Upgrading Navision & Dynamics NAV to Business Central – Better Late Than Never

Old ERP versions such as Navision / Dynamics NAV or early Business Central versions are falling out of support. At the same time, the pressure to act is increasing due to the B2B e-invoice from 01.01.2025. If you do not update your ERP system, you risk security vulnerabilities, compliance violations and rising operating costs. Modern ERP maintenance means two major releases per year in April and October, a support window of around 18 months per version, fit to standard instead of uncontrolled customization, and access to AI functions such as Copilot.

What has changed

E-invoicing

Since 01.01.2025, companies must be able to receive and process electronic invoices in the B2B area. A PDF does not count as an e-invoice under EN 16931. Sending them becomes mandatory in stages. Companies should therefore bring document flows, formats, validation and archiving up to standard.

Vendor policy

Dynamics NAV 2016, 2017 and 2018 are only in extended support. Once it expires, there are no security updates. Business Central follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy with half-yearly major releases in April and October. If you miss the cycle, you quickly drop out of support.

Risks of not acting

• Security risks:
  • Older Windows Server and SQL Server versions are often out of support. Without security updates, the risk of attack and the liability exposure both grow.
• Compliance risks:
  • Missing e-invoicing capability, missing traceability and outdated add-ons lead to audit findings.
• Operating and cost drivers:
  • More emergency fixes, more manual workarounds, longer lead times. That costs more than a planned upgrade.

Benefit levers of an upgrade

• Productivity:
  • Current features, better usability and automation shorten lead times.
• Quality:
  • Standardized processes reduce error rates and media breaks.
• AI and Copilot:
  • Current Business Central versions enable Copilot features such as chat with Copilot, text generation and assistants for core processes.

Am I overdue?

• NAV older than 2018: plan now, since there is only extended support and high risks.
• NAV 2018: replace it by 11.01.2028 at the latest. The earlier, the less duplicated effort.
• Business Central: stay in the Modern Lifecycle and use the cadence every April and October.

Warning signs in operation

• Windows Server or Microsoft SQL out of support
• Workarounds for mandatory functions such as e-invoicing
• No tested disaster recovery
• Announced end of support for Add-ons
• Upgrade backlog with postponements for an indefinite period

How we support you

We deliver a quick check focused on a fast and cost-effective switch from Dynamics NAV / Navision to Business Central. Together we plan a lean upgrade, prioritize standards and get you into a reliable release rhythm. This turns the upgrade into a maintenance routine and the investment pays off.