I applaud you for beginning the process of due diligence. Upgrading your accounting system is a big deal and should be taken seriously. Even more serious is any talk of changing to another product. It is rare that people actually map out all their processes and the process changes necessary to make an accounting system change smooth. I've heard of numerous horror stories where people went all in on changing systems and were still fighting those changes years later and regretting their decision.
I'd suggest searching this forum for others answers to this question. A few key ones:
1) Dynamics 365 is NOT an upgrade from Dynamics GP. It is a separate accounting system altogether. There is no upgrade path to D365 and no software provided to make that change because the two are nothing alike. D365 may meet your needs but don't let the sales people tell you it is an upgrade.
2) The choice to go cloud-based vs on-prem is going to depend a LOT on what functionality you currently use and where your pain points are. Moving to the cloud just introduces different challenges than being on-prem. One big consideration is the bandwidth necessary to use a web-based platform and the stability of that connection.
My suggestion? Set up a test environment for any product you want to test. Most vendors will assist you in trying out their product for a minimal or no fee. Use this to compare your existing environment against a possible replacement. Take the time to identify your key processes and figure out how to do those in the new software before ever agreeing to make the switch. The last thing you want is to blow a bunch of money and time only to find out that the new product has to be customized, etc. to support critical functionality and you're nonfunctional while that is happening.
Also understand that accounting systems are based on processes and
your processes will necessarily change if you switch to a new accounting system. That makes it critical to identify how much of a change is involved.
The last one (which is a major consideration for us) is getting new data in and existing data out of your current system. Do you use integrations? Maybe use a bank portal or ACH system? Third-party payroll? Keep in mind that all of these will have to be completely re-engineered so make sure that you plan for that. And don't forget your reporting, as ALL of that will have to be redone.
This isn't a decision to rush into. This is something which requires careful exploration, planning, and decision-making. Take your time and make sure you triple-check and be sure you've covered everything before you pull that lever.
------------------------------
Blair Christensen
Database Administrator
Oppenheimer Companies, Inc.
Boise Idaho GPUG Chapter Leader
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: Jan 12, 2021 03:01 PM
From: Lame' Durst
Subject: GP vs 365
Hello!
We are approaching an upgrade and the idea of moving from Dynamics GP on premise solution to cloud based (I am assuming this would be Dynamics 365) has been brought up. Has anyone done this? What is your experience?
------------------------------
Lame' Durst
Pace
Bessemer AL
------------------------------