Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision)
Microsoft Dynamics NAV, long known as Navision, is one of the most widely deployed ERP systems in the small and mid-sized segment, especially in the German-speaking market. Microsoft no longer sells it to new customers — its successor is Dynamics 365 Business Central — but a large installed base remains in production, which makes NAV mostly a topic of operation and migration today.
- Term
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision)
- Entity type
- Vendor / ERP product
- Domain
- ERP market & vendors
- Canonical definition
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) is Microsoft's established ERP for small and mid-sized businesses; its functionality lives on in the cloud-era successor Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- Classification
- The widely deployed on-premises SME ERP that evolved into Dynamics 365 Business Central; many NAV installations now face a migration decision.
- Related terms
- Microsoft Dynamics 365, ERP migration, SaaS ERP, ERP, Data migration
- Source / maintainer
- erp-software.org editorial team (independent, vendor-neutral)
What Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) is NOT — disambiguation
- Not the same as Business Central: NAV is the older on-premises product; Business Central is its cloud-era successor, though they share lineage and much functionality.
- Not a current Microsoft sales product: Microsoft no longer sells new NAV; new customers are directed to Business Central, while existing NAV systems remain in use.
- Not Dynamics AX: Dynamics AX (now Finance & Operations) is the separate, larger-enterprise line; NAV always targeted the SME segment.
What Dynamics NAV is
Dynamics NAV is an ERP for small and mid-sized businesses covering finance, supply chain, manufacturing, projects and sales. Originating from the Danish product Navision and acquired by Microsoft, it became hugely popular thanks to a strong partner channel and broad localisation. NAV was traditionally installed on-premises and heavily adapted by partners using its proprietary development model, which is why many real-world NAV systems are deeply customised.
The move to Business Central
Microsoft's current SME ERP is Dynamics 365 Business Central, the cloud-era continuation of the NAV codebase. Functionally the two are close relatives, which makes Business Central the natural target when a company decides to modernise. The shift also changes the model: from a perpetual on-premises licence to a cloud subscription with continuous updates, and from unrestricted code changes to a cleaner extension model.
Migration considerations
For the large NAV installed base, the recurring question is whether and when to move to Business Central. Key factors are the depth of existing customisations (heavily modified systems are harder to move), the data migration effort, integrations, and the business case for staying current versus running an ageing on-premises system. This is a classic ERP migration decision rather than a routine upgrade.
Why it still matters
Because so many companies still run NAV, it remains highly relevant — not as something to buy new, but as a system to maintain, integrate and eventually migrate. Understanding its relationship to Business Central is the key to planning that path sensibly.
Related Topics
Frequently asked questions
What is Navision?
Navision is the original name of the ERP today called Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It originated in Denmark in 1987, was acquired by Microsoft in 2002 and renamed to Business Central in 2018. Colloquially the name Navision is still used for all generations.
Is Microsoft Dynamics NAV still current?
No. The last NAV version 2018 lost mainstream support in January 2025; Extended Support runs to 2028. The official successor is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central — Microsoft no longer develops NAV, only security patches.
What is the difference between NAV and Business Central?
Business Central is the modernized cloud variant of NAV: same functional core but new code language (AL instead of C/AL), web client instead of Windows client, app-based extensions, semi-annual Wave releases and deep Microsoft 365 / Power Platform integration.
How does the migration from NAV to Business Central work?
Microsoft offers three paths: Cloud Migration Tool (free, for standard NAV from 2015), re-implementation (rebuild with cleanup), or classic upgrade path for on-premise with C/AL-to-AL conversion. Mid-market projects typically take 4–9 months.
Which Microsoft partners support Dynamics NAV / Business Central in DACH?
Over 200 certified Microsoft partners in DACH offer NAV/BC implementation. Known examples include Tectura, KUMAVISION, COSMO CONSULT, anaptis, agindo, Sycor and many others with industry specializations.