If you’re not running on Dynamics Business Central, you’re missing out on AI.
I’ve been around long enough to remember when moving to the cloud was a bold experiment. Now, it’s table stakes. What’s bold today? Keeping up with the pace of AI.
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, redefining roles, and setting new expectations for how business runs.
The companies thriving today are the ones most ready to adapt.
If you’re running on legacy Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Dynamics GP, on-prem Business Central, or any other legacy system, you’re not positioned to take advantage of AI.
That’s why moving to Business Central Cloud is more than a tech upgrade. It’s your runway to innovation.
Want a free assessment for transitioning to Business Central? Walk through our quick questionnaire to get a ballpark estimate.
Why migrate now?
Historically, I’ve been cautious about pushing for upgrades, believing they should offer clear business value.
But I now advocate for this transition because moving to Business Central Cloud is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical.
Enterprise organizations are investing heavily in AI, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are next.
Business Central is already incorporating Microsoft Copilot and Copilot agents to automate workflows and drive efficiencies. Microsoft has signaled that these innovations will accelerate in future releases.
AI adoption is moving fast.
Major shifts, such as the mobile platform, internet and SaaS, took time to adopt. But with AI, the adoption window is shrinking fast.
Businesses across various industries are rapidly integrating AI to enhance efficiency and improve customer experience.
If you’re not in the cloud, many of these tools are simply out of reach.
“Per Moore’s law, processor speeds double every two years. I expect the impact of generative AI to be four times every two years.” — Navin Chaddha
Is Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud the Best Option for Using AI Like Microsoft Copilot?
Yes. For SMB’s leveraging Microsoft technology, Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud is the only path to accessing AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot.
These innovations are cloud-native and not available in on-prem versions.
Without migrating, you’re locked out of the AI-powered capabilities already transforming modern businesses.
We’re All in an AI Race—But Most Aren’t on the Track Yet
AI is already embedded in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, showing up in tools for accounting, inventory, manufacturing, customer service, and sales.
But AI needs clean, connected data. If your ERP is siloed or server-based, your data is stuck in the past.
“Firms that fully embrace cloud-based AI platforms will be 2.7x more likely to exceed business goals.” — Forrester
AI is a high-performance engine—but only cloud systems can fully release its potential.
What Are the Main Differences Between On-Prem and Cloud Versions of Business Central When It Comes to AI Features?
The difference is access. AI capabilities, such as Copilot, predictive analytics, and real-time insights, are only available in cloud-based ERP software. With Dynamics Business Central, you get:
- Built-in AI for finance, sales, purchasing, inventory and service
- Continuous updates with new AI features
- Native integration with Microsoft 365 and Power Platform
- Unified data that AI can learn from
On-prem ERP can’t support the intelligence and scale that today’s AI demands.
Dynamics 365 Business Central: The Foundation for an AI-Powered Business
Migrating isn’t just modernization—it’s a strategic enabler. Cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central connects your data, workflows, and people, enabling:
- Access to AI tools like Microsoft Copilot
- Continuous, automated updates
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Teams
“By 2026, 75% of enterprise software will include embedded AI.” — Gartner
On-prem systems can’t keep pace with this evolution.
Learn more: What Can AI Really Do to Help My Business?
Copilot Is the Tip of the Spear
Copilot in Dynamics 365 Business Central can:
- Automate Sales and A/P interactions
- Learn form users and automate common data entry tasks
- Draft product descriptions
- Generate financial summaries
- Deliver insights from sales data
It’s powerful, intuitive—and exclusive to the cloud.
How Does AI Actually Help Finance and Operations Teams in Business Central?
AI in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central boosts productivity:
- Finance: Automates reconciliations, generates summaries, speeds up close
- Operations: Forecasts inventory, identifies supply chain risks
- Decisions: Enables instant, natural-language reporting and analysis
AI transforms ERP from a reactive to a proactive system.
What’s the Easiest Way to Migrate from NAV to Business Central Cloud?
Work with a partner who knows Business Central cloud migration and cloud best practices. We have been working with this platform since Microsoft acquired Navision in 2003.
Oztera has advanced automation tools to help:
- Assess and blueprint your current setup
- Streamline and prioritize your Business Central cloud migration strategy
- Provide transparent costs and timelines
- Optimize performance post-launch
We help clients modernize without disruption.
Discover more: Why ERP Migrations Fail (And What Actually Works)
The Cost of Doing Nothing Is Going Up
Holding onto an aging system is riskier than moving forward.
Staying put means:
- Missing out on AI like Copilot
- Higher maintenance costs
- Manual workarounds and limited innovation
You’re spending more to get less—and risking falling behind.
How We Use Advanced AI Tools to Migrate You to the Cloud
SEER is our proprietary diagnostic migration engine. It helps you:
- Audit your system in hours
- Plan your move before writing a line of code
- Set realistic expectations for cost and time
- Optimize performance post-go-live
It’s a GPS for your cloud journey.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Oztera has guided several Business Central cloud migration projects. We know every business is different. Our tailored approach modernizes what matters and preserves what works faster, smarter, and with less risk.
Final Thought: Don’t Let AI Pass You By
The AI shift is real and fast. But you don’t need to leap all at once. Start by moving to cloud-based Dynamics 365 Business Central.
With the proper foundation, AI won’t be something to catch up to; it’ll be something you lead with.
Let’s get you there.
About Mike Stallmann
Meet Mike Stallmann, Director of Product and Business Development, Co-founder at Oztera, and the original “Chief Geek Juggler.” With decades of ERP innovation under his belt and over 200 successful deployments, Mike’s involvement with business technology is extensive.
From wineries to agriculture and beyond, Mike and Oztera specialize in solving complex, industry-specific challenges. If you’re looking to leverage technology for growth and efficiency, our experience is your secret weapon.
For insights and actionable advice, connect with Mike on LinkedIn and discover what tech-driven business transformation looks like.