Learn When to Upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics GP

August 8, 2022

Introducing Data-Driven Metrics with Insite

Several years ago, I developed a simple test to determine if a Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) customer has outgrown their software.


Simply stated, the more “multis” that a GP customer can check off, the higher the probability that they may need a more sophisticated ERP platform. The list includes:


  • Multi-Company
  • Multi-LOB (line of business)
  • Multi-Location
  • Multi-Currency
  • Multi-Country
  • Multi-Language
  • Multi-Dimensional Inventory or Financials


In review, the test still stands up well.


If you are torturing your GP software to meet your business needs, it is well worth the time to read or re-read the original article.
While this rule of thumb approach has excellent value, it is not data-driven, and that is why we are introducing a significant update to the process of analyzing the productivity of your GP software implementation.

A woman is standing in front of a screen with binary code on it.

Considering that failed and challenged ERP implementations and upgrades continue to plague the industry, it is time to ask additional questions before selecting an upgrade path.


Here are three questions I have never heard in over thirty years in the ERP selection and implementation industry:


  • How effectively are we using our current ERP software?
  • As a result, do we need to upgrade or use our existing system more efficiently?
  • If we are not using our current system to its full capability, how do we ensure that our future implementation does not have the same problems?


The most obvious reason these questions don’t get asked is the ERP software implementation partners don’t get paid for not upgrading existing systems or selecting and implementing new ones. 


Additionally, there are no tools to assess the productivity level of ERP software implementations. We are left with opinions and speculation without a means to provide reliable data regarding your ERP system.

A group of people are looking at a computer screen.

Answering these questions is the reason Pelorus Technology uses Insite, the ERP productivity analyzer, for its clients.


Suppose you are an existing Microsoft Dynamics GP shop and are considering upgrading to a later version of GP or even Dynamics BC or F&O. In that case, Insite can provide data, not opinions, regarding your software decision.  Insite is designed to understand your use of the GP platform by:



  • Function
  • Workflow
  • Workgroup
  • Department
  • Company
  • Individual


Additionally and equally critical, Insite identifies those “non-ERP software” applications needed to run the business. These “Shadow ERP Components” are rarely understood by management and never investigated in the software selection process.

A close up of a computer screen that says settings

Insite understands these Shadow ERP Elements and calculates the real-time ratio of time spent inside the ERP system versus non-ERP applications needed to supplement and complete business processes.


Without this information, we do not have a complete picture of our ERP Software platform’s efficiency. Insite exposes critical issues that affect the optimum running of an existing system by identifying gaps such as:


  • Training
  • Poor software set-up
  • Wrong software selection for critical business requirements


It is even more critical to understand shadow ERP components and ratios if we plan to select and implement a new ERP software platform.


Review Your Microsoft Dynamics GP Implementation


Many existing Microsoft Dynamics GP users have complex questions about their software:


  • How long can I effectively run my GP version without licensing or support issues?
  • Can I upgrade to a newer GP version?
  • What if I want to move my on-premises GP to the cloud?
  • Can I upgrade to Dynamics BC or F&O?


To that list, we would like to add two more critical questions that do not get asked because there are no data-driven tools to use for an answer:


  • How efficiently am I running my existing GP software?
  • Do I need to upgrade my GP software, or can training and set-up fixes allow me to get more productive years out of my investment?
A man is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.

We want to help you provide answers to all these questions with our first-of-its-class ERP Productivity Tool – Insite.


Register Today and Take Your ERP Processes Out of the Shadows


We are looking for Microsoft Dynamics GP users that want to run a preliminary analysis on their implementation. Your company will receive:


  • A detailed understanding of how shadow-ERP elements have created gaps in your ERP system and affiliated business processes
  • A live demonstration of our proprietary tool used to measure shadow-ERP components and real-time changes in activity
  • A discussion of solutions to solve any identified gaps and ways that better support your business and your users


Sign-up now to see if your company qualifies for an Insite analysis with a preliminary scoping call.

