At a Glance

Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central share core ERP strengths, including finance, inventory, permissions, and Microsoft integration. However, Business Central is the modern successor, offering cloud deployment, subscription licensing, automatic updates, stronger scalability, and built-in automation and AI. Upgrading from a legacy makes sense when support, reporting, integration, or growth requirements outpace its capabilities. Looking to upgrade from NAV to Business Central? Contact Brookland Solutions today.

Business Central vs NAV

Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) and Dynamics 365 Business Central are powerful ERP solutions from Microsoft. They are designed to help businesses improve their processes, boost operational efficiency, and drive growth. While NAV delivers as an on-premise solution, Business Central offers a more modern, cloud-based ERP with enhanced functionality and scalability.

With Microsoft winding down support for NAV and its iterations, many organisations are considering an ERP upgrade. That said, understanding the key similarities and differences between these systems can help make decisions aligned with long-term strategic goals.

In this guide, we explore the key similarities and differences between Business Central and NAV, and when it makes sense to upgrade from NAV to BC.

Key Similarities Between Dynamics NAV and Business Central

Although Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the newer platform, it builds on NAV’s foundations. Both systems share many core ERP strengths, including:

Financial Management

Both NAV and Business Central offer strong financial management features that support day-to-day accounting and long-term financial planning. This includes the general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting and reporting.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

Business Central and NAV systems have essential tools for managing supply chain operations. From tracking inventory levels in real time to managing order processing workflows, both systems support a range of processes across all stages.

Role-Based Access and Permissions

To maintain security and ensure compliance, both ERPs (although only the later versions of NAV) support role-based access and permissions to control what users can see or do. You can assign permissions by role, department, or responsibility.

Customisation Options

Business Central and NAV are designed to be customisable and flexible, helping you to tailor workflows to your business’ operational needs. NAV customisations are built into the system, while Business Central uses extensions for smoother upgrades and long-term functionality.

Integration with Microsoft Tools

Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem is another shared strength, helping teams work more efficiently without the need to switch between systems. NAV connects seamlessly with Excel, while Business Central connects with MS 365, Power BI, and Power Platform services for automation and reporting.

Familiar Interface

One of the major advantages of both NAV and Business Central is the familiarity they provide for users who already work with Microsoft tools. This also reduces the learning curve for teams adopting ERP for the first time or moving from systems.

Key Differences Between Business Central and NAV

If your organisation is currently using Dynamics NAV and considering migrating to Dynamics 365 Business Central, understanding the differences between the two ERPs is essential. While they share a common foundation, there are key differences in how each platform is delivered.

Key Differences Dynamics NAV Dynamics Business Central
Deployment Models On-premises only On-premises or cloud-based
Licensing Models Perpetual licensing model; currently, no new licenses Subscription licensing model; new licences available
Upgrades No new enhancements or features Automatic updates (major and minor) from Microsoft, included in subscription
Support Limited support from Microsoft, restricted to security/vulnerability fixes Fully supported by Microsoft
Integrations Limited Extensive, with other Microsoft products, such as Power Platform and Microsoft 365
Scalability Scalable with low flexibility Highly scalable
User Experience Traditional, spreadsheet functionality User-friendly and intuitive
Customisation Highly customisable, but needs developer support.  Highly customisable, with a broader range of options to personalise with zero-code apps/add-ons
AI Capabilities None Dynamics 365 Copilot

When It Makes Sense to Upgrade from Dynamics NAV to Business Central

Upgrading may not be a priority now, but it’s a strategic move when your organisation needs better functionality, security, and future-ready capabilities.

Your organisation should consider upgrading to Business Central if:

  • Your NAV version is older, and upgrades are becoming expensive and disruptive
  • Your organisation needs cloud-based features to support remote work and multi-location access
  • You need stronger integration with Microsoft tools, including Power Platform and Microsoft 365
  • You need better reporting and automation capabilities
  • You’re planning for business growth and acquisitions and need a more scalable ERP

Upgrading from Dynamics NAV to Business Central with Brookland Solutions

Migrating from NAV to Business Central can address the limitations of legacy systems while providing businesses with more features for future innovation and growth. If you’re currently using NAV and are looking to upgrade to Business Central, Brookland Solutions can help. We support a wide range of SMEs and businesses at every stage of their NAV to Business Central journey, from planning through post-live support.

We can support you with:

  • NAV system review and upgrade readiness assessment
  • Data migration planning
  • Implementing and configuring Business Central to fit your workflows
  • An extension plan to replace or modernise the NAV customisations
  • Training and change management to aid user adoption
  • Ongoing support and optimisation beyond go-live

Partner with Brookland Solutions for a structured and secure move from NAV to Business Central, tailored to your business’ needs. Fill out our contact form to book a consultation.

Business Central vs NAV FAQs

Is NAV the same as Business Central?

NAV and Business Central are similar but are not inherently the same. Business Central is the modern successor to Dynamics NAV.

Can you still use Dynamics NAV?

You can continue to use Dynamics NAV on-premises. However, bear in mind that Microsoft provides support for NAV only till 2028.

Is Business Central better than NAV?

Yes, if you’re looking for cloud-based features, better integrations with the Microsoft ecosystem, more customisation options, and regular updates.

Can you move from NAV to Business Central without losing data?

Yes, with proper planning, migration support, and tools, businesses can transfer key data to the new system.