Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Great Plains: Key Comparisons

Microsoft continues to innovate and advance its ERP accounting software solutions. Dynamics Great Plains has been supporting small and mid-sized businesses successfully for over 20 years, while Dynamics 365 Business Central is coming on strong as a leading true cloud solution for SMBs. If you are exploring your options, you might be wondering what is the difference between Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Great Plains? Should you consider migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central? There are many considerations we will address in this article.

While both of these solutions share similar features, they are also unique in ways that can make a big difference for your business.

Dynamics Great Plains

The first question many companies have is whether Dynamics Great Plains (GP) is going away. The answer is a resounding NO. Microsoft is continuing to support GP users. If you are interested in getting the latest and greatest new features, however, GP users most likely will be getting these features AFTER Dynamics 365, as this is where Microsoft is focusing their investment in new technologies and enhancements.

Integrity Data also continues to serve and support our many GP customers as we’ve done for more than 20 years with our expansive offerings for GP payroll and HR solutions.

Dynamics 365 Business Central

Your business may be running smoothly today on Dynamics GP, with ISV add-ons and lots of customizations, but are there advantages of Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs Great Plains you’re missing? Here are some of the biggest benefits GP users find with Business Central.

• Subscription Model - Dynamics 365 Business Central is licensed on a full SaaS model in the cloud. With it hosted in the cloud (built on Microsoft Azure), it is subscription-based and very cost effective. Subscriptions also provide all updates automatically, so you are always on the latest version without any upgrade downtime or costs. You can add or remove users with ease to scale your business as it demands. No hardware or software infrastructure is required upfront either, making it much faster to get up and running. What if you have concerns about migrating to the cloud? No problem. You can also implement Dynamics 365 on-premises or in a hybrid environment to fit your needs.
• Dimensional Accounting – This is one of the most exciting differences you will find with Dynamics 365 vs GP. With Business Central, you can say goodbye to the bursting, ineffective chart of accounts you may have in Dynamics GP right now. Dimensions in Dynamics 365 enable you to create a clean, segmented, and simplified chart of accounts, giving you much improved insights and reporting.
• Reporting and Analytics – Another exciting benefit that is very important to every business. Reporting can be a challenge in GP, but with Dynamics 365 Business Central you get an expanded selection of out-of-the-box reports PLUS enhanced integration and capabilities with Power BI.
• Multi-Entity Management – Dynamics 365 Business Central is built to manage multiple entities, currencies, and languages right out of the box, while Dynamics Great Plains often requires customization or third-party add-ons for this functionality.
• Mobile and Accessible – Dynamics 365 Business Central is built for mobility, and is accessible at any time on any device – simultaneously. This is increasingly important in the world of remote work. No more waiting with Dynamics Great Plains concurrent users!
• Payroll, What About Payroll? – Yes, it is true that Dynamics 365 Business Central does NOT come with a payroll module. This is not a problem, however, as Payroll NOW from Integrity Data fills that void. Payroll NOW is the only complete and integrated payroll solution for Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. Payroll NOW offers everything your business needs for in-house payroll, from payroll processing to electronic tax filing, to updating the GL, to robust reporting and ACA compliance….all within your Dynamics 365 Business Central Environment. Read more about what Payroll NOW can do for you.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At the end of the day, only you can decide what is right for your business. The Microsoft ERP partner community is vast, and they are uniquely qualified to walk you through the options, and help you make plans for your future. Contact Integrity Data for more information about how we help small and mid-sized businesses just like yours navigate GP Payroll and HR, Dynamics 365 HR and Payroll, and ACA compliance.

Written by Integrity Data