Dynamics 365 Business Central Connectors: Options & Use Cases

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an ERP solution trusted by more than 50,000 companies. However, most businesses do not operate their ERP in isolation. They may also rely on ecommerce platforms, CRM systems, banking solutions, Microsoft 365, reporting tools, document management applications, and other business software.

For example, an ecommerce business may use Business Central to manage inventory, sales, warehousing, purchasing, and finance while using Shopify to process online orders. Connecting the two systems helps relevant product, customer, inventory, and order information move between them with less manual intervention.

This is where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central connectors and integrations become useful.

Depending on the application and business requirement, organisations can use native Microsoft integrations, third-party solutions available through Microsoft AppSource, or Business Central APIs for more tailored integrations. In this guide, we look at some useful Business Central connectors and integration options and explain where they can be used.

Business Central Connector vs Integration vs API: What's the Difference?

The terms connector, integration and API are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different parts of the integration process.

• Business Central connector: A pre-built connection that allows Business Central to exchange data with another application or service.

• Business Central integration: The broader process of connecting Business Central with other systems, including data mapping, workflows, synchronisation, security and monitoring. You can see more details - A Quick Guide to Dynamics 365 Business Central Integration.

• Business Central API: A technical interface that allows developers to securely exchange data between Business Central and custom or third-party applications.

For standard requirements, a pre-built connector may be sufficient. Businesses with more complex workflows, legacy systems or proprietary applications may require API-based or customised integration.

What Are the Main Ways to Integrate Business Central?

There is no single integration method that works for every Business Central environment. The right approach depends on the system being connected, the data that needs to move, the level of automation required, and how much customisation the business needs.

1. Using Business Central Connector

You can use the set of connectors available on Microsoft AppSource, which is very easy to initiate. Search for the particular connector you require. Sign in to AppSource and install the connector to begin the integration. In this method, you must follow the series of actions necessary to complete the integration.

2. Using Third-Party Solution

Multiple third-party solutions on the internet allow you to integrate Dynamics Business Central with your intended apps. Third-party solutions ensure hassle-free integration, as you can initiate the integration with a single click.

3. Using the Custom API Connector

Businesses with unique requirements need out-of-the-box solutions to ensure seamless operation. The connector or third-party solution doesn’t focus on your dedicated requirement. Hence, a custom API connector is your option to establish the integration.

However, it takes more time and effort upfront, but the payoff is worth it when everything works in sync.

Useful Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Connectors (List)

1. Email - Microsoft 365 Connector

The Microsoft 365 Email Connector is designed to integrate email with Dynamics 365 Business Central seamlessly. Users can communicate efficiently without leaving the Business Central environment by syncing email capabilities.

For instance, a sales representative receives a query via email and, using the connector, quickly generates a quote and sends it to the customer without leaving Business Central.

Key Features

• Email Synchronisation: Sync emails between Business Central and Microsoft Outlook to ensure consistent communication records.

• Interaction Tracking: Track customer and vendor interactions, linking emails to associated records such as quotes, invoices, and purchase orders.

• Document Generation: Create and send documents like sales quotes or invoices directly from an email thread.

• Template Integration: Use pre-defined templates for faster communication aligned with your business branding.

How It Can Benefit Your Business

• Productivity Boost: Saves time by doing away with the need to move between apps.

• Better Collaboration: By providing access to email threads about certain business operations, team members can remain in sync.

• Improved Customer Engagement: Companies can reply immediately from Business Central to promptly address questions.

2. Shopify Connector

Dynamics 365 Business Central can be integrated with Shopify via the Shopify Connector. This allows companies to incorporate backend functions like inventory, sales, order management, and customer information with e-commerce operations. For example, Business Central streamlines packaging and delivery by automatically processing Shopify orders.

Key Features

• Two-Way Data Synchronisation: Ensures real-time updates between Shopify and Business Central for orders, inventory, and customer information.

• Automated Order Processing: Transfers Shopify orders directly to Business Central for fulfilment.

• Support for Multi-Channel Sales: Manage data from multiple Shopify stores within a single Business Central instance.

• Insightful Analytics: Offers dashboards and reporting for performance indicators in e-commerce.

How It Can Benefit Your Business

• Centralised Operations: Eliminate switching between Business Central and Shopify.

• Real-Time Data: Stock inconsistencies are decreased with instantaneous inventory updates.

• Scalability: Easily manages thousands of transactions while supporting small and large stores.

3. Dataverse Connector

The Dataverse Connector allows seamless data sharing between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Microsoft Dataverse, ensuring unified data management across the Microsoft ecosystem.

