Integrating Dynamics 365 Business Central

CRM, HR, and e-commerce systems: customer proximity and operational efficiency

For sales, service, and HR processes, seamless data flows between Business Central and leading cloud systems are essential. This includes real-time updates of customer and master data, automated order handling, and consistent reporting structures. Interfaces must not only be functional but also support increasing data volumes and industry-specific process logic reliably.

Legacy systems: integration as a bridge technology

Many SMEs still rely on older ERP or accounting solutions that cannot be replaced immediately. Integration becomes the key to connecting legacy systems, managing transition scenarios, and preparing data migrations step by step, without disrupting ongoing operations.

B2B partner networks: EDI as the backbone of digital collaboration

For manufacturing, retail, and logistics companies, structured electronic data exchange with business partners is vital. Orders, delivery notes, and invoices are exchanged in standardized formats such as EDIFACT or ANSI X12. Since Business Central does not provide a native EDI engine, companies must rely on integration solutions that handle conversion, validation, and transmission reliably.

Cloud and data platforms: turning data into insights

Many SMEs leverage public cloud services to enable data analytics, IoT applications, or modern business intelligence scenarios. Integrating Business Central with Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, or Data Lakes allows them to consolidate structured and unstructured data and turn it into strategic insights. Security and performance aspects are particularly critical in this context.

Native Microsoft integration: extending capabilities via standard tools

A major advantage of BC is its deep integration with other Microsoft products. Power Automate enables workflow creation, Power BI provides data visualization, and Dataverse centralizes data management. However, these native capabilities can reach their limits when more complex processes, industry-specific requirements, or external partner connections are needed.

OData REST API (v2.0): standardized real-time integrations

The OData REST API is the most important interface for modern integration scenarios. It provides predefined endpoints for key entities such as customers, items, orders, and postings.

• Data format: JSON over HTTPS
• Authentication: OAuth 2.0
• Strengths: Fast implementation, standardized data structures, ideal for real-time integrations
• Use cases: CRM integration, e-commerce connectivity, reporting tools

For advanced requirements, standard endpoints can be extended with custom definitions.

Custom API pages: flexible extensions for individual scenarios

Organizations can define their own API pages through AL code to represent additional entities or specific business processes.

• Advantage: High flexibility in mapping individual data structures
• Prerequisite: Expertise in AL and a strong understanding of the BC data model
• Typical use cases: Industry-specific logic, specialized reporting, integration of proprietary systems

Custom APIs are particularly valuable when standard endpoints are insufficient or when industry-specific processes need to be integrated.

Webhooks: event-driven communication in near real time

Webhooks automatically notify external systems of relevant changes in Business Central, for example, when new customers are created or orders are posted.

• Advantage: No resource-intensive polling mechanisms required
• Use cases: Trigger-based workflows, real-time synchronization, event-driven architectures
• Examples: Automatic CRM notifications, initiating external processes

Webhooks are a powerful tool to make integrations more efficient and scalable.

SOAP web services: connectivity for legacy systems

In addition to modern REST APIs, Business Central continues to support SOAP web services.

• Data format: XML
• Use cases: Integration with older applications based on classic web service standards
• Advantage: High compatibility in hybrid IT landscapes

SOAP remains relevant in many environments, particularly in established EDI or B2B processes that rely on XML-based communication.

Custom OData queries: targeted data selection for BI and reporting

Beyond standard OData endpoints, custom queries can be created to retrieve specific data structures.

• Use cases: External reporting tools, business intelligence, data exports
• Advantage: Fine-grained control of data retrieval without additional API development

This option is especially useful for feeding BI systems with precisely the data they need.

Power Platform Connectors: low-code integration within the Microsoft ecosystem

Business Central can be directly integrated with Microsoft tools via Power Platform connectors.

• Tools: Power Automate, Power Apps, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint
• Use cases: Automated workflows, lightweight app extensions, notifications
• Target audience: Citizen developers and business users without deep IT expertise

These native integrations accelerate simple scenarios considerably but may reach their limits in complex processes or hybrid architectures.

