For users of any ERP solution including Dynamics 365 Business Central, finding a better way to access, visualise and share important business insights hidden in your Dynamics 365 Business Central data is a key business objective. In this article we discuss the various options that are available to you.
The great thing about Dynamics 365 Business Central is it is primarily cloud based, this means that the data stored within it is fairly accessible. Business Central comes with a range of APIs that you can use to connect reporting solutions to.
When looking at your reporting requirements, the key is to understand which area you are looking to improve. Each solution will have different strengths and weaknesses and it all depends on your requirements. There are broadly 3 solutions available to you:
- Out-of-the-box reports – using the core capability available in Dynamics 365 Business Central including the embedded Power Bi reports.
- Jet Reports – Jet Reports creates a copy of your data and provides you with easy access to that data using the tools you are familiar with such as Excel.
- Power BI – connects directly to your data or to Jet Reports and provides real time visual dashboards and analysis.
| Out-of-the-box | Jet Reports | Jet Analytics | Power BI | |
| Organisation requirements | Standard managerial reports from a single company and data source.
One-time reports using data dumps and pivot tables.Would prefer to have partner built reports inside Dynamics 365 Business Central. |
Real-time self-service reporting to create custom reports, in the format you want, from multiple data sources and companies.
Schedule and automate reports for distribution. Mobile solution allowing version control, updated reports and secure access from anywhere |
Quick BI customisation with drag and drop reporting functionality without the need to understand underlying data structure.
Interactive dashboards using large or complex data models? Instant KPIs using a turnkey, rapidly deployed Dynamics 365 Business Central project. |
Clear management reporting easily across your organisation.
Deeper analysis in a more visual way outside of Dynamics 365 Business Central. Quick and self-service BI model with users building their own reports. |
| Pros | Out-of-box included solution as part of license.
Quick data dumps for one-time reports. |
Automated real time reporting.
Full familiar power of Excel, mobile solution and self-service reporting. |
True business intelligence/analytics ETL solution built on software already owned (SQL & SSAS).
Instant metrics from predefined cubes. Drag-and-drop reporting requiring no programming knowledge. |
Strong visualisations, simple and easy to use once the data model has been set up.
Embedded with intelligent insights and artificial intelligence. |
| Cons | Expensive and limited customisation (single company only, etc.).
Manual reporting is antiquated, time consuming and error prone. |
Not included with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Requires training on Jet functions to for report designers |
Not included with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Requires training to manage back end |
Not included with Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Not designed for looking at large volumes of transactional data. |
When deciding which solutions to implement, you should consider your individual requirements and remember that for many organisations a blended approach to your reporting is likely to be the best answer.