Microsoft's April 2025 update for Dynamics 365 Business Central introduces a suite of enhancements designed to boost productivity, integrate advanced AI capabilities, and support sustainability initiatives. Here's an overview of the key features:
1. Advanced AI and Copilot Features
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Interactive Guidance with Copilot: Users can now engage in conversational queries with Copilot to receive explanations and guidance on utilising installed add-on applications, streamlining the learning process.
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Summarization Capabilities: Copilot can generate concise summaries of records, highlighting the top three insights and ensuring information remains current with the latest data.
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Sales Order Automation: The Sales Order Agent automates the sales order process by interpreting customer emails, drafting quotes, verifying item availability, and converting quotes into sales orders upon approval, reducing manual workload.
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Enhanced Purchase Order Matching: Copilot improves the alignment of vendor invoices with purchase orders, minimizing manual data entry and enhancing accuracy.
2. Application Integration and Functionality
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Field Service Integration: Seamless integration with Dynamics 365 Field Service allows for efficient handling of work orders and invoicing within Business Central, benefiting organizations offering maintenance and repair services.
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Item Availability Insights: Users can view item availability directly within Field Service work orders, facilitating better scheduling and resource planning.
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Subscription Billing Analytics: A new Power BI application provides comprehensive reports on subscription billing, including revenue analysis and development, aiding in financial decision-making.
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Foreign Currency Adjustments: The update allows posting of foreign currency adjustments to unrealized gain and loss accounts, simplifying financial reporting and ensuring accuracy.
3. Sustainability Management Enhancements
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Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimations: Copilot assists in estimating total greenhouse gas emissions, supporting organizations in their sustainability reporting efforts.
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Water and Waste Management: New features enable tracking of water usage and waste management, aligning with Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements.
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Sustainability Data Integration: Users can record greenhouse gas emissions using general journals, integrating sustainability data into financial records for a comprehensive view.
4. Licensing Model Update
Effective April 1, 2025, Microsoft will discontinue the sale of perpetual licenses for Dynamics 365 Business Central to new customers, transitioning exclusively to a subscription-based model through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Existing customers with perpetual licenses can continue their current arrangements, provided they maintain an active annual Enhancement Plan.
These updates reflect Microsoft's commitment to integrating AI-driven functionalities, enhancing application interoperability, and promoting sustainable business practices within Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Next Steps
Check out our blog about preparing for your updates here and don't hesitate to reach out to us should you have any queries about the updates.
