What Is An Upgrade?
The upgrade process involves your Microsoft Partner migrating all your business data from your existing NAV Database to its new home—the target destination system, which, in this case, is Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. Additionally, your existing customizations can be made available in the new system through one or more of the following approaches:
- Refactor / Redevelop the code with new tools (Al, extension based)
- Replace the customization with a COTS (commercial off-the-shelf system) extension
- Suggest a process improvement / change to accomplish the end result with more efficiency
Historically, upgrading a software system, such as your ERP or Business Management Software, was always considered an optional task. If you were comfortable with your existing system and it met most of your current needs, it was considered prudent to stay put. However, times have changed!
The modern landscape of software solutions is evolving rapidly. If you don’t adapt quickly to the changes being implemented in your industry or market space, you’ll soon find yourself dealing with outdated systems. Waiting too long puts you at risk of getting stuck with an obsolete system. Not only will you be at a substantial disadvantage compared to your competition, but catching up will also cost you more.
Upgrading your software systems is often driven by innovation in underlying hardware and infrastructure, as well as the active support you can expect from the vendor. Microsoft limits its support to the last two versions of a given product. Therefore, staying current with one of the most important systems in your organization is prudent.
- NAV application is too customized. Business Central (BC), customization is handled differently. BC supports event-based and extension-based customizations, making it easier to upgrade without major disruptions.
- NAV Database is too large. The size of your NAV database is no longer a significant issue. Both licensing and hard disk space considerations have improved. Large databases can now be successfully upgraded within practical timeframes, such as over a weekend.
- NAV version is too old to upgrade. Microsoft provides upgrade paths from older NAV versions to the latest destination version. While it may involve multiple steps, you can transition from an older version to the latest one.