist here or download a copy to fill out later. 

• We know which GP modules, customizations, and integrations we’re using.

• We’ve reviewed our GP data and are clear on what we want to bring forward.

• We have a rough idea of what can stay, what can go, and what might need to be rebuilt. 

Don’t worry! If this section feels unclear or overwhelming, we can walk through it together during your transition planning call. 

3. Business Process Needs 

• We see opportunities to automate manual tasks and approvals.

• Our AP team would benefit from better workflows and vendor management tools.

• We want to eliminate clunky access methods like VPNs and remote desktops.

• We’re ready to reduce IT overhead and streamline day-to-day operations. 

We’ll help you identify quick wins and longer-term improvements in BC and how it can support growth and well-being for your Accounts Payable processes. 

4. Technology & Tools Fit 

• We use Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Excel, and Teams today.

• We’re interested in connecting our ERP to tools like Power BI or Power Automate.

• We want a system that stays current automatically, no more disruptive upgrades.

• We’re interested in cloud-based payment options. 

Our team will show you how Business Central fits seamlessly into your existing ecosystem, and how Mekorma extends its power with AP automation tools and features that streamline AP even further. 

5. Support & Planning Resources 

• We’ve started to think about a migration timeline.

• We’ve talked with our Dynamics GP partner or internal team about next steps.

• We know we’ll need a trusted guide to help us plan the move confidently.

• We're ready to take the next step toward a cloud-based future. 

This is the perfect time to schedule your free 1:1 transition planning session with Mekorma. 

You don’t have to do this alone. 

Mekorma’s transition experts are ready to help you: 

1. Map out your unique path from GP to Business Central

2. Identify risks and opportunities in your current setup

3. Create a realistic, actionable plan for a successful move 

Schedule Your Free 1:1 Transition Planning Call 
 
As always, the Mekorma team is on your side. This free call will offer you personalized guidance with no pressure; just helpful insights to get you moving forward in whatever direction you choose.  
 
Ready to get started? Book a call with a Mekorma Expert today!