Development of Microsoft Business Central
“Wow, what a business system!” is probably not something you think very often. However, with Microsoft Business Central, interesting things are happening. Development continues at a rapid pace, and it’s clear that the future of the platform is as exciting as the latest updates. It’s not just about new technology—it’s about making your everyday life both easier and more fun.
The platform’s growth in the market reflects its effectiveness and popularity. As of April 2021, Business Central had over 15,000 cloud-based customers, with annual user growth of 200%. In July 2023, Microsoft reported that the number of customers had increased to over 40,000. A rapid adoption that shows that Business Central is a favorite among small and medium-sized companies looking for an integrated and scalable business solution.
Microsoft Business Central follows a rolling release schedule with two major updates per year, in April and October. These release waves introduce new features and enhancements that continuously evolve the platform to meet the changing needs of businesses.
With a focus on automation, ease of use and sustainability, the upcoming features are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses stay ahead in their industries. Here’s a preview of what you can expect in the next release.
1. Enhanced AI and machine learning
AI is at the center of many of Microsoft’s upcoming innovations, and Business Central is no exception. In future updates, an even more advanced version of Copilot is planned, where AI not only suggests actions but also learns from users’ behaviors to proactively optimize processes. Imagine your digital assistant being able to predict inventory needs, recommend project resources, or anticipate cash flow issues – before they even happen.
Some of these features will initially be launched in the US and in English, but Microsoft is actively working to make them available globally, including for Swedish users. It may take some time before the most advanced Copilot functions reach Sweden, but they will be launched gradually.
2. Automated invoice management with OCR technology
Manually processing invoices is becoming a thing of the past. With upcoming invoice management features, advanced OCR technology will be integrated directly into Business Central. This means that invoices can be scanned, interpreted and posted automatically, eliminating the risk of manual errors and saving time.
3. Supporting sustainability goals with real-time data
Microsoft Business Central plans to expand the Sustainability module to help companies meet the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements. CSRD requires standardized and transparent reporting of sustainability data, which will be mandatory for more companies from 2024.
The enhanced Business Central module makes it easier to collect, analyze and report data on climate impact, resource use and social responsibility – all to meet legal requirements and strengthen sustainability performance. Read more about CSRD on the European Commission website.
4. Integration with more third-party systems
In the future, Business Central will be even more open to integrations with third-party systems, such as industry-specific tools or IoT devices. Regardless of the industry, the new integration possibilities mean less duplication of effort and more opportunities to focus on what really drives the business forward.
- For manufacturing companies, this means the ability to connect production data with the ERP system in real time – a solution that provides a comprehensive view of the business and enables faster, more informed decisions.
- For distribution companies, this could mean integration with warehouse management systems or logistics platforms, streamlining tracking of deliveries, optimizing stock levels and ensuring goods reach customers faster.
- For project-oriented businesses? Imagine a seamless connection between time reporting tools, project management systems and Business Central. This means you can track project costs and resources in real time – all in one place.
5. Enhanced mobile capabilities for flexibility
As more and more people work from different locations, Microsoft plans to improve the mobile functions of Business Central. The mobile version does not fully meet all needs today, but future updates focus on creating a smoother and more intuitive user experience. The goal is to give you more functions directly in the mobile app – so you can work efficiently even when you’re on the go. These improvements are an important step in making Business Central an even more flexible and user-friendly tool for today’s working life.
What can Microsoft Business Central do for you?
Microsoft Business Central has always aimed to make the complex simple – and the upcoming features show that the platform not only follows the market, but drives its evolution. For businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve, these advances are designed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges today!
Curious about how it works in practice? Let us show you how Business Central can create value for your business.
