Dynamics NAV to Business Central Migration
What Dynamics NAV users should know when planning a move to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, from upgrade paths and customisations to data, testing and cloud readiness.
What this guide covers
- check_circleWhy NAV users are considering Business Central
- check_circleThe supported NAV to Business Central upgrade route
- check_circleWhat happens to NAV customisations and C/AL code
- check_circleWhat data can move to Business Central
- check_circleHow to prepare integrations, testing and users
- check_circleKey questions to answer before migration
Why Move from Dynamics NAV to Business Central?
Dynamics NAV and Business Central share the same product lineage, but moving to Business Central online is more than a simple name change. It moves the ERP towards Microsoft's current cloud platform, extension-based customisation model and ongoing update cycle.
For NAV users, the strongest reasons to plan a migration are usually support lifecycle, ageing infrastructure, difficult-to-maintain customisations, remote access requirements and the need to connect ERP data more easily with Microsoft 365, Power BI and Power Platform.
cloudMove towards the cloud
Business Central online removes the need to operate the ERP application and database infrastructure in the same way as a traditional on-premises NAV deployment.
updateA modern update model
Business Central online is a cloud service with Microsoft-managed updates, so customisations must be designed to remain compatible with the extension model.
extensionModernise customisations
Older NAV modifications may be embedded in C/AL objects. Modern Business Central uses AL and extensions, which changes how bespoke functionality is developed and maintained.
hubConnect the wider operation
Business Central can connect with Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Automate and partner apps, alongside warehouse, commerce and POS solutions.
Dynamics NAV vs Business Central: What Changes?
| Area | Typical Dynamics NAV approach | Business Central online approach | Migration consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Often on-premises or privately hosted | Microsoft cloud SaaS | Review infrastructure dependencies, identity, connectivity and integrations. |
| Customisation | C/AL object modifications are common in older NAV estates | AL extensions and apps | Catalogue modifications and decide what to convert, replace or retire. |
| Updates | Version upgrades are typically planned as projects | Microsoft-managed cloud update cycle | Extensions and integrations must remain compatible with supported releases. |
| Access | Windows client and environment-dependent access in many older deployments | Browser, desktop and mobile access | Review roles, permissions and user experience. |
| Reporting & automation | NAV reports plus Excel and bespoke tools | Business Central plus Excel, Power BI and Power Platform | Decide which legacy reports and workflows should be rebuilt or replaced. |
| Integrations | Web services, file exchanges and bespoke interfaces | APIs, web services, Power Platform and extensions | Retest every business-critical integration before cutover. |
What Happens to Your NAV Data?
A NAV-to-Business-Central project should separate data migration from application customisation. Microsoft provides supported cloud-migration tooling for on-premises data, but NAV customisations need their own assessment and conversion path.
contactsCore business data
- Customers and vendors
- Items and inventory data
- General ledger data
- Sales and purchase data
- Dimensions and setup data
fact_checkData to validate
- Opening and outstanding balances
- Stock quantities and costing
- Number series
- Posting setup
- Company-specific configuration
codeTechnical data questions
- Custom tables
- Data created by bespoke code
- Third-party extension data
- Attachments and documents
- Archived or obsolete records
Important: custom table data needs particular attention.
Microsoft states that data from tables with code customisations cannot simply be carried forward from Dynamics NAV through the standard path. Your partner should identify these tables early and design an appropriate conversion or migration approach.
How Does a NAV to Business Central Migration Work?
The technical route varies by NAV version, but a controlled project normally follows these stages.
Technical assessment
Confirm the NAV version, SQL environment, companies, database size, custom objects, add-ons and integrations.
Functional discovery
Review how teams actually use NAV and identify obsolete workarounds or functionality that should not automatically be recreated.
Customisation strategy
Convert required C/AL functionality to AL extensions, replace it with standard Business Central functionality or apps, or redesign it.
Upgrade and data preparation
Follow the supported intermediate upgrade path, clean data and prepare the environment for cloud migration.
Testing
Validate finance, inventory, sales, purchasing, integrations, permissions, reports and end-to-end operational scenarios.
Cloud migration and cutover
Replicate the prepared on-premises data to Business Central online, complete final validation, train users and switch operations through a controlled go-live.
What Should You Review Before Migrating NAV?
codeCustom code
List modified NAV objects and separate business-critical functionality from changes that are no longer required.
extensionAdd-ons
Confirm whether each ISV add-on has a supported Business Central extension or needs an alternative.
hubIntegrations
Document eCommerce, EDI, CRM, payroll, banking, warehouse, POS, reporting and other interfaces.
databaseData quality
Clean duplicate and obsolete master records and investigate unusual balances or inventory before migration.
groupsUsers and permissions
Map roles and permissions rather than automatically reproducing years of accumulated NAV access.
descriptionReports and documents
Review bespoke reports, invoices, labels and layouts and decide which ones need rebuilding.
Is Dynamics NAV Still Supported?
Support depends on the NAV version. For example, Dynamics NAV 2018 left mainstream support on 11 January 2023 and Microsoft lists extended support through January 2028. Earlier NAV versions have earlier lifecycle dates.
Do not wait for the final support date to assess the system.
A heavily customised NAV estate can take time to analyse, convert and test. Starting with an assessment gives you time to choose the right route rather than treating migration as an emergency upgrade.
NAV Migration Readiness Checklist
- check_circleConfirm your exact NAV version and cumulative update
- check_circleInventory every modification, add-on and integration
- check_circleIdentify custom tables and business-critical bespoke data
- check_circleClean customer, vendor and item master data
- check_circleReview reports, documents, permissions and workflows
- check_circleDecide what should be converted, replaced or retired
- check_circleCreate a representative test plan across departments
- check_circlePlan training, final data replication and cutover
What Can You Improve When Moving from NAV?
Migration is a useful point to review processes that have accumulated around NAV over many years. For wholesalers and distributors, Business Central can become the core ERP while connected solutions extend it across warehouse, B2B eCommerce and trade counter operations.
Orca Commerce
Connect your ERP system to your online store with eCommerce inventory software designed for B2B and wholesale businesses. Synchronise products, customers and orders in real time, and streamline fulfilment from warehouse to customer.
View Solution
Orca Warehouse
Improve stock accuracy and warehouse efficiency with a cloud-based warehouse management system designed for wholesale and distribution operations. Manage inventory, barcode scanning, picking, packing and fulfilment with real-time visibility across your warehouse.
View Solution
Orca POS
Enable fast checkout and mobile selling with POS software fully integrated into your ERP system. Process sales seamlessly online or offline with full offline capability, maintain accurate stock levels, and keep financial data in sync across your business.
View SolutionHow Orca Supports Dynamics NAV to Business Central Migration
Orca Business Solutions has experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Business Central. We help UK businesses assess their existing NAV environment, plan the upgrade and migration route, modernise operational processes and move towards Business Central with testing and user readiness built into the project.
verifiedBusiness Central specialists
We work with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and can configure it around finance, sales, purchasing, stock and operational requirements.
hubConnected operational solutions
Our Warehouse, Commerce and POS solutions can extend Business Central across the wider wholesale and distribution operation.
Explore the ERP Migration Series
Frequently asked questions
Considering a move from Dynamics NAV to Business Central?
We can review your current NAV version, customisations, data and integrations, then help you plan a practical route to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.