Still Using Microsoft Dynamics GP? Here’s Why It’s Time to Upgrade

 

Microsoft Dynamics GP, formerly Great Plains Software, has been a trusted ERP solution for decades. It’s helped businesses manage financials, inventory, and operations effectively, especially mid-sized companies with turnovers between £3-10m. But the software’s golden age is over, and Microsoft’s plans to phase it out signal an urgent need for change.

If you’re still relying on Dynamics GP, now is the time to take action. Here’s why sticking with GP could cost your business more than you think—and how a modern solution could transform your finance processes.

 

The End of the Road for Dynamics GP

Microsoft has officially announced it will stop selling Dynamics GP in 2025, and mainstream support has already ended for most versions. Here’s the timeline for remaining support:

• GP 2015: Ends April 8, 2025
• GP 2016: Ends July 14, 2026
• GP 2018: Ends January 11, 2028

Even with extended support, only critical security patches will be provided—no bug fixes, feature updates, or technical assistance. Essentially, businesses will be left managing an outdated, unsupported system.

 

Why is Microsoft Moving On?

The software’s foundation—built on an outdated SQL database and a programming language called Dexterity—is no longer sustainable. Microsoft is focusing on cloud-based solutions like Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, which offer more flexibility and modern features. However, Dynamics 365 comes with its own challenges:

• High technical expertise required: Complex setups and integrations demand ongoing IT support.
• Costly licensing: Its pricing structure often deters mid-sized businesses.

For companies already grappling with GP’s complexity, moving to Dynamics 365 may not feel like a straightforward upgrade—it could just replace one set of challenges with another.

 

Why Staying on GP is Risky

While Dynamics GP still offers valuable functionality, its limitations are becoming glaringly obvious:

1. Increasing Maintenance Costs: Legacy systems like GP are expensive to maintain, and finding qualified experts to support Dexterity is increasingly difficult.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular updates, your data becomes more exposed to cyber threats.
3. Operational Disruptions: As features age and integrations falter, day-to-day finance operations risk becoming less efficient and more error-prone.

 

Migration: A Challenge Worth Tackling

We understand that moving away from GP is daunting. Finance teams have spent years working around its quirks and building processes around its limitations. But clinging to an outdated system only delays the inevitable—and increases risks along the way.

Migration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right finance software provider, you can modernise your systems while preserving the workflows your team relies on.

 

What to Look for in Your Next Finance Solution

When choosing a replacement for Dynamics GP, here’s what you need to prioritise:

1. Ease of Use: Modern systems should simplify workflows—not add complexity.
2. Cloud-Based Accessibility: No more clunky on-premise installations or IT headaches.
3. Built-In Support: Say goodbye to high technical demands and hello to solutions that just work.
4. Tailored Features: From invoicing to reporting, ensure the system supports your unique business needs.
5. Scalability: Choose a platform that grows with your business, not one you’ll outgrow in a few years.

 

Why Choose bluQube?

Our finance software offers everything Dynamics GP can’t:

• User-Friendly Design: A clean, intuitive interface that your team can master quickly.
• Comprehensive Support: We provide expert assistance—no bots, no delays, and no resellers.
• Cloud-First Approach: Secure, accessible, and scalable, with 99.99% uptime.
• Enhancements: Your feedback shapes our updates, ensuring the system evolves with your needs.
• Award-Winning Service: Recognised with back-to-back Cloud Excellence Awards.

 

Don’t Wait for the Clock to Run Out

Migrating from Dynamics GP can take 3-12 months, so starting now is crucial. The sooner you plan your move, the smoother your transition will be—and the sooner your team can reap the benefits of a modern finance solution.

Still unsure? Contact us today for a personalised consultation or explore our tips on selecting the best finance software for your business: Top Tips for Choosing Finance Software.

It’s time to leave the past behind and embrace a finance solution that propels your business forward.