Thinking about moving from Dynamics NAV to Business Central? You’re not alone. Many NAV users are weighing the same decision as Microsoft continues its shift toward the cloud. Below, we’ve gathered the top 10 questions executives ask before migrating and what you really need to know to plan a smooth transition.
1. Do I have to move off Dynamics NAV?
No, not immediately, but the clock is ticking. Microsoft will support NAV through January 2028, but innovation is now fully focused on Dynamics 365 Business Central. That means any new capabilities, AI features, and performance improvements will only appear in Business Central online.
As Dan Milani, Crestwood’s Director of Dynamics, puts it:
“We’ve helped hundreds of NAV clients modernize at their own pace, but the longer you wait, the harder it gets to keep up with updates, integrations, and security.”
2. What are the biggest benefits of moving to Business Central?
Business Central brings all the strengths of NAV plus the agility and intelligence of the cloud. You’ll gain:
- Real-time access from any device
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Teams
- Built-in AI for faster decisions and predictive insights
- Reduced hardware and maintenance costs
In short, your team gets a future-ready ERP that scales as your business grows.
3. Is Business Central more expensive than NAV?
Not usually. Because it’s a subscription model, you eliminate servers, upgrades, and IT overhead. The total cost of ownership for Business Central is often lower than NAV when you account for hardware, downtime, and maintenance.
Competitive Edge Callout:
Crestwood’s in-house development and customization team delivers tailored solutions 30% faster using our proven EOS-driven framework to keep projects on time and on budget.
4. Can I migrate directly from NAV to Business Central online?
You’ll first need to move to Business Central on-premises (v14), then transition to the cloud. This two-step process ensures your data and customizations are compatible. Crestwood simplifies this with migration scripts, sandbox testing, and data validation built into our project framework.
5. What incentives are available for NAV customers?
Microsoft offers a Bridge to Cloud 2 program. Eligible NAV clients can save 40% on subscription costs for three years when moving to Business Central online. You may also qualify for a free partner-led migration assessment, which Crestwood delivers through Microsoft’s AIM to the Future program.
6. What about our existing NAV customizations?
In Business Central, modifications move from direct code changes to an extensions model. These are easier to manage, safer during upgrades, and greatly reduce risk of update incompatibility. . Crestwood’s development team can convert your existing NAV customizations to AL extensions, preserving what’s unique about your business without the technical debt.
7. How does licensing work?
Business Central licenses are subscription-based per user or per device. You can scale up or down as your business evolves. This flexibility is valuable for seasonal or project-based operations that fluctuate in size.
8. Is Business Central secure and compliant?
Yes. Microsoft invests over $1 billion annually in Azure security, with more than 3,500 dedicated experts safeguarding customer data. Business Central also helps organizations maintain GDPR compliance through continuous updates and built-in privacy controls.
9. How often does Microsoft update Business Central?
Business Central has two functional releases per year in April and October. In addition, there may be monthly security and patch releases as necessary. This means your ERP evolves continually without disruptive upgrades.
For most companies, this steady rhythm means better performance, fewer surprises, and instant access to the newest capabilities.
10. What does the future look like for Business Central?
Microsoft’s roadmap focuses on AI-driven automation, data visibility, and industry-specific functionality. Expect more predictive tools, deeper analytics, and cross-platform integrations, especially with Power BI and Power Platform.
Future-Focused Insight:
The next wave of Business Central will use generative AI to simplify configuration and automate reporting, helping leaders spend less time managing systems and more time managing strategy.
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