MB-800: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

Microsoft MB-800: Business Central Functional Training Course

Introduction to the MB-800 Exam

The MB-800 exam validates the knowledge and skills of professionals working as functional consultants in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Business Central is a robust enterprise resource planning solution that connects finance, sales, service, and supply chain into one unified system. This exam ensures that candidates can configure and implement the application to meet the requirements of organizations across industries. Preparing for this certification requires an understanding of business processes, ERP concepts, and Microsoft cloud technologies.

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide comprehensive training for the MB-800 exam while also equipping learners with practical knowledge they can apply in real-world consulting scenarios. It covers the core functionalities of Business Central including financial management, sales and purchasing, inventory management, operations, reporting, and system configuration. Learners will also gain insights into setting up workflows, customizing the environment, and supporting businesses through Business Central’s extensive capabilities.

The course is structured into five detailed parts. Each part gradually expands the learner’s understanding, starting from foundational concepts and moving toward advanced configurations and integration. By the end of this course, learners will have the confidence and skill set to sit for the MB-800 exam and to perform effectively as Business Central consultants.

Why This Course Matters

Organizations today demand integrated solutions that bring together finance, supply chain, and customer data. Business Central answers that demand by providing a single platform for managing operations. Certified consultants are highly valued because they bridge the gap between technology and business processes. They not only configure the system but also advise organizations on best practices. This makes MB-800 certification an essential credential for anyone aiming to build a career in Microsoft Dynamics consulting.

Learning Objectives

The course prepares candidates to master the core areas assessed in the MB-800 exam. Learners will understand how to implement financials, configure sales and purchasing, manage inventory, and handle reporting. They will learn how to customize Business Central to fit business needs, implement security, and provide support. Beyond exam preparation, the course focuses on developing practical consulting skills such as requirement gathering, business process mapping, and solution delivery.

Who This Course Is For

This training is intended for professionals aspiring to become Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central functional consultants. It is also suitable for business analysts, ERP specialists, accountants, and IT professionals who want to expand their expertise in Microsoft business applications.

If you are a consultant already working in ERP systems and wish to shift your focus to Microsoft’s ecosystem, this course will help you transition smoothly. If you are new to ERP but have a background in finance, business operations, or technology, the course will provide the foundation you need. For students and graduates looking for career opportunities, this training provides a competitive edge in the job market.

Course Requirements

To take this course, learners should have a basic understanding of business processes related to finance, sales, purchasing, and supply chain. Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, is recommended because of its integration with Business Central. While no prior ERP experience is mandatory, having exposure to accounting principles and enterprise systems will make the learning journey smoother.

Learners should also be comfortable with cloud-based applications since Business Central is primarily deployed through Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. Some knowledge of Microsoft Azure and Power Platform will be helpful but not essential at the beginning. The most important requirement is a willingness to learn and engage with both technical and business concepts.

Modules Covered in the Course

The training is divided into modules that align with the MB-800 exam structure. Each module builds knowledge step by step to create a holistic understanding of the platform.

Introduction to Business Central

This module provides an overview of Dynamics 365 Business Central, its role in the Microsoft ecosystem, and its significance for organizations. It explains the core capabilities of Business Central and how it integrates with other Microsoft products like Power BI, Power Automate, and Microsoft 365.

Configuring Financials

This module focuses on setting up core financial features such as chart of accounts, general ledger, bank reconciliation, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Learners will explore how Business Central simplifies financial management through automation and reporting.

Sales and Purchasing

This module dives into sales order processing, purchasing, and vendor management. It explains how to configure workflows for customer orders, invoicing, and vendor interactions. Learners will understand how to align system functionality with real-world business processes.

Inventory and Supply Chain

This module explains how to manage products, warehouses, stock levels, and supply chain workflows. Learners will understand how Business Central ensures accurate tracking, efficient stock management, and smooth logistics.

Operations and Project Management

This module explores manufacturing, service management, and project accounting features. It shows how organizations can streamline their operations and manage resources efficiently through Business Central.

