What is Business Central?

Actually, the correct name is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, but for obvious reasons, most people just use the abbreviated version of the name, Business Central. Officially, Business Central is Microsoft's ERP system for small and medium-sized businesses, but in practice the solution can be used by virtually all companies, regardless of industry, size and complexity.

What does Business Central contain of functionality?

Business Central consists of far-reaching business functionality, which means that the solution can handle everything from financial management to administration of the entire company's supply chain, from production, inventory management, planning, purchasing, sales, etc.

Is Business Central a new solution?

The solution we know today as Business Central has roots dating back to the 1980s and has changed its name several times over time. Most well-known are the names Navision and Dynamics NAV, where the latter was the name of the solution up to 2018. This means that Business Central has over time been tried and tested by thousands of users.

Is there a difference between Dynamics NAV and Business Central?

Dynamics NAV was the name of the solution until 2018, when Microsoft rebranded Dynamics NAV and instead gave the solution the name Business Central. The latest version of Dynamics NAV was NAV 2018. Although it was mainly a rebranding and name change, there is no doubt that Microsoft also wanted to mark that the solution would soon be a cloud solution that would be sold exclusively on subscription.

What does Business Central cost?

Business Central can only be purchased on a subscription and costs between $8 and $100 per. user / month, depending on what functionality is needed.

What does it cost to start up with Business Central?

Unlike our competitors, Active Business Solutions do not charge a start-up fee. So if you choose us as partner and do not need our help, it does not cost anything except the license fee to start up with Business Central.

What does it mean to me that it is a cloud application?

As Business Central is a cloud solution, it is licensed and sold via the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, which is a distribution model where the supplier, in this case Microsoft, hosts the application and makes it available to customers via the Internet and license it on a subscription basis.

Can I make changes to the code and customize the solution?

It is not possible to change the basic code of Business Central. However, it is possible to customize the solution. This is done with Extensions, which are add-ons that are placed outside the solution itself.

Can I try Business Central before purchasing a subscription?

Yes. All you have to do is fill out this form and we will contact you as soon as possible and help you get started with a 30-day trial version of Business Central.

Dynamics 365 Business Central

Optimize your business processes, make decisions on an informed basis, and facilitate seamless growth. Microsoft's comprehensive ERP application Dynamics 365 Business Central offers a flexible and agile solution that is easy to use and customize.

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All-in-one ERP application
5 Reasons to Choose Business Central
Business Central 26
Power BI for Business Central

All-in-one ERP application

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, often referred to as D365BC or simply BC, is a cloud-based all-in-one business solution, also called an ERP system. It integrates business processes, facilitates informed decision-making, and supports business growth seamlessly.

Part of Dynamics 365

As part of the Dynamics 365 suite, Business Central contributes to Microsoft's array of business applications, providing organizations with a cohesive ecosystem to address their operational requirements effectively.

Business Central consolidates various business functionalities into a single unified platform, providing comprehensive insights into organizational operations. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation, while customization options through downloadable extensions from the AppStore eliminate the need for costly modifications.

The Dynamics 365 Business Central logo

Business Central holds a prominent position as one of the most utilized ERP systems globally, and rightfully so. Its extensive legacy traces back to the 1980s, a testament to years of rigorous testing and refinement. Formerly konown as Navision and Dynamics NAV, the platform has undergone continual evolution and improvement, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and effective business solution.

5 Reasons to choose Business Central

Considering a business administration solution? Here are five reasons to choose Dynamics 365 Business Central:

Centralized Management
Seamlessly manage all your business activities on one cloud-based platform.
Predictable Expenses
Enjoy the transparency of a monthly subscription license, ensuring predictable costs.
Flexible Adaptation
Benefit from a versatile business solution that easily adjusts to your company's evolving needs.
Seamless Integration
Integrate effortlessly with other Microsoft applications like Power BI and Dynamics 365 Sales.
Enhanced Security
Rest assured with Business Central's high level of security, ensuring your data is securely stored and regularly backed up.

Business Central 26

Microsoft introduces a new version of Dynamics 365 Business Central twice a year. These updates coincide with the rollout of Dynamics 365 release wave upgrades, which encompass new versions of all the business applications within Dynamics 365. These upgrades are released from April to September and from October to March.

The latest version of Dynamics 365 Business Central has version number 26. Business Central 26 becomes publicly available to all users in April 2025 as part of Dynamics 365 2025 release wave 1.

Business Central 26 introduces a myriad of enhancements and features, including:

Enhancements to the AI capabilities of Dynamics 365 Copilot.
Introduction of AI-based agents in Business Central 26
Streamlined customization and expanded capabilities within the Power Platform.
Application optimizations, including refinements to service and financial management.
New features aimed at boosting developer productivity.
Improved availability, performance, and stability.

At activebs.com you can get further information about Dynamics 365 Business Central 26 2025 release wave 1.

Power BI for Business Central

Power BI improves the functionality of Business Central in a number of areas, including by providing advanced data visualization, analytics, and reporting capabilities.

Here are three important key reasons why Power BI is an excellent supplement if you use Business Central:

Interactive insights

Power BI allows users to create interactive dashboards and reports that provide valuable insights into their Business Central data. You can also easily analyze sales, financials, inventory, and other key metrics, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning which creates competitive advantages.

Seamless integration

Power BI seamlessly integrates with Business Central, allowing users to connect directly to their data and create real-time dashboards and reports without the need for manual data entry or complex data extraction processes. The direct integration between the two applications is important as it ensures data accuracy and consistency across the entire organization.

Scalability and Flexibility

Power BI is a highly scalable and flexible app, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, Power BI can handle large volumes of data and can without problems grow with your business. Additionally, Power BI offers a wide range of visualization options, customizations, and sharing capabilities, allowing users to customize reports to their specific needs and easily share insights with employees across the organization.