NetSuite to Dynamics 365 Business Central Migration

Oracle NetSuite is a commonly used ERP platform across diverse businesses. However, businesses often face a number of challenges with the platform. Some say it’s complicated to customize, while others complain of its high cost of operation. We have also seen some of our clients struggle with managing multiple entities and locations on the platform. In most such cases, we recommend NetSuite to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

The Advantages of NetSuite to Business Central Migration

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The Process of NetSuite to Business Central Migration

Now, let us get straight to business! Here is an overview of the process that we follow at Evolvous to migrate data from NetSuite to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Please note that this is just an overview; the exact process will depend on your specific setup and on certain factors.

The Major Steps in Migration - Evolvous

Needs Analysis and Planning

The first step of the process is to understand your current system infrastructure and needs. Here are the major tasks that will be accomplished at this stage.

Analyzing Systems: We understand the existing NetSuite configurations, including the modules that you are using.

Auditing Data: Next, we will measure the data volume and identify dependencies and custom fields. We will also audit the critical data tables like the ones for Customers, Vendors, General Ledgers, etc.

Defining the Scope: This phase will conclude by defining the scope of migration. Together with you, we will determine what data to migrate, what to rebuild, and what to archive.
Data Extraction from NetSuite

After the planning phase is completed, we will work towards extracting the data from your NetSuite environment. Here are the things we do:

Exporting Records: We will start the process by exporting relevant records that need to be migrated.

Exporting Complex Data: For exporting complex datasets, we might use REST APIs or third-party tools to extract the data in JSON or CSV files as required. We can also automate the extraction process for large data sets.

Normalizing Data: In certain cases, like multi-line invoices and multiple addresses, NetSuite uses a nested structure. We will ‘flatten’ or normalize them before we move to the next stage.
Data Transformation and Mapping

This is one of the critical steps of the entire process of NetSuite to D365 Business Central Migration. Therefore, we proceed with caution. Here are the tasks that we aim to complete:

Mapping the Data Fields: Our team will map the NetSuite fields to their equivalent within Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Cleansing the Data: Now, we are almost ready to load the data. But before we do that, we will need to ‘cleanse’ the data. All duplicates will be removed, and data formats will be standardized.

Data Model Alignment: Our team will align the dimensions, subsidiaries and classes in NetSuite to dimensions, companies and posting groups in Business Central.

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Importing Data into Business Central

Next, we will import the data that we have extracted from NetSuite to Business Central. Here are the key actions that we take:

Using the Configuration Packages: In most cases, especially bulk imports, we use the Configuration Package tool from Dynamics 365 Business Central. These are mainly Excel/CSV based.

Using APIs and Automation: If better control is required, then we use scripted migration techniques based on APIs. To further reduce the turnaround time, we can also automate the process or parts of it, with Power Automate.

Use the Correct Sequence: We make it a point to import data in correct order. First, we migrate the Chart of Accounts, followed by Vendors & Customers, then Items, then Opening Balances and finally, Transactions.
Testing and Validating Data

Now, it is time to test the data to check if everything is done correctly. Here are the different tasks that we accomplish

Test Migrations: We will run test migrations in a sandbox environment, to validate the mapping accuracy and the quality of data.

Cross-checking: After that, we will cross-check opening balances, trial balances, inventory, and other documents.

UAT: We will create a small group of users from your team to ensure that the system works as desired. All detected issues will be resolved.

Go-Live and Post-Migration Support

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your new Business Central environment. Here are the things that we can help you with.

Final Cutover: Once the data is successfully migrated, the old system is decommissioned, and the new system is moved to the production environment.

User Training: Our team will provide you with role-based training to impart your team with the necessary skills and knowledge to use Business Central.

Ongoing Support: We will monitor the performance of the new system, fix any issues, and optimize the system for improvement.