DEV Community: Sam Peterson

Managing Batch Traceability and Expiry Dates in Business Central

Sam Peterson — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 06:26:07 +0000

Introduction

For Australian businesses that manage products with limited shelf lives, knowing what’s in inventory is only the first part of effective inventory management. In reality, companies also need to know which batch a product belongs to, when it was actually received, where it has moved over time and when it expires. These details become key in fields like pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, chemicals, cosmetics etc.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central gives item tracking capabilities that help businesses handle lot numbers, serial numbers and expiration details. When the setup is done the right way and teams follow clear processes, organisations get better batch traceability in Business Central, tighten inventory control and deal with quality problems or even product recalls more efficiently.

What Is Batch Traceability?

Batch traceability is the way a group of products that were made or received under one batch or lot number is tracked through the whole lifecycle.

For instance, a pharmaceutical company receives 5,000 units of a medicine under batch number MED-26045. Instead of treating every unit as generic warehouse stock, the company keeps details connected directly to that particular batch, not only inventory in general.

That kind of record keeping helps answer important questions such as:

Who supplied the batch?
When was it received?
What is the expiration date?
Where is the batch stored right now?
How many units still remain?
Which customers received products from the batch?
Which production or sales events involved that same batch?

This visibility is especially useful when businesses need to investigate quality issues or work out exactly which products a recall affects.

How Business Central Supports Batch Tracking

Business Central supports batch tracking by using item tracking so inventory movements are linked to specific tracking numbers. Depending on how the business runs, you can set up lot numbers to indicate batches or use serial numbers when items are individually identifiable.
So, when inventory is received, employees can assign or capture the right lot number. After that, the same tracking details travel with the goods through different transactions like transfers, consumption, production and sales. In other words, it creates a traceable record of what happened rather than depending on spreadsheets or hand-maintained records.

Managing Expiry Dates

Expiry-date control is also a big deal for products with a limited shelf life. A batch comes with a real expiration date, and the business needs to actually see that date when deciding where items should be stored, how they should be allocated or what should be sold first. Business Central’s item tracking stores expiration data connected to the tracked inventory, so warehouse and inventory teams get a clearer signal when stock is getting close to expiring.

For example, a distributor has three batches of the same product:

Without knowing expiration dates, workers could accidentally ship the newest batch first. With proper tracking and warehouse routines, the company prioritises the inventory that expires sooner.

This approach is known as FEFO, or First Expired, First Out.

Industry-specific Use Case: Pharmaceutical Distribution

Suppose a pharmaceutical distributor gets 10,000 tablets in two batches:

In the warehouse, they log both the batch identifiers and the “use by” dates in Business Central. So, when a hospital places an order for 2,000 units, the distributor can pick the stock with the earlier expiry first, following a FEFO approach.

Then, if the manufacturer later identifies a quality issue with PH-101, the batch traceability view helps the distributor find what is left on hand and which customer shipments included that batch. That makes it simpler to isolate the relevant inventory and respond with the right follow-up action.

Best Practices for Expiry Date Management in Business Central

In most cases, Australian businesses use Business Central’s item tracking features to handle expiry dates more effectively. Useful practices are:

Set up item tracking codes: Turn on expiration-date tracking, then set the rules like Require Expiration Date Entry and Strict Expiration Posting.
Record expiry dates with batch numbers: When you receive inventory or it gets produced, capture the lot number and the expiration date there.
Use FEFO picking: Enable pick according to FEFO so picking naturally favours the stock with the earliest expiration dates. This works through Business Central’s warehouse pick processes, so check how your warehouse is configured first.
Monitor expiring stock: Run Business Central’s expiration reports to find what has already expired or is about to.
Maintain traceability: Keep the batch information and the expiry date linked to inventory movements: production, transfers and sales, so you can still track exact lots when something comes up.

For pharma organisations, this setup helps make sure products are traced by batch number and expiry date too and it also supports regulated storage workflows plus controlled inventory handling.

