Dynamics GP to Business Central: A Smarter ERP for Remote Teams

Is staying with Dynamics GP holding your remote teams back? It’s a fair question—after all, moving from Dynamics GP to Business Central isn’t just a software switch; it’s a shift in how your team works together, no matter where they are. And if you’ve been using GP for years, making that change can feel a bit like trading in your well-worn office chair for a new ergonomic version. The old one may be comfortable, but is it providing the support you need?

To illustrate, consider Seth’s story.

Seth had been with Horizon Distributors for 15 years—long enough to remember when Microsoft Dynamics GP was a game-changer. Back then, everyone was in the same office, and sharing files meant walking over to a colleague’s desk—not jumping through VPN hoops. But today, with employees spread across multiple locations, GP was starting to feel more like a roadblock than a resource.

The tipping point came last quarter when their head of finance, Maria, tried to finalize reports while working from home. What should have taken minutes turned into a mess of outdated spreadsheets, VPN issues, and IT calls. Meanwhile, the sales team—half working remotely—was struggling to keep inventory and customer data updated because different teams were working off separate versions of the same files.

Seth knew they needed a system that could support remote work, not make it harder—one that allowed his team to securely access real-time data, collaborate seamlessly, and keep everything in sync, no matter where they logged in from.

But switching felt like a big step. Dynamics GP had served them well—was it really time to move on?

The answer, he realized, wasn’t about abandoning what worked before—it was about choosing the right solution for the future. And that’s where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central came in.

Challenges of On-Premise Systems for Remote Work

Before diving into the benefits of the cloud, let’s take a look at why on-premise systems struggle to keep up with today’s remote and hybrid workforce.

Limited accessibility  

On-premise ERP systems like Microsoft GP weren’t built for a workforce that operates from home offices, airport lounges, or coffee shops. Employees have to wrestle with VPNs, remote desktops, and frustrating workarounds just to log in. And what’s worse than struggling to access your system? Never knowing whether your VPN will cooperate today.

On top of that, businesses relying on GP must also consider its future viability. With conversations around Microsoft GP end of life surfacing, companies face uncertain long-term support, increasing IT maintenance costs, and the growing risk of outdated technology.

Data Silos and Version Control

With teams working in different locations, keeping one source of truth in GP is nearly impossible. Files get emailed, downloaded, and edited separately, creating duplicate entries, outdated data, and costly errors. Sales might update customer records in one file, while finance processes transactions in another—only to realize the numbers don’t match.

Security and IT maintenance

Remote access increases vulnerabilities, forcing IT teams to spend their time patching security gaps, fixing access issues, and troubleshooting VPN problems. Instead of focusing on strategic initiatives, they end up as the VPN Help Desk—a job no one applied for.

How Business Central Supports Remote Workforces

Unlike on-premise ERP systems, which rely on VPNs, patchwork integrations, and manual updates, Dynamics 365 Business Central is built for the modern workforce—secure, connected, and accessible from anywhere.

Forbes reports that cloud-based ERP solutions are becoming the standard for businesses looking to improve remote collaboration and accessibility. Learn more here.

Access from Anywhere, Anytime

Business Central empowers employees to securely log in from any device with an internet connection—no VPN required. So wherever they are—in the office, at home, or traveling, they get real-time, no-hassle access to financials, inventory, and reports.

Real-Time Collaboration

No more concerns and frustrations of data silos. Business Central eliminates them by allowing finance, sales, and operations teams to work on the same data at the same time. Forget about emailing spreadsheets back and forth—everyone has access to the same accurate, up-to-date information.

Seamless Microsoft 365 Integration

Business Central connects directly to Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Excel, making it easy to manage financials, communicate, and analyze data—all within the tools everyone is familiar with.

Need to pull real-time data into Excel? Done.

Want to send invoices from Outlook? No problem.

Scalability & Flexibility

Business Central grows with your business. Whether adding new employees, locations, or service offerings, remote teams stay just as connected and productive as in-office staff—without the operational headaches.

Security and Compliance Advantages

Security with an on-premise ERP system can feel like you’re playing defense—constantly reacting to new threats and compliance demands. And managing those vulnerabilities usually falls on your IT team, leaving them stretched thin. With a cloud-based ERP system like Dynamics 365 Business Central, security isn’t an afterthought—it’s built in.

Stronger Data Protection

Business Central comes with multi-factor authentication, encryption, and strict access controls, so only the right people see sensitive information. No more worrying about unsecured remote connections or outdated security protocols.

Automatic Security Updates

On-premise systems require manual patches and upgrades, which often get delayed, leaving your business exposed to risks. With Business Central, Microsoft handles updates automatically, keeping security features current without downtime or IT intervention.

Built-In Compliance

Business Central meets global security and compliance standards, minimizing the burden of regulatory reporting and audits. Instead of scrambling to meet requirements, you can focus on operations with the confidence that your ERP system is always compliant.

Efficiency and Cost Savings Compared to On-Premise GP

Today more than ever, making remote work easier is essential. But Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central also delivers game-changing financial and operational benefits that help businesses cut costs and improve productivity without having to wrestle with outdated infrastructure.

Lower IT Overhead

On-premise ERP systems need constant maintenance, server management, and manual updates, all of which drain IT resources. With Business Central, Microsoft handles hosting, security, and system performance—no need for expensive in-house infrastructure!
For more on cost savings, check out our breakdown.

Faster Implementation and Updates

Cloud deployment means companies get up and running faster compared to lengthy GP upgrade cycles. Instead of planning for disruptive, costly system overhauls, Business Central updates automatically, keeping your ERP secure and up to date without all the wasted downtime.

Improved User Experience and Productivity

With a modern, intuitive interface, Business Central is easier to use, reducing employee frustration and increasing efficiency. Instead of troubleshooting access issues or waiting on outdated data, employees can focus on meaningful work—wherever they are.

From GP to Business Central: A Smarter Way to Work

What happened with our friend Seth and his need for a solution?

After researching his options, the writing was on the wall: holding onto Dynamics GP meant continued workarounds, VPN headaches, and outdated processes. He needed a system that could support his remote team’s efficiency, not slow them down—and Dynamics 365 Business Central was the right choice.

Business Central isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a modern ERP that empowers teams to work from anywhere, collaborate in real time, and stay ahead with built-in security and automatic updates.

Like Seth, many businesses are making the next right choice—one that helps their teams stay connected and productive, no matter where they work.

If Dynamics GP once fit your business, you made the right choice. But with remote work now the norm, it’s time to consider what’s next.

Ready to see how Business Central can support your remote workforce? Contact DLD Business Solutions today.

Still weighing your options? Join our upcoming webinar, Navigating the Future: Microsoft Dynamics GP vs. Dynamics 365 Business Central, to explore the benefits of making the move.

About the Author

Dennis L Day, CPA, is the President of DLD Business Solutions. He focuses on empowering businesses with intelligent, efficient solutions that drive success.

For over 23 years, we’ve been a trusted partner, delivering expert implementation, migration, and support services for Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems.

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