Upgrade Checklist: 5 Steps to Take Before Upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central
There are five steps that every company should take prior to upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central. These steps will give you the valuable information needed to plan and execute the best possible upgrade scenario for your business. By taking the time to gather information and define business processes and requirements, your Business Central deployment will align with your business and enable your continued growth and success.
1. Assemble Upgrade Team
Determining the members of your upgrade team is your first step. Ideally, this group will include representation from each department that works with the software including developers, technical resources, business analysts, and subject matter experts. Additionally, you should appoint an internal project manager who will work to keep the project on track and ensure tasks are completed. If possible, include a representative from corporate leadership on the team.
2. Determine Upgrade Date
The best-practice is to be conservative with your go-live date, which should be determined based on your initial project plan and how many steps and tasks need to be completed. We recommend including at least a one-week buffer from when you think you’ll be ready for any issues that may arise. Because your upgrade team includes a variety of people from varied departments, it’s important to take a good look at departmental schedules, upcoming vacation time, and prior commitments when considering a go-live date.
3. Develop your Process Catalog and Library
Your Process Catalog and Library are the foundation for your upgrade. These resources will identify all the current processes and activities both within NAV and in other software programs. This list can be quite extensive and usually requires both your internal IT staff and your software partner to develop.
4. Complete Process Comparison
Once you have your Process Catalog and Library built, execute a cross-comparison of those processes and functions to what is included in native Dynamics 365 Business Central. It’s likely there is new functionality you can leverage to reduce or eliminate custom code and third-party systems. There could also be functionality that you had been using that is no longer included in Dynamics 365. AppSource and custom code development is available to fill any gaps between the native system and your business processes.
5. Review Custom Code
List out custom objects, models, layers, and ISVs within your current system. Assess each customization to determine if it is still needed, if it can be replaced by an app, or if it needs to be transitioned into Business Central.
Consult with your software partner for assistance in completing each of these steps, or reach out to Stoneridge Software for guidance. Having a plan in place will help streamline your upgrade journey and enable a successful transition.
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If you are still looking for more information or have questions about upgrading, please reach out to us at Stoneridge Software!
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