We’re already halfway through 2024, and many businesses are still running Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics SL ERP software. Among them, a significant number are on versions of these solutions that haven’t received Microsoft support in years. Are you one of these businesses that deserves an upgrade?
While these legacy systems have served companies well over the years, continuing to use outdated ERP technology brings risks and limits your ability to take advantage of the latest innovations.
We’re sure this is not the first time you’ve heard that. So, what holds you back from upgrading?
You don’t want to fix what doesn’t seem to be broken. Your legacy Dynamics ERP is getting the job done. It’s comfortable; everyone knows how to use the system and its capabilities. You may even have had a turbulent upgrade in the past and would not like to repeat the experience.
There’s no money for an upgrade. Not only are there software costs, but you’re also looking at downtime, consultant fees, and perhaps other costs that surprise you along the way. Why spend money on something that’s doing its job when there are so many other expenditures that take priority?
My on-premises solution is more secure. I mean, your IT staff is on top of this stuff, and you can control the traffic in and out of your own servers better than these huge server farms that are accessible to the world… right?
The reasoning seems sound, but times have changed. Let’s talk about each one of those concerns through the lens of current technology.
Don’t Miss Out on Productivity-Boosting New Features
While the current version of your ERP solution may be familiar, it’s also missing all the innovation that has been developed in the years that have followed. In addition to keeping pace with the latest financial regulations, Dynamics solutions receive new features that help your finance team accomplish more in less time.
By migrating to the latest versions of Dynamics GP or Dynamics SL, companies gain access to hundreds of new features and enhancements across financials, distribution, manufacturing, field service, project accounting, and more. These updates improve productivity, reporting, compliance, and industry-specific functionality. As an example, take a look at what’s been enhanced in the latest version of Dynamics GP and browse through the previous releases.
The world of enterprise software has changed dramatically in the last decade. Cloud computing, mobile access, artificial intelligence, and robotic process automation are just some of the transformative technologies that help increase operational efficiency and uncover new business opportunities. Older on-premises ERP deployments were never designed for today’s digital business environment.
To leverage these advancements, you will need to take a long-range approach. Consider a modern, cloud-based solution such as Dynamics 365 Business Central or Acumatica. These ERPs are more flexible, more feature-rich, and securely connect with a large ecosystem of 3rd-party solutions without creating data silos.
You Can’t Afford the Cost of Delaying an Upgrade
It’s true that a software upgrade is never completely free; there is a cost involved in hiring experts to guide you through – or at the very least, there’s the time and effort involved in deploying it.
Have you ever calculated the cost of delaying an upgrade? For example, the latest versions of GP and SL have simplified certain processes, removing the number of steps needed to complete common tasks. How much time could those enhancements save your team over the course of the year? Or what about new industry-specific functionality that could eliminate your current manual workarounds? This adds up over the course of months and years.
The productivity benefits increase exponentially when you upgrade to a modern platform. Imagine a finance team of 3 accomplishing the work of twice as many with the help of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other process automation solutions available today. How much would that save your company?
When you consider the cost of delaying an upgrade, you might find it cost-prohibitive to wait any longer! This is especially the case if you consider today’s security concerns as well.
Your Software Isn’t as Secure as You Think
Today, the potential of a cyberattack is higher than ever. Maybe you feel that your company is too small or with too little of an Internet presence for a hacker to target. You’d be wrong. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a staggering 73% of small businesses surveyed have experienced either a security or data breach. How much would one ransomware attack cost your company, especially if you lost your business data or suffered weeks of downtime?
Microsoft is working hard to patch any vulnerabilities in their products, and those patches are for – you guessed it – the latest versions of their products. This underscores the importance of running the latest version of your chosen ERP solution.
Unfortunately for Dynamics SL users, the clock has already run out on Microsoft’s mainstream support. Those who have purchased Extended Support will continue to receive assistance until mid-2028, but it’s essential to define a migration path well ahead of then to ensure your business isn’t left vulnerable.
GP users can breathe easy for now; mainstream support and upgrades will continue through at least 2028.
Even so, cloud-based applications, when correctly deployed by an experienced technology partner, are significantly more secure than on-premises solutions. There is greater physical security in place in Microsoft’s data centers, and they have an army of security professionals hardening their digital defenses around the clock. Their reputation depends on it.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Upgrade!
For businesses running Dynamics GP 2015 or Dynamics SL 7.0 or earlier, now is an ideal time to start planning your upgrade path. Migrating to Dynamics GP 2018 R2 or Dynamics SL 2018 will extend the life of your current solution and give you more time to plan a migration to a modern platform.
However, if you’re looking for a solution to help you gain a competitive advantage, you should consider moving to a cloud-based solution. Since this is where today’s big ERP players are investing the majority of their development funds, it’s the safer long-term bet.
Dynamics 365 Business Central is the solution Microsoft recommends for SMBs, delivering a modern experience with advanced functionality and access to their latest innovations in AI, such as Copilot, along with deployment on a world-class, secure, and performant cloud platform – Microsoft Azure.
If you’re a Dynamics SL user, you might find greater affinity with Acumatica. Founded by former members of the Solomon team, it shares many similarities with Solomon, such as strong project accounting features.
So where do you go from here?
At Gale Force Consulting we can help you understand your options, costs, and potential timelines for an upgrade project. We have decades of experience with GP and SL, and we have experience in hundreds of different industries.
Proper planning and a knowledgeable implementation team are keys to success. We’ll help you analyze your options and match you with either a system upgrade, or a new ERP that best fits your future needs – and your budget.
Contact us today to start the conversation and invest in the future of your business.
