Your Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Navision environment may still run critical financial, operational and business processes—but aging versions, legacy customizations and disconnected integrations can make modernization increasingly complex.
Sarakadiya helps organizations assess, upgrade and modernize Dynamics NAV / Navision environments and transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central through a structured migration strategy.
Preserve the business processes and data that matter while moving toward a more modern, connected and extensible Microsoft ERP platform.
Older NAV versions can make it harder to maintain the application and adopt newer Microsoft capabilities.
Custom C/AL modifications may require significant assessment and modernization before moving to Business Central.
Older integrations may rely on technologies or interfaces that are difficult to maintain as the broader technology environment evolves.
Organizations may want to take greater advantage of cloud ERP, Power Platform, Power BI, Microsoft 365 and Copilot capabilities.
The older the NAV environment, the more carefully the upgrade path needs to be planned.
The original ERP product that evolved into Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
Older NAV environments that generally require multiple upgrade stages before reaching a supported Business Central migration path.
NAV versions that can be modernized through supported intermediate upgrade routes.
A supported starting point for defined Business Central upgrade paths.
Can be upgraded through Microsoft's supported Business Central upgrade framework.
Can be modernized through the supported upgrade path toward current Business Central versions.
One of the final releases under the Dynamics NAV brand and a commonly encountered starting point for Business Central modernization.
Your path depends on your NAV version, application architecture, customizations, extensions, database, integrations and data requirements.
For environments that are suitable for a technical upgrade, the NAV application and database can be progressively upgraded through Microsoft's supported intermediate versions before moving to the target Business Central environment.
For heavily customized or significantly outdated environments, reimplementation may be more appropriate. This approach focuses on bringing forward essential business data and processes while adopting standard Business Central functionality rather than reproducing every legacy customization.
For supported NAV environments, the modernization journey can ultimately move to Business Central online, subject to Microsoft's technical requirements and the handling of application customizations.
Our approach is to assess each customization and determine whether it should be:
For NAV environments moving toward Business Central online, Microsoft requires C/AL customizations to be converted to AL extensions. Business Central online runs on the extension model rather than the old customized base-application approach.
Convert relevant legacy C/AL functionality into modern AL-based extensions.
Assess custom data structures and determine the appropriate extension and data migration approach.
Modernize legacy reports using Business Central reporting capabilities and AL report objects or extensions where appropriate.
Refactor legacy code into modern extension architecture and event-based patterns.
Review ISV solutions and determine whether they have Business Central-compatible alternatives or updated versions.
Identify the current NAV release, build and technical environment.
Review C/AL modifications, custom objects, tables, reports and business logic.
Identify existing extensions and third-party applications.
Assess master data, transactional data, historical records and custom data structures.
Review connections with CRM, e-commerce, payroll, banking, warehouse, manufacturing and other systems.
Identify legacy reports and determine their Business Central replacement strategy.
Review users, roles and permission structures.
Identify processes that should be preserved, redesigned or simplified.
Modernize financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting.
Connect purchasing, inventory, warehousing and supply chain processes.
Connect sales and customer information with the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
Bring financial and operational data into modern analytics and reporting.
Extend Business Central using Power Apps, Power Automate and Power Platform capabilities.
Connect business processes with the productivity tools your teams already use.
Adopt relevant Microsoft Copilot and AI capabilities as they become available for Business Central and your business scenarios.
Move away from aging application architecture and unnecessary customizations.
Adopt the modern Business Central extension model and reduce dependence on legacy C/AL customizations.
Create stronger integration across ERP, CRM, Microsoft 365 and other business applications.
Use Business Central, Power BI and Microsoft technologies to create more connected business reporting.
Create a foundation for automation, Power Platform and AI-enabled business processes.
Build a scalable ERP environment that can evolve with your organization.
Our approach is built around the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem, with Business Central at the core of our ERP modernization capabilities.
We look beyond the technology to understand the business processes, data and outcomes behind your NAV environment.
We assess what should be carried forward—not simply what can be moved.
We understand the challenges associated with legacy NAV customizations and the transition from C/AL to the modern AL extension model.
Our Business Central expertise extends into Power Platform, Power BI, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Copilot and integrations.
Explore how organizations worldwide transformed operations, streamlined finance and accelerated growth with Sarakadiya's Microsoft expertise.
Seamlessly Upgrading an MSP from Business Central 15 On-Premises to Business Central 25 Cloud
Navision is the predecessor and historical product name that evolved into Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Organizations may therefore use the terms Navision, Microsoft Navision, NAV or Dynamics NAV to describe different generations of the same product lineage.
Yes. Microsoft provides supported migration and upgrade paths from eligible Dynamics NAV on-premises versions to Business Central. The exact path depends on the NAV version and technical environment. Microsoft Learn
Yes. NAV 2018 is included in Microsoft’s supported upgrade paths toward current Business Central releases, although intermediate upgrade stages may be required depending on the target version.
NAV 2009 does not move directly to Business Central online. Microsoft documents an upgrade route through intermediate NAV/Business Central versions before reaching the supported Business Central migration path. Microsoft Learn
Customizations require assessment. For Business Central online, C/AL customizations must be converted to AL extensions. Data associated with customized tables also requires careful handling during migration.
No. The migration scope should be based on operational, financial, reporting, compliance and business requirements. Depending on the migration approach, organizations may migrate essential business data rather than reproducing the entire legacy environment.
Historical data can be migrated where supported and appropriate, but the exact approach depends on the NAV version, data structure, customizations and chosen migration strategy.
The timeline depends on the NAV version, database size, number of companies, customizations, integrations, data requirements and whether the project follows an upgrade or reimplementation approach.
Your Dynamics NAV environment represents years of business processes, data and operational knowledge.
The right modernization strategy can help you preserve that investment while moving toward a modern Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central platform.
Let’s assess your NAV environment and define the right path forward.
We’re excited to be part of Directions EMEA 2026 in Paris, connecting with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partners, technology leaders, and industry experts.