For instance, you can share customer data between Business Central and Dynamics 365 Sales to create targeted campaigns.

Key Features

• Data Synchronisation: Sync customer, product, and transactional data between Business Central and other Dynamics 365 apps.

• Custom Entity Mapping: Define and map custom entities to tailor the integration.

• Workflow Automation: Automate data-driven workflows across systems using Power Automate.

• Security and Compliance: Ensure data integrity and security with built-in compliance features.

How It Can Benefit Your Business

• Unified Platform: Share and update data across multiple Dynamics apps.

• Business intelligence: Use data insights to make well-informed choices.

• Customisation: Adapt data models and workflows to specific business requirements. 

4. Power Platform

The Microsoft Power Platform complements Business Central by providing powerful tools like Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate. These tools enable businesses to create custom applications, automate workflows, and derive actionable insights from data, further enhancing the capabilities of Business Central.

Key Connectors

1. Power BI

• Integration with Business Central: Connects seamlessly to Business Central to provide real-time dashboards and reports.

Power Apps

• Customisation Capabilities: Allows users to build custom apps tailored to specific business needs without extensive coding.

Power Automate

• Workflow Automation: Automates repetitive tasks, such as invoice approvals and notifications.

Businesses can also use Business Central with Power Platform integration to connect reporting, workflow automation and low-code applications around their ERP processes.

List of Business Central Connectors Provided by Third-Party Solutions

1. Salesforce Connector

With the Salesforce Connector, you can bridge the gap between Salesforce and Dynamics 365 Business Central and eliminate data silos while unifying your workflow. By maintaining synchronisation between client data, sales leads, and reports, this robust integration guarantees seamless data sharing.

For businesses using Salesforce as their CRM, a dedicated Business Central and Salesforce integration can connect customer, sales, order, inventory and financial information across both platforms.

Key Features:

• Real-time data synchronisation: Easily exchange account information, leads, and opportunities between Business Central and Salesforce.

• Salesforce Integration: Gain direct access to important Salesforce data in Business Central, which offers a thorough picture of client relationships.

• Improved Workflow Automation: Automate sales and approval procedures in both systems to reduce manual labour and increase precision.

2. connect2Magento

Ideal for e-commerce businesses, the connect2Magento integration enables seamless synchronisation of data between Magento and Dynamics 365 Business Central. This includes products, orders, inventory, and customer information, ensuring your e-commerce operations run smoothly.

Key Features:

• Two-Way Data Exchange: Orders, product details, and inventory levels are synchronised between Business Central and Magento in real time.

• Customer Insights: By integrating customer data from Business Central with Magento, you can improve CRM capabilities and see all your customer interactions in one place.

• Rich Reporting: You may examine consumer behaviour, inventory levels, and sales performance with customised reporting dashboards.

3. Continia Document Capture

The Continia Document Capture connector simplifies document management by automating incoming document scanning, registration, and archiving within Dynamics 365 Business Central. This solution optimises your document operations by reducing the amount of human data entering and improving accuracy.

For businesses looking to automate invoice and expense processes further, Continia Document Capture and Expense Management with Business Central can support document capture, data extraction and approval workflows.

Key Features:

• Automated Document Scanning: Automatically scan and digitise incoming documents such as invoices and receipts.

• Data Extraction: Extract relevant data from scanned documents using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology.

• Seamless Registration: Register documents directly in Business Central, linking them to the appropriate transactions.

• Archiving and Retrieval: Safely store documents for compliance and convenient access.

4. Yavrio Open Banking

Yavrio Open Banking is designed to provide real-time bank feeds and secure payment processing. This simplifies financial operations and bridges the gap between banking activities and Business Central.

Businesses can use this connector to integrate Yavrio Open Banking and Business Central seamlessly. This facilitates more efficient financial management, better decision-making, increased security, and lower transaction costs.

Important Features:

• Current Bank Feeds: Instantaneously retrieve and present transaction information from linked bank accounts.

• Complete Financial Visibility: Improves clarity by combining data from several bank accounts into a single, user-friendly display.

• Direct Vendor Payments: Access the payment journal to make direct payments to vendors, like an instant bank transfer.

• Bank-Grade Security: Utilizes encrypted and time-tested security protocols to protect sensitive financial data.

• Automated Bank Reconciliation: Eliminates manual reconciliation tasks by directly synchronizing bank transactions with Business Central.

