Dynamics NAV vs. Business Central: Key Differences and Your Path Forward
Dynamics NAV vs. Business Central: Key Differences and Your Path Forward
For decades, Microsoft Dynamics NAV has been the go-to ERP for growing organizations in manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and more. Today, Microsoft has fully consolidated NAV into its modern successor, Dynamics 365 Business Central, and is rapidly moving customers to the cloud.
If your organization is still running NAV, the clock is officially ticking.
This guide compares the two solutions side-by-side and outlines your best path forward without the risk, downtime, or disruption many businesses fear.
NAV and Business Central: Quick Overview
Microsoft Dynamics NAV
A mature, highly flexible on-premises ERP solution originally released as Navision and later acquired by Microsoft in 2002. Tens of thousands of companies continue to rely on Dynamics NAV, but the platform is reaching end-of-life:
- Mainstream support for NAV 2018 ended: January 10, 2023
- Extended support ends: January 11, 2028
After that date, Dynamics NAV will receive no security fixes, no regulatory updates, and no paid Microsoft support. Organizations still running NAV will face growing security risks and increasing operational costs.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
The cloud-first evolution of Dynamics NAV — built on the same functional foundation but rebuilt for modern business. Business Central delivers dramatic improvements in mobility, integration, automation, analytics, and overall user experience.
Key differentiators include native Microsoft 365 integration, Copilot AI, automatic upgrades, and fully web-based access.
Feature Comparison: NAV vs. Business Central
| Category | Dynamics NAV | Business Central (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Primarily on-premises; some hosted | Cloud-first (SaaS); on-prem or private cloud options |
| User Interface | Windows/RoleTailored client | Modern web client + full mobile/tablet apps |
| Financial Management | Strong but limited dimensions | Unlimited dimensions + advanced analytics |
| Reporting | Jet Reports, SSRS, 3rd-party tools | Embedded Power BI + Excel integration |
| Upgrades | Manual, infrequent, customization-heavy | Automatic twice-yearly waves; upgrade-safe extensions |
| Integrations | Mostly via custom connectors | Native Teams, Outlook, Power Automate, Power Apps, Copilot |
| Customization | C/AL code (outdated development tools) | AL extensions (modern development tools) |
| Remote Access | Requires VPN or hosted environment | Browser-based + mobile apps — no VPN needed |
| AI & Automation | Very limited | Microsoft Copilot, predictive analytics, Power Automate flows |
| Multi-Company / Multi-Entity | Possible with heavy customization | Native, out-of-the-box |
| Performance & Scalability | Depends on your hardware | Auto-scales instantly in Azure |
Cost & Licensing
Dynamics GP
- Perpetual licensing + annual enhancement plan
- Requires servers, SQL licensing, backups, and in-house IT
- Manual patching and security responsibilities
- Customizations significantly increase long-term cost
Business Central
- Subscription pricing (as of November 1, 2025):
- Essentials: $80/month with 3GB storage
- Premium: $110/month with 5GB storage
- Device: $45/month with 1.5GB storage
- No server or SQL licensing
- Automatic updates, security, backups, and scaling handled by Microsoft
Why NAV Customers Are Moving Now
With extended support ending in just over two years (January 2028), most organizations are actively planning their transition. The longer you wait, the more cost and risk you accumulate.
Several triggers are pushing companies to migrate sooner rather than later:
- Skyrocketing upgrade and customization costs in NAV
- Lack of mobile or remote capabilities
- Shrinking NAV developer talent pool (C/AL skillset is fading)
- Increasing security and compliance requirements
- Desire for Copilot AI, Teams and Excel integration, and real-time Power BI
- Need for predictable costs and reduced IT maintenance
Organizations that have already migrated typically report significant benefits: Many notice faster reporting and better visibility, major reductions in IT overhead, and higher user satisfaction. Teams collaboration improves with Outlook and Teams integration, and AI-powered efficiencies start delivering value from day one.
“Having a cloud-based ERP gives us the freedom to work from anywhere while maintaining full functionality and security. It’s a game changer for productivity and collaboration.”
— Dynamics 365 Business Central Customer, Microsoft Case Study
Making the Move Smooth and Successful with OmniVue
Get Started Today
As Microsoft prioritizes Business Central for future development, now is the time to plan your move. Whether you need to migrate from Dynamics NAV or implement Dynamics 365 Business Central from the ground up, OmniVue is here to guide your ERP journey—from start to finish. Contact us today and take the first step toward a modern ERP built for the future.