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Payroll First: The Smart Way Off GP – Webinar Recap

Written by Lauren DeBisschop | Aug 14, 2025 3:53:45 PM

Modernizing your ERP is no small feat—especially if you’re still relying on Microsoft Dynamics GP and facing critical decisions about the future of your business management systems. In this focused session, Jason Kools, Strategic Account Manager, and John Osberger, Director of Sales at Greenshades, outlined a strategic path forward: start with payroll and take the first step into the cloud—without waiting for a full ERP migration. 

Whether your organization plans to stay on GP in the near term, is actively exploring new platforms, or preparing for Microsoft’s end-of-support milestone in 2029, this webinar offered practical, low-risk guidance to modernize key systems without disruption. 

You can watch the full session here:

Key Takeaways

"You don’t need to wait for a full ERP migration to modernize where it matters most." 

The session emphasized that starting with payroll allows companies to make meaningful progress toward modernization today, without overhauling everything at once. Here’s why the payroll-first approach is gaining traction among Dynamics GP users: 

  • Payroll is mission-critical: It directly impacts every employee and must remain timely, accurate, and compliant. 
  • Dynamics GP is winding down: Microsoft’s roadmap ends mainstream support on December 31, 2029, with no significant innovation planned. 
  • GP payroll demands heavy maintenance: Manual compliance updates, outdated interfaces, and limited scalability are common frustrations. 
  • Cloud payroll brings immediate value: Real-time visibility, remote access, automation, and built-in compliance updates remove much of the overhead tied to legacy GP systems. 

Key Components of a Payroll-First Strategy 

Migrating payroll before ERP isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic decision to reduce complexity, mitigate risk, and build momentum. 

Phased Migration Is Smarter Than a "Big Bang" ERP Overhaul 

Rather than migrating your entire ERP ecosystem at once, many organizations are opting for a phased approach. This provides the flexibility to modernize one system at a time—starting with payroll. 

  • Avoid resource strain by reducing the scope of initial implementation. 
  • Keep GP in place for accounting while transitioning payroll to the cloud. 
  • Align change management with available time, budget, and staff capacity. 
  • Create an easier on-ramp to platforms like Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage Intacct, or Acumatica down the line. 

Modern Payroll Advantages—Especially for GP Users 

As GP payroll struggles to keep up with today’s workforce demands, a modern solution helps organizations support flexibility, compliance, and digital-first operations. 

  • Access payroll and HR anytime, from anywhere, with full cloud functionality. 
  • Support modern pay types, such as pay cards and earned wage access. 
  • Reduce IT burden—no more manual tax updates, software patches, or version management. 
  • Integrate seamlessly with your existing Dynamics GP system for GL postings, employee data sync, and more. 

Financial Continuity with Payroll Decoupled from ERP 

A key benefit of Greenshades' payroll-first strategy is the ability to run payroll independently while maintaining integration with your ERP system. 

  • Bi-directional integration with GP keeps financials intact while decoupling payroll. 
  • No need to wait for your ERP transition to begin modernizing. 
  • HR functions remain uninterrupted, with continued employee self-service and manager access. 
  • Greenshades transitions with you as you migrate to your next ERP—without disruption. 

Operational and Compliance Benefits 

Modernizing payroll brings far more than faster processing—it directly supports business resilience and regulatory risk management. Key benefits of future-proofing payroll include: 

  1. Built-In Compliance Confidence for GP Users: Compliance grows more difficult as GP ages and Microsoft reduces its investment. Greenshades helps clients mitigate these challenges through built-in compliance support. 

  2. Real-Time Payroll Data for Better Decision-Making: Payroll is also a rich source of financial and operational insight. Modern platforms like Greenshades turn that data into actionable intelligence. 

  3. Protect Payroll Operations and People During Change: A payroll-first approach ensures your most sensitive and essential function remains stable during periods of transformation. 

Next Steps for Dynamics GP Users 

Regardless of where you are in your ERP journey, payroll modernization offers a low-disruption, high-value entry point. Before making a move, ask these key questions: 

  • What pain points exist in our current GP payroll system? 
  • Would a phased approach give us flexibility and reduce risk? 
  • How will this payroll system integrate with GP today and other ERPs in the future? 
  • Are we prepared to maintain compliance as GP sunsets support? 

When you're ready to explore, a tailored demo of Greenshades’ payroll platform can reveal how it fits your unique environment—and your roadmap. 

The Greenshades Advantage for Dynamics 

Greenshades was purpose-built to serve Dynamics GP users—especially those navigating the shift to modern, cloud-based systems. Here’s how Greenshades supports clients before, during, and after ERP transitions: 

Deep ERP Integration Expertise 

  • 22+ years supporting Dynamics GP 
  • Bi-directional integration with GP for GL, payroll, and employee management 
  • Full support for Dynamics 365 Business Central, including dimensions, project jobs, and reporting 

Compliance-First Payroll Architecture 

  • Automated updates for all tax and wage laws 
  • SOC-audited systems and strict data security protocols 
  • Multi-state and local tax engine included standard 

Flexible, Configurable Platform 

  • Supports unlimited payroll codes, custom pay fields, and unique schedules 
  • Adapts to your business structure, industry regulations, and HR workflows 
  • No “one-size-fits-all”—you configure, and Greenshades delivers 

Reliable, Personal Support 

  • U.S.-based, in-house support team 
  • Available via phone, email, or live chat 
  • Hands-on assistance with integration, go-live, and ERP transitions 

If you’re on Dynamics GP and feeling the pressure of change, payroll is the smartest place to begin. Greenshades gives you the compliance strength, flexibility, and ERP integration you need—now and in the future.