Microsoft Dynamics NAV, which is still often referred to as Navision, is a central part of many companies’ day-to-day operations. If your company uses NAV, there are two dates in particular to keep in mind: January 11, 2028, when extended support for NAV 2018 ends, and April 30, 2031, when Microsoft’s announced changes to NAV licensing take effect. These are two distinct milestones with different implications. Microsoft’s support overview for NAV; Microsoft’s announcement regarding license changes.

Start by getting an overview of your NAV version, license agreement, and the solutions that depend on the system. This will provide a basis for planning the transition to Business Central, including the reports, integrations, and historical data that the company will need to continue accessing.

When will support for Navision and Dynamics NAV end?

The end-of-support date depends on your NAV version. Extended support for NAV 2018 ends in January 2028. Older versions have earlier deadlines.

During the extended support period, Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy includes security updates and paid support under the applicable terms and conditions. This period does not include new features or general changes to the product’s design. When extended support ends, regular security updates and related support from Microsoft also end. Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

Therefore, base your planning on the version you are actually using. January 2028 does not mark an extension of support for older NAV installations.

What changes will take effect for NAV licenses on April 30, 2031?

Microsoft has announced that, as of April 30, 2031, customers will no longer be able to:

• Renew annual NAV service agreements, including Enhancement Plans.
• Renew NAV subscription licenses.
• Purchase additional permanent licenses for existing NAV installations on your own servers.
• Use NAV subscriptions through the Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA).

The changes pertain to licenses and commercial opportunities. They do not extend support for NAV through 2031. Microsoft’s announcement regarding NAV licenses.

Ask your licensing partner for a written clarification of how your current agreement, renewal dates, and options for switching to a different solution will be affected. A perpetual license, a subscription license, and a hosted lease agreement must each be evaluated separately.

Will Navision stop working in 2028?

End of support does not mean a planned shutdown of your NAV installation. It means that Microsoft’s general support for that version will end. The right to continue using the software is a separate licensing issue. Microsoft’s guidance on end of support.

The system may appear unchanged to users, even though it becomes more difficult to maintain. An assessment should therefore go beyond simply determining whether NAV still starts up and can post entries.

Also check the support status for Windows Server and SQL Server, maintenance agreements for add-on solutions, and compatibility with banking, billing, and other integrations. Determine who can resolve a critical error and how operations can be restored if a component fails.

How are you planning the transition from NAV to Business Central?

Start by reviewing the existing solution. The goal is to determine what the company should keep, what can be simplified, and what needs to be changed.

We recommend reviewing the following areas:

Use the results to compare the options and draw up a realistic budget and timeline. Agree on acceptance criteria before implementation begins: What should users, the finance department, and management be able to do from day one?

What's happening with NAV reports in SQL and Power BI?

Business Central Online does not provide direct SQL access to the production database. Microsoft describes API-based access to Power BI. Existing NAV reports that retrieve data directly via SQL must therefore use a different method to access data when migrating to the online solution. Microsoft’s FAQs about Power BI and Business Central.

For example, a sales report might combine NAV transactions, a customized SQL view, and historical budgets. Migrating the ERP system itself does not, in and of itself, clarify how the report will function afterward.

Before you choose your future reporting solution, you should document the following:

• The reports and integrations that currently retrieve data from NAV via SQL.
• Users must be able to compare historical transactions with new Business Central data.
• Requirements regarding update frequency, data volumes, and access rights.
• Specific fields and calculations that must remain available.
• How financial totals should be reconciled across the transition.

Depending on the requirements, the future solution may use APIs, a reporting database, or a data warehouse, which will receive data through an appropriate integration.

We recommend testing a small selection of business-critical reports early on. Include a report that covers the period on both sides of the transition so you can verify that historical NAV data and new Business Central data produce consistent results.

When should NAV clients start planning?

Start the analysis while you still have time to make decisions. You don't need to begin a full implementation until you know the scope of the project.

A well-executed initial phase provides a documented overview of the solution, a license review, a description of the future architecture, and a prioritized plan for the transition. You can then schedule the implementation around busy periods, year-end closings, and the availability of key employees.

The timeline should be based on your support status and operational needs. If you don’t start until 2031, you’ll miss the earlier deadlines for the end of support.

Get an independent assessment of your transition from NAV

Zealand Data offers independent consulting and project management services to companies transitioning from Dynamics NAV to Business Central.

We help assess your existing solution, define the transition strategy, and manage the project independently of your chosen Business Central vendor. This also includes planning for reporting, integrations, and access to historical data.

Contact Zealand Data to discuss an independent assessment of your NAV solution and the next steps.