Introduction

Unlock the power of data in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This practical course helps end users and business analysts easily create reports, analyze data, and make smarter business decisions — all without technical or programming knowledge.

Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and extract key data from Business Central tables and views
• Use standard BC tools for filtering, searching, and combining data
• Create simple reports, tables, and visualizations (in Excel, Power BI, or built-in BC reports)
• Build custom report request pages with filters and parameters
• Summarize, group, and analyze business data for key metrics
• Share and distribute reports effectively across teams

Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Business users, power users, and analysts working with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Project managers, finance, HR, and controlling teams who rely on reporting.
• Anyone who wants to create and manage their own reports — without depending on developers.

* Prices are free of VAT.
* Education is included in NLT membership fee.

Course Outline

Day 1 — Understanding and Working with Data in Business Central

Module 1: Introduction to Reporting in Business Central

Goal: Understand what reporting options exist and how Business Central stores and structures data.

Topics:

• Reporting landscape in Business Central (built-in reports, Excel, Power BI, Jet Reports overview)
• Understanding tables, fields, and relationships
• Key entities: customers, vendors, items, general ledger, dimensions
• How data flows through modules (finance, sales, purchasing, inventory)
• Where to find standard reports and analyses

Exercises:

• Navigate to role center dashboards and explore insights
• Locate data sources for a typical business question (e.g., monthly sales by customer)

Module 2: Filtering, Searching, and Sorting Data

Goal: Learn how to extract the right data quickly using filters and personalized views.

Topics:

• Applying filters, ranges, and criteria (filter pane, advanced filters)
• Saving and reusing views (“Saved Views”)
• Using search and drill-down functions
• Exporting filtered lists to Excel
• Using “Edit in Excel” for live updates and data analysis

Exercises:

• Create filtered list views (e.g., overdue customers, high-value orders)
• Export and analyze list data in Excel

Module 3: Dimensions and Data Segmentation

Goal: Use dimensions to enhance reporting and analyze business performance.

Topics:

• What are dimensions (e.g., department, project, region)
• Setting up and assigning dimensions to transactions
• Using dimension combinations and hierarchies
• Analyzing data by dimensions in reports and account schedules

Exercises:

• Configure a dimension and apply it to a sales transaction
• Create a “Sales by Department” report

Module 4: Standard Reports and Report Layouts

Goal: Learn how to find, use, and adjust built-in reports.

Topics:

• Overview of standard reports (financial, sales, purchase, inventory)
• Running reports with filters and options
• Adjusting report layouts (RDLC, Word, Excel)
• Managing report selections and layouts per role or company

Exercises:

• Run and customize a standard “Customer Sales” report
• Modify report layout using Word template

Day 2 — Building and Sharing Reports and Analytics

Module 5: Account Schedules and Financial Reporting

Goal: Create and manage financial reports within Business Central.

Topics:

• Understanding account schedules and analysis views
• Setting up rows, columns, and filters
• Using formulas and totaling
• Exporting results to Excel
• Scheduling reports for regular delivery

Exercises:

• Build a Profit & Loss statement with dimensions
• Create a “Balance Sheet by Month” report

Module 6: Excel and Power BI Integration

Goal: Combine Business Central data with external tools for deeper analysis.

Topics:

• Connecting Business Central to Excel (via OData and “Edit in Excel”)
• Using Power Query and PivotTables for analysis
• Introduction to Power BI and the standard BC content pack
• Publishing dashboards from Power BI to BC Role Center

Exercises:

• Build a simple Power BI report: “Top 10 customers by revenue”
• Publish a Power BI dashboard to Business Central

Module 7: Personalizing Dashboards and Role Centers

Goal: Turn data into visual insights and accessible KPIs for end users.

Topics:

• Role Centers, Cues, Charts, and Insights
• Adding KPIs and charts to dashboards
• Configuring cue tiles for key performance indicators
• Embedding Power BI visuals

Exercises:

• Personalize your Role Center with charts and metrics
• Add a Power BI report tile to your dashboard

Module 8: Distributing and Automating Reports

Goal: Learn to automate report sharing and improve collaboration.

Topics:

• Exporting and distributing reports (PDF, Excel, Word)
• Scheduling report generation
• Using job queues for automatic exports
• Sharing reports via OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams

Exercises:

• Schedule a monthly “Sales Report” to be sent via email
• Automate report generation through a job queue

Prerequisites

Participants should have:

• Basic knowledge of Dynamics 365 Business Central (navigation, standard reports)
• Understanding of basic data concepts (tables, columns, relationships)
• Basic Excel skills (filters, tables, formulas) are beneficial

• Exam code: MB-800
• Candidates for this exam are Functional Consultants who implement core application setup processes for small and medium businesses. They implement and configure the Dynamics 365 Business Central app, including setting up core app functionality and modules and migrating data to Business Central.
• The online content and more about the exam can be found on this site. Scroll down for the Learning paths (content).
• Package: exam information and exam preparation, as well as taking the exam through our Pearson exam center. Price: 410 EUR*

*VAT is not included.
*Please check the prices. They are provided as a reference and are not guaranteed.