What are the Features and Capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Enhance your business operations, increase productivity, connect people and data with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central – an all-in-one business management Software application.

ERP Software applications first appeared back in the early 90s. Based on the increasing needs and complexities of business operations, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) applications were further enhanced beyond just controlling inventory and manufacturing processes to manage other functions of an organization as well, such as finance, sales, and accounting.

Since then, ERPs have been upgraded many times and Dynamics AX, NAV, or GP (Great Plains) have been the most popular ones. Today, because of the necessity to use data for prompt strategic decisions, ERPs are integrated with data visualization and AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools.

If your business is small or medium size (SME/SMB) and needs the help of actionable insights, Microsoft’s Business Central from the Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite of business apps can be the right choice. Earlier this ERP tool was known as Dynamics NAV or Navision. But back in Oct. 2018, Microsoft renamed it as Business Central.

Today, Business Central is a part of countless businesses and industries across the globe. Since its release in 2018, Microsoft has been releasing continuous feature updates for this cloud ERP to keep the application with new and enhanced capabilities and compliance regulations like GDPR and Making Tax Digital (MTD, UK).

What is Microsoft Business Central?

Bringing the power of Dynamics NAV to Microsoft Cloud.

Dynamics NAV can do almost everything that Business Central can do, but from 2022 businesses want their processes to be future-proof using cloud and automation, leading them to move to cloud-based ERPs.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one business management application that allows you to upgrade your legacy ERP system or accounting software to a comprehensive solution. By implementing this application, you can seamlessly manage your finances, operations, sales, and customer services.

What are the Primary Features of Business Central?

Since its launch, Business Central is helping organizations streamline their business processes, improve customer relations, and open doors for higher growth and new business opportunities, including:

• Breaking Data Silos: Complex data gets broken down into easy-to-understand insights and helps connect people all your business ops while boosting your organization’s overall efficiency. By automating tasks and workflows with familiar apps Word, Excel, and Outlook, you can drive your business without silos.
• Actionable Insights: Accurate data and actionable insights are today’s need for a 360-degree view of your business operations to gain a competitive edge in the market. With Business Central, you get it all!
• Cloud security: Microsoft is a leader in cyber security. Its Azure platform is second to none when it comes to the security of your data and crucial information.
• Designed to Evolve: Microsoft-made Businesses can get started quickly and can adapt to evolving business environments.
• Cost-effective: Business Central is a SaaS ERP solution, and can be deployed on the cloud, according to the pay-as-you-go model, which costs you less and makes available more ERP functionality than an on-premises ERP application. Click here to know more about its pricing and implementation costs or contact us to discuss more.

What are the recent key changes in Business Central?

• Refreshed User Experience: With an updated layout that maximizes screen space and allows for simpler navigation throughout the whole program, the new Business Central UI (User Interface) helps users accelerate their productivity.
• Availability: Business Central can be deployed on-premises, in-cloud, or in a hybrid installation, allowing businesses to manage operations from anywhere, and at any time.
  
• The "Tell Me" Feature: This feature evolved in response to search for pages or reports from users' end, allowing you to discover what they need more quickly and with fewer clicks.
• Filtering: On the sides of panels, a new filtering pane is available in Business Central, allowing you to easily apply multiple predefined or custom filters to your lists, which will be kept as you navigate between pages.
• Copy & Paste Rows: This new feature increases data efficiency by allowing users to copy and paste rows into the same or similar lists within the application.
• Enhanced Experience with Embedded Power BI (Business Intelligence): With a more seamless connection of Microsoft Power BI with Business Central, users can promptly share information right after logging in. They can customize and manage reports without ever leaving the app.
• Changing Permission Sets: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central supplies customizable permission sets that allow you to add, remove or change based on changing business environments.
• Integrations: Intelligent platforms like Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, and technologies such as AI/ML help Business Central deliver actionable insights to efficiently run your business operations across the globe. For extra functionality, other Dynamics 365 apps can be integrated seamlessly.
• Customization via Extensions: No standard functionality is enough to fully meet business needs. Hence, the requirement to customize an app. With third-party customization and extensions, Business Central can provide you with enhanced features for business continuity even in challenging times.

Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central available in my area?

On April 2nd, 2018, Dynamics 365 Business Central was made available for general availability (GA) as a SaaS solution. However, since Oct 1st of 2018, Business Central is available for on-premises and hybrid deployment options. Microsoft sells Business Central's cloud subscriptions in over 100 countries worldwide, including Dynamics Square - a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner.

What are the hosting options for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Microsoft designed and developed Dynamics 365 - a suite of business apps primarily for cloud deployment. And since Business Central is its part, it's available for cloud installations. However, in the light of current requirements from business owners, Microsoft made it possible to deploy its services in a variety of ways: On-premises, Cloud/Software as a Service (SaaS), or Hybrid.

Explore more about Dynamics 365 Business Central Implementation options.

What is the scope of Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Twice a year, Microsoft releases feature updates for Dynamics 365 Business Central. The first update is in February and the second one is in October. Microsoft has named these updates as release waves - 1, 2, 3, and so on. These updates not only improve BC’s features but also enhance its performance, helping users to be more productive and more efficient.

How to implement Business Central in my business?

It’s easy. By contacting or scheduling a meeting with a Microsoft Dynamics Partner like Dynamics Square. These service providers can implement Business Central by examining your current ERP system, and business operations, among other needs to figure out whether Business Central needs to customize or implemented.

Note: When licensing Dynamics 365 with Power Platform solutions, new Dynamics 365 clients Can save 40%. Contact your Dynamics 365 Service provider ASAP.