System boundaries and API limits

As a SaaS solution, Business Central is subject to fixed API performance limits per minute. High transaction volumes – for example, in e-commerce, supply chains, or international data flows – can quickly hit these thresholds.

• Impact: Data queues, delayed processes, and increased synchronization overhead.
• Solution: Load distribution, caching mechanisms, or decoupling via integration platforms that manage data flows efficiently.

Scalable integration architectures must take API load management into account from the very beginning.

Lack of a staging framework

Unlike Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management, Business Central does not include a built-in staging framework. Data imports and exports occur directly, without pre-validation or transformation.

• Risk: Unverified or incomplete data can enter production processes.
• Consequence: Higher error rates, correction efforts, and complexity as partner networks grow.

Since Business Central lacks native staging, data validation must be implemented externally, via integration platforms, Azure services, or dedicated staging tables and validation routines within BC. Some specialized partner modules already include validation, format conversion, and error handling as part of their standard offering.

Missing native EDI functionality

Business Central does not provide its own EDI engine. Companies that need to automate structured data exchange – such as orders, delivery notes, or invoices – must integrate external services or platforms.

• Relevance: Especially for manufacturing and retail, EDI is the backbone of partner communication.
• Challenge: Managing format conversions, standard compliance (e.g., EDIFACT, VDA, ANSI X12), transfer protocols (AS2, OFTP2, SFTP), and monitoring.

Without professional EDI integration, manual steps, media breaks, and compliance risks can easily occur.

Support for complex business processes

Business Central is intentionally designed as a lean ERP solution. For complex scenarios – such as multi-tier supply chains or advanced manufacturing – specialized APIs and process logic may be missing.

• Result: Extensions are possible but require development resources and increase integration complexity.
• Example: Extended production processes, multi-level logistics chains, or country-specific document formats.

The more complex the business processes, the more crucial a scalable integration architecture becomes to embed custom extensions cleanly.

Dependency on AL code and third-party extensions

Customizations through AL code and AppSource extensions offer flexibility but often lead to dependencies.

• Challenge: Different update cycles, inconsistent documentation, varying quality standards.
• Consequence: Third-party integrations must be regularly tested and adapted, increasing maintenance effort.

Central governance and clean architectural planning help mitigate these integration risks over time.

Data quality and compliance

Incorrect, duplicate, or incomplete data directly affects business processes. In regulated industries such as automotive or healthcare, the requirements for data consistency, traceability, and auditability are particularly high.

• Risk: Violations of legal requirements (e.g., GDPR, GoBD), additional audit costs, reputational damage.
• Solution: Implement validation mechanisms, monitoring, logging, and unified data standards.

Closing functional gaps

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central offers robust standard features but reaches its limits when it comes to EDI, staging, complex business processes, and the integration of legacy systems. An integration platform extends BC’s capabilities in a targeted way:

• Staging: Data validation, transformation, and enrichment before import
• EDI: Standard conversions, protocol support (AS2, OFTP2, SFTP), and monitoring
• Process logic: Orchestration of complex workflows across system boundaries

This enables professional integration without overburdening Business Central or relying on extensive custom development.

Managing API loads efficiently

In SaaS environments, API limits are a common bottleneck. A central platform can bundle, distribute, and buffer data streams effectively.

• Advantage: High data volumes are processed in a controlled manner without overloading Business Central.
• Additional benefit: Monitoring and error handling are centralized, reducing operational effort.

The result is a scalable integration architecture that grows in step with the business.

Consolidating heterogeneous IT landscapes

Many SMEs operate a mix of cloud applications, on-premises systems, and industry-specific solutions. A central integration platform bridges these worlds by translating formats, protocols, and data models.

• Example: Parallel operation of legacy systems and modern cloud solutions such as Business Central, integration of e-commerce systems, or connection of data lakes. 

