Introduction

This two-day course offers a practical introduction to working with tables and reports in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Through a mix of theory and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to structure data and create custom reports using best practices.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of tables and their role in Business Central.
• Define and implement primary and secondary keys for optimized data access.
• Establish and manage relationships between tables.
• Utilize special table fields such as FlowFields and FlowFilters.
• Design and build custom reports using the AL language and RDLC or Word layouts.
• Create and configure data models for reports.
• Design user-friendly request pages and implement filtering options.
• Apply grouping and totaling techniques in reports.
• Enhance reports with advanced features and custom logic.

Audience

This training is intended for:

• Junior and mid-level developers working with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Technical consultants who want to expand their development capabilities.
• IT professionals transitioning into Business Central development.
• Solution architects seeking a deeper understanding of data modeling and reporting.
• Anyone involved in customizing or extending Business Central functionality.

* Prices are free of VAT.
* Education is not included in the NLT membership fee.

Day 1: Module 1 - Tables

Theoretical Part:

Table Fundamentals

• Basics of tables in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Structure and purpose of tables.
• Examples of table usage in business processes.

Primary and Secondary Keys

• Definition and importance of primary keys.
• Using secondary keys to optimize queries.
• Practical examples.

Table Relationships

• Types of relationships between tables (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many).
• Using relationships to connect data.
• Examples of relationships in Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Special Table Fields

• Special fields in tables (e.g., FlowFields, FlowFilters).
• How and when to use special fields.
• Examples of using special fields.

Exercises:

Table Fundamentals

• Creating a basic table.
• Adding fields and defining data types.
• Reviewing and editing the table.

Primary and Secondary Keys

• Defining a primary key for a table.
• Adding secondary keys.
• Testing queries using keys.

Table Relationships

• Creating relationships between tables.
• Adding foreign keys.
• Checking data integrity.

Special Table Fields

• Adding FlowFields and FlowFilters.
• Configuring special fields.
• Using special fields in queries.

Day 2, 3: Module 2 - Reports

Theoretical Part:

Reports Fundamentals

• Basics of reports in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Types of reports and their usage.
• Examples of reports in business processes.

Report Design Process

• Steps in the report design process.
• Planning and preparing data.
• Using tools for report design.

Design the Data Model

• Planning the data model for the report.
• Identifying necessary data and relationships.
• Examples of data models.

Creating a Data Model

• Creating a data model in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Adding tables and relationships.
• Verifying and testing the data model.

Designing the Layout

• Designing the layout of the report.
• Using various elements (e.g., tables, charts).
• Examples of layout design.

The Request Page Designer

• Using the request page designer.
• Adding and configuring request options.
• Examples of using request pages.

Design the Request Options Page

• Designing the request options page.
• Adding filters and options.
• Testing the request options page.

Grouping and Totaling

• Grouping and totaling data in the report.
• Using functions for grouping and totaling.
• Examples of grouping and totaling.

Add Advanced Features

• Adding advanced features to the report.
• Using scripts and additional tools.
• Examples of advanced features.

Exercises:

Reports Fundamentals

• Creating a basic report.
• Adding data and designing the layout.
• Reviewing and editing the report.

Report Design Process

• Planning a report from start to finish.
• Preparing data and designing the layout.
• Testing and verifying the report.

Design the Data Model

• Planning the data model for the report.
• Adding tables and relationships.
• Verifying and testing the data model.

Creating a Data Model

• Creating a data model in Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Adding tables and relationships.
• Verifying and testing the data model.

Designing the Layout

• Designing the layout of the report.
• Adding various elements (e.g., tables, charts).
• Testing and verifying the layout.

The Request Page Designer

• Using the request page designer.
• Adding and configuring request options.
• Testing the request pages.

Design the Request Options Page

• Designing the request options page.
• Adding filters and options.
• Testing the request options page.

Grouping and Totaling

• Grouping and totaling data in the report.
• Using functions for grouping and totaling.
• Testing and verifying grouping and totaling.

Add Advanced Features

• Adding advanced features to the report.
• Using scripts and additional tools.
• Testing and verifying advanced features.

Prerequisites

To successfully follow this training, participants should have:

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central from a user or consultant perspective.
• Familiarity with the Business Central user interface, including navigation, pages, and standard functionalities.
• General knowledge of relational databases and data structures (tables, fields, keys).
• Basic programming logic (e.g., conditions, loops) is recommended but not mandatory.
• Prior experience with AL language or Visual Studio Code is a plus, but not required.

This course is suitable for participants with a beginner to intermediate level of Business Central knowledge who are looking to expand into development or reporting.

This knowledge is part of the certification and the required skills for passing the exam, but it does not cover the full scope of the certification content.

Participants who complete this training, other Dynamics training covering certification area and wish to validate their skills can pursue the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate certification.

About the Certification

• Certification Name: Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate
• Exam Code: MB-820
• Level: Intermediate
• Focus: Designing, developing, testing, and maintaining solutions in Business Central using AL language and Visual Studio Code.

Skills Validated:

• Creating and managing tables, pages, and reports.
• Developing extensions and integrating with other Microsoft services.
• Troubleshooting, debugging, and optimizing performance.
• Applying AL development best practices and using source control and CI/CD tools

Peik Bech-Andersen

About

I am a solution architect and senior developer stationed in Denmark, implementing solutions all-over the world, specializing in advanced manufacturing combined with master data replication and Intercompany solutions.

I first saw Navision in 1984 at the beta testing program of PcPlus. I started implementing manufacturing solutions in 1983 on IBM S/36 systems. Since the Dynamics NAV manufacturing module was released, I have implemented at least 50 Manufacturing solutions in all kinds of different businesses. Starting as an accountant in a production company and moving on to implementing systems, I have both the accounting, the development and the implementation background.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, I have conducted courses the last 10 years in topics like Dynamics NAV programming, installation, finance, trade, warehouse management and manufacturing. During the 10 years, I have had around 150 courses with at least 800 participants in 14 countries. I maintain a blog in Mibuso.com where I writes about both programming, installation and application topics. Usually topics discussed during courses or customer implementations.