Customers on older versions of Business Central or Microsoft NAV often ask, “why upgrade when it is essentially the same system?” when this just isn’t the case.
Upgrading Business Central maximizes your system for multiple reasons:
- Business Central is part of the Microsoft ecosystem: Business Central integrates natively with familiar tools such as Outlook, Teams and Excel. As well as Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. Business Central also has Copilot embedded into it.
- Cloud-based giving you extra security: No more servers or on-premise infrastructure required, giving you a lower IT overhead. You will be securely hosted in Microsoft’s secure cloud infrastructure. A lot of customers (for example those requiring Cyber Essentials) need to be on a fully supported system; and with Business Central Online- you always will be.
- Change in development language: Business Central Online uses AL coding instead of CAL. This means that rather than making developments directly into the source code (which adds to your technical debt each time on older versions), Business Central Online uses an “extensions” model- making the bi-annual upgrades much simpler.
- Stronger functionality: Microsoft Business Central Online has both Copilot and Power BI reports embedded, providing you with a modern user experience. Not forgetting the hundreds of new features you are entitled to with Microsoft’s bi-annual upgrades.
- Future-proofing your business: All the above points ensure you have a secure and future-proof system (giving you one less thing to worry about!)
At BearingPoint, we make upgrades simple and stress-free:
-
Expert guidance
We assess your current system, plan your upgrade, and advise on the correct strategies.
-
Ongoing training
We help your team get up to speed with relevant new features and best practices.
-
Custom solutions
We tailor upgrades to fit your business, whether you’re moving from NAV, GP or Business Central on-premise.
-
Access to the latest features
Benefit from new tools, improved security, and enhanced performance.
-
Seamless transitions
Our team ensures minimal disruption, so you keep running while we upgrade.
Business Central Upgrades FAQs
-
Why should we upgrade Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Upgrading Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows organizations to benefit from new functionality, improved security, and ongoing performance enhancements. Each release also introduces updates such as Copilot capabilities, improved reporting with Power BI, and modern user experience improvements.
-
What is the difference between CAL and AL?
CAL was used to modify the core application in older versions of Microsoft Dynamics NAV and earlier versions of Business Central, which made upgrades more complex. AL development uses extensions that sit outside the core system, allowing customizations while keeping the base application intact and easier to upgrade.
-
Does an upgrade improve security?
Yes. Newer versions of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central benefit from Microsoft’s modern cloud security architecture, including automatic updates, secure infrastructure, and continuous monitoring. This removes many of the risks associated with maintaining on-premises servers.
-
What new features do upgrades typically deliver?
Microsoft releases two major updates for Business Central each year. These release waves introduce improvements across finance, operations, reporting, and automation, along with new capabilities such as Copilot features, enhanced analytics, and productivity enhancements across the platform.
-
How does BearingPoint manage the upgrade process?
BearingPoint follows a structured approach that keeps upgrades simple. We begin with expert guidance to assess your current environment and plan the right upgrade path. From there, we tailor the upgrade to your business and provide ongoing training so your team can adopt new features confidently. You gain access to the latest capabilities and security enhancements, while our team manages a seamless transition. The result is a smooth, well‑supported upgrade with minimal disruption to your day‑to‑day operations.
Would you like more information?
If you want to get more information about this subject please get in touch with our experts who would be pleased to hear from you.