Major Advantages of Batch Traceability in Business Central

There are multiple advantages of an organised batch traceability process such as:

• Better Inventory Visibility

Team members can pull up batch-level detail rather than seeing stock only at item level. This becomes extremely helpful when several batches exist and each one has different expiration dates.

• Faster Recall Management

If one specific batch ends up with a quality issue, having traceability data lets a business figure out which other inventory may be also impacted and which transactions were involved.

• Reduced Product Waste

When you actually see the expiration timing, you can sort and use inventory in a smarter order, which lowers the chances that products become unsellable.

• Improved Customer Service

Customer service staff can answer batch-specific questions faster when the tracking details are already in the ERP system, instead of chasing them across spreadsheets.

• Stronger Quality Control

Manufacturers and distributors can keep a clearer record of inventory movements and handling. This supports internal quality investigations as well as documentation requirements.

Dynamics Square’s Proven Batch Traceability IP

Our pharmaceutical batch traceability capabilities are built on proven, repeatable IP, not a first attempt. We’ve delivered and refined batch traceability and lot tracking solutions across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical implementations, so you start with a tested foundation rather than building everything from scratch.

How Dynamics Square Helped Naturatech Achieve 100% Batch Traceability

Naturatech, an Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer, teamed up with Dynamics Square to modernise the way they handle manufacturing and compliance using Business Central.

With that in place, they managed to hit 100% batch traceability from raw materials all the way to finished goods, which in turn helped Naturatech keep GMP and TGA-related controls tighter. It also reduced their reliance on spreadsheets and other manual steps.

Read the full Naturatech case study here: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central with Copilot

Watch the Naturatech story video here: ERP Success in Pharma: Naturatech’s Digital Transformation with Dynamics Square

Conclusion

Batch traceability in Business Central lets businesses handle lot numbers, expiry dates, and stock in a more efficient way. For pharmaceutical companies, it boosts product visibility and makes it easier to respond quickly to quality problems and recalls without delay.

Looking to improve batch traceability and expiry-date management inside Business Central? Reach out to us at Dynamics Square and get a solution designed around your actual business flow.

What is Power Automate?

Sam Peterson — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:47:14 +0000

In today's fast-paced business environment, manual processes lead to inefficiencies, errors, and missed opportunities. Data silos, slow workflows, and poor communication hamper productivity and growth.
Power Automate is the right fit to resolve these challenges:
Power Automate streamlines your business processes by automating repetitive tasks, integrating seamlessly with your existing systems, and enhancing data flow across departments. With Power Automate, you can reduce errors, improve efficiency, and ensure timely communication, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
Transform your business operations and stay ahead of the competition with Power Automate. Try it today and experience the benefits of automation!

Elevating Efficiency: The Power of Microsoft Business Central Customization

Sam Peterson — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:24:41 +0000

In the ever-evolving landscape of business technology, the ability to adapt and tailor solutions to unique needs is a paramount competitive advantage. Enter Microsoft Business Central, a versatile and robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that empowers organizations to streamline operations and make data-driven decisions. However, what truly sets Business Central apart is its extensive customization capabilities, offering a transformative experience that aligns with individual business objectives.

This article delves deep into the dynamic realm of Microsoft Business Central customization, exploring the myriad ways in which organizations can elevate their efficiency and productivity. We will unravel the diverse customization options available, from tailored workflows and reports to personalized dashboards and integrations. Through real-world examples and expert insights, we'll showcase how customization empowers businesses to optimize processes, enhance user experiences, and drive growth in today's competitive market.

Whether you're a small business seeking to fine-tune operations or a large enterprise aiming for a tailored ERP solution, this article is your gateway to unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Business Central customization. Join us on a journey to harness the transformative power of tailored technology for your organization's success.

The Importance of Customization Options in ERP Solutions

Customization options in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution are of paramount importance for organizations seeking to optimize their business processes, adapt to unique workflows, and remain agile in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Here's a closer look at why customization options are crucial in an ERP system:

Tailoring to Specific Business Needs:

Customization options enable organizations to align their ERP systems with their specific business requirements. No two businesses are identical, and customization allows for the flexibility to address industry-specific needs, compliance regulations, and unique workflows.

Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity:

ERP customization empowers businesses to streamline operations by eliminating unnecessary steps and automating repetitive tasks. Customized workflows and data entry forms can significantly improve user efficiency and productivity.

Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Effective decision-making relies on access to timely and relevant information. Customized dashboards and reports ensure that decision-makers have the data they need at their fingertips. These tailored insights improve strategic planning and execution.

User Adoption and Satisfaction:

Employees are more likely to embrace an ERP system that feels intuitive and aligns with their daily tasks. Customization options allow for user-friendly interfaces and workflows, ultimately leading to higher user satisfaction and reduced training requirements.

Scalability:

As organizations grow, their needs evolve. Customization ensures that ERP solutions can scale seamlessly to accommodate increasing data volumes, users, and business complexity. This scalability reduces the need for disruptive system migrations.

Innovation and Adaptation:

Customization options empower organizations to embrace emerging technologies and innovative practices. This adaptability ensures that the ERP system remains an asset in a rapidly changing business environment.

Types of Microsoft Business Central Customization

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a versatile enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that allows businesses to customize and tailor the system to their specific needs. Customizations in Business Central are typically achieved through extensions and various development tools.

Here are some common types of customizations you can perform in Dynamics 365 Business Central:

Extensions: Extensions are add-on packages that allow you to extend the functionality of Business Central without modifying the core application.

*There are several types of extensions: *

AppSource Extensions: These are extensions available on Microsoft's AppSource marketplace, developed by both Microsoft and third-party vendors. They can add specific functionalities like payroll, CRM integration, or industry-specific features.

Custom Extensions: These are tailor-made extensions developed to meet your organization's unique requirements. You can use AL (Application Language) and Visual Studio Code to build custom extensions.

Custom Fields and Tables: You can add custom fields to existing tables or create entirely new tables to store additional data specific to your business processes. This is useful for tracking unique information that isn't part of the standard data model.

Page Customizations: You can customize standard pages or create entirely new ones. Page customizations include adding or removing fields, changing field properties, and creating custom actions and buttons.

Report Customizations: Business Central report customization helps you to create custom reports to meet your organization's specific reporting needs. This involves designing the report layout and connecting it to the relevant data.

Code Customizations: For more advanced customizations, you can write custom code using AL (Application Language). This includes developing custom functions, triggers, and procedures to automate and streamline business processes.

Workflow and Automation: Business Central allows you to create custom workflows and automation using built-in tools. You can define approval processes, automate data entry, and trigger actions based on specific events.

Integration with External Systems:

API Integration: Business Central can be integrated with other software applications and systems using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This facilitates seamless data exchange and real-time synchronization.

Custom Connectors: Custom connectors can be developed to connect Business Central with proprietary or industry-specific systems.

User Interface (UI) Customization

Customizing the user interface with different themes and branding elements can enhance the user experience and align the system with company branding. Moreover, Businesses can allow users to personalize their own workspace by rearranging elements and choosing preferred views, making the interface more user-friendly.

Data Migrations & Transformation

During the implementation phase, custom data migration scripts and tools can be employed to ensure smooth data transfer from the legacy system to business central.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central stands as a dynamic and versatile ERP solution, offering businesses the power to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving marketplace. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in customization.

By tailoring this robust platform to unique workflows, needs, and industry-specific demands, organizations can elevate their operational efficiency to new heights. Custom fields, tables, pages, reports, workflows, and integrations empower businesses to streamline processes, enhance data-driven decision-making, and stay competitive.

With Microsoft Business Central's customization capabilities, businesses can not only optimize their operations but also future proof their ERP investment for sustained growth and success.

Unlock Growth and Financial Stability with Dynamics 365 Finance: Change is the Way Ahead

Sam Peterson — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:56:55 +0000

Attention, business leaders! Are you struggling to boost your financial stability and supercharge your business health? You have come to the right place if you are looking for a solution. If you have heard about Dynamics 365 Finance, you are on the right track to achieving business success.

