Support for Microsoft Dynamics 365 GP will be in effect until December 31^st, 2029 as per this announcement: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/blog/it-professional/2024/09/25/announcing-end-of-support-for-dynamics-gp/.

Currently, this is most likely old news to most people. What I would like to discuss in today’s blog is the ramifications of this decision by Microsoft and how to prepare for this change.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is obviously a viable option to replace GP. Investments continue pouring in for this powerful cloud platform designed for SMBs. It is flexible, robust, shows significant functional depth and benefits from a vast ecosystem of partners.

Whether you decide to evaluate your options or opt to replace GP with BC, I’d like to share some thoughts with you regarding timeline based on a discussion I recently had with a customer.

Let’s first assume you are a manufacturing company of average complexity, with some needed customizations or integrations with other systems. The typical timeline for such a project is 12 to 18 months. Yes, you could do it in 8, but we want to sit in the middle of the bell curve for this scenario.

Now assume you want to go live at the end of 2029 because this is when your fiscal year ends and, incidentally, it is also the end of support for GP. This means your project has to start by mid-2028. But who kicks-off a project in the middle of summer when people are about to go on vacation?

Ok. Let’s kick-off in May 2028 then.

My experience has shown that selecting an ERP solution is not a walk in the park for most organizations. You can learn more about the steps involved in my book: https://erphelp.co/

For now, let’s mention reviewing your business processes and identifying requirements, potentially finding a consultant to support you in the selection process, inviting vendors to bid and demo for your project, among various activities. This can take up to a full year, sometimes even more.

Alright. You should begin the selection process around May 2027.

To begin this process, you need approval from the board of directors and a budget. Which might include convincing them of the need to switch systems. Which might take some time. Perhaps 6 months in many organizations?

We are now looking at December 2026 but, you know, Happy Holidays and everything. Let’s say November 2026.

I am writing this blog at the end of February 2025 and that is only 20 months from November 2026. You know better than me if the above timelines make sense in your organization. I have a hunch it may be appropriate to start thinking about the replacement of GP soon.

Time flies so fast, no?

Your potential timeline:

Hope this little dissertation is helpful.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you would like to learn more about Business Central and its deployment.

https://calendly.com/sylvain_at_vokeso

Cordially,

Sylvain.

 

Last updated: February, 2025