Signs it may be time to migrate from legacy Microsoft Dynamics to modern Dynamics 365

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses must be agile, innovative, and adaptable to stay ahead of the competition. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies can give businesses a significant advantage, enabling them to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and drive growth. However, many organizations still use outdated legacy systems that limit their potential and hinder their progress.

The Microsoft Dynamics family of applications—Dynamics AX, Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics SL were powerful ERP systems that served many organizations well over the years; however, for most businesses, those legacy ERPs no longer meet the demands of modern business. This blog will explore the top signs that it’s time to migrate from Legacy Microsoft Dynamics to Modern Dynamics 365.

Mainstream support has already ended for all Dynamics AX, Dynamics NAV, and Dynamics SL versions, including some of Dynamics GP. This means that Microsoft will no longer release new features and will not provide hotfixes or support. Microsoft will not provide a hotfix if a bug is found with your unsupported ERP system.

If your Microsoft Dynamics system is outdated and no longer supported, it’s time to consider migrating to Modern Dynamics 365. An outdated system risks encountering compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, and performance problems, not to mention a lack of today’s features and functionality.

Upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365 gives you access to a modern, cloud-based system constantly updated with the latest technology and features. You’ll also benefit from improved performance, security, and reliability. Plus, with Microsoft’s commitment to providing long-term support and updates, you can be confident that your system will remain up-to-date and secure for years.

If your business has evolved and your legacy Microsoft Dynamics system hasn’t kept up, it’s time to change. Legacy systems are often rigid and inflexible, making adapting to changing business needs difficult. 

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Features like PowerApps and Power Automate allow you to automate tasks and workflows, freeing time for more strategic initiatives. Plus, with seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Excel, Power BI, and Teams, you can improve collaboration and communication across your organization.

If your Microsoft Dynamics system is not scalable or flexible enough to meet your needs, consider upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365. Legacy systems are often limited in scalability and flexibility, making it difficult to expand or adjust as your business grows and changes.

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be highly scalable and flexible. It can easily accommodate growth and change, allowing you to add users, locations, and features as needed. Plus, with its cloud-based architecture, you can quickly scale up or down as needed without costly hardware upgrades. This can help you stay ahead of the ever-changing market conditions, giving you a competitive advantage.

If your Microsoft Dynamics system lacks integration and collaboration capabilities, consider upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365. Legacy systems are often siloed, making it difficult to share data and collaborate across teams and departments.

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be highly integrated and collaborative. It integrates with other Microsoft tools like Office 365, Teams, and Power Platform, allowing you to share data and collaborate in real time.

If your Microsoft Dynamics system is inefficient and time-consuming, consider upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365. Legacy systems are often slow and cumbersome, making completing tasks quickly and efficiently difficult.

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be fast and efficient. With features like AI-driven insights and automation, you can streamline processes and reduce manual tasks. Plus, with its cloud-based architecture, you can access your system from anywhere, on any device, making it easy to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues.

​None of the legacy Microsoft Dynamics applications are truly cloud-based. All legacy Dynamics applications require the installation and maintenance of both server and client applications, limiting mobility and accessibility. 

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be cloud-based, giving you the flexibility to access your ERP from anywhere on any device. With its secure, cloud-based architecture, you can work remotely, collaborate with colleagues, and access real-time data. Plus, with its subscription-based pricing model, you can avoid costly upfront hardware and software investments.

​If your Microsoft Dynamics system doesn’t provide real-time insights and analytics, consider upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365. Legacy systems are often limited in providing real-time data, making it extremely difficult to make informed decisions.

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to provide real-time insights and analytics, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions. With features like Power BI and Dynamics 365 Customer Insights, you can gain a 360-degree view of your business, customers, and operations. Plus, with its AI-driven insights, you can automate data analysis and gain valuable insights faster.

Legacy Microsoft Dynamics products often run on old servers with old Windows and SQL Server versions. These older versions can pose a security risk if Microsoft no longer supports them or IT does not provide timely security updates. Ransomware, phishing, and hacker attempts are a genuine concern and can be debilitating to a business.

Modern Dynamics 365 is designed with advanced security and compliance features, helping you protect your business and data. With automatic security updates, you never have to worry about outdated servers and security vulnerabilities again. Additionally, features like Azure Active Directory allow you to manage users easily, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. Plus, with its compliance certifications like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001, you can be confident that your system meets industry data security and privacy standards. This can help protect your business from security threats and maintain regulatory compliance.

Maintaining legacy Dynamics systems includes a lot of ongoing costs, including:

• Annual maintenance fees paid to Microsoft for Dynamics, Windows Server, and SQL Server
• If you have an on-premise deployment, the cost of your servers, including electricity and cooling, and the cost to replace the servers after end-of-life. If your legacy Dynamics application is hosted in a data center or Azure, the monthly cost for hosting.
• IT time to perform regular maintenance on all servers and desktop installations
• Cost of third-party products such as Citrix for remote access of third-party add-ons to extend the functionality of the software

In Modern Dynamics 365, the subscription pricing is all-inclusive, simplifying and reducing the total cost of ownership. Cloud hosting is included in the subscription, eliminating the need for costly hardware and software investments. This can help you save money in the long run while still accessing the latest technology and features.

If your competitors are ahead of you in technology and innovation, it’s time to consider upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365. Legacy systems can hold you back, limiting your ability to innovate and stay competitive.

Modern Dynamics 365, on the other hand, is designed to be innovative and forward-thinking, with cutting-edge modern features that give you a competitive advantage. With features like AI-driven insights, automation, and real-time data and analytics, you stay ahead of the competition and fuel business growth. Plus, with seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Office 365 and Power Platform, you can improve collaboration and communication across your organization.

Upgrading to Modern Dynamics 365 is not just about keeping up with modern technology; it’s about future-proofing your business and staying competitive in the long run. With Modern Dynamics 365, you can access a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge features and capabilities that can help you streamline vital business processes, improve your customer experience, and drive sustainable business growth. Don’t let your outdated legacy system hold you back any longer – contact us today to learn how we can help you migrate to Modern Dynamics 365.

Dynamics 365  can transform how you manage your business. With its comprehensive features, cloud-based accessibility, and seamless integration with other Microsoft tools, it empowers businesses to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you are a small business owner or a growing enterprise, Dynamics 365 can support your continued growth and success. To learn more about how it can benefit your business, contact Rand Group today.