Moving from NAV 2017 to SAP Business One: Your 2026 Migration Roadmap

If your business is still powered by Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2017, you’ve likely noticed the digital walls closing in. With Microsoft’s extended support for NAV 2017 officially ending on January 11, 2027, the "comfortable" era of legacy ERP is over.

While many default to Microsoft’s cloud-native Business Central, a growing number of SMEs are choosing to switch tracks entirely to SAP Business One (SAP B1). Whether you’re seeking more robust manufacturing controls, better supply chain visibility, or the real-time power of the in-memory SAP HANA database, here is how to navigate the transition from NAV to SAP as part of your digital transformation strategy.

Why Make the Switch Now?

Upgrading isn’t just about avoiding a "Support Expired" notification. It’s about capability, operational efficiency and long-term cost control. NAV 2017 was built for a different era of computing. By migrating to SAP Business One, you gain a modern ERP solution that can support:

• Real-Time Analytics: SAP B1 on HANA processes massive data sets in-memory, giving you instant insights that NAV’s older SQL structure struggles to match.
• Unified Functionality: Unlike NAV’s modular (and often highly customised) approach, SAP B1 offers a "digital core" for comprehensive business management that includes CRM, finance, and supply chain functionality out of the box.
• Global Compliance: For companies expanding internationally, SAP’s built-in multi-currency and localised tax legalities are world-class.

The Migration Strategy: Step-by-Step

Because NAV and SAP are built on different architectures, this isn't a "click to update" process. It is a Greenfield Migration a fresh start.

Data Audit and "The Great Cleanse"

In NAV 2017, you likely have years of "ghost" data duplicate vendors, obsolete SKUs, and closed entries. Do not migrate the mess.

• Master Data: Clean your Chart of Accounts, Customer lists, and Item masters.
• Open Transactions: Only plan to migrate open Sales Orders, Purchase Orders, and unpaid Invoices to main clean and efficient business processes.

Mapping the Data Fields

NAV and SAP speak different languages. A "Dimension" in NAV might function differently than a "Distribution Rule" in SAP B1. You’ll need to create a detailed mapping document to ensure every data point from your legacy SQL tables finds its correct home in the SAP schema.

Leveraging the Data Transfer Workbench (DTW)

The SAP Business One Data Transfer Workbench is your best friend. This tool allows you to use CSV or Excel templates to bulk-upload your cleaned and mapped data. It validates the data against SAP's business logic, helping you automate processes and ensuring you don't accidentally break your new system before you’ve even logged in.

The Sandbox and UAT

Never go live on a "feeling." Run a full mock migration in a Sandbox environment. Have your super users perform User Acceptance Testing (UAT) checking if an invoice created in the new system matches the financial reality of the old one.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint

Migrating from NAV 2017 to SAP Business One is as much about change management as it is about data. Your team is used to "the NAV way." Transitioning to SAP’s interface requires training and a mindset shift toward more standardised, best-practice workflows.

The good news? Once you’re live, the days of worrying about "end-of-life" software are behind you and your business is better positioned for digital transformation and continuous support in a modern ERP environment.

Take a tour of SAP Business One today. Arrange a demo today here with one of our solution experts and see how you can benefit from migrating from Microsoft Dynamics Nav 2017 to SAP Business One with SEIDOR.