Reporting and Analytics

This module introduces learners to Business Central’s reporting tools, integration with Power BI, and advanced analytics. It focuses on how consultants can deliver insights that guide decision-making.

Security and System Configuration

This module covers user roles, permissions, and system configuration. Learners will understand how to secure data, create user profiles, and configure the environment for different business needs.

Customization and Extensibility

This module explains how to customize Business Central using extensions and integrate it with other applications. Learners will gain an appreciation for the flexibility of the platform and how it adapts to unique business requirements.

Support and Maintenance

This module focuses on post-implementation support, user training, and ongoing maintenance of Business Central. It prepares consultants to provide long-term value to organizations beyond the initial deployment.

Training Methodology

The training combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on exercises. Learners will explore scenarios that simulate real-world consulting engagements. By practicing in sandbox environments, they will develop the confidence to configure, test, and deliver Business Central solutions.

The course also includes practice questions aligned with the MB-800 exam structure. This ensures learners not only gain practical skills but also feel prepared for the certification test.

Career Benefits of the Course

Completing this training and earning MB-800 certification opens the door to career opportunities worldwide. Business Central consultants are in demand across industries, from retail to manufacturing to services. With certification, learners demonstrate their expertise and commitment, making them attractive to employers.

The course also lays a foundation for further Microsoft certifications, particularly in Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. It positions learners for growth into senior consulting, solution architecture, and management roles.

Why Choose This Training

This course is comprehensive, structured, and designed for clarity. It balances exam preparation with practical skills, making it ideal for learners at different stages of their careers. By the end of the first part, learners will have a solid grasp of what Business Central is, why it matters, and how they can benefit from mastering it.

Configuring Financials in Business Central

Financial management is the heart of every enterprise resource planning solution. Business Central offers a comprehensive financial module that integrates seamlessly with other business functions. A functional consultant must understand how to configure core financials so that organizations can track transactions, maintain compliance, and gain insights from accurate data. In this section we will explore the chart of accounts, general ledger, posting groups, bank account management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and reporting. Each of these areas requires careful configuration to ensure the financial foundation is strong and reliable.

Understanding the Chart of Accounts

The chart of accounts forms the backbone of the financial structure in Business Central. It organizes all accounts into categories such as assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses. Consultants must work with stakeholders to design a chart that reflects the organization’s financial reporting needs. Each account in Business Central is assigned an account number and description. Subcategories allow for detailed tracking while summary accounts provide consolidated reporting. A poorly designed chart can create confusion and inaccuracies, so consultants must balance simplicity with flexibility.

Configuring General Ledger

The general ledger is where all financial transactions are recorded. Business Central enables organizations to create journal entries, post transactions, and generate reports from the ledger. Functional consultants configure the ledger to match business policies, including fiscal year definitions, accounting periods, and posting rules. Consultants must also define dimensions, which are attributes such as department, cost center, or project. Dimensions provide a powerful way to analyze data without expanding the chart of accounts unnecessarily. Configuring dimensions correctly is essential for meaningful reporting.

Posting Groups in Business Central

Posting groups are used to automate the classification of transactions into appropriate accounts. Business Central supports general posting groups, customer posting groups, vendor posting groups, and inventory posting groups. By mapping entities to posting groups, consultants reduce errors and ensure consistency. For example, when a sales invoice is posted, the system automatically assigns revenue and receivable accounts based on the customer’s posting group. Configuring posting groups requires a deep understanding of the organization’s processes and financial policies.

Journals and Batches

Business Central supports different types of journals, including general journals, cash receipt journals, and payment journals. Journals are used to record financial transactions before they are posted to the general ledger. Functional consultants must configure journal templates and batches to match the needs of users. For instance, an organization may create separate batches for payroll, expense reimbursements, and vendor payments. By defining templates with appropriate balancing accounts and recurring setups, consultants make transaction entry efficient and accurate.

