From the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central blogs: Table fields; Project success; Dimensions; Compliance

In this week’s review of Dynamics 365 Business Central blogs: 

• Why not start supporting the JSON data type for table fields?
• Unlock project success with BC and Project Operations
• Dimensions in Business Central
• Simplifies compliance for hassle-free audits

Why not start supporting the JSON data type for table fields?

On his blog, Stefano Demiliani wrote that recently he has worked on cloud applications using Azure SQL as the backend, with extensive use of JSON documents. 

He stated that this experience has made him consider an old idea: adding support for the JSON data type in table fields within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Demiliani noted that Azure SQL Database has supported the JSON data type for over a year, allowing storage of JSON documents in a binary format that improves storage efficiency and query speed. He then explained the advantages of this new data type. He wrote that:

The JSON type internally stores data using UTF-8 encoding, Latin1_General_100_BIN2_UTF8 and this behavior matches the JSON specification.

Demiliani added that Azure SQL also supports a set of aggregates and operators designed for efficient handling of JSON documents that make working with JSON data fast and effective. He then offered some examples of how to create a table with a JSON field.

Unlock project success with Dynamics 365 Business Central and Project Operations

On the Rand Group blog, Heather Harris wrote that using D365BC with Project Operations is a great solution for companies that need easy financial management and advanced project tools. She noted that together they create a powerful system that handles both finances and project management, making it ideal for organizations focused on managing projects efficiently.

Harris wrote that together these two applications are perfect for organizations looking for a sophisticated project management system without the complexity of larger ERP systems. In her post, Harris explained in detail how combining D365BC and D365 Project Operations helps companies ensure the success of their projects.

Dimensions in Business Central

An author from x2x eCommerce writing on the ERP SoftwareBlog stated that dimensions in D365BC are data labels that add extra information to transactions. The author noted that by tagging transactions with dimensions, businesses can create reports that show useful insights, making it easier to track performance across different areas.

In the blog post, the author provided an overview of how dimensions in D365BC work. The author wrote about the types of dimensions, dimension values, as well as dimensions in transactions. The author also explained how dimensions can enhance your reporting capabilities and how to manage dimensions.

How Business Central simplifies compliance for hassle-free audits

Writing on the ERP SoftwareBlog, Michael Intravartolo from Solutions Systems Inc. stated that preparing for an audit usually involves handling a lot of paperwork, checking data accuracy, and meeting regulatory requirements, which can be complex and time-consuming. 

Intravartolo wrote that D365BC simplifies this process by providing tools that are focused on compliance, centralizing data, and adding security controls. He noted that this makes audit preparation easier and helps companies stay compliant with less effort.

In his post, Intravartolo explained how D365BC supports compliance-ready audit preparation, including by offering reporting and documentation tools for hassle-free audit compliance and by minimizing errors and reducing compliance risks through automation.