When it comes to choosing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, there are many options available in the market. Microsoft offers two popular ERP solutions – Dynamics GP and Dynamics 365 Business Central. In this blog, we will compare the two systems and help you decide which one is the right choice for your business.
Overview of Dynamics GP and Business Central
Dynamics GP is a legacy ERP system that has been around for over 30 years. It was designed for on-premise installations and is known for its robust financial management capabilities. Business Central, on the other hand, is a cloud-based ERP system that was launched in 2018. It is designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and includes features such as sales, purchasing, inventory management, project management, and financials.
Deployment Options
One of the biggest differences between Dynamics GP and Business Central is their deployment options. Dynamics GP is only available as an on-premise installation, meaning that the software is installed on your own servers and managed by your IT team. Business Central, on the other hand, is available as a cloud-based solution, which means that you can access it from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Functionality
Dynamics GP is known for its robust financial management capabilities. It includes features such as general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and fixed assets. It also includes features for sales, purchasing, inventory management, and project management. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features that are available in Business Central, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics.
Business Central includes all of the features available in Dynamics GP, as well as some additional features that are specific to SMBs. For example, it includes features for e-commerce, customer relationship management (CRM), and human resources (HR) management. It also includes AI, ML, and predictive analytics, which can help you make better business decisions.
User Interface
Another important factor to consider when choosing an ERP system is the user interface. Dynamics GP has a traditional Windows-based interface, which can be familiar to users who are used to working with Microsoft products. However, it can be difficult to navigate for new users. Business Central, on the other hand, has a modern web-based interface, which is intuitive and easy to use.
Integration with Other Microsoft Products
Both Dynamics GP and Business Central are designed to work seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Power BI. However, Business Central has deeper integration with these products, which can make it easier to share data and insights across your organization.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Dynamics GP is known for being expensive. It requires a significant upfront investment, as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is available as a subscription-based service, which can be more affordable for SMBs. It also includes automatic updates and maintenance, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Customization and Flexibility
Both Dynamics GP and Business Central are highly customizable and flexible. However, Dynamics GP requires more technical expertise to customize, as it is an on-premise solution. Business Central allows you to customize the system using extensions, which can be developed by anyone with basic programming knowledge.
Support and Community
Finally, when choosing an ERP system, it is important to consider the support and community available for each solution. Dynamics GP has a large community of users and consultants, which can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues and sharing best practices. Business Central is a newer solution and may not have as large of a community as Dynamics GP. Microsoft provides support for both solutions, but the level of support may vary depending on your subscription plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Dynamics GP and Business Central are powerful ERP solutions that can help your business streamline its operations and improve its bottom line. However, they have different deployment options, functionalities, user interfaces, pricing models, customization options, and levels of support and community.
If you are a small or medium-sized business looking for a cloud-based solution that includes advanced features such as AI, ML, and predictive analytics, then Business Central may be the right choice for you. If you are a larger enterprise that requires robust financial management capabilities. And have the resources to manage an on-premise solution, then GP may be the better option.
Ultimately, the choice between Dynamics GP and Business Central depends on your unique business needs, goals, and budget. It is important to evaluate both solutions carefully and consult with an ERP expert before making a decision.
