You may have heard that Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is transforming organizations through real-time analytics and insights that can shape smarter business decisions.

In this article, I’d like to dive into how Business Central can make a difference in manufacturing.

But first, a question: What are four words every manufacturing executive dreads?

“We’re out of stock.”

If that made you cringe, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

Whether it’s an essential part missing or an unforeseen production delay, even a brief interruption can ripple across your entire organization—resulting in missed deadlines, frustrated customers, and lost revenue.

On the flip side, consider another scenario—one in which the company has implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. With real-time analytics monitoring inventory levels, automated reorder alerts kick in, notifying the plant manager well in advance of any shortages and ensuring production continues without a hitch.

If you’re a sports fan like me, you know that timing and preparation are essential to success for any team or individual. And it’s no different in the manufacturing world.

The Importance of Real-Time Data for Decision Making

In a survey by Businesswire, 71% of all respondents said that they can tie their revenue growth directly to real-time data, and 78% agreed that real-time data is not a “nice-to-have.” It’s a “must-have.”  Let’s explore why these numbers matter.

The Cost of Downtime

Let’s circle back to that manufacturing scenario and the ripple effect of a single component being out of stock. It’s not just about lost time, but the broader business challenges in which delays also cost you money and customers.

Damage control mode is never a good place to be.

With real-time data flowing in, monitoring your inventory and alerting you before you hit a critical shortage, everything changes. You can reorder components, adjust production schedules, and avoid costly downtimes altogether.

And to be clear, this is not just a manufacturing issue—it affects businesses across every sector.

Proactive vs. Reactive Decisions

There’s a saying in wrestling: preparation beats scrambling.

The same holds true in business. When you’re in reactive mode, constantly putting out fires, you’ll never get ahead. But with real-time data, you shift from reactive to proactive—not just responding to challenges as they come but anticipating them, staying ahead, and taking action before it’s too late.

Whether you’re predicting changes in customer demand or spotting potential disruptions in your supply chain, real-time insights empower you to take control. Instead of scrambling for solutions when problems arise, you’re already on top of it, making intelligent decisions that keep your business running smoothly.

Market Agility

“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower

The above quote is an excellent reminder that being prepared to pivot is what keeps the most successful businesses moving forward as circumstances continually shift.

Real-time data gives you that market agility and keeps your operations running. When your business operates with up-to-the-minute information, you can quickly shift focus when a competitor makes a big move or pivot your strategy as soon as a new trend emerges.

That kind of agility is critical—today more than ever. Real-time insights allow you to grab opportunities the instant they show up, adjust your operations in real time, and stay ahead of the competition.

The Role of Business Central Analytics

Real-time Insights

With more than four decades in the software industry, I’ve seen the evolution of reporting—from the days of mainframes spitting out static reports to today’s real-time dashboards in Power BI. Business Central’s analytics tools empower decisions by transforming raw data into actionable insights.

Running a business without real-time data is like driving with a foggy windshield—eventually, you’re bound to hit something. But with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, real-time analytics let you clearly navigate every department. Whether it’s finance, sales, or inventory, you’re no longer left guessing.

Integrating Business Central with Other Microsoft Tools

One of Business Central’s greatest strengths is its seamless integration with tools like Power Automate, Excel, and Dataverse to improve workflows across departments.

Automating tasks like invoice approvals with Power Automate reduces errors and frees up time for higher-value work. For accounting executives, this means chasing down emails or dealing with delayed payments is replaced by a smooth, efficient process.

By connecting Business Central with other Microsoft tools, tedious individual tasks transform into a well-coordinated team effort, boosting efficiency and collaboration.

Predictive Analytics and Forecasting with Business Central

With Business Central’s predictive analytics and AI, reacting to what’s already happened is a play from yesterday’s playbook. Now, it’s all about anticipating demand spikes and making proactive decisions. Forget the guesswork—your teams can predict what’s coming next and stay ahead of the curve instead of scrambling after the fact.

Revisiting the earlier finance example: Accounting teams can leverage Business Central’s predictive analytics to forecast cash flow fluctuations. During high-spending seasons, like the holidays, they can plan for increased liquidity needs, ensuring they meet payment deadlines without the stress of a cash crunch. By proactively managing resources, finance teams maintain smoother operations and avoid financial surprises.

Customization and Scalability

Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, Business Central is designed to adapt to your industry’s unique needs. From tailored dashboards to customizable reports, you’ll have the flexibility to leverage insights that matter most to your business.

And, as your company grows, so does the platform–scaling right along with you. Expanding operations, adding new departments—whatever growth looks like for your business, you’ll have the data control needed to preserve visibility and accuracy.

Business Central is a growth-friendly platform that adapts to your specific business needs without overlooking the details.

Building a Data-Driven Culture

Remember when data was only the IT department’s realm? Those days are gone.

With Business Central, team members at all levels—even non-technical employees—can make better decisions by leveraging intuitive dashboards that provide real-time data. When your teams can leverage powerful insights, decision-making improves across the organization, operations run smoothly, and your customers NOTICE the difference.

Real-time insights, seamless integration, and predictive analytics aren’t just buzzwords—they set successful businesses apart. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you have the tools to build a data-driven culture that empowers your entire team.

As someone who’s spent a lengthy career embracing technological change, I can tell you: This is the way forward.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out! We’d love to talk.

About the Author

Pat Bostick is an ERP Solution and Practice Strategist at Cargas, where he has spent nearly six years expanding the impact of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and GP solutions. With over 45 years of experience in digital transformation, Pat’s expertise includes business process consulting, enterprise software sales, and customer relationship management (CRM).

A former leader at Microsoft, Pat has seen the technology landscape evolve from punch cards to AI and machine learning, always with a focus on optimizing the customer journey. His passion for driving growth through innovative ERP solutions continues to shape the future of enterprise technology at Cargas.