Dynamics NAV vs. Dynamics GP: What’s the Difference?

Posted by Jason on July 2, 2010

As ERP consultants, we often get asked about the difference between Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Microsoft Dynamics GP. They’re both from the same family and share genetics, but they’re not twins. One might be better for your business than the other and it’s important that you know the different features, so you can pick the best one for your needs.

Dynamics Nav or Dynamics GP?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Let’s cut through the software jargon and compare Dynamics NAV and GP to something everyone understands: Toys. You want to make your own castle – you want a moat, you want a drawbridge, and you want a tower for the Princess. You want the King to have his own special entrance and you want to  expand your castle as your kingdom grows.

Instead of going up and down the aisle trying to find a castle that fits all of your special criteria, it’s easier to customize it yourself. Legos it is! All the different pieces fit together to make one unique castle – the one you need – the one that meets the needs of your kingdom. With all of your Lego pieces, you’ll be able to expand your fortress when the time is right. Presto, just add a few more pieces.

Microsoft Dynamics GP

While Microsoft Dynamics NAV has more pieces, Microsoft Dynamics GP is the right-out-of-the-box castle. It’s not customizable to your specific niche from the get-go, but you can use add-ons to extend your functionality.  Implementations are quick and streamlined, making it easier to get up and running.

How do you know which one is for you?

Microsoft Dynamics NAV works on a broader scale and provides customization for all your specific niches. Microsoft GP is fast to implement and includes a strong suite of business analysis tools –it’s the thing to get if your company has grown beyond QuickBooks and you’re having trouble managing all your financial data.

Contact our ERP consultants and we’ll be happy to tell you more about our custom solutions.