Support Announcements & Choices for Microsoft Great Plains Users

Many of the companies we work with at ERP Research are long-time users of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (GP) ERP software. And many of these Microsoft GP users are often uncertain about the future of support for their ERP system.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the current situation of Microsoft Great Plains support, the potential future, as well as the options and alternatives available to its user base.

Contents:

1. Microsoft Support Update

2. Decision Points for Microsoft GP Users

- Run Microsoft GP without support

- Adopt third-party Great Plains support

- Evaluate other ERP solutions

3. Microsoft Great Plains Alternatives

Update on Microsoft GP Support

According to the Microsoft website, several versions of Microsoft GP will become end of life and sunsetted between now and 2028. Depending on which version of Microsoft Great Plains will determine the future of your Great Plains software estate as below:

In fact, several versions of Great Plains ERP are already out of mainstream support, from Dynamics GP 2013 R2 through to GP 2016 R2. Users of Dynamics GP 2018 & 2018 R2 only have until 2023.

Despite this, several versions of Great Plains are currently in extended support, a lifeline to users of Great Plains that aren't ready to migrate to new ERP solutions.

Extended support agreements for Great Plains typically provide the bare minimum of bug fixes and security patches, without adding any value-add functionality.

Decisions for Microsoft Great Plains Users

Users of Microsoft Great Plains ERP need to consider their options quickly if they want to continue their business without interruption. Let's explore potential paths below:

1. Continue using Microsoft GP without support

Continuing to use Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains without support isn't a recommended option at all, but it requires a mention anyway. It is possible for Microsoft users to continue to use Great Plains without any support agreement, however it opens your business up to several risks including:

Information Security Risks:

Without security patches, Great Plains and your business will be more susceptible to cyber attacks, ransomware, and other security risks.

Productivity & Innovation Risks:

The latest ERP systems are not just a necessary business tool for finance and accounting but can be considered as competitive advantages which can enable an organisation to create new business models and reduce the administrative efforts of key knowledge workers and talent within their business.

Tax, Compliance & Legal:

Using unsupported versions of Microsoft GP can expose your business to tax, compliance and legal risks, without the necessary updates to the software.

2. Adopt Third Party Microsoft Great Plains Support

Using a third-party support company to support your MS GP system can enable you to expand its lifecycle beyond mainstream support. Many third-party companies offer support for outdated Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains ERP software and often employ ex-Microsoft Great Plains consultants who are knowledgeable in the product.

Although this can seem like a great option, we recommend it's only used as a stepping stone to migrate to a Microsoft Great Plains alternative solution. Ultimately, third party support contracts for GP will not provide product enhancements and innovation at the same rate as mainstream product support and your business will fall behind its competitors.

3. Evaluate other ERP Solutions

Inevitably, the writing is on the wall for Microsoft Great Plains and its users will eventually have no option but to move to a new ERP solution, whether now or by 2028. Those who don't make the leap will face large risks — whether from competition, cyber security risks or from compliance and legal.

Microsoft Great Plains Alternatives

So which alternatives are available in the market to Microsoft Great Plains, let's explore some of the popular options below:

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is potentially the easiest alternative for users of Great Plains. There can be commercial benefits to doing this, as well as continuity of many day to day maintenance operations. The migration from Great Plains to Dynamics is also made easier using several wizards and tools which can migrate data and processes.

Download Microsoft Dynamics Guide

2. Netsuite

Netsuite is a popular solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking for Cloud ERP software. Netsuite is used across many industries from services to manufacturing and beyond and is commonly used by companies migrating from MS GP ERP.

Download Oracle Netsuite Guide

3. SAP Business ByDesign

SAP Business ByDesign is a popular ERP software and we have seen many of the organisations we work with migrate to it after using Microsoft Great Plains. ByDesign is a Cloud ERP solution with deep and wide capabilities across production, SCM, accounting and finance, professional services and project management.

Download SAP Business ByDesign Guide

4. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a Cloud accounting and financial management suite which is a great fit for Microsoft Great Plains users that are in process-light, or asset-light industries such as public sector bodies, not-for-profits and professional services organisations with anywhere from 50 to 1,000 employees.

Download Sage Intacct Guide

5. Infor CloudSuite Industrial

Infor CloudSuite Industrial is an ERP solution popular with Microsoft Great Plains customers who are looking to move away from the Microsoft ERP family. Infor CSI has developed capabilities across the value chain for distribution companies, manufacturing organisations and those who make, supply or distribute goods.

6. IFS Applications

IFS Applications is often used by Microsoft Great Plains users in asset-intensive industries such as engineering, oil & gas, automotive and more. It provides deep and integrated functionality for manufacturing, supply chain, field service and projects in one flexible solution which is loved by its loyal customers.

7. Workday

Workday is a strong choice for Microsoft Great Plains users that require tight integration between financial management and accounting and human resources. Workday has recently expanded its capabilities to also include purchasing, budgeting and planning. If your organisation is in the professional services space, then Workday could be an excellent end-to-end fit. Furthermore, Workday can work for other industries when companies adopt a best-of-breed application approach.