Being on top of your finance management is essential to succeed in today's fast-paced business environment. Armed with the newest trends, Dynamics 365 Finance steps in to transform how you manage your business completely.

To explore more about this cutting-edge solution, let's set out on this journey together. We will demonstrate how Dynamics 365 streamlines your financial processes. From increased productivity to real-time insights, it can take your business to new heights.

But before diving deep into the captivating world of Dynamics 365 Finance and witnessing its impact on businesses, let's first gain the initial perspective on this innovative solution.

What is Dynamics 365 Finance?

Dynamics 365 Finance supervises real-time financial activities, forecasts potential results, and employs data-guided choices to foster business flexibility and expansion. It empowers you to redefine your financial and business operating strategies to adapt, react and excel amidst disruptive challenges.

Dynamics 365 Finance enhances business performance by integrating data and automating tasks. It seamlessly connects to Microsoft 365 applications to achieve greater efficiency. Dynamics 365 Finance enables you to keep pace with the ever-evolving business landscape for optimum business productivity.

Once you grasp the fundamental concept of Dynamics 365 Finance, the next step is comprehending the significance of Dynamics 365 Finance implementation.

What is the need for Dynamics 365 Finance?

The requirement to effectively manage financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, gives rise to the need for Dynamics 365 Finance. The platform enables businesses to increase financial visibility and accuracy by consolidating data from various sources.

The cloud-based capabilities help you to adapt to your business requirements and gain actionable insights in real-time.

It enables businesses to centralise financial management by leveraging embedded reporting and financial analytics capabilities.

The centralised global financial management solution provides real-time intelligence for informed decision-making.

It is enriched with cutting-edge technologies and tools, including AI, ML, etc., to support changing business needs.

It provides analytics in your financial processes to forecast issues and proactively provide solutions to resolve them.

To reinforce the points discussed earlier, let us take you through the extensive capabilities of Dynamics 365 Finance ERP, illustrating how it can revolutionise your business experience.

Dynamics 365 Finance Capabilities

Dynamics 365 Finance is a comprehensive financial management solution driving businesses towards improved financial performance, increased agility, and heightened competitiveness in today's dynamic market landscape. It caters to the growing complexities of modern finance, enabling businesses to achieve optimum growth.

Enhance financial visibility

Drive growth and foster agility by making informed decisions using real-time reporting, integrated analytics, and AI-driven insights.

Improve your decision-making

Real-time finance insights keep track of cash flow, identify current trends, and predict future trends to make data-driven business decisions.

Fast book closing

Unlock flexible financial management and reporting, effortlessly handling foreign exchange and supporting multiple legal entities and currencies.

Deliver successful projects

Achieve timely and budget-friendly project deliveries by empowering you to connect your teams through a single application.

Drive workforce transformation

Adapt to evolving demands while managing cost reduction, nurturing talent, and providing compelling benefits.

Automate business processes

Automate invoice submission and match supplier invoice lines to product receipts, saving time and labour costs.

Adapt to regulatory requirements

Simplify tax, invoicing, reporting and payments with a guided chart of accounts and no-code globalisation services.

Tax regulatory compliance

Comply with tax regulations and complex scenarios with no-code tax determination and flexible tax calculation.

Economic Trends of Dynamics 365 Finance

In the current landscape, enterprise resource planning solutions (ERP) have transformed, embracing an experience-driven approach to match their crucial role in the digital business. The Dynamics 365 Finance ERP is characterised by their agility and incorporation of AI-driven processes.

Forrester's study identified three quantifiable areas of impact: improved productivity among finance team members, increased productivity of IT staff and savings on legacy costs. Let's look at the numbers behind the study to experience the future of financial management with Dynamics 365 Finance.

