New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Use AL-controlled Barcode Scanning For All Scenarios

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 5th of the new functionality in the Development section is use AL-controlled barcode scanning for all scenarios.

The barcode scanner in the mobile app increases productivity for warehouse users because they can scan barcodes using the dedicated barcode scanner. This enables new warehouse scenarios in Business Central, and opens new opportunities for partners to create advanced experiences with barcode scanners.

Enabled for: Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically
Public Preview: Apr 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

The capabilities included in the new Business Central mobile app introduced in the last release weren’t fully available for all scenarios in Business Central online.

Now, all scenarios are fully ready and enabled for both Business Central online and on-premises. These scenarios include event-driven barcode scanning using compatible high-end laser scanners on devices running Android OS. To learn more about the scenarios, go to Adding barcode scanning to the mobile app.

The following are additional details about the new capabilities:

  • There’s a new way to use client extensibilities via control add-ins. Developers must declare AL usercontrol on their pages using the APIs provided for the control add-ins (see the GitHub link below).
  • It’s important to note that compared to the existing control add-ins, the new ones don’t have a UI, which means that there isn’t an iFrame embedded on the page or any visual indicator. Additionally, no scripting or styling functionality can be provided either.
  • Update your code to uptake this functionality and use the control add-ins.
  • Mobile device is using Business Central mobile app version 4.0 or later. To download the latest version, go to https://aka.ms/bcmobileapp.
  • Dedicated barcode scanners must be running Android 11 or later.

For more guidance, go to GitHub repository with the Camera Barcode Scanner Provider.

My Opinion

I have an upcoming project which requires barcode scanning so it will be interesting to see if we can use the standard functionality (with a little developer-added enhancements) instead of buying a third-party warehousing system (the client doesn’t actually require anything too complex.

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1
Use Virtual Tables to Expose More Business Central Data in Dataverse
Improve Approval Processes via Power Automate
Add Table and Field Mappings for Existing Integration Tables
Find a Matching Record in a Power Automate Flow
Archive Projects
Usability Improves for Service and Projects
Use Deferral Codes in Purchase and Sales Journals
Define a Service Invoice Posting Policy for Various Users
Define Default Location for Project or Project Phase
Block Item, Item Variant or Service Item from Use in Service Management transactions
Connect Business Central With Shopify B2B
Set Up Financial Consolidation Runs More Efficiently
Simpler Shopify Connection
Use General Ledger Account Revaluation for More Accurate Financial Statements
Get More Productive While Entering Time Sheets
Create Projects That You Can Invoice to Multiple Customers
Assemble to Project
Invoice a Customer for Multiple Projects
Use New Excel Layouts for 35 Selected Reports
Use Standard Terminology for Project Management
Use Currencies When Posting Employee Transactions
Manage Work Orders in Field Service, Invoice Them in Business Central
Manage Document Attachments in Service Items and Documents
Export and Import Multiline Text Using Configuration Packages
Correct Errors in Service Invoices
Prevent Editing Number Series on Service Documents and Cards
Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets
Inventory Package Numbers Work Like Item Tracking Dimensions
Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses
View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders
Specify Dimensions on Posted Entries Applications With Realized Gains or Losses
Allow Lines with Amounts of Zero on Recurring General Journals
Automate the Reminders Process in Collections
See Improved Usability for Warehouse and Inventory
Ensure Accurate Inventory Valuation by Controlling Cost Adjustment
Use a New Role Center for Collection Management
Manage Subscription Billing and Revenue and Expense Recognition
Enable Sustainability Features for Integrations with APIs
Install Field Service Integration with Business Central from AppSource
Introduce Power Automate Copilot Integration with Business Central
Map e-Documents to Purchase Order Lines with Copilot
Create Sales Lines Easily with Copilot
Extend Copilot Using Richer Development Tools
Get to Insights Faster with Copilot-Generated Analysis Tabs
Complete Bank Account Reconciliation Faster With Copilot
Create Product Information Faster with Copilot
Learn More About Fields with Copilot
Chat with Copilot
Simplify collections with Copilot for Finance and Business Central
Automate Tests for your Copilot Extensions with the Business Central Test Toolkit
Automate IRS 1099 Form Submission in US
Enable Additional Countries and Regions
Install UK Localization as an App
Process Czech Bank Statements, Payment Orders More Productively
Improvement of Czech Localization Reports
Report Explorer has Additional Outputs in the Czech Version
Improved Updates of ARES Data in the Czech Version
Allow More Extendability of Advance Payments in the Czech Version
Print QR Codes on Sales Invoices in the Czech Version
Use Excel Layouts for Czech Reports
Handle Multiple File Uploads and File Drop Zones
Debug the System Application
Remove Friction When Working with External App Dependencies
Use In-client Page Scripting Tool for Acceptance Testing
Use AL-controlled Barcode Scanning For All Scenarios
Write flexible and performant code with NumberSequences
Use the OData V4 IN Operator in Web Service Queries
Define Extension Objects in Same App as Their Base Object
Use Cookies in HTTP Calls From Business Central
Define Tooltips on Table Fields
Use Linked Environment in Dataverse Integration
Audit Business Central Operations in Microsoft Purview
Encrypt Data At-Rest with Customer-Managed Encryption Key
Allow Customers to Consent to Microsoft Support Accessing Their Data
Link Business Central Environments to Power Platform Environments
Copy Companies with Dataverse Integration Safely
View and Filter Users With Additional User Details
Control partner access per environment
Analyze Telemetry Events Across Browser and Server for a Session or User
Use Premium License to Sign In to Environment with Essentials Licenses
Experience the New Embedded AppSource Marketplace Page
Migrate Record Links and Notes with Cloud Migration Tooling
See VAT Date in Posting Previews
Automate Country of Origin Listed for Item Tracking Code in Intrastat Reporting
Achieve Sustainable Compliance with Business Central
Discover Report and Data Analysis Content Easily
Use Drag and Drop to Attach Multiple Files
Use Actions to Navigate and Highlight or Fix Platform-Generated Errors
Share Error Details to Get Help from Another User
Access Worksheet Pages from Mobile Phones
Boost Productivity With the Modern Action Bar
Enhancements to the User Experience

