Everything you need to prepare for a Microsoft cloud migration

by | Jun 18, 2024 | Data Management, Inventory Management, Order Management, Suppliers

If you’ve heard the recent news that Microsoft will be limiting the support for Dynamics GP and you’re one of the companies still running Great Plains, you may be scrambling to understand your options. Luckily, this rumor isn’t precisely true.

While Microsoft has announced they will halt sales of new Dynamics GP licenses by April 2025, they will still provide support through 2028. What a relief! This gives you ample time to consider your options and plan your transition seamlessly.

One of the biggest reasons that Microsoft is making these changes is the overwhelming shift to systems operating in the cloud. Cloud-based solutions are increasingly becoming the norm, offering more robust accessibility, scalability and security.

So, while you’re safe to stay with Microsoft GP for the time being, you may want to consider your other options for a variety of reasons, including access to a more optimized ERP. The most common migration path for Dynamics GP users will be Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). With Microsoft BC, your data will be moved to a modern cloud solution with no physical infrastructure that requires outside support and maintenance.

For the purposes of this blog, let’s say that you’re in no rush to migrate, but you’ve decided that you want to make the switch to Dynamics 365 BC in the next year or two. What will that look like for your business?

Enjoy the benefits of a cloud-based solution

You may be hesitant to leave your current on-premise solution. While this is entirely natural, there are many benefits to switching to the cloud, and it can be a painless transition when you have the right support.

A cloud-based solution has many benefits, but some stand out among the others:

  1. Security
    • If this is your first time implementing a cloud-based solution, security can feel like a risk. However, cloud-based technology is actually much more secure than on-premise systems. There are specific standards that each system must meet, meaning your data is at a much lower risk for cyber-attacks or malware threats.
  2. Accessibility
    • While you need to be in the office (or warehouse, or wherever your physical infrastructure lives) to access your data with an on-premise solution, your cloud-based technology can be accessed from anywhere. This makes it easier to do your job whenever something unexpected comes up.
  3. Scalability
    • Your business will continue to grow, especially when you make the right technology investments. While on-premise systems can only take you so far, a solution in the cloud is constantly growing with you. You can easily adjust your processes as needed as your business focuses change.

Once you’ve decided to migrate to a cloud-based ERP (like Dynamics 365 BC), you’ll be on track to consider what other cloud-based solutions you’re ready for. That’s where SPS Commerce comes in.

Automated, seamless and instant

With our full-service, cloud-based EDI solution that integrates directly into Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC, you’ll have access to:

Error-free, automated EDI transactions

With automation, say goodbye to tedious, manual data entry. You’ll be able to send and receive invoices and orders completely electronically, confident that the data is accurate the first time.

Visibility into your supply chain

Your supply chain needs to adjust to meet the ever-evolving needs of your customers and partners. When you have increased visibility into transaction methods and inventory, you can adjust the rest of your operations as needed. Plus, making these changes has never been easier.

An organized, multi-channel sales system

You have orders coming in from every channel imaginable. With a cloud-based solution from SPS, you can manage them all in one system – from anywhere in the world. No more deciphering which invoice goes where or manually attempting to find trends in each channel – SPS can provide that data for you.

The world’s largest international trading network

With over 120,000 trading partners already in the SPS Commerce network, there’s no heavy lift for you to get connected with customers and partners. Chances are, they’re already in our network.

Unobstructed growth

SPS has been building our network for 20+ years, which means we’ve optimized our solutions to meet the real, unique needs of retailers, suppliers, distributors and logistics partners. Plus, we’re always adding functionality for supply chain needs and order management models (like bulk replenishment, cross-dock and drop-ship) as they arise.

Streamline your entire customer-to-cash cycle

By giving your existing supply chain technology a major upgrade, you’ll streamline daily operations and remove opportunities for error. Make your life easier and your customers happier, all with one simple integration.

Leave the technicalities to the experts

The cloud isn’t as daunting as it sounds, so whether you’re migrating to gain new capabilities that aren’t available with Microsoft GP or just looking for new ways to optimize, you’ll be setting yourself up for success when you migrate.

A team of experts (like the ones at SPS) is there for support, maintenance, testing and more, meaning nothing will slip through the cracks, and optimization is top of mind. You can look forward to new ways of scaling your business, more automation within your supply chain and more time on your hands to focus on growth in other areas.

Questions about how SPS Commerce can integrate EDI into your new, cloud-based ERP? Contact us today to get started.

SPS Commerce Blog Team
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