$3.52 Million in legacy cost savings
Upto 55% improvement in finance personnel productivity
A remarkable 122% Return on Investment
$402870 improvement in IT staff productivity in three years

Need for a Dynamics 365 Implementation Partner

A Dynamics 365 Finance implementation partner is essential because of their skill and experience in successfully implementing the solution, enabling effective deployment catering to business needs. They give ongoing assistance and training, aid in change management and lessen the risks associated with implementation.

Dynamics Square is Australia's leading Microsoft support partner. With our expert team's assistance, businesses can streamline the implementation process, accomplish system integration, and guarantee scalability for future development.

Having accomplished 500+ successful projects and a remarkable 99% customer satisfaction rate, Dynamics Square leverages its 12+ years of experience to comprehend individual customers' specific requirements. Dynamics Square offers tailor-made solutions to maximise the advantages and profitability of the Dynamics 365 Finance implementation.

Conclusion

We have understood how this innovative ERP solution is embracing a world of AI-driven digital business while eliminating the challenges of conventional solutions. Your financial landscape is ready for a complete makeover with the trends working in your favour, like a 122% ROI over three years.

Dynamics 365 Finance empowers businesses to overcome the constraints of customised legacy ERP solutions, liberating finance professionals from laborious manual processes. It offers real-time insights and flexibility, enabling you to align with the rapid pace of digital operations while shedding the burdens of outdated systems.

Contact a leading Microsoft Business Application Partner in Australia to avail Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance solution at the best competitive prices. 

Don't wait anymore! Start your digital transformation journey today. 

Advantages of implementing Dynamics 365 for Operation

Sam Peterson — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 11:39:39 +0000

Dynamics 365 has several modules that work in sync to streamline the business operations for the user organizations or companies. Dynamics 365 for Operations is one such solution that makes decision making quick and easy. The users can effectively stay ahead of the curve with the proven business logic and smarter business processes that the solution brings to the organizations. It is recommended for expanding business to contact a Dynamics 365 for Operation partner, and get the solution implemented promptly. Here we will try to justify the recommendation by emphasizing on the benefits of Dynamics 365 Operation.

Advantages of implementing Dynamics 365 for Operation:

1. Familiar and Friendly Interface:

Given that Dynamics 365 for Operation has a familiar and user friendly interface; it will not take much time for the users to get around the functionalities. Thus, they can focus on their and the company’s performance.

2. Smooth provisioning process:

When you get the solution implemented with the help of Dynamics 365 implementation partners, the provisioning process runs smoothly and much easily. All the details regarding every order gather around one location. This information includes details from creation of order, up to order confirmation.

3. Enhanced visibility for the vendors:

With the implementation of Dynamics 365 Operations, the vendors are able to collaborate within every purchase order which lets them view the order and perform various actions as necessary. Thus, the chance of order miscommunication is reduced considerably.

4. Enhanced visibility for management:

The solution comes with Production Floor Management Workplace which helps the management team to keep an eye on all the ongoing operations and check whether the materials for a particular product or project are available on a given date. The managers can efficiently organize jobs and coordinate employees to get the job done in time.

5. Simpler inventory management:

Implementation of Dynamics 365 Operation makes inventory management easy and flexible. Inventory management tasks like outbound assurance, inbound operations, inventory control etc becomes almost effortless.

6. Effortless inventory monitoring:

When a Dynamics 365 for Operation partner implements the solution in your system, you are entitled to handheld tools or devises that help to keep track of the inventory: keeping track of arrival of new material, outgoing of finished goods, movement of stock etc.

7. Ownership of the inventory:

When the Dynamics 365 Implementation partners set-up Dynamics 365 Operations, you get to enjoy the Consignment Inventory functionality. The solution with its advanced functionalities makes it easy to keep track of the inventory. This also includes those materials that are not owned by the company but are stored anyway

These are not all; the Dynamics 365 Implementation partners would point out even more ways that the solution helps you. Ask a Dynamics 365 for Operations Partner for demonstration and realize the power and capability that Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations brings to your organization.

SUMMARY

This article is about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Operations. It showcases the various benefits that the user companies receive from the solution.