Tailored approach to data migration for better management in Dynamics ERP: cloud-ready or standalone

Data migration strategy for Dynamics NAV/Business Central – why it matters?

Data migration is critical for multiple processes that enhance data management across systems:

◻️ legacy system migration

◻️ integrating data from older apps into modern systems

◻️ performing major software upgrades

◻️ adopting new cloud or on-premises platforms

In Dynamics NAV and BC, data migration is rarely as simple as copy-pasting items from one location to another. The underlying business logic and various validations usually prevent this approach.

Trying to migrate data "as is", without filtering it beforehand, may move outdated or irrelevant data alongside critical information. As a result, businesses using the newest versions of Business Central cloud or on-prem may struggle with data integrity, security, and performance issues.

Efficient and well-planned data migration, on the other hand, is crucial for effective data management in Business Central and good data strategy.

To meet concrete project requirements and specific business needs, we offer a flexible approach to data migration, combining recommended Microsoft guides and tools, boosted by custom processes when relevant.

Data migration from NAV/Business Central: benefits of moving with us

Minimal or no disruption of business processes, as the migration processes are mainly run on the weekend, outside business hours.

Data Shipping App, a unique data migration tool that boosts data migration from on-prem to cloud for large databases, when go-live can't be done over a single weekend.

Tailored approach to specific migration cases and customer needs.

Flexible planning and implementation of data migration.

Data security. The way we handle data is through VPN-enabled virtual machines with two-factor authentication in a secure environment.

Vast experience in data migrations and Business Central cloud solutions.

A team of outside-the-box thinkers to suggest alternative solutions when they fit best.

Direct, no-middlemen communication with our professionals for a faster project delivery.

Pick your unique approach to data migration services for NAV/Business Central

For the most comprehensive approach, we conduct data migration as a standalone package (for either moving to the cloud or on-prem migrations) and as a key component of Stairway to Cloud, our complete cloud migration package.

To migrate on-premises data to Business Central online in a predictable manner, we suggest starting with Discovery X-ray as the first step. This NAV/BC pre-migration review reveals modifications in the current NAV/BC solution to later plan a predictable and surprise-free migration to Business Central cloud.

We plan and conduct data migration based on our NAV/BC customizations review, and 4 major approaches for secure data migration.

For any of the approaches, we can apply a “no as is” migration by filtering legacy data and moving only relevant tables and fields to the cloud.

Data only

Our approach involves only transferring the business data that the customer requires, without affecting system modifications or code.

Best fit: simple system upgrades with minimal custom processes.

Data first

The first step is to transfer business data. Once it’s in the cloud, we later update business logic or develop custom functionality, if needed. The customers’ business processes are up and running as we use our tool, built for this type of migration – Data Shipping app - to make the transition even faster and smoother.

Best fit: systems with significant customizations or major logic updates.

Code only

We move functionality, customized features, or extensions to the cloud without moving business data. Instead, we help prepare and implement new, fresh data sets.

Best fit: scenarios where only functionality needs to be migrated to the cloud.

Code first

After the code is migrated, we move standard and custom data, including custom fields or pages. We also adapt the underlying code or customizations for a smooth performance from the very start.

Best fit: in particular, large and complex projects where both the data and application logic need restructuring or updating in parallel.

What about the data migration cost?

Each data migration project is unique and depends on the volume of data, customizations, and the migration approach.

We regularly work on a fixed-price basis, so our customers have full cost transparency from the very start.

We don’t offer one-size-fits-all pricing. The pricing may start from €1000 for small installations. For larger systems, the cost is higher and reflects the scope of modifications in the current NAV/BC solution, as well as customer needs and preferences.

We offer a tailored estimate so our customers only pay for what really matters to their business.

Data migration as part of a Business Central cloud migration strategy

Data migration backs cloud migration in many scenarios:

Moving from legacy to cloud

When moving legacy apps that use large datasets, it is crucial to migrate data to Business Central online to ensure the app functions effectively in the cloud.

Improving data management

Cloud solutions improve collaboration and enhance data management with centralized access to data across business departments.

Adding scalability

Migrating business data to the cloud is a must to benefit from its scalability by managing large or changing business workflows effectively.

Optimizing operational costs

Maintaining cloud solutions is more cost-friendly than maintaining and upgrading the solutions' infrastructure in the on-prem versions.

Global Mediator defines and tailors data migration for Dynamics NAV/BC depending on specific customer and project needs, or regulatory requirements.

Thus, we can accommodate any of the 4 approaches within our cloud migration suite.

However, data migration is not always obligatory and depends on the specific requirements and strategies of cloud migration.

Cloud migration runs smoothly

if it is predictable and well-planned

Get our new whitepaper, 5 pitfalls to avoid when migrating NAV solution to BC cloud, to learn about the possible scenarios and how to prevent them.

It is based on our hands-on experience with cloud migrations and outlines the ways Global Mediator can address each of these 5 critical obstacles with specific approaches and packages we offer.

Data migration as a standalone package

For businesses that need data migration services outside the cloud migration, Global Mediator conducts data migration as a standalone package.

The package covers, among other things:

For more information, please get in touch.

Send the form and receive answers to your questions.