Extending Business Central Functionality

In Business Central, an “Extension” extends the functionality of the core ERP software. Most ERP systems today handle the core business functionality such as accounting, sales, purchasing, inventory, manufacturing, etc. Solution providers such as ourselves will often extend the functionality by adding features or business specific rules to the software to meet specific business requirements. This could be as simple as formatting an invoice layout slightly or as complex as handling a robust commission structure.

Additionally, third party companies called ISV’s (Independent Software Vendors) may create their own extensions and provide them for sale on the “Extension Marketplace” where they can be installed directly into your sandbox environment, tested and rolled out to production.

The term “extension” is appropriate since it does not touch nor modify Business Central’s core software. Extensions can be easily installed or uninstalled. Yet, when an extension is installed, it is now a seamless part of Business Central. It is not a bolt on, nor does it require additional integration.

When Microsoft releases updates they are only updating their core product. Your extensions will automatically apply to the new release. Occasionally, Microsoft will make technology changes which may require an extension to be updated. Microsoft alerts partners to any potential issues so that they may be addressed prior to applying an update.

Your solution provider can help you choose the extensions that will best fit your needs or create extensions.