Small and growing businesses often hesitate when considering enterprise-grade solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The misconception that Business Central is “too big” or “too complex” for small companies can lead organisations to miss out on the advantages of a scalable, all-in-one ERP solution. But is your company truly too small for Business Central? In this article, we explore why Business Central is designed for businesses of all sizes and how it can empower even the smallest organisations.
What Is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central?
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP platform designed to unify core business functions like finance, sales, inventory, operations, and customer service. It’s a highly customisable, scalable solution that can grow with your business, making it suitable for startups, small businesses, and larger enterprises alike.
Why Small Businesses Should Consider Business Central
1. Tailored to Fit Businesses of Any Size
Business Central offers flexibility that adapts to your company’s size and complexity:
- For small businesses, the focus might be on streamlining financial processes and improving inventory management.
- For larger businesses, it extends to advanced supply chain management, manufacturing, and multi-entity consolidation.
With its modular design and extensive ecosystem, you only pay for the features you need, reducing unnecessary costs.
2. Scalability to Support Growth
A common pain point for small businesses is outgrowing their existing systems. Basic accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero can meet early-stage needs but often fall short as operations expand. Their are other accounting systems such as AccountsIQ that have attempted to fill the gap, but these often lack crucial functionality and are not true ERP systems. Business Central provides a scalable foundation, ensuring your business doesn’t face costly migrations in the future.
Key Features for Growing Companies:
- Multi-currency, multi-language, and regulatory compliance support for international expansion.
- Role-based dashboards that evolve with changing operational needs.
- Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Office 365, Power BI, and Teams.
3. Cost-Effective Cloud Deployment
One of the biggest advantages of Business Central is its cloud-based architecture:
- No need for expensive on-premises servers or IT infrastructure.
- Automatic updates ensure you’re always using the latest features without additional costs.
- Flexible subscription pricing lets small businesses start with what they need and scale up as necessary.
Example: A small e-commerce business with minimal staff can use Business Central to manage inventory and automate financial reporting, only paying for those features initially.
4. Improved Efficiency and Automation
Small businesses often rely on manual processes that drain time and resources. Business Central automates repetitive tasks, freeing your team to focus on growth and strategy. Key benefits include:
- Automated invoice processing and bank reconciliations.
- Integration with tools like Power Automate for custom workflows.
- Powerful OCR invoice scanning solutions
- AI-driven insights to optimise cash flow and predict sales trends.
5. Streamlined Decision-Making with Real-Time Data
For small businesses, making informed decisions quickly is critical. Business Central provides centralised, real-time data across departments, giving you a holistic view of your operations. Tools like Power BI further enhance decision-making with dynamic dashboards and actionable insights.
Example: A small retail business can track inventory levels in real time, ensuring stock replenishment aligns with sales demand.
Common Concerns: Addressed
“It’s Too Expensive”
While the initial investment may seem daunting, the long-term ROI often outweighs the costs. Reduced errors, improved efficiency, and better decision-making lead to tangible savings and revenue growth. (A license subscription for an accounting team member, for example, starts from as low as £57.50 per user, per month).
“It’s Too Complex”
Business Central’s intuitive interface and role-based functionality make it user-friendly, even for teams with limited IT expertise. Microsoft also offers extensive support and training resources to simplify adoption.
“We Don’t Have IT Resources”
With its cloud deployment, Business Central reduces the need for on-site IT teams. Microsoft manages the infrastructure, updates, and security, allowing your team to focus on core operations.
Pricing and Accessibility
As of 2024, Business Central pricing starts at approximately:
- £57.50/user/month for the Essentials plan: Covers core modules such as finance, supply chain, and project management.
- £82.20/user/month for the Premium plan: Includes all Essentials features plus advanced capabilities like service management and manufacturing.
For businesses with basic requirements, Team Member licenses are available for £6.60/user/month, granting limited access to specific functions like approvals and reporting. This flexibility makes Business Central accessible even for smaller teams.
Business Central Right for Your Company?
If your business struggles with:
- Managing finances across disconnected systems.
- Tracking inventory manually.
- Spending excessive time on basic administrative tasks.
- Preparing for growth but facing limitations with current tools.
Then Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is likely the right choice. Its ability to streamline operations, provide scalability, and offer cost-effective cloud deployment makes it suitable for small businesses aiming to grow and thrive.
Conclusion
No business is “too small” for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Its modular approach, scalable design, and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem make it an ideal solution for companies of any size. Whether you’re a startup looking for efficiency or a growing organisation needing scalability, Business Central provides the tools to succeed.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
At Finsys Apps, we specialise in helping small businesses implement tailored Business Central solutions. Contact us today to see how we can support your unique needs!
