Microsoft has published this years fall release of Dynamics 365 Business Central. The new version once again contains various functional innovations and optimizations.
In addition to some enhancements in the application and the development environment as well as a generally improved user experience, Business Central 2024 Wave 2 once again focuses on artificial intelligence with Microsoft Copilot and sustainability reporting, among other things. Important innovations were also announced in the area of e-documents.
New application features and optimized user experience
The second release wave 2024 will again improve the handling of general operating processes. To this end, the application will once again be equipped with a number of productivity-enhancing functional innovations. For example, drag & drop can now be used in the file upload dialog to attach multiple files simultaneously and column sizes can be changed even when customization is disabled. Access keys with key tips are now also available in German language.
General application innovations can be found in this version, particularly in the areas of inventory management and service and projects. For example, a new module will soon make it possible to manage subscription billing and revenue and expense recognition. In addition to a generally improved user-friendliness for projects, warehouse activities can also be used with projects in future to optimize the organization of inventory stocks. The ability to create purchase orders from projects has also been announced.
Innovations in financial accounting and e-documents
The topic of e-invoicing is also highly relevant in the new Business Central fall version, not least due to the Growth Opportunities Act, which will soon come into force, and the associated mandatory e-documents. The framework for e-documents localized for Germany and the associated service providers can soon be used. It will also be possible to add multiple attachments to electronic documents when sending them and use e-documents with Power Automate.
Furthermore, new reports and demo data for financial reporting as well as several VAT identification numbers per customer can now be used in the area of financial accounting.
Artificial intelligence further expanded with Copilot
With Copilot, Microsoft has also equipped Business Central with the first AI-based functionalities in recent releases, which are to be expanded again with the new version. In addition to improving some of the features that have already been introduced, Copilot will be able to suggest not only sales lines but also number series, for example. Power Automate flows and product information can also be created more quickly. It will also be possible to combine data records with Copilot and learn more about the use of installed add-on apps via Copilot Chat.
Sustainable compliance with Business Central
With the last April version, the first functionalities for sustainability reporting were also introduced in Business Central. With the new release, new enhancements have also been announced. In future, the internal calculation of CO2 charges in the area of sustainability will be possible, greenhouse gas emissions can be recorded using purchase invoices and carbon credits can be purchased. In addition, sustainability entries can be reported with financial reports and sustainability certificates for items and vendors can be tracked.
Further innovations and optimizations
In addition to the innovations listed above, the technical and administrative area in Business Central will also be optimized again. In particular, a change and more flexible design of the update cycles has been announced for the future.
As always, you can find detailed information on selected new features in the new version of Business Central on our blog.