Bank Account Setup

Managing bank accounts is a critical aspect of financial configuration. Business Central allows organizations to set up multiple bank accounts in different currencies. Consultants must configure bank accounts with correct account numbers, currency codes, and reconciliation methods. Integration with electronic banking services allows for automated reconciliation and payment processing. Functional consultants also configure payment methods such as electronic funds transfer, checks, and bank drafts. Proper bank account setup ensures accurate cash flow tracking and simplifies audit processes.

Accounts Receivable Configuration

Accounts receivable involves tracking money owed by customers. Consultants must configure customer cards with details such as payment terms, credit limits, and posting groups. Payment terms define when invoices are due, while credit limits help control financial risk. Consultants also configure invoice and reminder templates to streamline communication with customers. By automating interest charges and reminders, organizations can maintain healthy cash flow. Business Central also supports customer discounts, which must be configured carefully to avoid revenue leakage.

Accounts Payable Configuration

Accounts payable tracks obligations to vendors. Similar to customers, vendor cards are configured with payment terms, posting groups, and currency details. Consultants must define vendor-specific setups for payment processing. Payment journals can be used to automate routine vendor payments, while vendor aging reports help track outstanding liabilities. Consultants also configure approval workflows to ensure payments are reviewed and authorized before release. By setting up purchase invoice posting correctly, organizations avoid errors that could disrupt supplier relationships.

Multi-Currency Configuration

In today’s global economy, many organizations transact in multiple currencies. Business Central supports multi-currency configurations where consultants define exchange rates, currency codes, and rounding rules. Exchange rates can be updated manually or imported from external sources. Consultants must also configure currency revaluation processes to ensure financial statements reflect current values. Proper handling of currency fluctuations is critical for compliance with accounting standards and for maintaining trust with stakeholders.

Cash Flow Forecasting

Business Central provides tools for forecasting cash flow based on receivables, payables, and expected revenues. Consultants configure cash flow setups to include data sources from sales orders, purchase orders, and budgets. These forecasts help organizations anticipate shortages or surpluses and make informed decisions about investments or borrowing. Configuring cash flow correctly ensures that executives have visibility into the financial future of the business.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Business Central offers a wide range of reporting options. Consultants configure account schedules to provide customizable financial statements. Account schedules allow organizations to define row and column layouts that match their reporting needs. For example, consultants can create income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. By combining dimensions with account schedules, consultants enable detailed analysis by department, region, or project. Integration with Power BI enhances reporting by providing visual dashboards that update in real time.

Budgeting in Business Central

Budgets are a vital planning tool for organizations. Consultants configure budgets in Business Central by defining budget periods, dimensions, and amounts. Budgets can be imported from Excel or created directly within the system. By comparing actual results against budgeted figures, organizations gain insight into performance and identify areas that require corrective action. Consultants may also configure forecasts, which provide alternative planning scenarios. Budgets and forecasts together create a comprehensive financial planning system.

Fixed Asset Configuration

Business Central supports fixed asset management, allowing organizations to track long-term assets such as equipment, vehicles, and buildings. Consultants configure asset cards with acquisition costs, depreciation methods, and useful lives. The system can calculate depreciation automatically based on configured rules. Consultants also configure asset disposal processes to ensure accurate accounting when assets are sold or retired. Integration of fixed assets with the general ledger ensures that financial statements reflect the true value of organizational resources.

Tax Configuration

Compliance with tax regulations is critical. Business Central allows consultants to configure VAT, sales tax, or GST depending on regional requirements. Tax posting setups define how taxes are calculated and posted. Consultants must work with finance teams to ensure tax codes and rates are accurate and updated regularly. Automation of tax calculations reduces the risk of errors and penalties. In international scenarios, consultants may also configure withholding tax for cross-border transactions.