Instead of maintaining complex point-to-point interfaces, organizations gain a flexible integration hub that simplifies future expansions.

Standardizing B2B integration

In the EDI context, standardization is essential for reliable and fast partner onboarding.

• Platform advantage: Predefined modules and mappings for common industry standards (EDIFACT, ANSI X12, VDA) accelerate implementation significantly.
• Business benefit: New partners can be integrated quickly without creating new custom interfaces each time.

This boosts speed and efficiency while reducing long-term operational costs.

Strengthening transparency and governance

A centralized platform enables unified monitoring, logging, and role management.

• Effect: IT teams maintain full visibility over all active integrations, and potential errors can be identified and resolved faster.
• Governance: Clear responsibilities and standardized rules support compliance and quality management.

This improves operational security while reducing manual effort in maintenance and audits.

Ensuring future readiness

Integration landscapes must continuously adapt to new business models, technologies, and regulatory requirements. A platform-based architecture provides the necessary flexibility:

• New partners and systems can be connected quickly
• Regulatory changes can be implemented centrally
• Emerging technologies – such as AI-driven processes or IoT – can be integrated without disrupting existing connections

This ensures agility and long-term competitiveness, even in dynamic markets.

Closing functional gaps effectively

BIS complements Business Central wherever standard functionality reaches its limits:

• EDI integration: Support for all common formats (EDIFACT, ANSI X12, VDA) and protocols (AS2, OFTP2, SFTP), including mapping, validation, and monitoring.
• Staging: Processing, validation, and transformation of data before import into BC.
• Data harmonization: Unifying heterogeneous data flows across cloud, on-premises, and legacy systems.

Companies gain a robust foundation for implementing professional integration processes, without the need for custom-built, one-off solutions.

Standardized connectivity and double conversion

A core principle of BIS is the Double Conversion approach: Data is first converted into a neutral intermediate format and then into the target format.

• Advantage: Once defined, partner mappings can be reused across systems, regardless of their specific technologies.
• Result: Fewer individual interfaces, lower maintenance effort, and faster partner onboarding.

This approach increases integration speed while reducing long-term complexity.

Flexible architecture for hybrid scenarios

BIS supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid integration models. This ensures consistent connectivity across diverse system landscapes – even across organizational and geographical boundaries.

Examples:

• Parallel operation of Business Central and SAP
• Integration of industry-specific legacy systems
• Connection of global partner networks 

Added value: Central orchestration of complex data flows while relieving the ERP systems of operational load. This creates an integration architecture that scales in line with the company’s business model.

Monitoring, governance, and citizen enablement

BIS provides role-based monitoring, detailed audit trails, and flexible workflows.

• Transparency: Central visibility into all data flows and integration processes
• Governance: Clear accountability and standardized policies for compliance and audit readiness
• Citizen enablement: Low-code tools empower business departments to implement simple integrations independently, without overburdening IT

This strengthens collaboration between IT and business teams while improving governance and operational efficiency.

Managed services: simplifying operations, freeing resources

If desired, SEEBURGER can take over full platform operations, from maintenance and interface management to ongoing optimization.

Advantages:

• High operational reliability with defined service levels
• Reduced internal workload for IT teams
• Continuous enhancement of the integration environment

Strategic benefit: Companies can focus on value creation instead of infrastructure management – an especially relevant factor for SMEs looking to scale efficiently.

Central integration platform as the core enabler

Using the SEEBURGER Business Integration Suite (BIS), a central data hub was established to enable bidirectional data exchange between Business Central instances, SAP systems, and external business partners.

Key success factors included:

• Double Conversion Principle: All data was exchanged via a neutral intermediate format. This reduced complexity, accelerated partner onboarding, and simplified maintenance and further development.
• Standardized Connectors: Preconfigured interfaces for SAP, EDI, and Business Central enabled fast and reliable integration.
• Central Monitoring: The platform provided full transparency across all data flows and enabled proactive error handling.

