Dynamics NAV end of support is coming fast — and food businesses need to be ready.

If you’re still running your business on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, now is the time to start thinking about what comes next. Microsoft has officially begun phasing out support for NAV, and that has real implications for the future of your ERP environment. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and operations.

Microsoft’s Dynamics NAV Lifecycle: What’s ending and when

Microsoft follows a fixed lifecycle policy for its software products, which gives each version of NAV 10 years of support: 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. Once that ends, no more security patches, regulatory updates, or bug fixes are released. That creates risk.

Here’s where things stand:

The Dynamics NAV end of support timeline affects regulatory compliance, integration, and long-term scalability.
View Microsoft’s official product lifecycle here

What Happens If You Stay on NAV After Dynamics NAV End of Support?
Continuing with an unsupported version of NAV might seem like a way to save costs in the short term, but the long-term risks are significant:

• No more critical security updates
• Risk of falling out of compliance with regulations
• Difficulty integrating with modern tools and systems
• Rising maintenance and support costs

Why Microsoft recommends Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s modern replacement for NAV. It delivers all the functionality of NAV, plus enhanced tools, better integration, and cloud flexibility. You can deploy it on-premise or in the cloud, depending on your business model.

Business Central gives you:

• Real-time data across your operations
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Role-based dashboards for smarter decisions
• Cloud or on-premise deployment
• Flexibility to work anywhere, on any device

Read more about the benefits of Business Central here.

Why Work with Liberty Grove Software

We’ve worked with every version of Dynamics NAV and helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade to Business Central. We’ve helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade from every version of NAV to Business Central.

We bring:

• Deep expertise in every NAV version
• Proven upgrade methodologies
• Strong project management to stay on time and on budget
• Clear guidance and personalized support throughout the transition

We’ve even helped clients migrate in under 30 days. See how we did it.

For more technical detail and migration considerations, you can also read our in-depth blog on NAV to Business Central migration.

What Should You Do Next?

If your business is running on Dynamics NAV, start the conversation now. Whether you’re looking for continued support or exploring your upgrade path, Liberty Grove Software can help you map out the right next steps.

Let’s talk about:

• Where you are in the NAV lifecycle
• What a move to Business Central would look like
• How to plan a smooth transition that fits your business needs

Your Next Step

Whether you’re preparing for an upgrade or just exploring options, Liberty Grove Software can help you assess your readiness, understand your options, and create a transition plan that works for your business.

Let’s talk. Request an executive briefing or private demo today.

If you’re looking for more clarity on key transition questions, we’ve included a few common ones below. You can also explore other resources throughout our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the end-of-life date for Dynamics NAV? Each version of Dynamics NAV has its own support timeline. For example, NAV 2015 reaches end of extended support in January 2025, NAV 2016 in April 2026, and NAV 2018 in January 2028. After these dates, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or security patches. View lifecycle dates

What should I do about the Dynamics NAV end of support? Begin evaluating your options with Business Central now to avoid unsupported risks.

Can I continue using Dynamics NAV after support ends? Yes, but it comes with risks. You won’t receive critical updates or security patches, which can expose your system to compliance issues and vulnerabilities. Many businesses use this time to plan an upgrade to avoid disruption.

What is Dynamics 365 Business Central? It’s Microsoft’s modern ERP platform and the official successor to Dynamics NAV. It includes all NAV’s core capabilities along with modern features like cloud hosting, better reporting, integration with Microsoft 365, and enhanced scalability.

Is upgrading from NAV to Business Central difficult? The upgrade process depends on your current NAV setup. Liberty Grove Software can help assess your system and create a tailored roadmap. We’ve completed migrations in as little as 30 days.

Can I keep Business Central on-premise? Yes. Business Central can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise. You can choose the model that fits your business best.

Where can I learn more about NAV to BC migration? Read our full migration guide here: NAV to Business Central Migration Blog

You already know how powerful Microsoft Business Central can be for optimizing your business processes. So, are you interested in how AI can be used within Business Central to take your business to new heights? Let us introduce your new business partner: Dynamics Copilot.