The logo for pelorus technology has a compass on it.

Contact us today at Pelorus Technology to elevate your business operations with our expert Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions and Services. As a Global Microsoft Partner, we are committed to streamlining your processes and delivering top-tier services tailored to your needs. Let’s get started on your transformation journey!

Two white puzzle pieces are sitting next to each other on a blue surface
May 6, 2025
Need help preparing your fit-gap analysis for Business Central? Talk to our team at Pelorus Technology today. We’ll show you how our approach and GYDE365 guarantee a successful project and give you the clarity, confidence, and momentum you need!
A man in a suit is pressing a button on a screen that says erp.
April 21, 2025
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC) continues to be a leading cloud-based ERP solution for small and mid-sized businesses. Its comprehensive features span finance, supply chain, sales, and operations, making it a pivotal tool for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency and scalability. 
A calculator , a notebook , and a pen are on a table.
December 18, 2023
Embarking on a project is like setting sail on a turbulent sea of uncertainties, and choosing the right pricing model becomes the North Star guiding you to success. One such model that has gained prominence is the fixed-price approach, offering a structured framework that benefits both clients and service providers. In this blog post, we'll explore the key benefits of fixed-price projects and how they can contribute to project success.
A person is holding a tablet with a map on it.
December 5, 2023
In our commitment to providing insightful business guidance, we emphasize the significance of transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Finance and Supply Chain Management , strategically avoiding challenges associated with the scheduled end-of-life of Microsoft Dynamics GP in 2025. This proactive move ensures cost efficiency, modern cloud features, and steadfast support, allowing businesses to align systems with growth ambitions for sustained success at this crucial juncture. Introduction: In the agile world of Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains) upgrades to Business Central (BC), decision-making is not always simple. Amidst the flurry of the GP to BC marketing campaigns, our consulting team has been inundated with customer queries. This surge prompted us to delve deeper into the intricacies that marketing materials often obscure. We created a roadmap to help guide GP users with the questions needed to address their business. You can find our complete roadmap here , or read a great overview of the guide below.
A man in an orange vest and hard hat is working on a large metal object in a factory.
November 27, 2023
Pelorus Technology is a Global Microsoft Implementation Partner delivering on the Microsoft Technology Stack including Dynamics 365 ERP Software for Manufacturing needs
A robotic hand is touching a man 's finger.
November 20, 2023
In today's fast-paced business landscape, automation technology has become the cornerstone of modern business operations. Microsoft, a frontrunner in this space, offers a comprehensive suite of tools and platforms that empower organizations to automate repetitive tasks, significantly reduce human error, and skyrocket overall productivity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Microsoft's AI capabilities are integrated across its suite of solutions, offering businesses the opportunity to harness the power of AI to gain valuable insights and drive innovation. They have invested in cutting-edge research and integrated AI technologies into their products and services, delivering billions of intelligent experiences daily in various domains. Now, let's talk about strategy. Microsoft takes an integrated approach to automation technology, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and AI, presenting businesses with a robust toolkit to not only survive but thrive in today's dynamic market. By harnessing these cutting-edge technologies, organizations can streamline their operations, unlock priceless insights, and spark innovation - ultimately setting the stage for long-term success.  Here's a closer look at how this powerful partnership between Microsoft and AI is revolutionizing the ERP realm:
The power of insite erp implementations reimagined part 4
October 9, 2023
A Strategic Alliance Focused on Streamlined Solutions and Operational Excellence
A man in a suit is holding a box that says top secret.
February 16, 2023
This blog shares a successful ERP project story and introduces the idea that could be the secret to team and implementation success.
A group of colorful chess pieces are lined up on a table.
July 21, 2022
As an existing on-premise, Microsoft Dynamics GP (GP) customer, if you have asked yourself the question, “why do I need to upgrade?” and the answer was to move to the cloud, then you have multiple options.