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Use In-client Page Scripting Tool for Acceptance Testing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 4th of the new functionality in the Development section is use in-client page scripting tool for acceptance testing.

With the page scripting tool, customers and consultants can easily record and replay user acceptance tests directly in the Business Central web client.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Apr 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

The page scripting tool in the Business Central web client allows you to record your actions, such as opening pages or entering data, and replay them. You can save the recording and share it with others for future playback. An important use case for the tool is capturing and executing user acceptance tests, which is also the initial focus for this release wave.

Open the tool

In the web client, the page scripting tool is accessed from the Settings menu (cog wheel icon). The Page Scripting action, however, only appears if you have record or playback permission to use the tool.

Choose Page Scripting in the Settings menu to open it

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Use In-client Page Scripting Tool for Acceptance Testing”

Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Add a Child Flow To a Parent Flow

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

With the child flow created and the run-only users setting changed, we can add the child flow to parent flows. In this article, I am going to create an example flow which prompts the user for a message which is passed into the child flow and then receives back and emails an output message from the child flow.

The parent calling a child flow, can be any type of flow, but for this example, I am creating an instant cloud flow. Do this by opening your solution and clicking New » Automation » Cloud flow » Instant:

Solution page with the new flow menu open

Continue reading “Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Add a Child Flow To a Parent Flow”

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Chat with Copilot

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 9th of the new functionality in the Copilot and AI innovation section is chat with Copilot.

For Microsoft’s customers, much of their workday revolves around chatting with coworkers, customers, and vendors to get insights and solve problems. Now, Dynamics 365 Copilot helps them continue the conversation in Business Central with AI-powered chat alongside their data. Copilot in Business Central transforms how people approach business applications by empowering workers to express themselves using their own language.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Apr 2024
General Availability: –

Feature Details

While in preview, Copilot will be able to assist with the following:

  • Quickly find and go to your data by expressing what you’re looking for in natural language. Locate pages by name or one or more records based on their fields and constraints. For example, tell Copilot: "Show me the latest sales order for Adatum."
  • Explain and guide to learn about Business Central concepts or how to accomplish tasks, based on Business Central’s extensive online documentation. For example, ask Copilot: "How do I save my list filters so that I can use them again later?"

Watch the video

The new chat pane sits alongside your data in Business Central

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Chat with Copilot”

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 26th of the new functionality in the Application section is view incoming documents in archived quotes and orders.

