Smooth Shift to Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
A Spain-based ICT consulting and technology services firm successfully upgraded from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015 to Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS), modernizing its ERP landscape, preserving critical customizations, and enabling scalable, cloud-first operations with regional language support.
Modernizing ERP Operations with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
As a Spain-based ICT consulting and technology services firm supporting universities, institutions, and enterprise clients, the organization relied on Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015 to manage finance and operational processes. With growing customization, regional language requirements, and increasing reliance on cloud-based services, the legacy on-premises ERP environment began to limit scalability, agility, and upgrade readiness.
Synobiz executed a structured upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS), converting all legacy C/AL customizations into modern AL extensions and migrating data from on-premises SQL Server to the cloud. The solution enabled a future-ready ERP architecture with improved performance, regional language support, secure integrations, and a scalable platform to support continued business growth and innovation.
Implemented Technological Advancements
Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS)
Upgraded from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015 to Dynamics 365 Business Central cloud (SaaS), enabling a modern, scalable ERP platform with improved performance, security, and access to continuous feature updates.
C/AL to AL Extension Conversion
Converted all legacy C/AL customizations into event-driven AL extensions, ensuring upgrade-safe architecture, improved maintainability, and compliance with Business Central SaaS development standards.
Cloud Data Migration & Integration
Migrated data from on-premises Microsoft SQL Server to Business Central using Microsoft Integration Runtime, ensuring data integrity, security, and seamless transition to the cloud environment.
API & Third-Party System Integration
Implemented secure API-based integrations to exchange invoices in country-specific XML formats with third-party systems, including automated acknowledgements and validation workflows.
Challenges Encountered
Tight Timeline for NAV to Business Central Upgrade
The organization needed to upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015 to Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS) within a limited timeframe, while ensuring uninterrupted business operations.
Multi-Language Support Requirements
The ERP system needed to support regional languages, including Catalan and Spanish, requiring localization without compromising system stability or upgrade compatibility.
Conversion of Legacy C/AL Customizations
All existing NAV 2015 customizations were developed in C/AL and required complete reengineering into AL extensions that complied with Business Central SaaS development standards.
No Direct Database Access in SaaS Environment
Business Central SaaS restricts direct SQL access, making data migration from the on-premises NAV database a complex process requiring secure, cloud-native migration mechanisms.
Third-Party Integration & XML Compliance
Invoices needed to be generated and transmitted in a specific XML format to a third-party system, along with automated acknowledgements, without manual intervention.
Automated Testing Without User Intervention
The client required a fully automated test application capable of validating customized business transactions in Business Central with a single click and no user involvement.
Project Highlights
Time-Bound NAV to Business Central Upgrade
Successfully upgraded Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2015 to Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS) within a tight timeline while ensuring continuity of business operations and data integrity.
Event-Based AL Extension Development
Re-engineered all legacy C/AL customizations into modern, event-driven AL extensions, ensuring upgrade-safe architecture and long-term maintainability in Business Central SaaS.
Secure Cloud Data Migration
Executed a controlled data migration from on-premises SQL Server to Business Central using Microsoft Integration Runtime, ensuring accuracy, security, and minimal downtime.
Third-Party Invoice Integration
Integrated Business Central with external systems to generate and transmit invoices in a prescribed XML format, including automated acknowledgements via secure API-based communication.
Regional Language Enablement
Implemented Catalan language support using Microsoft Lifecycle Services, enabling localized user experience alongside Spanish without compromising system stability.
Automated Testing Framework
Developed a fully automated test application to validate customized business transactions in Business Central with a single click, eliminating manual testing effort.
Resolved Challenges
Centralized Dealer & Sales Force Control
Microsoft Dynamics NAV integrated with Android devices and handheld printers centralized dealer management and sales force operations. Delivery fleets are now tracked live directly from the ERP system.
Optimized Inventory Through Forecasting & MRP
Production forecasting and material requirement planning enabled accurate inventory control using ABC classification, significantly reducing excess stock and releasing blocked working capital.
Fuel Cost & Fleet Performance Governance
Fuel requisition and fleet monitoring modules now provide complete visibility into fuel consumption, vehicle mileage, performance metrics, and maintenance schedules from a single system.
Automated Financial MIS & Faster Closures
Automated workflows now generate real-time financial MIS, trial balances, depreciation, bank reconciliation, and year-end closures in minutes instead of days.
Plant & Fleet Maintenance Automation (PMS)
Synobiz implemented a Plant & Maintenance System (PMS) to automate preventive, recurring, and breakdown maintenance across both production assets and fleet operations.
Seasonal Sales & Production Forecasting
Historical ERP data now enables one-click forecasting of seasonal product sales and production requirements, improving demand alignment and planning accuracy.
25% Higher Output with Existing Resources
Streamlined production and inventory execution enabled a 25% increase in production output using the same manpower and manufacturing infrastructure.
We were able to address the post sales services in a better manner with the inbuilt capabilities of Business Central and exploring analytical capabilities of the new solution.
CIO