This blog will explore Microsoft Dynamics Copilot and highlight how businesses can use it for increased flexibility and efficiency.

A little history

• The concept of using computer power emerged in the 1940s-1950s (think about how computers were used to decode messages during WWII)
• 1960s – the first use of Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) – helping people to use computing power to assess inventory levels
• 1980s – Oliver Wight introduced MRP II to enrich supply chain planning processes
• 1990s – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems emerged
• 2010s – Mobile computing integrated into ERP and the addition of Public Cloud – Microsoft began investing in technology infrastructure and laid the foundation for the technical functionality we all enjoy today
• At its inception in 1984, Business Central had a different name and was a single-user entity
• Re-branded to Business Central, it was officially launched in 2018 – look how far it’s come!

How can you use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is rapidly using AI, or artificial intelligence, in a number of its features to improve it and give users wise insights. The following are some significant applications of Copilot in Business Central:

• Development of Marketing Text: imagine the time savings when you can produce concise information that will explain your products’ features and benefits to prospective customers
• Cash Flow Projections: knowing when a customer will pay based on their payment terms gives you insight into monies you can expect to leverage when needed.
• Late Payment Predictions: even though they’re not ideal, knowing when payments might be delayed is vital to business planning.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Business Central analyzes a lot of data using AI algorithms. Businesses can make wise judgments based on precise insights thanks to their assistance in identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.
• Intelligent Forecasts: Predictive analytics driven by AI can evaluate historical data and forecast future events. AI algorithms in Business Central can estimate sales, inventory levels, cash flows, and other critical performance metrics, assisting in improved resource allocation and planning.
• Process Automation: AI can automate tedious and repetitive operations, giving people more time to concentrate on strategic duties. For instance, Business Central can employ AI to automate expenditure management, invoice processing, and other typical administrative processes, saving time and increasing productivity.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): Business Central uses AI to improve CRM features. It can evaluate customer data, interactions, and purchase history to make personalized recommendations, improve marketing campaigns, and increase customer happiness and retention.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Business Central uses NLP to support commands and inquiries in natural language. Users can communicate with the system using voice or text to ask questions, give directions, or seek information. Business Central can process and reply to these interactions utilizing AI-based language comprehension capabilities.
• Fraud detection: AI algorithms can examine Business Central transactional data to detect fraud. It can assist companies in preventing financial losses brought on by fraudulent transactions by identifying patterns and abnormalities.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Using historical and current data on inventory levels, demand, and supplier performance, AI may improve Business Central’s supply chain operations. It can help with supply chain planning, inventory optimization, and demand forecasting, increasing productivity and lowering costs.
• Intelligent Document Management: Business Central’s AI-powered document management tools can automatically extract pertinent data from receipts, purchase orders, and invoices. Data entry is made more straightforward, there are fewer mistakes, and document processing is quicker, thanks to automation.

Future areas of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot’s capabilities include creating extended text, generating copy in multiple languages to facilitate international business endeavors, seasonal forecasting to assist production and sales teams, monitoring operational KPIs, and code creation.

It’s vital to remember that the specific AI capabilities offered by Business Central may change based on the software’s version, updates, and configuration. Microsoft is still investing in AI research and development, so additional AI capabilities and improvements will eventually be available.

Conclusion

Liberty Grove can help companies identify areas where a solution like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Copilot can make business administration a breeze, freeing time for more critical tasks and increasing profitability.

Contact Liberty Grove for a complimentary consultation on implementing Copilot into your ERP system for greater flexibility and functionality.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions. The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

Looking back a little, in September 2021, Microsoft launched the Bridge to the Cloud promotion to help current SMB customers (Dynamics NAV, GP, SL, and Business Central on-premises) who are committed to moving to the Cloud and are on an active Enhancement Plan (EP) get discounted cloud licenses through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Roll forward and now we have Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023.

What will the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 promotion change in 2023?