The ability to view incoming documents added to sales and purchase quotes and orders, even after they are archived, enhances your document management efficiency, ensures seamless access to critical information, supports informed decisions, and reduces administrative overhead.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

After you archive purchase and sales quotes and orders, either manually or automatically, the archived version of those documents contains the incoming document you attached before you archived them.

For example, let’s say you attached an incoming document to a purchase order, and then fully received and invoiced the order.

Shows purchase order with No. of Archived Versions field and Incoming Document FactBox highlighted

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders”

Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Change Run Only Users For Child Flow

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

After creating a child flow, there is one setting in the flow which needs to be set. This is to change the Run only users setting. Do this, by opening the flow to see the details and clicking the Edit button in the Run only users box in the lower right corner of the page:

Child flow detail page with Run only users section ringed

Continue reading “Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Change Run Only Users For Child Flow”

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 25th of the new functionality in the Application section is assign salesperson to customer ship-to addresses.

Assign salespeople to the shipping location rather than the billing address to ensure accurate sales reports by reflecting the true geographical distribution of your sales. Assigning a salesperson to a customer’s ship-to address gives you more precise insights, optimizes resource allocation, and drives strategic growth in your business.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

You can assign a salesperson on the Customer card page by choosing Customer, and then Ship-To Addresses to open the Ship-to Addresses List page. Choose Manage, and then Edit to open the Ship-to Address card page. Enter or choose a Salesperson Code to select the salesperson who is responsible for the customer’s ship-to address.

Shows Ship-To Address page with Salesperson code field highlighted

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses”

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Inventory Package Numbers Work Like Item Tracking Dimensions

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 24th of the new functionality in the Application section is inventory package numbers work like item tracking dimensions.

This update addresses a gap that was present when the feature was originally introduced, and unlocks physical inventory orders for companies that use package-specific tracking.

Enabled for: Users by admins, makers, or analysts
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

To start using this feature, you must activate Feature Update: Enable use of package tracking in physical inventory orders on the Feature Management page. Existing physical inventory orders will be updated, however, Business Central can’t populate the Package no. field. You must recreate these lines using the Calculate Lines action on the Phys. Inventory Order page.

You can enter the package number for items where package tracking is needed on the Phys. Inventory Recording Lines page. Choose Finish to finalize recording.

After you choose Finish in the Physical Inventory Order, Business Central will calculate differences with respect to the package and other item tracking details, and will make positive or negative adjustments.

Physical Inventory - Item Tracking

Click to show/hide the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 Series Index