Period-End and Year-End Processes

Closing accounting periods is an essential part of financial management. Consultants configure the system to allow or restrict posting into specific periods. During period-end, consultants assist organizations with running reports, reconciling accounts, and posting adjustments. At year-end, consultants configure closing entries that transfer balances to retained earnings. Proper configuration ensures compliance with accounting standards and provides auditors with clear and accurate data.

Integrating Financials with Other Modules

Business Central’s financials do not exist in isolation. They integrate with sales, purchasing, inventory, and projects. Consultants must ensure that posting groups and workflows are configured to connect financial transactions with operational data. For example, sales invoices flow into receivables while purchase invoices flow into payables. Integration ensures that financial reports reflect the true performance of the business. Consultants play a key role in aligning financial setups with operational realities.

Best Practices for Configuring Financials

Successful configuration requires more than technical knowledge. Consultants must gather requirements carefully, involve finance stakeholders, and test scenarios thoroughly. It is best practice to configure a sandbox environment before implementing changes in production. Documentation of setups ensures transparency and continuity. Consultants should also train finance teams to manage configurations effectively. Adopting a structured and collaborative approach ensures that financial systems remain reliable and scalable.

Common Challenges in Financial Configuration

Consultants often face challenges such as incomplete requirements, inconsistent data, or resistance to change. A common mistake is overcomplicating the chart of accounts, which makes reporting difficult. Another challenge is failing to configure posting groups correctly, leading to misclassified transactions. Currency revaluation can also be complex, especially in volatile markets. Consultants must anticipate these challenges and apply best practices to overcome them. Effective communication with stakeholders helps resolve issues before they escalate.

Preparing for the MB-800 Exam on Financials

The MB-800 exam tests candidates on their ability to configure and implement financial management in Business Central. Exam scenarios may involve setting up posting groups, configuring currencies, or troubleshooting reconciliation errors. Candidates must demonstrate both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Studying financial configuration in depth and practicing in a sandbox environment are essential steps. Reviewing case studies and attempting sample questions builds confidence.

Sales and Purchasing in Business Central

Sales and purchasing processes are at the core of how organizations interact with customers and vendors. Business Central provides a powerful framework to manage quotes, orders, invoices, and returns. For a functional consultant, mastering these configurations ensures smooth operations and accurate financial reporting. Sales and purchasing are not isolated but directly connected with financial management and inventory. Understanding these connections helps consultants design efficient systems that reduce manual effort and eliminate errors.

Configuring Customer Records

Customers are the starting point of the sales cycle. In Business Central, each customer is represented by a customer card containing key details such as contact information, payment terms, shipping details, and posting groups. Functional consultants must configure customer templates to streamline the creation of new customer cards. Templates allow organizations to maintain consistency in terms of payment methods, currency codes, and tax settings. Consultants should also guide organizations on managing credit limits and balances to minimize financial risk.

Configuring Vendor Records

Vendors form the foundation of the purchasing cycle. Each vendor card in Business Central holds details such as payment terms, bank account information, currency codes, and posting groups. Consultants configure vendor templates for efficiency and standardization. Organizations often require specific setups such as approval workflows for high-value purchases or special discount agreements. Consultants must ensure that vendor setups align with company policies while still allowing flexibility for exceptions.

Sales Quotes and Orders

The sales process usually begins with a quote. Consultants configure sales quotes to allow organizations to prepare and send formal offers to customers. Once a quote is accepted, it can be converted into a sales order. Sales orders capture details such as items, quantities, prices, and delivery dates. Consultants configure order processing rules to ensure accuracy in invoicing and shipping. For example, some organizations require partial deliveries, while others require complete shipments. Business Central allows these scenarios through flexible configurations.

Purchase Quotes and Orders

On the purchasing side, consultants configure purchase quotes and orders. Purchase quotes are requests for proposals from vendors, while purchase orders formalize commitments to buy goods or services. Consultants must ensure that purchase orders include vendor-specific pricing, delivery dates, and payment terms. Approval workflows can be configured to control purchases above certain thresholds. By aligning purchase processes with company policies, consultants help organizations maintain cost control and transparency.

