At a Glance

Dynamics GP has supported UK finance teams for years, but its ageing, batch-based structure limits modern workflows. Dynamics 365 Business Central delivers real-time processing, automated reporting, cloud scalability, and stronger compliance. As GP phases out, upgrading becomes essential for visibility, efficiency, and growth. Brookland Solutions provides full GP-to-BC migration support.

Dynamics GP Finance Module

Dynamics GP has been the ERP of choice for many UK businesses for years. It also supports finance functions and operations with reliable accounting and reporting capabilities. 

However, many small and mid-sized businesses have already moved to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central following the announcement of support ending for Dynamics GP. Although GP is a reliable ERP system, Business Central is positioned as the next generation of GP with a more modern, cloud-first approach.

Brookland Solutions helps SMEs upgrade to Business Central from their existing GP systems with end-to-end support. But as you’re weighing your options, understand the differences between Dynamics GP and Dynamics Business Central in their finance modules.

This guide will help you compare the financial features of both systems and find out if it’s the right time to upgrade.

Core Financial Capabilities – Dynamics GP vs Dynamics Business Central

Both Dynamics GP and Business Central offer robust financial functionalities, but they greatly differ in the way they deliver them. Here are the key differences that set them apart.

Core Financial Modules in Dynamics GP

  • General Ledger
  • Payables & Receivables
  • Fixed Assets
  • Cash Management
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Basic Budgeting

These functions feel familiar if you’ve been using Dynamics GP for years. But it’s reliance on manual workarounds and batch posting to level up to the demands of modern workloads.

Core Financial Modules in Dynamics 365 Business Central

Expands on GP’s capabilities with:

  • Real-time financial updating (no batch processing needed)
  • Built-in consolidation tools
  • Dimensions for better analysis
  • AI-backed cashflow forecasts
  • Automated deferrals and accruals
  • Effortless integrations with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Power Automate

Let’s further explore the granular differences between Dynamics GP and the Business Central finance module in terms of reporting, reconciliation, compliance, and user experience.

Reporting

Dynamics GP

GP’s core reporting tool is the Management Reporter, however, it’s no longer actively developed. SQL Reporting Services, SmartLists and Excel refreshable reports support reporting in GP but lack real-time updates that modern finance teams expect.

Business Central

BC takes reporting a step further with built-in Excel integration with live data refresh, along with native, embedded Power BI dashboards. Access dimensional reporting without creating extra GL accounts. Teams can create custom reports within the browser and gain insights in simple terms.

Business Central offers clear visibility into financial reporting with better accessibility and insights, even for non-financial users.

Reconciliation

Dynamics GP

Bank and reconciliation functions in Dynamics GP’s finance module are fairly functional but can be time-consuming, batch-dependent, prone to manual errors, and limited without third-party tools.

Business Central

Business Central automates its bank reconciliation tasks, including bank feeds, matching transactions, and viewing balances.  

User Experience

Dynamics GP

In terms of overall UX, Dynamics GP feels dated for new users with limited mobility and its Windows dependency.

Business Central

On the other hand, BC is more browser-based with mobile/tablet support with a modern, role-based interface. It has customisable dashboards and seamless integrations with Teams, Excel, Power BI, and Outlook.

How Business Central Supports Compliance and Scalability

Businesses need to keep up with the changing regulatory and compliance demands, and their ERP needs to support these changes. Business Central can support and be configured to offer various compliance features that GP may not be able to match natively.

For Compliance

  • Full MTD compliance
  • Continuous Microsoft security updates
  • Data residency and encryption in Azure
  • Automated audit trails

For Scalability

  • Cloud-based approach removes server dependency
  • Automatic updates keep the system up to date
  • Effortlessly connects with Microsoft’s ecosystem
  • Easily add users, companies, currencies, and regions

When Is the Right Time to Make the Switch?

Dynamics GP is a reliable ERP system and will continue to be supported even after Microsoft announced to phase out this ERP. Following this announcement,  customers are being encouraged to upgrade to Dynamics Business Central. But it’s natural for GP users to grow concerned about this news and the impact on their financial operations.

But switching from Dynamics GP to Business Central becomes imperative for your finance teams when:

  • Your teams need modern financial reporting and analytics with Power BI and dimensional reporting.
  • Your teams want real-time visibility for better decision-making over manual and batch processing
  • Maintaining servers, upgrading hardware, and paying for hosting are becoming unsustainable.
  • Your GP is heavily relying on third-party tools alone
  • You’re looking to grow your business internationally and need multi-entity and multi-currency functions

Gain A Modern Financial ERP with Brookland Solutions

Both ERPs offer features for the General Ledger and Core Finance areas.  However, Business Central is built with automation, scalability, cloud connectivity, and real-time insights to complement any forward-thinking business strategy.

The next logical step for businesses is considering various migration options and planning a smooth transition. If you’re looking to compare migration costs and timelines, Brookland Solutions can help.

Book a consultation today to find out more!