What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps organisations manage their finance, operations, supply chain, sales, customer service, and more — all from one unified platform.

But here’s the real value: when deployed strategically, Business Central doesn’t just streamline operations. It unlocks growth, reduces duplication of effort, and provides real-time data to support decision-making. That’s where NetMonkeys comes in.

✅ Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

Business Central is an all-in-one ERP for SMEs
It integrates finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, and customer interactions
Cloud-based and scalable, with Microsoft 365 integration
NetMonkeys offers full implementation, customisation, training, and support

How Does Business Central Work?

Business Central combines several essential business tools under one system. It provides:

Accounting and finance management
Track cash flow, manage bank reconciliations, automate reporting, and stay compliant with HMRC (including Making Tax Digital).
Sales and service
Manage quotes, customer interactions, and post-sale service in one place.
Purchasing and inventory
Automate procurement, track inventory levels, and optimise stock.
Operations and project management
Oversee production, monitor job progress, and allocate resources effectively.

👨‍💼 Everything is connected — meaning fewer spreadsheets, faster workflows, and better decision-making.

Who is Business Central For?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is designed for small to medium-sized businesses that need more than just basic accounting software. If you're currently using disconnected systems or drowning in spreadsheets, Business Central is built to bring everything together in one place.

Here’s how it benefits different types of businesses:

Manufacturing companies can manage bills of materials, production planning, and supply chain operations all within a single system.
Retailers benefit from real-time stock tracking, sales insights, and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
Distributors and wholesalers can streamline warehouse operations, automate reordering, and improve delivery accuracy.
Professional services firms use it to manage projects, allocate resources, and bill clients more efficiently.
Finance teams gain access to powerful reporting, automated bank reconciliations, and cash flow forecasting tools.

Whether you’re scaling up or modernising outdated systems, Business Central helps you run smarter, faster, and with greater control — and NetMonkeys can help you make the most of it.

Top Features of Dynamics 365 Business Central

Here’s a snapshot of what makes it powerful:

Cloud-first and mobile-friendly
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Outlook, Teams)
Built-in AI insights and forecasting tools
Role-based dashboards and user permissions
Customisable with Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI

Integration With Microsoft 365

This ERP platform doesn’t live in a silo. It plays perfectly with:

📧 Outlook – Turn emails into quotes or invoices
📊 Excel – Export data for flexible reporting and analysis
🧠 Teams – Collaborate on records or reports in real-time

🧰 Customisation & Extensions

Using Microsoft AppSource or a skilled partner like NetMonkeys, you can:

Add industry-specific features
Connect to e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)
Create custom workflows or automate tasks
Integrate with CRM systems or logistics providers

Is Business Central Secure?

Yes — it runs on Microsoft Azure, one of the most secure cloud infrastructures globally. Key features include:

Data encryption at rest and in transit
Role-based access control
Regular updates and compliance with GDPR

Business Central vs Other ERP Systems (Rewritten)

If you're comparing ERP systems, here’s how Business Central stacks up against other popular tools:

Cloud-first: Business Central is designed for the cloud from the ground up, offering automatic updates and no on-prem hardware maintenance. Xero and QuickBooks are also cloud-native, while systems like SAP Business One often require on-premise or hybrid setups.
Cross-departmental features: Unlike entry-level accounting software, Business Central covers a wide range of functions including finance, inventory, sales, purchasing, and project management — making it a true ERP system.
Microsoft 365 integration: Business Central stands out with its native integration with Outlook, Excel, and Teams. Xero and QuickBooks don’t have this level of Microsoft connectivity, and many mid-tier ERPs struggle to match it.
AI and predictive tools: With built-in AI features like cash flow forecasting and late payment predictions, Business Central helps you act proactively. Competitors often lack this intelligence or require third-party tools.
Cost-effective for SMEs: While more powerful than entry-level tools, Business Central remains competitively priced, especially compared to enterprise platforms like SAP.

Common Questions (FAQ)

🤔 What makes Business Central different from other ERP systems?

It's built on Microsoft’s modern cloud infrastructure and tightly integrates with Office 365. It’s also designed for SMEs — offering enterprise-grade functionality without the enterprise price tag.

💷 How much does Business Central cost in the UK?

Prices start from £57.50 per user/month (Essentials) and £82.20 (Premium), as of 2025. NetMonkeys can help you evaluate licensing and avoid overpaying.

📦 Is it suitable for small businesses?

Absolutely. It’s built for businesses with 5 to 250 employees, and easily scales with your growth.

🧩 Can NetMonkeys customise it for our business?

Yes. We tailor Business Central to fit your workflows — whether you're in manufacturing, retail, logistics, legal, finance, or professional services.

How NetMonkeys Can Help

As a Microsoft Partner and long-time advocate of AI-driven business transformation, NetMonkeys provides:

✔ Full implementation and onboarding
✔ Data migration from legacy systems
✔ Ongoing support and staff training
✔ Custom dashboards, reporting, and automation
✔ Industry-specific consultancy

🎙️ Plus, hear how other businesses transformed using Business Central on our MonkeyBytes Podcast!

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're just exploring ERPs or already convinced Business Central is for you, our team can walk you through the next step. From consultation to implementation, NetMonkeys makes tech human again.

🐵 At NetMonkeys, we specialise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central implementations and customisations for UK businesses across sectors. With over 15 years of experience in software, IT support, and digital transformation, we help companies turn Business Central into a true competitive advantage.

👉 Book a Free Discovery Call