Microsoft Dynamics NAV & AX End-of-Life  – Integration Strategies and EDI Opportunities 

Many companies have been working reliably with Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) or AX (formerly Axapta) for years. However, with the scheduled discontinuation of support for these ERP systems, the basis for secure, stable, and future-proof operation will also come to an end. The imminent transition to Dynamics 365 Business Central or Finance & Operations (F&O) is not merely inevitable; it also presents a valuable opportunity to thoroughly re-evaluate existing processes. It is recommended that companies establish a modern, scalable solution, particularly in the area of EDI. 

The Maintenance Lifecycle of Microsoft Dynamics NAV and AX Is Coming to an End 

Microsoft has already discontinued support for many versions of Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) and Dynamics AX (formerly Axapta), and has announced that support for others will end soon. This means that companies that still use these ERP systems are facing a structural turning point. 

What does this mean in practice?

Without Microsoft support, essential security updates, bug fixes and technical support will be unavailable. This poses a significant risk to IT stability, security and compliance with data protection regulations.

Migrating to Dynamics 365: More Than Just an ERP Change 

Successor products Dynamics 365 Business Central (for SMEs) and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management (for larger, internationally active companies) offer modern cloud options, greater flexibility and improved scalability. 

This upcoming change is prompting many companies to engage in a fundamental discussion about whether their current IT landscape is up to date, or if there are any further dependencies or modernisation needs that could threaten the company's stability and future viability in the medium term. 

During ERP migration, outdated processes and systems can be redesigned to make the company as standardised, resource-efficient, capacity-sensitive and secure as possible for the future. 

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is often treated as a secondary topic, even though it brings essential optimisations to exchange, communication and resource focus. During the migration to Dynamics 365 Business Central, EDI is a critical issue. 

EDI Processes Are Often Overlooked, But Are Critical to Business 

In many companies, these processes are deeply integrated into Dynamics NAV or AX, often alongside functions that will no longer be available in the future. Examples include DataPorts (especially in NAV Classic) and highly customised interfaces. Classic DataPorts are not supported in Dynamics 365 Business Central. This means that existing EDI integrations must be re-evaluated and, in most cases, redeveloped. 

Therefore, a structured analysis of existing interfaces and communication flows is a crucial step in any Dynamics NAV or AX integration project. The combination of ERP end-of-life and technological change means that now is the right time to make strategic decisions. Investing in a modern EDI architecture enables a smooth ERP transformation and lays the foundation for a scalable, partner-enabled IT landscape. 

When selecting an EDI solution, the most important criteria should be the flexibility and clear cost structure of the providers in relation to your ERP migration project. eddyson offers a unique approach that includes making technical adjustments to the ERP profile. This means that you will not incur any additional costs for the technical adjustments necessary to the ERP interface. This gives you the freedom to decide when to migrate to EDI based purely on your resources. You can choose to optimise your EDI processes before the ERP migration to relieve your IT teams by decoupling critical processes. You can set up your EDI processes in parallel with the ERP migration to ensure close integration with your implementation partner or tackle the EDI project after the ERP migration to optimize it based on your actual processes. 

Companies that still use Microsoft Dynamics NAV or AX today must make an important decision. With the conclusion of maintenance, there is an increased risk, but concurrently, ERP migration presents the opportunity to fundamentally modernize their IT strategy. 

Regardless of the phase of your ERP project, eddyson's unique Evolve pricing model ensures optimal service. Our tailor-made solutions are future-proof, flexible, and optimally aligned with Dynamics 365. In addition to transparent costs and long-term budget planning, you can also be confident that your IT department and the relevant specialist departments will receive optimal support.