Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration: What Field Service Leaders Need to Know

Most field service leaders I talk to don’t fear the Dynamics GP to Business Central migration—they fear what might go wrong along the way.

It’s understandable, right? When a system has been powering your operations for years, change can feel more risky than rewarding.

Consider this: What if your truck runs great, but now there’s one that’s more fuel-efficient, fully connected, and equipped with smart navigation to help you get to every job site faster? At some point, it’s not about whether the old truck works—it’s about how much more you could do with what’s available today.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the most common concerns field service teams face with a Dynamics GP to Business Central migration, and how to get there without blowing a gasket (or blowing up your schedule).

Recognizing the Value of Dynamics GP

I’m not here to knock GP. Its reliability is exactly why many field service companies have depended on it for decades, handling everything from job costing to service calls to inventory tracking. And it did so in an era before mobile-first tools and real-time data syncing were the norm.

So this move to Business Central? It’s not a rejection of what came before. It’s the next logical step. A strategic evolution that allows you to build on what you’ve done—and set your team up to do more with less friction.

Common Migration Challenges and Solutions

Field service companies often run into three major challenges when planning their Dynamics GP to Business Central migration:

1. Data migration complexities

You’ve invested years shaping GP to fit like a glove. So the idea of starting fresh? It’s like being handed a stiff, new pair of work boots and told, “Don’t worry, you’ll break them in.” Not exactly comforting when you have no time for blisters.

Fortunately, you have options. With the right tools and guidance, you can assess what data needs to move, clean it up during the transition, and avoid carrying over decades of digital clutter.

Tools like Microsoft’s migration framework are specifically designed for this, and working with a partner experienced in both systems can make the process far more manageable.

And this is the perfect time to do it. Cleaning up old vendor records, consolidating duplicate customers, and archiving outdated service histories can actually improve performance once you're live in Business Central. It’s not just about preservation—it’s about optimization.

2. System Adoption Hurdles

People know GP. They’ve built muscle memory around it. The learning curve for Business Central can feel like an unwelcome speed bump, especially when you’re trying to keep service calls running smoothly.

That’s why I recommend involving field and office teams early.

● Give them a voice in how workflows translate over.

● Offer targeted training that reflects their day-to-day tasks.

● And highlight features that will make their lives easier—like MobileTech integrations, streamlined dispatching, and intuitive UI upgrades.

McKinsey’s research into digital transformation pitfalls supports this hands-on, inclusive approach.

3. Operational Disruptions

No one wants their service operations interrupted. And the idea of running dual systems during the transition? That’s enough to make most ops teams break into a cold sweat.

So what’s the better approach?

● Build a migration timeline that avoids peak service windows.

● Test thoroughly.

● Communicate often.

● And make sure your field and office teams know what to expect at each step.

The more predictable the rollout, the fewer surprises on go-live day… and the less likely it is to disrupt your operations.

Strategies Specific to Field Service Companies

Some of the most pressing questions during migration come from the field:

What happens to our scheduling and dispatching?

Can our techs still access what they need on the go?

Will job costing and billing workflows stay intact?

These are valid concerns, and they can be addressed with the right planning.

Field services operations depend on real-time access, which is why MobileTech and other integrated tools should be included in the early rollout. Scheduling should remain uninterrupted, and any changes to job tracking or costing should be tested thoroughly with real use cases before going live.

This is also where integrating Dynamics 365 Field Service with Business Central starts to show real value. With built-in syncing, streamlined data sharing, and mobile-first functionality, your field service management platform becomes more responsive and resilient.

For example, if your technicians currently call dispatch to confirm job details, imagine the time saved when they can access schedules, maps, and job histories right from their mobile device. That level of visibility not only improves productivity—it improves customer experience too.

Long-Term Value of Dynamics GP to Business Central Migration

Once you’re up and running, the benefits are hard to ignore. Business Central offers secure, anywhere access for both field and back-office users. It provides built-in integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, and Excel. And it delivers streamlined workflows that reflect how modern field service teams actually work.

It’s not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about unlocking what’s next. And the numbers back it up:

According to Forrester’s Total Economic Impact report, organizations see improved productivity, reduced costs, and faster time-to-value after migrating to Business Central.

Whether you're exploring options with Dynamics GP migration partners or trying to make sense of how Dynamics GP field service functionality carries forward, you're not alone. Working with an experienced Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant who knows GP and the field service space inside and out can be transformational.

A partner like WennSoft can help you create a migration strategy that includes thorough testing, clear communication, and timing that avoids peak service windows—so when you flip the switch, it feels less like a leap and more like a well-practiced move.

For a deeper dive into this type of planning, check out our Field Service Migration Guide.

Ready to discuss your Dynamics GP to BC migration? Reach out to explore how WennSoft can support your transition without missing a beat.

For even more GP to BC migration tips, join our upcoming webinar:

About the Author

Richard Haus is a technology leader with over 30 years in construction software innovation. As CEO of WennSoft, he helps contractors modernize operations with purpose-built Microsoft technologies that improve efficiency and drive long-term success. He has led the development of industry-transforming solutions like Signature Time, Signature Telematics, and our new Cloud Field Service, all designed to optimize workflows and enhance productivity for the skilled trades.

Passionate about problem-solving and continuous improvement, Richard believes success – whether in business or the outdoors – comes from preparation, the right tools, and a willingness to adapt.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.