From the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central blogs: ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets; Azure Function SQL trigger; Managing scrap in manufacturing; String function

In this review of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central blogs:

• Introducing ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets in Business Central 2025 wave 1
• Azure Function SQL trigger: how to use it (and why it can be useful in your Business Central projects)
• Managing scrap effectively in manufacturing with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• IncStr() now includes a new overloaded method—use it wisely

Introducing ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets in Business Central 2025 wave 1

Writing on his blog, Ammolh Saallvi stated that with the launch of Dynamics 365 Business Central 2025 wave 1, Microsoft introduced a new feature called ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets, aimed at improving reporting and data analysis for both developers and users. 

Saallvi noted that this feature resolves a common issue by allowing multiple datasets to be exported to separate sheets within a single Excel file.

He wrote that ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets is a new property for report objects that use Excel layouts, which lets developers link multiple data items or datasets to different sheets in an Excel file (.xlsx). He noted that this makes reports more organized and easier to navigate when they're exported.

And he stated that instead of cramming all data into one sheet, this feature allows you to create separate sheets for different datasets. He added that developers can now name data items and map them to specific sheet names, giving them more control and eliminating the need for complex workarounds.

In his blog post, Saallvi explained how to use ExcelLayoutMultipleDataSheets.

Azure Function SQL trigger: how to use it (and why it can be useful in your Business Central projects)

Writing on his blog, Stefano Demiliani stated that recently he held a training session on "serverless integrations for Dynamics 365 Business Central" at the Microsoft House in Milan. 

He noted that during the session, he briefly discussed the new Azure SQL triggers support for Azure Functions. This feature allows an Azure Function to automatically respond to data changes in databases such as Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server 2016-2022. 

He pointed out that it's a powerful tool for building event-driven applications and integrating external SQL databases with D365BC.

Demiliani then offered a simple example: Imagine you run a B2B application that saves sales orders in a SQL database (either on-premises or in Azure SQL). He stated that whenever a sales order is added, you have to instantly transfer that data to D365BC.

He noted that a practical solution is to use the new SQL trigger binding for Azure Functions to handle these data transfers in real time, ensuring maximum efficiency. In his blog post, Demiliani explained how to use this new trigger for Azure Functions.

Managing scrap effectively in manufacturing with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

On the ArcherPoint blog, Michael Opatrny discussed the concept of scrap in manufacturing like wasted materials, defective products, and production inefficiencies. 

He stated that tracking scrap accurately helps manufacturers better estimate costs, plan production, and find ways to improve processes. 

He noted that keeping accurate records of both input scrap, which is wasted raw materials, and output scrap, which is defective or unusable finished products is important for maintaining profits and meeting quality standards. However, he pointed out that managing scrap can get complicated, especially in multi-step production processes with varying material yields.

Opatrny stated that D365BC simplifies scrap management by allowing manufacturers to track both input and output scrap directly during production. In his blog post, Opatrny explained how scrap is handled in D365BC.

IncStr() now includes a new overloaded method—use it wisely

Writing on his blog, Silviu Virlan stated that the AL compiler for D365BC now includes an updated IncStr function that can increase a numeric part of a string by more than 1. 

For example, Virlan noted that IncStr('aaa001', 10) will now return 'aaa011.' He explained that this upgrade gives developers more flexibility in handling strings, especially when they need to increase numeric values by specific amounts.

Virlan wrote that manufacturers and distributors often use lot or serial numbers that combine a prefix with a number, such as LOT-A001 or SER2025-001. 

He stated that sometimes they need to increase these numbers by more than 1 to match production batches, skip specific ranges, or align with external systems.  Virlan noted that this new IncStr function makes that process easier and more efficient.

In his blog post, Virlan provided a scenario to explain how the new IncStr function works.