Managing Sales Invoices

Invoices formalize the revenue recognition process. Consultants configure sales invoice templates with company branding, payment terms, and tax details. Business Central allows invoices to be generated directly from sales orders, reducing duplication of work. Consultants must also configure recurring sales invoices for customers with subscription-based services. By automating invoicing processes, organizations improve accuracy and reduce delays in revenue recognition.

Managing Purchase Invoices

Purchase invoices represent obligations to vendors. Consultants configure purchase invoices to capture details such as quantities, prices, taxes, and discounts. Integration with accounts payable ensures that liabilities are tracked and payments are scheduled correctly. Consultants may configure recurring purchase invoices for regular expenses like rent or utilities. By automating purchase invoices, consultants help organizations maintain accurate financial data and streamline accounts payable processes.

Returns and Credit Memos

Every business deals with returns, refunds, and credits. Consultants configure sales return orders and credit memos to manage customer returns effectively. Similarly, purchase return orders and vendor credit memos handle scenarios where defective goods are returned to suppliers. Configuring these processes ensures that financial and inventory records remain accurate. Consultants must also ensure that policies for restocking fees, discounts, and refunds are reflected correctly in system setups.

Pricing and Discounts

Pricing strategies are central to customer satisfaction and profitability. Business Central allows consultants to configure price lists, line discounts, and invoice discounts. Consultants must understand how organizations structure their pricing, whether it involves seasonal discounts, volume-based pricing, or promotional campaigns. Proper configuration ensures that discounts are applied automatically during transactions, reducing errors and improving customer experience. Consultants must also configure vendor discounts to ensure cost savings are captured.

Inventory Management Overview

Inventory management connects sales and purchasing by tracking items across warehouses and ensuring supply meets demand. Business Central offers tools to manage stock levels, item availability, costing methods, and reordering. Consultants play a key role in configuring inventory to balance accuracy, efficiency, and cost. By setting up inventory properly, organizations avoid overstocking, stockouts, and unnecessary carrying costs.

Configuring Items and Item Cards

Items represent products or services in Business Central. Consultants configure item cards with descriptions, units of measure, costing methods, and posting groups. Each item card also includes details such as pricing, vendor associations, and stock-keeping units. Consultants must ensure that item setups align with organizational needs, such as tracking serial numbers or lot numbers. A well-structured item master ensures accurate reporting and efficient order processing.

Inventory Posting Groups

Posting groups in inventory connect transactions with the correct financial accounts. Consultants configure inventory posting groups so that sales, purchases, and adjustments flow into the right accounts. For example, when stock is sold, the cost of goods sold must be recorded automatically. Incorrect configuration can lead to financial discrepancies, so consultants must test setups thoroughly.

Warehousing and Locations

Organizations often store goods across multiple locations or warehouses. Business Central allows consultants to configure locations, bins, and warehouse policies. Locations define where stock is stored, while bins represent subdivisions within a location. Consultants configure rules for receiving, picking, and shipping to ensure efficient warehouse operations. Proper warehouse setup ensures that inventory levels are accurate and that logistics processes run smoothly.

Item Availability and Reservations

Business Central provides visibility into item availability across locations. Consultants configure availability setups to help organizations plan sales and purchasing decisions. Reservations can be configured so that specific stock is allocated to particular customers or orders. This ensures that critical customers receive priority while avoiding overcommitments. Consultants must align reservation policies with organizational service-level agreements.

Item Reordering Policies

Replenishment is a key function of inventory management. Consultants configure reordering policies such as fixed reorder quantity, maximum quantity, or lot-for-lot. These policies automate purchase or production orders based on demand. Consultants must analyze business requirements to select the right policy. For example, high-demand items may use a fixed reorder point, while seasonal items may use maximum quantity. Configuring reordering correctly reduces stockouts and carrying costs.

