Business central help is often needed to get the most out of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central. As an ERP and business management software, Business Central has many capabilities that can transform how you operate.
However, understanding what it does and whether you can implement it alone is key.
What Exactly is Microsoft Dynamics Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is a complete enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management solution designed for small and mid-sized organizations. It integrates various business processes and functions into a single unified system.
Some of the main things Business Central can help with include:
- Financial management – accounting, cash flow, invoicing, etc.
- Supply chain management – purchasing, inventory, warehouses, etc.
- Project management – planning, tracking, resources, budgeting
- Sales and customer management – quotes, orders, contacts, etc.
- Reporting and analytics – insights, KPIs, dashboards, etc.
It is cloud-based software offered via monthly subscription plans based on users and needs.
What Can You Use Microsoft Dynamics Business Central For?
Business Central is highly flexible and can support many industry-specific use cases. But in general, the software helps businesses:
- Automate processes
- Connect data across departments
- Manage finances
- Improve project management
- Optimize inventory and operations
- Make data-driven decisions
- And more…
Specifically, some top ways organizations use Business Central include:
- Accounting – General ledger, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, bank reconciliation, tax handling, financial reporting, and more.
- Supply chain – Purchasing, vendor management, inventory control, warehouse operations, manufacturing, and distribution.
- Project management – Planning, resource allocation, budgeting, time tracking, task management, and monitoring progress.
- Sales – Pricing, quotes, order processing, customer accounts, contacts, relationship management, and sales performance analysis.
- Analytics – Real-time insights, role-specific dashboards, Power BI integration, and reporting.
Plus, industry-specific capabilities like:
- Field service, professional services, manufacturing, e-commerce, and retail management.
And the list goes on.
Can I Implement Microsoft Dynamics Business Central Myself?
While Business Central is designed for ease of use, most businesses utilize professional implementation help to properly set it up.
Attempting to implement an ERP alone comes with high risks, such as:
- Functional gaps from missing key steps
- Data migration errors
- Misaligned workflows
- Lack of user adoption
- And getting low ROI overall
That’s why the majority leave it to qualified partners for business central help around:
- Determining correct licensing needs
- Tailoring the platform to your processes
- Migrating and validating data
- Integrating other software
- Customizing reports, dashboards, and forms
- Setting up workflows and security
- Training staff on adoption best practices
Professional guidance maximizes your configuration to solve top pains, streamlines the rollout, and ensures users understand and utilize the system to drive real business benefits.
Business Central Implementation Help Costs
Typical Business Central implementations may cost $5,000 to $100,000+. Real costs depend on many factors, like:
| Factor | Low-Cost Example | High-Cost Example |
| Number of Users | 5 users | 100+ users |
| Level of Customization | Minor tweaks | Major overhauls |
| Data Imports Needed | Invoices only | All finance and operations data |
| Additional Software Integrations | None | 10+ other critical platforms |
| Scope of Training | Basic user guides | Comprehensive videos and workshops |
Most find the investment well worth it. Opting to skip assistance often leads to 3-4X expenses down the road in wasted licenses, duplicate efforts, and starts over. Not to mention deflated staff productivity and long-term profits.
In Closing
Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is flexible ERP software with extensive capabilities for automating processes, connecting data, and coordinating business teams.
And while it may seem basic at first glance, this platform contains complexities where seeking professional guidance pays dividends. Business central help from qualified implementation experts allows you to maximize the value.
They ultimately set you up for faster user adoption, less disruption, quicker time to benefit, and bigger long-term impact across accounting, supply chain, project management, and other areas of your organization.
