On September 25th, 2024, Microsoft announced the End of Life for Microsoft Dynamics GP. As the sun sets on the ERP stalwart, businesses that have relied on GP face a critical juncture in their ERP journey. With no new product enhancements, regulatory (tax) updates, service packs or technical support from Microsoft after September 2029, it’s time to start working with an experienced ERP implementation partner to chart a course for the future. In this article, we explore what GP End of Life means for your business, the potential risks of staying on GP after support has ended, and why you should start planning now.
While Microsoft’s announcement may have you feeling anxious about next steps, our best advice is to take a breath and don’t panic. When it comes to choosing core business software, rash or rushed decisions are seldom the right ones. At the same time, there are many good reasons to start planning. Not all ERP solutions are created equal. Due diligence in selecting an ERP solution takes time, and leaving a crucial technology decision too late can increase security and compliance risks and rob your organization of the opportunity to modernize your operations sooner rather than later.
The Great Migration Has Begun
Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) has been a fixture in the ERP landscape for over three decades, but all good things come to an end. Here are the key dates and timeline for GP End of Life as outlined by Microsoft:
- April 1, 2025: No new customers for GP perpetual licenses.
- April 1, 2026: No new customers for GP subscription licenses.
- September 30, 2029: End of product enhancements, regulatory (tax) updates, service packs and technical support from Microsoft.
- April 30, 2031: End of security updates.
Many of NexTec’s customers have already made the decision to move on from GP, joining a wave of migration to the cloud. Since 2021, we have helped dozens of Dynamics customers successfully migrate to a modern, cloud-native ERP solution.
Overwhelmingly, the top pick for our customers has been Acumatica Cloud ERP. Named a leader in the 2024 IDC MarketScape for Small Business ERP, rated highest in Nucleus Research’s 2024 SMB ERP Value Matrix Report, and recognized as one of Forbes’ Best ERP Systems of 2024, Acumatica delivers industry-leading business management functionality for small and mid-sized organizations. Later in this article, we’ll look at what makes Acumatica an ideal choice for current GP customers.
A Message for Existing NexTec Dynamic GP Customers
We want to reassure you that we are here for you, business as usual. We are committed to supporting our GP customers to the best of our ability as a partner of yours and Microsoft’s.
We have options whenever you are ready and you can trust us to help you select the right ERP solution for your unique needs, implement the solution of your choice, and train your team on the new software.
To discuss what GP End of Life means for your business and how we can assist you in planning for the future, please contact your NexTec Customer Account Manager or anyone on the NexTec delivery team.
Understanding the Risks of Doing Nothing
Over our nearly thirty years in ERP consulting, we have seen a trend of organizations holding on to legacy ERP solutions well past their “best before” date. Some organizations fear the unknown and are concerned about the cost and business disruption of migrating to a new ERP. While it may be human nature to procrastinate and cling to the processes and workflows you know, you may be missing out on the opportunity to innovate, improve your processes, and leapfrog your competition.
Continuing with GP post-support isn’t just about missing out on innovative new features and functionality; it’s about exposing your business to unnecessary risks and inefficiencies:
- Security Vulnerabilities: Without ongoing updates and patches, your system becomes an easy target for cyber threats and data breaches.
- Compliance Concerns: As regulations evolve, an outdated ERP may fall short of key industry compliance standards.
- Operational Bottlenecks: Limited functionality and outdated architecture can hinder your business’ growth and agility in a rapidly changing market.
- Insurance Issues: Eventually, failure to upgrade core systems will make it difficult or impossible to attain the insurance coverage necessary to continue operating.
NexTec has helped hundreds of organizations navigate core software transitions. We understand that updating your ERP system is a significant undertaking, but planning ahead and partnering with an ERP consultant can go a long way toward alleviating common migration headaches and making the transition pain-free.
Acumatica: The Future-Proof Alternative to GP
As businesses look beyond GP, Acumatica stands out as a modern, flexible, and powerful cloud ERP solution, and this is why we recommend Acumatica to most mid-sized clients. Here’s why Acumatica has emerged as an ERP leader, capturing the attention of forward-thinking organizations:
Cloud-Native Architecture
Unlike GP’s on-premises legacy, Acumatica is a true cloud solution. This means:
- Anytime, anywhere access to your business data
- A single solution to manage all aspects of your business
- Top-tier security to protect your sensitive information
Scalability and Flexibility
Acumatica is designed to grow with your business, adapting to your company’s changing needs:
- Add users without prohibitive licensing costs
- Easily integrate industry-specific modules as your needs evolve
- Free internal resources from the burden of managing servers and upgrades
Comprehensive Integration
In today’s interconnected business world, Acumatica shines with:
- Seamless integration of CRM, financial, inventory, and project management tools
- Built-in API automation speeds and simplifies connections with other systems
- Mobile-friendly design for on-the-go productivity
The NexTec Advantage: Your Trusted Migration Partner
On the journey from GP to a new ERP, NexTec Group can serve as a trusted traveling companion and guide. Our consultants have nearly three decades of experience navigating this terrain. When you are ready to discuss options, you can rely on us to show you the right path and recommend the right ERP solution for your unique needs. NexTec delivers:
Unparalleled Expertise
NexTec brings a unique blend of knowledge to your migration:
- Deep dual-product understanding of the intricacies of both GP and Acumatica
- Dozens of successful Dynamics to Acumatica migrations
- The largest and most experienced Acumatica team in North America
Tailored Migration Strategies
One size doesn’t fit all in ERP migrations. NexTec offers:
- Migration methodology and roadmap aligned with your business goals
- Meticulous data migration ensuring no critical information is left behind
- Proven strategies and tools to minimize implementation delays and disruption
Comprehensive Support and Training
NexTec doesn’t just migrate; we empower:
- End-to-end support from planning to post-implementation
- Hands-on training to get your team up to speed quickly
- Ongoing consultation to maximize Acumatica’s potential in your business
Integration and Customization
NexTec ensures Acumatica fits your operations like a glove:
- Seamless integration with your existing business tools
- Customization options to match your specific workflows
- Optimization strategies to boost efficiency and productivity
With NexTec, we understand that your ERP is an investment in the future. We believe “Go Live” is just the beginning. We support you over the long haul with ongoing support to ensure continued ROI post-migration.
The Smart Move: Next Steps
As you start to plan the future of your business beyond Dynamics GP, consider these actionable steps:
- Assess Your Current State: Evaluate your existing GP setup, including customizations and integrations.
- Define Your Future Needs: Look beyond current requirements to where your business is heading and where you want it to go.
- Explore Acumatica: Request a demo to see how Acumatica can address your specific challenges and opportunities.
- Consult with NexTec’s GP Product Experts: Take advantage of our free consultation to understand your migration options and potential roadmap.
- Review Success Stories: Look at case studies of businesses similar to yours that have made the transition to Acumatica with NexTec.
- Plan Your Timeline: Now that Microsoft has clarified the dates for GP’s End of Life, the countdown has begun. Start mapping out your migration timeline to ensure a smooth transition.
Embrace the Future with Confidence
Migrating from Microsoft Dynamics GP to a modern ERP solution doesn’t have to be painful. Acumatica, coupled with NexTec’s expertise, offers a clear path forward. Don’t wait for your GP support to lapse. Take the first step towards a more efficient, secure, and growth-oriented cloud ERP system today. Your business deserves an ERP that not only meets your current needs but propels you into the future, providing a platform for growth.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to learn more about how Acumatica can transform your business or have questions? Download our Dynamics GP to Acumatica Conversion Guide or contact us today for a personalized demo and consultation.