Costing Methods in Business Central

Costing determines how inventory values are calculated. Business Central supports methods such as FIFO, LIFO, specific identification, average costing, and standard costing. Consultants configure costing methods based on industry practices and accounting requirements. For instance, manufacturing companies may use standard costing, while retailers often use FIFO. Correct costing ensures that financial statements reflect true profitability. Consultants must work closely with finance teams to validate costing setups.

Item Tracking with Serial and Lot Numbers

Some organizations need to track items individually or in batches. Business Central allows consultants to configure serial and lot number tracking. This is critical for industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food production, where traceability is required for compliance. Consultants configure tracking codes, assignment rules, and expiration dates. Proper setup ensures that organizations can recall products, manage warranties, and comply with regulations.

Inventory Adjustments and Transfers

Inventory adjustments are needed to correct discrepancies between physical counts and system records. Consultants configure adjustment journals to record changes in quantities or values. Transfers move stock between locations or bins. Consultants configure transfer orders to track movements and ensure accuracy in records. Proper management of adjustments and transfers helps organizations maintain confidence in their inventory data.

Sales and Purchasing Integration with Inventory

Sales and purchasing are closely integrated with inventory. Sales orders reduce available stock, while purchase orders replenish it. Consultants must configure posting groups and workflows so that transactions update both financial and inventory records. Integration ensures that managers have real-time visibility into stock levels and financial performance. Functional consultants play a key role in ensuring this seamless integration.

Reporting in Sales, Purchasing, and Inventory

Business Central provides a wide range of reports covering customer balances, vendor balances, item availability, and sales performance. Consultants configure account schedules, analysis views, and reporting layouts to deliver insights. Integration with Power BI further enhances reporting through dashboards and visualizations. By setting up reporting correctly, consultants empower organizations to make informed decisions on pricing, procurement, and stock management.

Best Practices for Consultants

Consultants should always involve sales, purchasing, and warehouse teams when gathering requirements. Overcomplication of item setups or pricing rules should be avoided to keep systems manageable. Testing scenarios in sandbox environments ensures that policies work as expected before going live. Consultants should also train end users to handle transactions accurately. Clear documentation of configurations provides long-term benefits for organizations.

Common Challenges in Sales, Purchasing, and Inventory

Organizations often struggle with inaccurate inventory data due to poor processes or lack of training. Overly complex pricing rules can lead to errors and customer dissatisfaction. Vendors may have inconsistent terms, requiring careful configuration of templates. Consultants must also manage resistance to system changes by providing training and support. Addressing these challenges requires both technical skills and strong communication abilities.

Preparing for the MB-800 Exam on Sales and Inventory

The MB-800 exam includes scenarios where candidates must configure customers, vendors, items, posting groups, and orders. Candidates may be asked to troubleshoot pricing errors, manage returns, or set up reordering policies. Hands-on practice in a Business Central environment is essential for success. Reviewing case studies and completing practice exams further reinforces knowledge.

Operations in Business Central

Operations represent the processes that connect sales, purchasing, inventory, and financials into a unified flow. Business Central is designed to provide organizations with streamlined operations that improve productivity and efficiency. Functional consultants must configure the system so that workflows align with actual business processes. Operations in Business Central cover areas such as supply chain coordination, warehouse management, service delivery, and production. Each of these areas requires careful configuration and a deep understanding of organizational needs.

Role of Functional Consultants in Operations

The role of a consultant is not only to configure features but also to translate business requirements into system functionality. Consultants must gather details about how goods are received, stored, shipped, and tracked. They must also understand how projects are planned and executed, and how manufacturing processes are structured. Operations are often complex, with many dependencies, so consultants must design setups that are both accurate and scalable.

