NAV 2016 to Business Central Upgrade | Step by Step
Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2016 users are at a critical juncture as Microsoft has ended support for older NAV versions. Upgrading to Business Central represents not just a technical necessity but a strategic opportunity to modernize your ERP system. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire upgrade process from NAV 2016 to Business Central upgrade, providing essential insights to ensure a successful transition.
Understand Your Upgrade Options
When planning your NAV 2016 to Business Central upgrade, you have several important decisions to make that will shape your migration journey. These choices will impact everything from implementation timeline to cost and functionality.
Direct vs. Staged Upgrade Paths
A direct Nav upgrade from NAV 2016 to the latest version of Dynamics 365 Business Central is not possible. Instead, you must follow a staged approach:
For example, in the case of NAV 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, it is necessary to update to Business Central v14 and only in the next step you can update to the latest version (Business Central v19).
This two-step process requires careful planning but ensures a more stable transition. For both stages of the upgrade, reliable Business Central support is essential to navigate complexities and minimize disruptions.
Cloud vs. On-Premises Deployment
A common misconception is that moving to Business Central requires cloud migration. While Business Central is renowned for its cloud capabilities, you retain flexibility in deployment options:
Installation can be performed both in the Azure cloud and on local servers. Dynamics 365 Business Central is famous for being a cloud-based ERP system. Despite the many advantages and good opinions related to BC online, it is worth noting that Business Central is also available as a local installation.
The on-premises option remains valuable for organizations with specific legal requirements or connectivity challenges. However, cloud deployment offers significant advantages in terms of maintenance, accessibility, and automatic updates.
Start from Standard vs. Start from Modified: Approaches
When starting your upgrade NAV 2016 to Business Central, you can choose between two primary methodologies:
Start from Standard
When it comes to starting from standard, it is suitable for companies:
- Whose modifications are no longer used or required.
- That want to start afresh.
- That want a chance to review processes and champion new efficiency gains.
Start from Modified
When it comes to starting from standard, it is suitable for companies that:
- Do not want to look at their processes.
- Have a lot of modifications and require these in the new system.
- Want all data brought to the new system.
This decision significantly impacts project scope, timeline, and cost. The Start from Standard approach often provides an opportunity to eliminate technical debt and streamline processes, while Start from Modified preserves your existing customizations and data structure.
Technical Upgrade Process from NAV 2016 to Business Central
Your NAV 2016 to Business Central upgrade requires careful technical planning and execution. Here's a structured approach to the technical migration process.
Prerequisites and Preparation
Before beginning the NAV upgrade, several preparation steps are essential:
- Conduct a complete system assessment of your Nav 2016 environment
- Identify all customizations, add-ons, and integrations
- Determine which modifications are still required in Business Central
- Clean up unnecessary data to streamline the migration
- Ensure hardware and infrastructure meet Business Central requirements
Step-by-Step Technical Migration
The technical Dynamics NAV upgrade process follows a structured approach:
- Database Migration: Utilize the Business Central Setup to install the new system.
- Development Environment Setup: Open the NAV development environment by logging in as an administrator.
- Code Compilation: To compile all objects, visit Object Designer.
- Extension Conversion: To fix the V2 extensions, make use of the Repair-NAV App cmdlet.
- Data Synchronization: In this step, you'll sync the tenant database.
- Add-in Updates: New versions are available for JavaScript-based control add-ins.
- Extension Installation: If you are in the single tenant only mode you are able to install the V2 extension.
- License Upload: The final step of the NAV to Business Central upgrade process is to upload the customer's license.
Handling Customizations and Add-ons
One of the most significant challenges when performing a Dynamics NAV to Business Central upgrade is managing customizations. Business Central uses an extension-based model rather than direct code modifications:
Business Central has many functionalities that were not available in NAV before. Nevertheless, if necessary, Business Central enables the system to be adapted to the specific needs of the organization thanks to Extensions.
Managing Business Impact
Beyond technical considerations, the business impact of the NAV to BC upgrade requires careful management to ensure minimal disruption and maximum value.
Project Timeline
The timeline for an upgrade Dynamics NAV project depends on system complexity and customization:
By default, migration takes from several weeks to several months.
A typical NAV 2016 to Business Central upgrade timeline includes:
- Assessment and planning: 2–4 weeks
- Development and customization migration: 4–8 weeks
- Data migration and testing: 2–4 weeks
- User training: 1–2 weeks
- Go-live and stabilization: 2–4 weeks
Training Requirements User adoption is key to a successful Dynamics NAV upgrade. While Business Central is more intuitive than Nav 2016, training is still essential:
Training should be role-based and include:
- Overview sessions for all users
- Department-specific training
- Advanced training for power users
- Administrator training for IT staff
Key Benefits of Business Central over NAV 2016
Understanding the tangible benefits helps justify the effort to upgrade NAV 2016 to Business Central.
Modern Interface and Improved User Experience
Business Central features a web-based interface that’s more intuitive and accessible than Nav 2016, boosting productivity and ease of use.
Enhanced Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem Business Central integrates seamlessly with:
- Microsoft 365
- Power BI
- Power Automate
- Microsoft Teams
Cloud Benefits and Accessibility
When deployed in the cloud, Business Central offers:
- Access from anywhere
- Reduced IT overhead
- Enhanced security
- Scalability
Regular Update Cadence
Unlike Nav 2016, Dynamics 365 Business Central follows a bi-annual update cycle:
By upgrading, you can continue to enjoy the latest functionality with bi-annual upgrades.
Decision Making Framework To determine if your business in Toronto, Vancouver, or anywhere else in Canada is ready to upgrade Dynamics NAV, consider:
- Technical complexity
- Customization level
- Timing with fiscal periods
Decision Making Framework
To determine if your organization is ready to upgrade from NAV 2016 to Business Central, consider these key questions:
Technical Readiness:
- How extensively customized is your NAV 2016 implementation?
- Do you have adequate documentation of your customizations?
- What integrations exist with other systems?
Business Readiness:
- Can your organization absorb the change management required?
- Is there executive sponsorship for the upgrade?
- Are resources available for the project?
Timing Considerations:
- What is your fiscal calendar and when are your busy periods?
- Are there any strategic initiatives that would conflict with an upgrade?
- How urgent is the need to upgrade given Microsoft's support timeline?
Conclusion
A well-planned NAV 2016 to Business Central upgrade is more than a technical transition. It’s a strategic move toward a modern, flexible ERP. Whether your business is in Toronto, Vancouver, or anywhere in Canada, working with a certified Microsoft Dynamics Partner ensures success.
Get in touch with Dynamics Square If you're considering an upgrade, from NAV 2016 to Business Central, or want expert help planning your Dynamics NAV to Business Central upgrade, we're here to help.
As a trusted Microsoft Partner and Business Central support expert in Canada, Dynamics Square delivers tailored solutions that make your NAV to BC upgrade smooth and future-ready.
Should you need any help, please contact us at info@dynamicssquare.ca or give us a call at +1 289 807 0740.