In anticipation of the shift, many businesses created budgets and made plans for change. Investing heavily in new business software and technology is a strategic decision that can position your company for future success. Businesses and organizations still using legacy ERP may experience sluggish productivity, mediocre functionality, laborious procedures, and an antiquated user interface and would benefit from a more up-to-date, comprehensive system.

With Business Central available for an inexpensive license and a guided migration path from a reputable technology solutions partner, the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud campaign is a fantastic opportunity to adopt a cloud-hosted ERP solution at a fraction of the usual cost.

The promotion was planned to run until 2022, then extended to allow more firms to switch to Business Central, ending on December 31.

Continue reading to learn more about the promotion and what you need to know moving ahead.

What’s new?

The promotion began on February 1, 2023. With a three-year migration period, eligible customers will enjoy a 40% discount on licensing expenses.

It’s a fantastic chance to upgrade to Business Central for less money.

What happens when the promotion period is over?

This deal is a one-way transition, which means customers will completely switch to Business Central online when the promotion expires and will no longer have access to their old ERP solution or licenses.

It’s a fantastic chance for companies who intend to relocate but aren’t quite ready to commit.

What are the rights to dual access?

Dual access privileges are available to promotion customers, allowing you to continue using your current ERP system throughout the migration until the end of your offer period. You can use your existing ERP normally while implementing, customizing, and testing Business Central. You should know that only one of these solutions can be active simultaneously. Therefore, Business Central will only be used for testing while you continue to utilize your Dynamics GP, Dynamics NAV, or Dynamics SL solution.

Benefits specific to each eligible application: During the promotional period, all eligible Microsoft ERPs (NAV, SL, and GP) will enjoy substantial license cost reductions, dual access rights to their current system and Business Central, and a no-rush migration to Business Central. Of course, once they switch to Business Central, the ERP’s cutting-edge features and user-friendly design will be of immeasurable value to the company going forward. Each legacy application benefits specifically from a switch to Business Central on an individual basis:

• Dynamics NAV

Any organization using Dynamics NAV will want to upgrade to Business Central because it is the most recent NAV generation built on the same foundation as Dynamics NAV. Since Business Central is essentially the next stage of NAV’s development, people familiar with NAV will quickly adapt to the new system. It leads to quicker upgrade adoption and less disruption of daily operations.

• GP Dynamics

There is no sunset date for the ERP, and GP is still supported; however, there will be no future significant updates or features. Bug fixes and tax-related adjustments will be the only minor upgrades. Although many GP users are devoted to the old program, Microsoft has made it evident that Business Central is their top priority.

As a result, Dynamics GP will serve as a technological time capsule that will never again be in contact with cutting-edge technology. Users of Dynamics GP who switch to Business Central will see many advantages, including a more contemporary and user-friendly design, incredible customizability, the usage of dimensions, the absence of batch processing bottlenecks, and more.

• SL Dynamics

In January 2024, Microsoft will stop offering general support for Dynamics SL 2018. That alone should be enough motivation to look for a new, more advanced ERP that will continue to get updates and support. Beyond that, switching to a cloud-based ERP offers advantages like not relying on or investing in hardware or a remote desktop service, flexible licensing, scalability, and enhanced security.

A robust, out-of-the-box solution with a high degree of customizability to make it ideal for your industry and your procedures, Business Central is an excellent option for practically any company.

After the initial promotional period, what happens?

Three alternatives will be available to customers following the initial one-year promotional period:

1. The customer can stop the cloud migration and return to their old solution and licensing. For the promotional term, customers who choose this option and intend to re-enroll in their Enhancement will be responsible for any lapsed payments. A buyer can only alter their mind once during this deal.
2. At that point, the client can migrate to Business Central.
3. Bridge to the Cloud 2 has a fixed 3-year term from enrollment. If accepted, the customer is committed to moving entirely to the Cloud once they stop renewing the promotion’s yearly extensions.