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1
Use Virtual Tables to Expose More Business Central Data in Dataverse
Improve Approval Processes via Power Automate
Add Table and Field Mappings for Existing Integration Tables
Find a Matching Record in a Power Automate Flow
Archive Projects
Usability Improves for Service and Projects
Use Deferral Codes in Purchase and Sales Journals
Define a Service Invoice Posting Policy for Various Users
Define Default Location for Project or Project Phase
Block Item, Item Variant or Service Item from Use in Service Management transactions
Connect Business Central With Shopify B2B
Set Up Financial Consolidation Runs More Efficiently
Simpler Shopify Connection
Use General Ledger Account Revaluation for More Accurate Financial Statements
Get More Productive While Entering Time Sheets
Create Projects That You Can Invoice to Multiple Customers
Assemble to Project
Invoice a Customer for Multiple Projects
Use New Excel Layouts for 35 Selected Reports
Use Standard Terminology for Project Management
Use Currencies When Posting Employee Transactions
Manage Work Orders in Field Service, Invoice Them in Business Central
Manage Document Attachments in Service Items and Documents
Export and Import Multiline Text Using Configuration Packages
Correct Errors in Service Invoices
Prevent Editing Number Series on Service Documents and Cards
Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets
Inventory Package Numbers Work Like Item Tracking Dimensions
Assign Salesperson to Customer Ship-to Addresses
View Incoming Documents in Archived Quotes and Orders
Specify Dimensions on Posted Entries Applications With Realized Gains or Losses
Allow Lines with Amounts of Zero on Recurring General Journals
Automate the Reminders Process in Collections
See Improved Usability for Warehouse and Inventory
Ensure Accurate Inventory Valuation by Controlling Cost Adjustment
Use a New Role Center for Collection Management
Manage Subscription Billing and Revenue and Expense Recognition
Enable Sustainability Features for Integrations with APIs
Install Field Service Integration with Business Central from AppSource
Introduce Power Automate Copilot Integration with Business Central
Map e-Documents to Purchase Order Lines with Copilot
Create Sales Lines Easily with Copilot
Extend Copilot Using Richer Development Tools
Get to Insights Faster with Copilot-Generated Analysis Tabs
Complete Bank Account Reconciliation Faster With Copilot
Create Product Information Faster with Copilot
Learn More About Fields with Copilot
Chat with Copilot
Simplify collections with Copilot for Finance and Business Central
Automate Tests for your Copilot Extensions with the Business Central Test Toolkit
Automate IRS 1099 Form Submission in US
Enable Additional Countries and Regions
Install UK Localization as an App
Process Czech Bank Statements, Payment Orders More Productively
Improvement of Czech Localization Reports
Report Explorer has Additional Outputs in the Czech Version
Improved Updates of ARES Data in the Czech Version
Allow More Extendability of Advance Payments in the Czech Version
Print QR Codes on Sales Invoices in the Czech Version
Use Excel Layouts for Czech Reports
Handle Multiple File Uploads and File Drop Zones
Debug the System Application
Remove Friction When Working with External App Dependencies
Use In-client Page Scripting Tool for Acceptance Testing
Use AL-controlled Barcode Scanning For All Scenarios
Write flexible and performant code with NumberSequences
Use the OData V4 IN Operator in Web Service Queries
Define Extension Objects in Same App as Their Base Object
Use Cookies in HTTP Calls From Business Central
Define Tooltips on Table Fields
Use Linked Environment in Dataverse Integration
Audit Business Central Operations in Microsoft Purview
Encrypt Data At-Rest with Customer-Managed Encryption Key
Allow Customers to Consent to Microsoft Support Accessing Their Data
Link Business Central Environments to Power Platform Environments
Copy Companies with Dataverse Integration Safely
View and Filter Users With Additional User Details
Control partner access per environment
Analyze Telemetry Events Across Browser and Server for a Session or User
Use Premium License to Sign In to Environment with Essentials Licenses
Experience the New Embedded AppSource Marketplace Page
Migrate Record Links and Notes with Cloud Migration Tooling
See VAT Date in Posting Previews
Automate Country of Origin Listed for Item Tracking Code in Intrastat Reporting
Achieve Sustainable Compliance with Business Central
Discover Report and Data Analysis Content Easily
Use Drag and Drop to Attach Multiple Files
Use Actions to Navigate and Highlight or Fix Platform-Generated Errors
Share Error Details to Get Help from Another User
Access Worksheet Pages from Mobile Phones
Boost Productivity With the Modern Action Bar
Enhancements to the User Experience

Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Create a Child Flow

Power AutomateThis article is part of the Working with Power Automate Child Flows series and of the larger Working with Power Automate series I am writing on my experiences working with the Power Automate, which is part of the Power Platform from Microsoft. I also have a related series of articles on Power Automate with Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

Child flows in Power Automate are quite easy to create and there is actually very little difference between creating a child flow and a normal flow; the main difference is actually in the final step of the child flow. In this example, I’m going to create a simple child flow, including a step to send an email, just to show a complete flow.

Child flows are created as instant cloud flows. To create a child flow, open your solution and click New » Automation » Cloud flow » Instant:

Power Automate Solution page with the menu open to create a new Instant cloud flow

Continue reading “Working with Power Automate Child Flows: Create a Child Flow”

New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralThis post is part of the New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1 series in which I am taking a look at the new functionality introduced in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1.

The 23rd of the new functionality in the Application section is be more productive when approving time sheets.

The ability to quickly and easily approve multiple time sheets at the same time makes the approval process more efficient for managers. Reducing the time and effort managers spend on reviewing and approving individual time sheets gives them more time to focus on their core business.

Enabled for: Users, automatically
Public Preview: Mar 2024
General Availability: Apr 2024

Feature Details

You can now set up how Business Central will handle empty lines during submission for approval by choosing Time Submission Policy in the Resource Setup page:

  • Choose Empty Lines Not Submitted to skip lines that don’t contain hours to submit. This is the default setting.
  • Choose Stop and Show Empty Line Error to stop processing the time sheet if one or more lines are missing hours.
Shows Resource Setup with Time Submission Policy field highlighted

Continue reading “New Functionality In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2024 Wave 1: Be More Productive When Approving Time Sheets”