Service Management in Business Central

Service management is a critical area for organizations that provide after-sales services or customer support. Business Central includes a service module that allows consultants to configure service contracts, service orders, and service items. Service contracts define the terms under which services are provided, while service orders track individual service jobs. Consultants configure workflows that ensure timely response to customer requests. They also set up service pricing, warranties, and resource allocation. By configuring service management effectively, organizations can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Project Management in Business Central

Project management functionality in Business Central allows organizations to plan, execute, and track projects. This is particularly useful for industries such as construction, consulting, and professional services. Consultants must configure project cards, task hierarchies, and resource assignments. Projects can include budgets, billing methods, and time tracking. Business Central provides both fixed-price and time-and-materials project setups. Consultants configure invoicing rules to ensure that projects are billed correctly. Integration with financials ensures that project costs and revenues flow seamlessly into the general ledger.

Configuring Jobs in Business Central

In Business Central, projects are often referred to as jobs. Consultants configure job cards to define project details such as customer, start date, end date, and billing method. Job tasks break down projects into manageable components. Job planning lines allow consultants to define resources, items, and expenses required for each task. Consultants must ensure that job setups align with how organizations actually manage projects. Proper configuration ensures that project tracking is accurate and useful for decision-making.

Resource Management

Projects and operations rely on resources such as employees, equipment, and subcontractors. Business Central allows consultants to configure resource cards with details such as costs, availability, and capacity. Consultants configure resource groups to categorize resources by type or skill. They also configure calendars to define availability and working hours. By aligning resource management with project requirements, organizations can optimize utilization and avoid bottlenecks.

Time and Expense Tracking

Accurate tracking of time and expenses is critical for project profitability. Business Central allows consultants to configure timesheets where employees record their hours against specific jobs or tasks. Consultants also configure expense journals to capture costs such as travel, accommodation, or subcontracted services. By integrating time and expense tracking with project management, organizations can monitor progress in real time and ensure accurate billing.

Project Billing Methods

Business Central supports different billing methods for projects. Fixed-price projects are billed based on milestones or agreed amounts, while time-and-materials projects are billed based on actual hours and costs. Consultants configure billing setups to match contract terms. They also configure project invoices to include detailed breakdowns of time, expenses, and resources. By configuring billing correctly, consultants ensure that organizations capture revenue accurately and maintain trust with clients.

Project Reporting and Analysis

Reporting is essential for monitoring project performance. Consultants configure project reports that show budgets versus actuals, resource utilization, and profitability. Analysis views allow organizations to track projects by dimensions such as department, customer, or region. Integration with Power BI enhances project reporting through dashboards and visualizations. By setting up reporting effectively, consultants provide project managers with the tools they need to make informed decisions.

Manufacturing in Business Central

Manufacturing is one of the most powerful modules in Business Central. It allows organizations to manage production orders, bills of materials, routings, and capacity. Consultants must understand how manufacturing integrates with inventory, purchasing, and sales. Configuring manufacturing requires careful planning because errors can disrupt production and financial reporting. Business Central supports both make-to-order and make-to-stock manufacturing strategies, making it suitable for a wide range of industries.

Configuring Items for Manufacturing

Items used in manufacturing must be configured with details such as replenishment methods, production lead times, and routing associations. Consultants configure item cards to specify whether items are purchased, produced, or both. For manufactured items, bills of materials define the components required, while routings define the steps needed for production. Proper configuration ensures that production orders reflect real-world processes.

Bills of Materials

A bill of materials is a structured list of components required to produce a finished item. Consultants configure BOMs with item numbers, quantities, and units of measure. BOMs may include subassemblies, which are intermediate items used in the production process. Consultants must ensure that BOMs reflect accurate quantities and structures. Incorrect BOM setups can lead to production errors, wasted materials, and inaccurate costing.

Routings in Manufacturing

Routings define the sequence of operations required to produce an item. Each operation specifies a work center, machine center, or resource. Consultants configure routings with details such as setup time, run time, and move time. Accurate routings ensure that production schedules are realistic and that capacity is used efficiently. Consultants must work closely with production managers to capture the real flow of manufacturing processes.

Production Orders

Production orders are the central element of manufacturing in Business Central. They specify what items to produce, in what quantity, and by when. Consultants configure production order statuses such as planned, released, and finished. They also configure posting rules so that material consumption and output are recorded correctly. Production orders can be generated manually or automatically through planning tools. By configuring production orders effectively, consultants help organizations maintain control over manufacturing processes.

