01.10.24

Success Story: Seamless Upgrade from MS Dynamics NAV to Business Central for a Leading Retailer

Success Story: Seamless Upgrade from MS Dynamics NAV to Business Central for a Leading Retailer

When a prominent UK retailer embarked on upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central, they recognised the need to modernise operations and enhance scalability. However, the project presented several challenges: sourcing top-tier technical talent, ensuring IR35 compliance, and maintaining budget discipline. That’s where we came in.

As specialists in tech recruitment, we provided a comprehensive solution. We sourced a team of highly skilled contractors, including developers and functional consultants, to drive the project forward. To ensure continuity and cost efficiency, we supplemented this contractor workforce with permanent hires at highly competitive rates. For an additional layer of governance and delivery rigour, we introduced an experienced programme manager to oversee the entire process.

Understanding the Challenge

The retailer’s ageing NAV system was increasingly inefficient and costly to maintain. Upgrading to Business Central offered enhanced functionality, cloud accessibility, and greater flexibility. However, the complexity of the transition required specific expertise and careful planning.

After a thorough consultation, we identified their needs:

• Developers: Dynamics NAV and Business Central experts to manage data migration, system enhancements, and customisations.
• Functional Consultants: Professionals with in-depth retail sector knowledge to align Business Central with the organisation's processes.
• Programme Management: A senior leader to coordinate resources, manage risks, and ensure project governance.
• Permanent Hires: To provide continuity and reduce long-term reliance on contractors, ensuring knowledge retention and cost optimisation.

Delivering the Right Talent

Using our extensive network, we swiftly sourced contract professionals with proven experience in Dynamics NAV-to-BC upgrades. These contractors were engaged outside IR35, providing compliance and cost-effectiveness. Alongside this, we identified and placed permanent hires who could step in to support the implementation while contributing to the company’s long-term success.

• Developers: Delivered seamless data migration, built bespoke features, and optimised system performance.
• Functional Consultants: Provided process mapping, end-user training, and operational support.
• Permanent Hires: Brought continuity, reducing future reliance on external resources.
• Programme Manager: Ensured the project stayed on track, within scope, and under budget, introducing robust governance and mitigating risks.

The Outcome

The upgrade was delivered on time and within budget, achieving a smooth transition with zero downtime. The new Business Central system transformed operations, streamlining workflows, improving inventory management, and enabling real-time reporting.

By combining contractor expertise with permanent hires at competitive rates, we provided a balanced and cost-effective workforce strategy. The client benefited from long-term value, saving over 40% compared to alternative solutions. This project reinforced our reputation as a trusted recruitment partner for delivering complex, cost-efficient tech transformations.