Considering a Move to Business Central? A Decision-Making Guide for GP Users

Is your organization still using Microsoft Dynamics GP? You're not alone. For years, GP has supported finance teams with its robust features and reliability. However, with Microsoft’s strategic pivot toward its cloud-first Dynamics 365 platform, many companies are beginning to ask: Is it time to transition to Business Central?

This blog is here to help you explore that decision. We’ll break down what’s changing with GP (and when), why some organizations are making the switch to Business Central (BC) sooner rather than later, and provide a practical checklist to help you evaluate your own readiness.

Whether you’re just starting to think about the shift or already weighing your options, this guide will give you the insight you need to move forward with confidence.

The State of Dynamics GP in 2025

We’ve reached a turning point for GP users. Microsoft has signaled a clear direction: while Dynamics GP will remain supported, its evolution has effectively come to a halt.

Under the Modern Lifecycle Policy, GP will continue to receive essential updates—covering taxes, regulatory changes, and security—but no new features or innovation are planned. Microsoft has confirmed that its primary focus moving forward is on Dynamics 365 Business Central, their cloud-first ERP solution.

Recent updates from Microsoft state that “technical support for GP will end on December 31, 2029, with security updates available through April 30, 2031.” Additionally, “the last day new customers can license GP subscriptions will be April 1, 2026.”

GP won’t disappear overnight, but the writing is on the wall. Now is the time to start thinking ahead.

If your organization still relies on GP, this is the ideal moment to assess your long-term strategy and determine whether staying on GP aligns with your goals for growth and digital transformation.

Preparing for Long-Term Success in the Cloud

Switching to a new ERP system can feel overwhelming—but choosing to move to Business Central is ultimately a forward-looking step that helps future-proof your organization in a fast-changing digital world.

Business Central is designed for the cloud from the ground up. Unlike GP, it delivers quicker updates, stronger integration with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, and scalable automation features that evolve with your business needs. While GP was built for on-premises use, BC is made to grow alongside modern organizations.

As a cloud-based solution, Business Central benefits from continuous enhancements, built-in AI capabilities, and a roadmap aligned with the future of finance operations.

That said, we know that not every organization is ready to make the move today. At Mekorma, we recognize the complexity of this decision. That’s why we’re committed to supporting both your present and future—whether that means helping you get more from GP now or guiding your transition to Business Central when the time is right.

Why Many Teams Are Choosing to Move to Business Central Now

Although Dynamics GP remains a dependable solution for many organizations, an increasing number of finance teams are proactively transitioning to Business Central, and their motivation goes well beyond simply aligning with Microsoft’s roadmap.

Here’s what’s prompting early adopters to make the switch:

• A Cloud-Ready, Future-First ERP: Built for the cloud, Business Central eliminates the need for server maintenance, manual updates, and time-consuming version upgrades. For teams aiming to reduce IT overhead and boost operational agility, this shift can make a major impact.
• Access to Real-Time Insights: Today’s finance leaders need data they can act on instantly. Business Central connects effortlessly with tools like Power BI and Excel, enabling teams to analyze performance, predict trends, and make informed decisions without juggling multiple systems or exports.
• Advanced Automation and Seamless Integrations: Business Central offers built-in features that accelerate processes, from approval workflows to intelligent cash flow forecasting. Plus, with access to thousands of apps via AppSource (including Mekorma’s embedded Payment Hub), it’s easy to customize your environment to fit your needs.
• Continuous Innovation: Unlike GP, Business Central receives monthly updates and ongoing enhancements. That means your ERP doesn’t just keep up—it evolves alongside your business.

As Mike Morton, Vice President of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, puts it: moving to BC early “can help eliminate redundancies, save money, and offer more visibility into [your] business health and areas for improvement.”

Mekorma: Your Trusted Partner Through the Transition

Whether you're beginning your move to Business Central or staying on Dynamics GP a while longer, Mekorma is here to support you every step of the way.

As long-standing champions of GP, we know how much time and effort many organizations have invested in the platform. That’s why we continue to offer robust solutions for GP users—including tools for automation, security, and vendor validation—to help maintain compliance, efficiency, and control during GP’s maintenance phase. Learn how we're continuing to support GP users.

At the same time, we recognize that for many finance teams, moving to Business Central is becoming a matter of when, not if. Mekorma is actively working with customers to help them plan a successful transition—without compromising the systems they depend on today.

No matter where you are on your ERP journey, our mission stays the same: to ensure your AP processes are secure, streamlined, and future-ready.

If you're continuing with GP for now, we’ll help you optimize your payment processes and strengthen financial operations—so when the time comes to move to Business Central, your team is already working in ways that support a seamless transition.

Is Business Central Right for You?

A Readiness Checklist for Decision Makers and Partners

Not sure if it’s the right time to transition from Dynamics GP to Business Central? Use this checklist to assess your organization’s readiness. You can work through it online or download a copy for later.

1. Strategic Alignment

• We understand Microsoft’s roadmap for GP support and licensing.
• We’re considering ERP updates as part of our long-term business strategy.
• We want greater efficiency, flexibility, and cloud access.
• We’re open to exploring how Business Central can empower our finance team.

Not sure how BC fits into your strategy? Let’s discuss your goals and what’s possible.

2. Current GP Setup

• We have a clear picture of our current GP modules, customizations, and integrations.
• We’ve assessed our data and know what we’d want to migrate.
• We have a rough sense of what to keep, discard, or rebuild in the new system.

Feeling stuck here? We’ll walk through it together in your planning session.

3. Business Process Opportunities

• We’re ready to automate repetitive tasks and approval workflows.
• Our AP team could benefit from better tools for vendor and payment management.
• We want to eliminate VPNs, remote desktops, and outdated access methods.
• Reducing IT workload and improving daily operations is a priority.

We’ll help you identify immediate wins and long-term gains in Business Central.

4. Technology Fit

• We’re already using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Teams).
• We’re interested in integrating tools like Power BI and Power Automate.
• We want automatic updates—no more disruptive ERP upgrades.
• Cloud-based payment solutions are on our radar.

We’ll show how BC fits your ecosystem—and how Mekorma enhances it further.

5. Support and Planning

• We’ve started thinking about a possible migration timeline.
• We’ve spoken with our partner or internal team about next steps.
• We know we’ll need expert guidance for a smooth transition.
• We’re ready to explore what a cloud-based future looks like for us.

Let’s Plan Your Path Forward—Together

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Mekorma’s transition experts are here to:

• Chart your personalized roadmap from GP to Business Central
• Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities in your current environment
• Build an actionable, realistic plan for a smooth migration

Book Your Free 1:1 Transition Planning Call

There’s no pressure—just helpful, personalized insight to guide your next steps. Schedule your call with a Mekorma expert today!