10 Dynamics 365 Business Central Interview Questions and Answers

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a comprehensive business management solution designed for small to medium-sized enterprises. It integrates various business processes, including finance, sales, service, and operations, into a single, unified system. This cloud-based platform offers flexibility, scalability, and a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for organizations looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

This article provides a curated selection of interview questions tailored to Dynamics 365 Business Central. By reviewing these questions and their detailed answers, you will gain a deeper understanding of the platform’s functionalities and be better prepared to demonstrate your expertise in a professional setting.

Dynamics 365 Business Central Interview Questions and Answers

1. Write a simple AL code snippet to create a new table with at least three fields.

table 50100 MyNewTable
{
    DataClassification = ToBeClassified;

    fields
    {
        field(1; MyField1; Integer)
        {
            DataClassification = ToBeClassified;
        }
        field(2; MyField2; Text[50])
        {
            DataClassification = ToBeClassified;
        }
        field(3; MyField3; Date)
        {
            DataClassification = ToBeClassified;
        }
    }

    keys
    {
        key(PK; MyField1)
        {
            Clustered = true;
        }
    }
}

2. Explain how to extend an existing table to include a new field without modifying the base table.

In Dynamics 365 Business Central, extending a table without altering the base is done through table extensions. This method allows adding fields and functionality to standard tables while preserving customizations during updates.

Table extensions are defined in AL and are part of the extension model. Here is an example:

tableextension 50100 CustomerExtension extends Customer
{
    fields
    {
        field(50100; "Custom Field"; Text[50])
        {
            DataClassification = ToBeClassified;
        }
    }
}

In this example, a new field “Custom Field” is added to the “Customer” table using the tableextension keyword.

3. Provide an example of how to subscribe to an event in AL.

Event subscriptions in AL enable developers to extend Business Central’s functionality by reacting to specific events without modifying base code, maintaining system integrity. They are useful for customizing business logic and integration.

To subscribe to an event, create an event subscriber method in an AL codeunit, decorated with the EventSubscriber attribute.

Example:

codeunit 50100 MyEventSubscriber
{
    [EventSubscriber(ObjectType::Table, Database::Customer, 'OnAfterInsertEvent', '', false, false)]
    local procedure OnAfterCustomerInsert(var Rec: Record Customer)
    begin
        Message('Customer %1 has been inserted.', Rec."No.");
    end;
}

Here, OnAfterCustomerInsert subscribes to the OnAfterInsertEvent of the Customer table, triggering a message when a new record is inserted.

4. Write an AL query object to retrieve customer names and balances.

To retrieve customer names and balances in Business Central using AL, create a query object. This allows defining a dataset to retrieve and display data.

Example:

query 50100 CustomerBalances
{
    DataItem(Customer; Customer)
    {
        Column(Name; Name)
        {
        }
        Column(Balance; "Balance (LCY)")
        {
        }
    }
}

The query object, named CustomerBalances, specifies the Customer table and retrieves the Name and Balance (LCY) fields.

5. Create a simple report in AL that lists all customers and their outstanding balances.

To create a report in AL listing customers and their balances, define a report object, specify data items, and design the layout.

Example:

report 50100 "Customer Outstanding Balances"
{
    Caption = 'Customer Outstanding Balances';
    UsageCategory = ReportsAndAnalysis;

    dataset
    {
        dataitem(Customer; Customer)
        {
            column(Name; Name)
            {
                Caption = 'Customer Name';
            }
            column(Balance; "Balance (LCY)")
            {
                Caption = 'Outstanding Balance';
            }
        }
    }

    requestpage
    {
        layout
        {
            area(content)
            {
                group(Group)
                {
                    field(CustomerName; Customer.Name)
                    {
                        ApplicationArea = All;
                    }
                    field(OutstandingBalance; Customer."Balance (LCY)")
                    {
                        ApplicationArea = All;
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }

    layout
    {
        // Define the layout for the report
        // This can be done using RDLC or Word layout
    }
}

6. Explain how to create and consume a web service in Business Central.

Creating and consuming a web service in Business Central involves exposing a page, codeunit, or query. This is done through the Web Services page, where you specify the object type and ID. Once published, it can be accessed via a URL.

To consume the web service, use an HTTP client to send requests to the URL. The response is usually in XML or JSON format.

Example of exposing a page:

• Open the Web Services page in Business Central.
• Click “New” to create a web service.
• Select the object type and enter the object ID.
• Provide a service name and set “Published” to true.
• The web service is now available at a URL like https://<your-instance>.api.businesscentral.dynamics.com/v2.0/<tenant>/ODataV4/<service-name>.

Example of consuming the web service using Python:

import requests

url = 'https://<your-instance>.api.businesscentral.dynamics.com/v2.0/<tenant>/ODataV4/<service-name>'
headers = {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer <access-token>',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
data = response.json()

print(data)

7. How do you manage extensions in Business Central, including installation, upgrade, and removal?

Managing extensions in Business Central involves installation, upgrade, and removal. Extensions add functionality without modifying the core application, making customizations easier to manage.

To install an extension, use the Extension Management page to upload the package file (.app). You can also install from AppSource, Microsoft’s marketplace for extensions.

Upgrading involves replacing the existing version with a new one. Ensure compatibility and handle any data migrations required. The process involves uploading the new package and following prompts to complete the upgrade.

Removing an extension is also done through the Extension Management page. Consider the impact on data and dependencies before uninstalling. Select the extension and choose the option to uninstall it.

8. Describe the process of customizing reports in Business Central.

Customizing reports in Business Central involves several steps to tailor them to business needs:

• Accessing Report Layouts: Modify report layouts using RDLC or Word. RDLC allows complex customizations, while Word is easier for simple changes.
• Using Report Extension: Create a report extension to add or modify fields and layout without altering the base report, preserving customizations during updates.
• Modifying the Layout: Use Report Builder for RDLC or Microsoft Word for Word layouts to design the report.
• Deploying the Custom Report: Upload the modified layout back to Business Central via the Report Layout Selection page.
• Testing and Validation: Test the custom report to ensure it meets requirements and displays data correctly. Address any issues before production use.

9. How do you automate workflows in Business Central?

In Business Central, workflows automate processes by defining steps with conditions and actions, streamlining operations and ensuring consistency.

To automate workflows, use the built-in Workflow feature or integrate with Power Automate for complex scenarios. The Workflow feature allows creating and managing workflows within Business Central, while Power Automate offers a flexible platform for automation across applications.

Key steps include:

• Define Workflow Templates: Customize predefined templates for specific needs, covering processes like approvals and notifications.
• Create Workflow Steps: Define conditions and actions for each step, such as requesting approval or sending notifications.
• Configure Workflow Responses: Set actions triggered by conditions, like sending emails or updating fields.
• Use Power Automate for Advanced Scenarios: Integrate with Power Automate for complex workflows involving multiple applications.

10. Describe how to integrate Business Central with Microsoft Power Platform tools like Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate.

Integrating Business Central with Microsoft Power Platform tools enhances processes and data insights.

• Power BI Integration: Create interactive reports and dashboards using Business Central data. Use built-in connectors and pre-built content packs for customization.
• Power Apps Integration: Build custom applications interacting with Business Central data using the Business Central connector, enabling tailored solutions without extensive coding.
• Power Automate Integration: Automate workflows between Business Central and other applications using the Business Central connector, triggering actions based on specific events.