Capacity Planning

Capacity planning ensures that resources such as machines and work centers are not overloaded. Business Central allows consultants to configure calendars, shifts, and capacity constraints. Consultants can simulate production schedules to identify bottlenecks. They also configure finite or infinite capacity planning depending on organizational needs. By aligning capacity planning with actual resource availability, consultants enable organizations to optimize production efficiency.

Manufacturing Costing

Costing in manufacturing involves tracking material costs, labor costs, and overhead. Business Central supports costing methods such as standard, average, and actual costing. Consultants configure item cards and routings to capture costs accurately. They also configure overhead rates for work centers. By setting up costing correctly, consultants provide organizations with insights into production profitability. Costing data also flows into financial statements, so accuracy is essential.

Subcontracting in Manufacturing

Many organizations outsource parts of their manufacturing to subcontractors. Business Central allows consultants to configure subcontracting by associating vendors with routing operations. When a subcontracted operation is scheduled, Business Central generates a purchase order for the vendor. Consultants configure costs, lead times, and delivery rules for subcontracted operations. By managing subcontracting within Business Central, organizations maintain visibility and control over outsourced production.

Quality Management

Quality is critical in manufacturing. Business Central supports quality management by allowing consultants to configure inspections and test processes. Items can be flagged for quality checks at different stages of production or receipt. Consultants must ensure that quality procedures align with industry standards and regulations. By integrating quality management into manufacturing, organizations reduce defects and improve customer satisfaction.

Advanced Manufacturing Features

Business Central also offers advanced features such as version management, demand forecasting, and planning worksheets. Consultants configure version management to handle changes in bills of materials and routings. Forecasting tools allow organizations to predict demand and plan production accordingly. Planning worksheets help generate production and purchase orders based on demand and supply. Consultants must master these tools to deliver advanced manufacturing solutions.

Integrating Operations with Financials

Operations, projects, and manufacturing must all integrate seamlessly with financial management. Consultants configure posting groups and workflows to ensure that costs and revenues from operations flow into the general ledger. For example, project expenses must appear in expense accounts, while manufacturing consumption must reduce inventory values. Integration ensures that financial statements reflect the true performance of the organization.

Reporting in Operations and Manufacturing

Business Central provides extensive reporting capabilities for operations and manufacturing. Consultants configure reports on production orders, resource utilization, and project profitability. Analysis views allow organizations to filter and group data by dimensions. Integration with Power BI further enhances visibility through dashboards and interactive charts. Effective reporting empowers organizations to identify inefficiencies, improve planning, and increase profitability.

Best Practices for Consultants in Operations

Consultants should always involve operations managers, project managers, and production supervisors when gathering requirements. They must avoid overcomplicating routings or bills of materials, which can lead to confusion. Testing scenarios in sandbox environments ensures that setups reflect reality. Consultants should also provide training for end users to ensure that data is entered accurately. Documentation of setups provides continuity for organizations.

Challenges in Operations and Manufacturing

Operations and manufacturing often involve complex processes that are difficult to standardize. Incomplete requirements can lead to misaligned configurations. Organizations may struggle with inaccurate data entry, leading to unreliable reports. Capacity planning can be challenging in dynamic environments where demand changes rapidly. Consultants must anticipate these challenges and work closely with stakeholders to resolve them.

Preparing for the MB-800 Exam on Operations

The MB-800 exam includes questions on configuring jobs, resources, production orders, bills of materials, and routings. Candidates must understand how to align these setups with real-world scenarios. Exam scenarios may also involve troubleshooting project billing issues or resolving production bottlenecks. Hands-on practice in a Business Central environment is critical for success. Reviewing case studies and practicing with sample questions strengthens exam readiness.

Prepaway's MB-800: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant video training course for passing certification exams is the only solution which you need.