Although the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 campaign, which began in February 2023, offers customers several significant advantages. It’s a great chance to cut costs and is perfect for companies who need to switch to a new ERP soon but don’t want to rush the process or don’t have the time to devote to deployment.

Microsoft offers dual-use access to current on-premises licenses for qualified existing clients who move to Dynamics 365 Business Central online via Bridge to the Cloud. It’s now possible for clients to switch to Business Central on the Cloud while still using their existing system.

In contrast to the three years of the CSP-EP Renewal offer, Bridge to the Cloud has a maximum four-year term. Customers that sign up for the Bridge to the Cloud promotion commit to transferring to the Cloud, assuming they will eventually switch to a CSP license and complete a full migration to Business Central online once the promotional period has passed.

Changes to the promotion concern which customers are eligible for it as well as a reduction in the discount over a predetermined 3-year period.

Only on-premises Business Central, NAV, GP, and SL clients are eligible for the initial program. All on-premises Dynamics products, such as AX, Dynamics 365 for Operations, and Dynamics CRM, are included in the promotion with Bridge to the Cloud 2.

Additionally, the term restriction will now be three years, and the discount will reduce from 60% to 40%. The following table highlights the main variations:

Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 Overview

To see all the details behind the terms and conditions, partners can visit the Bridge to the Cloud 2 website, available to authorized Microsoft partners.

Are you eligible for the Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 promotion?

Not sure? Or perhaps you need help navigating how the changes will impact or help your organization.

Our complimentary consultation will assist you in determining your eligibility. If you decide that a Microsoft Bridge to the Cloud 2023 program is the correct move for you, the Liberty Grove experts can explain the process and get you started.

About the author

Liberty Grove Software is an established Microsoft Partner that focuses on providing customers with sales, service, and support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central/NAV solutions and training and upgrades.

Over more than 25 years, Liberty Grove has assisted hundreds of customers with businesses ranging from small to mid-sized to Microsoft Partners in implementing, training, customization, and upgrading Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions.

The organization is one of only a few companies worldwide that Microsoft recognizes as qualified to provide Business Central/NAV Upgrade Service Centers.

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs and increase profits in 2022 (and who isn’t?), then moving from your on-premises Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to an ERP solution in the cloud is a no brainer. The solution we recommend is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC).

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)

Business Central is a groundbreaking Cloud ERP solution that connects finance, sales, service, and operations. Moving to the cloud with Business Central gives your company the competitive edge needed to survive and thrive. Let me tell you more about that.

How to Survive and Thrive in 2022 and Beyond

With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in the cloud, you save time, save money, and access data in real-time for making informed business decisions.

• Work on-the-go securely
• Close financials faster
• Access your ERP anytime, anywhere, on any device
• Gain efficiency with innovative role-based workspaces
• Make data-driven decisions with BI dashboards and reports
• Add industry-specific features and functionality, such as…
  • Integrated supply chain ensures that your customers get everything they ordered, when and where they need them
  • Warehouse management so you know what you can sell, deliver, and avoid backorders
  • Manufacturing so you can make what is needed with…
    • Deep BOMs, shop floor routing, smart sensors, and more
• Use intelligent automation and workflows to streamline your business processes
• Accelerate the sales process by delivering on promises
• Regulatory compliance apps

And of course, Microsoft Security

You can’t survive and thrive if your system is hacked or hijacked for ransom. That’s why Microsoft is connected to more than 3,500security professionals globally across their product development teams, information security groups, and legal teams to protect Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and services, products and devices, and internal resources.

To safeguard your people, data, and infrastructure, Microsoft deploys integrated security, compliance, and identity solutions built to work across platforms and cloud environments. To catch what others might miss, Microsoft relies on leading AI, automation, and expertise to help you detect threats quickly, respond effectively, and fortify your security posture.

Business Central Has It All

Despite everything we have written about above, all the features and benefits of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, we could still fill a doorstop-sized tome with additional information.

Instead, we encourage you to contact by calling 630-858-7388 or emailing nav@libertygrovetech.com.

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