5. WooCommerce Connector

This connector ensures precise inventory and order management for WooCommerce users by enabling real-time data exchange with Dynamics 365 Business Central. E-commerce companies can improve their operations and keep accurate records thanks to this connectivity.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Synchronisation: Sync product information, inventory levels, and orders between WooCommerce and Business Central.

• Order Management: Automatically update order statuses and manage fulfilment processes.

• Inventory Control: Maintain accurate inventory levels across both platforms to prevent stockouts and overstocking.

6. DocuSign Integration

With the DocuSign Integration, businesses can simplify the approval process by electronically signing and managing documents directly from Dynamics 365 Business Central. This integration enhances efficiency and ensures secure document handling.

Key Features:

• Electronic Signatures: Send documents for electronic signature directly from Business Central.

• Workflow Automation: Automate approval workflows, reducing the time needed for document processing.

• Secure Document Management: Ensure the security and integrity of signed documents with robust encryption and authentication.

Which Business Central Connector Do You Need?

The right connector depends on the business system you want to connect and the type of data or process you need to synchronise. The following examples can help narrow down the most suitable integration approach.

These are examples rather than a fixed list. The most suitable option depends on your existing technology stack, data requirements, workflow complexity and integration objectives.

Custom Business Central APIs for Bespoke Integration Requirements

Standard connectors and AppSource solutions can cover many common integration requirements, but they may not always support every business process.

For example, your organisation may use proprietary software, an industry-specific platform, a legacy application, or a custom internal system that does not have a ready-made Business Central connector.

In these situations, Business Central APIs can be used to establish a more tailored integration.

Microsoft provides standard REST APIs for Business Central, and developers can create custom APIs when the required data or functionality is not available through the standard APIs.

A custom API integration may be appropriate when you need to:

• Connect proprietary or industry-specific software

• Exchange data with legacy applications

• Automate unique business processes

• Control exactly which Business Central data is exchanged

• Build integrations that cannot be achieved through existing connectors

Custom integrations require proper architecture, security, testing, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance, so they should be designed around clearly defined business requirements.

How to Choose the Right Business Central Connector

The right Business Central connector is not necessarily the one with the longest feature list. It should support the systems, processes, data, and level of automation your business actually needs.

Before selecting an integration, consider the following:

What Data Needs to Be Integrated?

Identify whether you need to synchronise customers, products, orders, inventory, invoices, payments, financial transactions, documents, or other information.

Which System Should Be the Source of Truth?

Decide where each type of information should be created and maintained. For example, inventory may primarily be controlled in Business Central while ecommerce orders originate in Shopify.

How Frequently Should Data Be Updated?

Some processes require frequent synchronisation, while others can operate effectively through scheduled updates.

Is the Integration One-Way or Two-Way?

Not every integration needs bidirectional synchronisation. Define which system sends information and which system receives it.

Can a Standard Connector Meet the Requirement?

Where possible, evaluate native Microsoft integrations and established AppSource solutions before investing in custom development.

What Happens When the Integration Fails?

Error handling, monitoring, duplicate prevention, security, and data validation should be considered before implementation rather than after the connector goes live.

How Will the Integration Be Managed After Go-Live?

Integration should not be treated as a one-time setup. Businesses should consider how the connection will be monitored, maintained and updated as Business Central and connected applications change.

Before implementation, define who will manage integration errors, monitor data synchronisation, review failed transactions and handle changes to connected systems. This is particularly important for integrations that support finance, orders, inventory or other business-critical processes.

A Business Central partner can help assess these requirements and determine whether a standard connector, third-party application, Power Platform solution, or custom API is the most appropriate option.

How Can Dynamics Square UK Help with Business Central Integration?

Choosing a Business Central connector is only the first step. A successful integration also requires the right data mapping, workflow design, security controls, testing and ongoing monitoring.

Dynamics Square UK, a Microsoft Solutions Partner, can help organisations assess, implement, customise and optimise integrations for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Our Business Central consultants can support:

• Business Central integration assessment and planning

• Shopify and ecommerce integration

• Dynamics 365 Sales and Dataverse integration

• Salesforce and CRM integration

• Power Platform and workflow automation

• Third-party Business Central extensions

• Business Central API development and bespoke integration

• Data mapping and synchronisation

• Integration testing, troubleshooting and ongoing support

If an off-the-shelf connector does not meet your requirements, we can also assess whether a custom API or tailored integration would be more suitable.

Contact Dynamics Square UK to discuss your Business Central integration requirements and identify the right approach for your business.

Call 0203 769 7689 or email info@dynamicssquare.co.uk to speak with our team.