Step-by-step migration during ongoing operations

A major focus of the project was on the migration strategy. Instead of a “big bang” approach, the systems were integrated step by step, allowing parallel operations during the transition phase.

• Benefit: Risks were minimized while new locations could be connected progressively.
• Result: The migration was completed without any significant disruption to day-to-day operations.

Results and business impact

After the migration, the BIS platform reliably controlled all data flows between Business Central, SAP, and partner networks.

• Processes were standardized and redundant interfaces eliminated.
• Maintenance efforts were significantly reduced through centralized monitoring and control.
• The integration architecture now supports high transaction volumes and is designed for future growth.

Outcome: The project demonstrates how companies can modernize international ERP landscapes and at the same time lay the foundation for new digital business models, without operational disruptions and with measurable business value.

Establishing clear governance structures

Integration is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. Without defined responsibilities and decision paths, friction and inefficiencies quickly arise.

• Accountability: Clearly define roles and responsibilities across IT, business departments, and external partners.
• Processes: Standardize approval, change-management, and interface-maintenance procedures.
• Documentation: Maintain transparent and auditable documentation of architectures, data flows, and customizations.

A structured governance framework ensures stability, traceability, and efficient collaboration between all stakeholders.

Embedding compliance and data protection

Regulatory requirements such as GDPR, GoBD, or industry-specific mandates directly impact integration processes. Data must be transmitted securely, completely, and traceably.

• Technical controls: Encryption, access management, audit-ready logging.
• Organizational controls: Data-protection policies, regular audits, staff training.
• Process controls: Defined responsibilities for data quality and security.

Compliance is not just a legal obligation: it is a strategic asset that builds trust and minimizes risk.

Securing high data quality as a foundation

Integration is only as good as the data being exchanged. Inconsistent or erroneous master data leads to failures, manual corrections, and compliance issues.

• Standards: Define consistent data models and validation rules.
• Controls: Implement automated validation and monitoring mechanisms.
• Data cleansing: Analyze and consolidate legacy data before migration.

High data quality ensures stable processes, reliable reporting, and effective automation.

Managing change proactively

A new integration architecture reshapes workflows, responsibilities, and often company culture. Successful organizations manage this transformation intentionally.

• Engagement: Involve IT, business units, and partners early.
• Communication: Clearly articulate goals, benefits, and impacts.
• Enablement: Provide targeted training, pilot projects, and peer exchange formats.

Proactive change management anchors technological transformation within the organization and secures long-term project success.

Designing for scalability and future readiness

Integration does not end at go-live. New business models, partners, and regulatory requirements continuously test system flexibility.

• Architecture principles: Build with modularity and extensibility in mind.
• Growth scenarios: Plan for expansion from the outset.
• Emerging technologies: Monitor developments such as AI, IoT, or evolving data standards.

Key success factors at a glance

• Robust architecture: Address API limits, staging gaps, and EDI requirements early.
• Standardization & governance: Consolidate integration logic and define clear responsibilities.
• Data quality & compliance: Control data flows and meet regulatory requirements reliably.
• Strategic foresight: Plan for scalability, change management, and evolving business models from the start.
• Platform-based approach: Reduce complexity, increase transparency, and ensure sustainable operations.

Organizations that apply these principles can leverage Business Central not only as an operational ERP solution but as a strategic enabler for digital growth.

SEEBURGER as a strategic integration partner

For decades, SEEBURGER has been supporting enterprises in managing complex integration scenarios efficiently, securely, and future-ready. With the Business Integration Suite (BIS), we connect Business Central seamlessly with internal systems, partner networks, and cloud services.

Our project experience shows:

• Central platform architectures significantly reduce long-term integration effort.
• Standardization and governance accelerate adaptation to new requirements.
• Managed Services relieve internal teams and enhance operational stability.

The result is an integration landscape that not only meets current needs but is ready to evolve with tomorrow’s demands: enabling agility, transparency, and long-term business value.