As digital transformation accelerates across industries, many organisations are re-evaluating the capabilities of their legacy ERP systems. One major shift we’re seeing at epic ERP is the move from Microsoft Great Plains to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – a modern, cloud-based ERP solution that meets today’s demands for flexibility, real-time insights, and cost-effective scalability.
A recent example of this shift is African Unity Life, who partnered with epic ERP to transition from Microsoft Great Plains to Business Central. Their decision was driven by the need for a more agile, data-driven ERP system—one that supports strategic growth and delivers meaningful business insights. With Business Central in place, they are poised for a more streamlined, future-proof financial ecosystem that will evolve alongside their business.
Why the shift from Great Plains to Business Central makes sense
Across industries, organisations that have relied on Microsoft Great Plains (GP) are increasingly finding it difficult to keep up with the demands of modern business. As needs around scalability, integration, automation, and remote access grow, many are recognising the limitations of legacy systems and the need for a more agile, cloud-based ERP.
Microsoft has also outlined the end of the product lifecycle for Dynamics GP, signalling the right time for businesses to plan their next step:
- December 2029: End of product enhancements, regulatory (tax) updates, and product support
- April 2031: End of security updates
These milestones mean that after 2031, businesses still operating on GP will no longer receive critical updates or security patches – potentially exposing systems to compliance risks, security vulnerabilities, and operational inefficiencies. By transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, organisations can future-proof their operations and take full advantage of Microsoft’s ongoing innovation in the cloud.
Adding to the incentive, Microsoft offers the “Bridge to the Cloud 2” NCE promotion, which awards eligible NAV and Dynamics on-premises customers a 40% discount on most Dynamics 365 online product licenses during a 3-year, non-cancellable term.
This promotion, which ends in December 2025, helped African Unity Life save 40% on their Business Central license subscription, significantly reducing migration costs. While this specific offer concludes soon, other funding options are available – making it an opportune time to explore migration support.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is emerging as the natural successor to GP – offering a modern, future-ready platform that enables businesses to:
- Gain real-time financial visibility through advanced reporting and analytics
- Scale effortlessly with a cloud-native architecture
- Drive productivity through seamless Microsoft 365 integration
- Improve decision-making with AI-powered automation and insights
- Lower IT overheads and infrastructure costs with a subscription-based model
This evolution isn’t just about upgrading technology – it’s about empowering businesses with the tools they need to grow smarter, faster, and more efficiently in a competitive digital landscape.
epic ERP’s winning approach
Choosing an ERP partner isn’t just about implementation—it’s about strategic alignment. African Unity Life selected epic ERP for our hands-on, consultative approach, and our ability to configure Business Central to meet the specific demands of a fintech environment. Key reasons for the partnership included:
- Deep discovery and alignment – epic ERP took the time to fully understand their business model, ensuring a fit-for-purpose configuration
- Cost-effective innovation – Business Central offered the right mix of features and value
- Smooth implementation – With minimal disruption and a strong focus on business continuity, epic ERP delivered a transition plan prioritising stability and readiness
What African Unity Life can expect next
As the implementation of Business Central progresses, African Unity Life is set to unlock new levels of operational clarity, agility, and efficiency. Once fully live, they can expect:
- Automated processes that reduce manual work and improve accuracy
- Faster, smarter reporting to support proactive decision-making
- Improved compliance and risk management with system-driven controls
- Flexibility and scalability to support future acquisitions, products, or services
- A modern ERP experience that evolves with their business
The future of fintech, powered by Business Central
Business Central is rapidly becoming the ERP of choice for fintech firms looking to scale, comply, and compete in a digital-first world. With features designed to improve financial agility, streamline operations, and harness real-time data, it offers:
- Predictive analytics for sharper market insight
- Automation tools that boost speed and reduce errors
- Built-in compliance functionality to meet regulatory demands
- Enhanced cybersecurity and cloud resilience
African Unity Life’s journey is just one example of how businesses are future-proofing their operations by moving off Great Plains and onto Business Central – with epic ERP as a strategic partner to guide the way.
