Key Features in Release Wave 2, 2024

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one business management solution that enables small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to streamline operations, finances, sales, and customer service. Every year, Microsoft releases two major updates called “release waves.” In 2024, Release Wave 2 brings several exciting updates that will make Business Central even more powerful and efficient.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the key features and improvements in Dynamics 365 Business Central: Release Wave 2, 2024 and explain how they can help your business work smarter.

1. Enhanced AI-Powered Insights with Copilot

One of the standout features of this update is the improved Copilot. Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, automates routine tasks, offers smart recommendations, and guides users through complex processes. In this release, Copilot becomes even more integrated across Business Central, especially in financial forecasts, demand planning, and customer service.

For example, Copilot now helps you:

  • Automatically categorize expenses based on historical data.

  • Suggest inventory replenishment levels by analyzing demand trends.

  • Offer solutions to customer service issues for quicker resolutions.

2. Improved Financial Management

Release Wave 2 brings significant improvements to financial management in Business Central:

  • Simplified bank reconciliation: With better matching algorithms and an intuitive interface, reconciling your bank transactions becomes quicker and more accurate.

  • Expanded payment processing: The update adds more payment gateways, offering greater flexibility for your business.

  • Consolidated reporting: Generate comprehensive financial reports across multiple dimensions, allowing you to track your company’s performance with ease.

3. Enhanced Supply Chain and Inventory Management

Supply chain optimization continues to be a priority in this release:

  • Warehouse management: The update simplifies multi-location inventory management. You’ll get clearer insights into stock levels and improved shipment tracking.

  • Demand forecasting: AI-powered demand forecasting helps you maintain optimal stock levels by predicting future demand more accurately.

4. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Products

Business Central now integrates even better with other Microsoft tools, making it easier to collaborate and automate workflows:

  • Microsoft Teams: Share reports, track discussions, and collaborate directly within Business Central.

  • Power Platform: Enhanced integration with Power BI and Power Automate enables you to build custom workflows and gather valuable insights effortlessly.

5. Better User Experience

This release focuses on improving the overall user experience:

  • Customizable dashboards: Tailor your dashboard to display the most relevant data for your role, making it easier to track key metrics.

  • Simplified setup: New users will find it easier to configure Business Central with updated setup wizards.

  • Faster performance: Business Central now processes data faster, even when handling large datasets.

6. Greater Personalization and Flexibility

Personalization features receive a boost in Release Wave 2:

  • Custom role centers: Create custom role centers for different team members, ensuring everyone sees the data they need.

  • Flexible page layouts: Customize page layouts to organize and display information in ways that suit your business needs.

7. Expanded Global Coverage

As businesses expand internationally, Business Central keeps pace. This update adds support for more countries, ensuring compliance with local regulations, including GDPR, and making it easier to manage global operations.

8. Enhanced Security and Compliance

Release Wave 2 continues to strengthen data security and compliance:

  • Stronger encryption: Safeguard your sensitive data with enhanced encryption protocols.

  • Improved access control: Updates in data access controls help businesses maintain compliance with evolving regulations.

Conclusion

 

The 2024 Release Wave 2 for Dynamics 365 Business Central introduces new features that enhance financial management, supply chain operations, and user experience. With better AI insights, seamless integrations, and a focus on security, this release helps businesses improve productivity and decision-making.

Ready to see how Business Central can transform your operations? Contact us to learn more and get started today!