Manufacturers across North America still relying on older versions of Microsoft Dynamics NAV are being urged by Dynamics Square Canada, a Microsoft Solutions Partner, to reassess their ERP strategies. The call comes as many of these systems, some in use for over a decade, struggle to keep up with the demands of growing businesses. The company warns that outdated NAV versions can slow accounting and manufacturing tasks, complicate reporting and invoicing, and limit integration with everyday tools like Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams. Leaders also lose the timely, accurate view of operations needed for decision-making. Compounding the issue, Microsoft ended support for NAV 2013 and NAV 2013 R2 in January 2023, leaving users without security updates or technical assistance.
Dynamics Square Canada recommends Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central as the logical next step for NAV users. Business Central offers a modern platform for finance and operations built on the familiar Microsoft foundation, enabling smoother integration and real-time data access. A case in point is a North American aerospace supplier of aviation fluid handling components that had outgrown NAV 2013. After migrating to Business Central with data from NAV and integrating Office 365 tools, the company now manages processes from a single dashboard, completes accounting tasks without lag, and delivers real-time data to the right people. The full story is detailed in the NAV 2013 to Business Central case study.
“Older NAV versions were built for a different stage of growth,” said Darshan Mungekar, Senior D365 Solution Architect at Dynamics Square Canada. “Business Central gives finance and operations teams one place to work. For a manufacturer, that means fewer delays and a clearer view of the business.” The implications for manufacturers are significant: staying on unsupported NAV versions exposes them to security vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. Upgrading to Business Central not only mitigates these risks but also positions companies to scale with a modern, integrated ERP.
Dynamics Square Canada advises manufacturers to evaluate their current NAV version, customizations, and data before setting an upgrade timeline. This proactive approach ensures the transition is aligned with business needs rather than forced by circumstance. Organizations can request a personalized assessment and roadmap for their Dynamics NAV to Business Central upgrade to plan a smooth migration. As part of the broader Dynamics Square organization, the company supports Microsoft Dynamics 365 initiatives across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, providing implementation, consulting, migration, and support services.
