For companies still running Microsoft Dynamics GP, the clock is ticking. Microsoft has announced that mainstream support for Great Plains will end in 2028, with extended support only lasting until 2029. While that may seem like plenty of time, many companies are already exploring their next move, and Acumatica is quickly becoming a top choice. When you factor in evaluations, implementation time, and user adaptability, it’s better to be prepared then left scrambling at the last hour.
Here’s why former GP users are making the switch and what you should consider if you’re evaluating your next ERP system.
Why Former GP Users Are Choosing Acumatica
Legacy GP users often feel limited by the platform’s aging architecture. With Microsoft shifting its focus away from GP, businesses are seeking a future-ready ERP that offers flexibility and innovation. Acumatica delivers just that.
- Cloud-native deployment without the need for third-party hosting
- Unlimited user licensing to promote collaboration across teams
- A single platform to manage financials, inventory, operations, and CRM
- Configurable workflows that reduce reliance on custom development
“Acumatica is allowing us to run the company better. We’re much more efficient, we have answers quicker, and it gives us confidence in what we’re doing on a daily basis. We have accurate information at our fingertips and can make decisions quickly.” – Edward Cohen, President at Boca Terry
Concerns GP Users Had and How They Overcame Them
Change management is always a factor in ERP transitions, especially for companies that have relied on GP for years. Here are some common concerns and how they are addressed during migration:
- “Will we lose our historical data?”
Acumatica implementation partners can migrate critical data to ensure continuity. - “How steep is the learning curve?”
Acumatica offers a clean, intuitive interface. Users typically ramp up quickly with minimal training. - “Can it handle our industry-specific processes?”
Yes. Acumatica offers industry editions with built-in functionality and flexible configuration options to match your workflows.
Many small to mid-sized businesses still running on legacy Dynamics GP hesitate to switch due to concerns around data migration, user retraining, and losing years of system customizations. What they’ve found with Acumatica, and through the right implementation partner, is that these fears are not only manageable, but often unfounded.
Acumatica’s modern, open platform is highly customizable and integration-friendly, meaning your unique processes can be replicated (and often improved) without losing functionality.
Plus, our team at i-Tech Support takes the heavy lift off your shoulders, guiding your team through each phase, from mapping over historical GP data to configuring dashboards and workflows tailored to your specific business.
Another big hesitation we hear about switching to a modern ERP like Acumatica is cost. To be 100% transparent, there is typically an increase in annual subscription compared to Great Plains. But when you look at the bigger picture: gaining productivity, cutting down on manual work, and eliminating the need for multiple disconnected platforms, the long-term savings in time, labor, and avoiding missed opportunities often outweigh the initial investment.
Acumatica can improve items such as:
- Smarter reporting and demand planning that helps you avoid overstocking or running out of inventory, so you’re not tying up cash or missing out on sales.
- Cutting down on manual labor and improved shipping efficiency by replacing handwritten orders and manual data entry with real-time, automated workflows.
- Reduced reliance on external support and expensive custom development by switching from disconnected legacy systems to a single, user-friendly platform with remote access and unlimited users.
Most companies see a full ROI in under 16 months, with ongoing gains through labor savings, licensing flexibility, and automation. When you factor in the long-term benefits, staying on GP may actually be the more expensive choice.
“Acumatica Cloud ERP’s easy-to-use interface, unlimited user pricing model, and flexibility will allow the company to rapidly add new locations, We feel we can add a warehouse or branch in a 30-day window or shorter, because we have the financial backbone all set up and ready to go. While it might take longer to get the property, trucks, and employees, the software is not a worry point for us; it’s the least of our challenges, which is invaluable.”
– Keith Ford, General Manager at Eagle Fence Distribution
GP vs. Acumatica: Key Differences
| Feature/Area | Microsoft Dynamics GP | Acumatica Cloud ERP |
| Hosting | On-prem or third-party hosted | True cloud, SaaS-native |
| Licensing Model | Per-user | Unlimited users |
| Upgrades | Manual, often costly | Included, automatic updates |
| Integration Capabilities | Limited or custom development | Open API for real-time sync |
| User Interface | Legacy interface | Modern, browser-based UI |
| Support Roadmap | Ends in 2029 | Active innovation roadmap |
If your business is still on Dynamics GP, now is a good time to evaluate whether the platform is supporting your goals or simply maintaining the status quo. Acumatica is more than a replacement. It is a foundation for modern operations and long-term business growth. There’s a saying often shared in the Acumatica community: “This should be the last system your company ever needs to implement.”
