Making the Move from GP to Acumatica

For years, Microsoft Dynamics GP has provided users, administrators, and the companies they work for a reliable, robust, and reasonably priced ERP solution—we should know, we’ve been supporting it for years.

But even with the Modern Lifecycle Policy built to simplify updates and maintain support, even with the improvements made over the past years, and even with a dedicated base of users and partners, there’s a simple fact: GP is still a legacy product.

As a company who has spent the better part of three decades putting this product into use for our clients and receiving a variety of accolades in the process, we know a thing or two about how the system works—its benefits, its nuances, and its limitations. While yes, if you’re still using GP, you can trust in MIBAR to support it for years, you may also understand that nothing gold can stay—and at some point, it’s time to start looking at your next steps.

The Rise and Full Embrace of the Cloud: Modern Solutions for Modern Needs

Over the past decade, the cloud has gone from fringe product to consistent player to de facto option for growing companies. Though many players have been around for much longer.

The 90s and 2000s brought us web-based accounting and business management solutions, the early 2000s saw internet-enabled legacy ERP, and by the late 2000s, the market had begun to shift. But, as we discussed in our article on the rise of the cloud, 2010 market a massive shift to the new normal. Today, nearly every company delivers solutions via the internet rather than on-premises servers, and companies using the product have been the beneficiaries.

From the robust updates to the easy integration to the exceptional processing power and user-friendly pricing, companies who made the move saw immediate benefit. Increased productivity, the ability to use a diverse set of solutions built to handle whatever you threw at it, and easier management are just some of the things gained.

But Microsoft, an innovative company in its own right, just kept plugging along—2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, etc—maintaining the same consistency they always have. But for many companies, consistency only does so much. Sometimes you need a product ready to push you forward. Enter Acumatica.

Is It Time to Look for a Move from GP to Acumatica?

Though there are many challenges for GP users, many of the most consistent complaints pertain to the support, rigidity, and standardization needed by today’s companies. 2010 is already past its Mainstream Support end, 2013 and 2015 are in Extended Support, and many are left considering whether to stick around on Modern Lifecycle GP or look for something that can handle their needs—and many are turning to Acumatica.

Reliable, but Dated: Challenges GP Will Put You Up Against

On the other hand, GP is considered a relic, with many companies facing drawbacks. For example:

Dynamics GP still uses the same proprietary programming language (Dexterity) that it used back in 1992.
Dynamics GP still uses the same client-server architecture and requires Microsoft SharePoint to move it to the cloud.
Integration between Dynamics GP and Dynamics CRM requires the use of separate databases.
GP users can expect less innovation for their maintenance dollar. Microsoft has said, “Dynamics GP and Dynamics SL will continue to receive product improvements and updates, but the most benefit to these customers comes from upgrading to Dynamics 365 Business Central”
GP has no direct migration path to Business Central, Microsoft’s only true-cloud mid-market ERP product. Moving to Business Central will be a new implementation on a different ERP.

Why Acumatica Puts Users in the Driver’s Seat

Built in the cloud and built to support growth, Acumatica uses industry-standard tools to allow easier customization, leverages a pricing and delivery model built to scale, and helps businesses achieve rapid payback.

Here are just some of the areas Acumatica shines:

Acumatica promises and delivers true cloud functionality. “True cloud” means all functionality is accessible through the internet using a standard browser without the need for additional software installation on the user’s device or additional software licensing.
Acumatica is easy to implement and configure. Acumatica is highly configurable and is built using industry-standard C# and .NET. Pair this with well-built APIs that are resilient even during updates, and you’ll find out just how easy it is to use this.
Acumatica grows with you—the costs don’t. While GP is built on a traditional licensing model, Acumatica can support your long-term goals. Because Acumatica only charges by the by computing power required and not by users, you can scale your equipment as you grow, allowing an unlimited number of users to access the system regardless of their job function.

As a Dynamics GP user, it is important that you understand GP End of Life. It is not just a distant event; it carries substantial implications that every business must be aware of. To learn more, please watch our on-demand webinar, Microsoft Dynamics GP End of Life – What’s Next, to:

Gain a firm grasp of the critical dates that will shape your decision-making process.
Decode the terminology to understand how it will directly affect your day-to-day operations & future of your org.
Delve into the security & business continuity risks that may jeopardize your organization.

Click here to watch now.

Make the Move with MIBAR

Though there are many partners you can choose, if you’re a GP user looking to forge ahead, you’d probably benefit from a company who has worked on both sides of the migration. We’ve helped a variety of companies like yours to recognize the advantages of moving to the cloud, put a solution in place that will facilitate your business, and provide you returns for years.

Learn more about your options when replacing Dynamics GP.