Business Central Features That Improve ERP Systems
- 15 minutes ago
- 5 min read
There’s a point in almost every ERP system’s life where things start to feel… a little heavier.
Not broken. Not failing. Just harder than they used to be.
I’ve heard teams describe it as “death by a thousand small workarounds.” Extra steps here, manual fixes there, and just enough friction to make everything take longer than it should.
What’s interesting is that in many cases, the answer isn’t adding something new. It’s realizing that the system already has capabilities that could make things easier... they just aren’t being used.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a good example of this. It continues to evolve with features that support scalability, flexibility, and new technologies.
But not all of them get the attention they deserve. Many of these Business Central features simply go unnoticed.
In this first article of my new three-part series, I’ll highlight a few of those features and explain why they’re worth understanding.
In the rest of the series, I’ll look at what they enable in practice.
Why systems feel heavier over time
Manufacturing operations are becoming more complex: more customization, tighter timelines, and higher expectations for real-time insights.
In many environments, that complexity is starting to expose something teams already feel: their ERP systems aren’t broken—but they’re harder to work with than they used to be.
More data, more transactions, and higher expectations all contribute to that pressure. But often, the issue isn’t missing functionality. It’s underused functionality.
Microsoft continues to expand Business Central with new capabilities in every release cycle, many of which are introduced quietly and never make it into day-to-day use.
Why the most useful Business Central features are often the least visible
Some of the most impactful Business Central features aren’t the ones front and center. They’re available, but not always obvious.
In a lot of cases, these capabilities aren’t enabled by default or are introduced gradually through updates, so teams continue relying on familiar processes. Over time, those habits create friction.
As expectations around data and automation continue to increase, this matters more. It’s not just about what the system can do, but how well it’s structured and used.
Three Business Central features that quietly improve scalability and flexibility
When systems start feeling harder to work with, the instinct is usually to add something new. But often the better move is to use what’s already there more effectively.
Here are three Business Central features that often go unnoticed but can have a real impact:
MCP server for AI functionality
One area where Business Central continues to evolve is how it supports interaction with AI tools.
Capabilities like MCP are part of what’s enabling that—creating a foundation for how systems can interact with AI in a more structured way.
In practice, that means AI tools can help by surfacing insights faster and helping users navigate data more efficiently.
For leadership teams, that means faster access to information and fewer delays in decision-making.
According to McKinsey, more than half of organizations are already using AI in at least one business function—signaling a shift toward more intelligent, responsive workflows.
This is where tools like Copilot fit in, helping users assist, suggest, and support better decision-making without replacing it.
How is Microsoft Copilot actually used in manufacturing operations?
Microsoft Copilot is used in manufacturing operations to surface insights, summarize data, and help users complete tasks more efficiently within Business Central.
That might mean pulling together information across orders, inventory, and production without navigating multiple screens, or helping users quickly understand what changed and why.
This can help teams respond faster without adding complexity.
Azure Blob Storage
As ERP systems grow, document storage often becomes a hidden source of strain.
Attachments and supporting files accumulate over time, increasing database size and slowing performance.
Azure Blob Storage allows organizations to separate document storage from transactional ERP data, reducing database load and improving system responsiveness.
Over time, that separation can reduce performance issues, lower system strain, and make growth easier to manage.
This approach reflects a broader shift toward more connected, modular systems instead of relying on a single database for everything.
As systems become more connected and data-driven, that foundation becomes even more important.
What are the biggest AI trends in manufacturing for 2025?
Key trends include increased use of AI for real-time insights, predictive decision-making, and embedding AI directly into operational workflows.
This reflects a shift toward systems where insights are embedded directly into workflows rather than delivered separately.
Page scripting
Page scripting allows teams to capture and reuse workflows instead of rebuilding processes or relying on customization every time something changes.
That consistency reduces friction and makes it easier to adapt processes as the business evolves.
It also gives teams a way to scale processes without adding complexity or relying on custom development.
Many organizations default to customization when workflows break down, but that approach can introduce long-term complexity.
Page scripting offers a more flexible alternative.
Can AI and tools like Copilot help solve workforce shortages in manufacturing?
AI tools like Copilot can support teams by reducing manual work, simplifying processes, and helping less experienced users navigate complex systems more effectively.
When experienced team members are stretched thin, that support can reduce reliance on tribal knowledge and make systems easier to use.
What these features signal about where ERP systems are heading
Taken together, these capabilities reflect a broader shift in ERP design:
AI becoming part of everyday workflows
More modular, connected system architecture
Workflows that adapt without heavy customization
As AI in manufacturing continues to evolve, these characteristics are quickly becoming baseline expectations.
Why small changes can have a big impact on ERP performance
ERP performance issues don't just happen due to a single failure—they build gradually.
Growing data volumes slow systems over time
Poor storage design increases query complexity
Workarounds introduce friction into everyday tasks
Addressing these issues doesn’t require a major overhaul... just better use of existing capabilities.
Making systems easier, not more complex
As manufacturing continues to evolve, ERP systems don’t have to become more complicated to keep up.
The opportunity is simpler than that.
It’s about understanding what’s already there—and using it more effectively.
In the next two articles in this series, I’ll look at how ERP systems can be better prepared for AI-assisted workflows, and how workflows can be adapted more easily over time without relying on heavy customization.
And if you’re interested in digging deeper, we’ll be covering this topic in an upcoming webinar, Business Central Features You May Not Know Existed (And Why They Matter), including how these capabilities can help make systems more scalable, adaptable, and easier to work with.
I hope to see you there, or reach out to learn more!
About Matt Keyes
Matt Keyes is a visionary leader, founder, and CTO of Key Partner Solutions. With over two decades of experience in Microsoft Dynamics, he is passionate about driving digital transformation for businesses through innovative technology solutions.
His deep technical expertise, combined with a strategic approach to solving business challenges, makes him a sought-after thought leader in the industry.
Today, Matt is focused on empowering companies to unlock new levels of growth and efficiency through cutting-edge software development and consulting.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.