Get the most out of Business Central without exceeding your budget

An ERP system like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can transform your business.
It drives greater efficiency, better insights, and streamlined processes. Yet many SMEs fear such a project will quickly spiral into excessive costs.

In this blog, you’ll find practical tips and smart strategies to get the most out of Business Central without exceeding your budget. With real-world examples, we’ll show how businesses are making the most of their ERP investment.

Set clear goals from the start

A common mistake in ERP implementations is the lack of clear objectives. Without a defined focus, your business may end up paying for customizations or modules that add little value.

Start by identifying your concrete challenges and goals. Do you want faster financial reporting? Better inventory management? Or more accurate sales forecasting?

For example, a wholesaler in the Netherlands first focused on inventory management and order processing. This allowed them to postpone CRM customizations and save on the initial investment.

Leverage standard functionalities first

Business Central comes with many powerful out-of-the-box features. Many companies rush into expensive customizations, even though the standard capabilities often suffice.

Take time to explore all core functionalities. Microsoft frequently adds new options that can make custom development unnecessary.

A small manufacturing company saved thousands of euros by using the existing Power BI integration instead of having custom reports developed.

Opt for a cloud implementation

With Business Central SaaS (cloud), you avoid high costs for servers and IT maintenance. The predictable monthly fees make budgeting easier. You’ll also benefit from automatic updates and regulatory adjustments.

Work in phases for better control

Implementing an ERP all at once can be overwhelming for small businesses. A phased approach gives you better control over costs and lets you grow at your own pace.

For instance, start with financial modules and later expand to sales or inventory management. 

Invest in training early on

Insufficient training often leads to poor adoption and wasted ERP potential. Training may seem like an extra cost, but it prevents inefficiencies and frustration among employees.

Use licenses smartly

Business Central offers different license types. Team Member licenses are ideal for employees who only need basic functionality, while Essentials or Premium are suited for core users.

Leverage Microsoft integrations

Business Central integrates seamlessly with Office 365, Teams, Power BI, and Azure. Using these tools wisely helps you avoid expensive third-party software.

Keep optimizing after go-live

Maximizing your ERP doesn’t end at implementation. Regularly reviewing your usage prevents paying for unused modules or redundant customizations.

A retail chain discovered they could save significantly by removing outdated integrations and reorganizing user roles.

Take advantage of continuous updates

Business Central continuously introduces new features like AI tools and automation via Copilot. These improvements are included and provide extra value at no additional cost.

Tips to avoid extra costs

• Archive old data to reduce storage costs
• Limit customizations where possible
• Use Microsoft’s online support
• Set clear service agreements with your partner

Make your ERP investment future-proof

With strategic choices and a smart approach, your business can get the most out of Business Central. Define clear goals, leverage standard functionalities, work in phases, and keep optimizing. This way, you’ll benefit from a powerful ERP solution without exceeding your budget.