When approval logic doesn’t reflect reality
2026-04-07
The 2026 Business Central 28 (BC28) release clearly moves the system further towards efficiency, automation, and AI-driven operations. The most important updates can be grouped into three key areas:
AI and Copilot evolution:
The new “agentic” approach (agent-based automation) enables the system not only to support users but to actively perform tasks—such as processing emails, managing tasks, or generating content. This represents a major step forward in both financial and operational automation.
Enhanced development and integration capabilities:
Microsoft continues to expand towards the Power Platform, Dataverse, and external systems, while also providing more powerful tools for developers (e.g. MCP server, AL development improvements). This is particularly important for companies looking for tailored, custom solutions.
Deeper business process capabilities:
Financial, supply chain, and reporting functionalities continue to evolve—with more advanced reporting and improved data visualization. Additionally, e-commerce (Shopify integration) and sustainability are gaining increasing importance.
Top 10 new features for executives (CEOs)
Business Central 28 is not just an IT or financial upgrade—it is a management tool that helps leaders make faster and better decisions.
- Agentic ERP – the system “works for you”
AI agents don’t just assist—they execute tasks. - Faster and more accurate decision-making
Advanced analytics and KPIs provide always up-to-date insights. - Deeper Microsoft ecosystem integration
Power Platform, Dataverse, Outlook—all connected within one system. - Shopify and e-commerce enhancements
Direct connection between sales channels and ERP.
(At Loginform, we are also working on integrations with popular local e-commerce platforms, including our own Shoprenter integration app for Business Central.) - Simplified cloud migration
Migration from any SQL-based system—faster digital transformation. - Scalability and flexibility
External storage, APIs, and integrations allow the system to grow with the business. - Improved manufacturing and supply chain processes
More efficient operations with fewer errors. - Sustainability reporting (e.g. carbon footprint)
Supports increasingly important executive-level KPIs. - Better user experience and transparency
Simpler usability and shorter learning curve. - Stronger control and governance tools
Database, permissions, and audit capabilities provide better visibility at management level.
In summary:
BC28 helps executives not only understand what is happening in the business—but also think ahead.
As part of our Business Central implementation services, we provide fast and tailored rollouts for companies.
Top 10 new features for financial leaders (CFOs)
Business Central 28 clearly brings the biggest benefits to financial leaders. The goal: less manual administration, more control, and faster decision-making.
- AI-driven financial automation
Copilot and agents can process emails, manage tasks, and generate content—significantly reducing manual workload. - Advanced KPI and analytics capabilities
Real-time visibility into financial performance—not just reports, but true decision support. - Stronger electronic document integration
Automatic linking of e-documents to invoices—less manual matching, fewer errors. - AI-driven task and workflow automation
Agents not only provide data but also manage financial tasks. - Enhanced reporting and Power BI capabilities
More advanced financial reports and visualizations—actionable insights at CFO level. - Approval and permission analytics via APIs
A new level of audit and control—greater transparency and reduced risk. - More flexible accounting period management
Date formulas allow better control—less manual intervention during closing. - Improved Outlook integration
Financial processes are closer to daily workflows—less context switching. - External document storage
More scalable and secure document management—especially for high volumes. - Invoice processing across multiple documents
Matching purchase invoices to multiple orders and receipts—saving significant manual effort.
In summary:
BC28 provides what financial leaders have been missing:
true automation + real-time control.
Our experienced consultants ensure that Business Central reliably supports financial operations as part of our support services.
Top 10 new features for IT leaders (CIOs)
Business Central 28 represents a major step forward for IT leaders: greater control, better integration, and a future-proof architecture.
- Agentic architecture (AI agents)
Automation reaches a new level—AI actively executes tasks. - MCP Server and open AI integration
Enables integration of AI solutions from external tools (e.g. Visual Studio Code). - Stronger Power Platform and Dataverse integration
Unified data model and easier low-code/no-code development. - Improved developer tools (AL, BC-Bench, NuGet)
More efficient development, testing, and deployment cycles. - More secure HTTP communication by default
Higher out-of-the-box security with fewer custom workarounds. - Expanded APIs (audit, permissions, workflow analysis)
Better transparency and enterprise-level integration. - Support for external document storage
More scalable architecture with reduced database load. - Simplified cloud migration (from any SQL system)
Faster transition with reduced vendor lock-in. - Database performance and cost control (index management)
Critical for IT: optimized performance and cost efficiency. - Enhanced integration with Shopify and external systems
Modern, API-first approach—easier ecosystem building.
Thanks to Loginform, seamless Shoprenter integration is also available.
In summary:
BC28 clearly moves towards modern IT:
- more open
- more integrable
- AI-ready
We support this with comprehensive Business Central development services, backed by 15+ years of experience and a team that understands both technology and business.
BC28 features by area
Power Platform integration
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Map new Dataverse fields in Business Central | General availability |
Application
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| External storage support for document attachments | General availability |
Copilot and agents
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Create agentic experiences with enhanced MCP server (from Visual Studio Code and other MCP-compliant clients) | General availability |
| Discover emails processed by Payables Agent in the mailbox | General availability |
| Get item insights with advanced KPIs and summaries | General availability |
| Manage tasks from all agents in a dedicated task pane | General availability |
| Review agent-generated content directly on pages | General availability |
| Show avatars for record creators and modifiers in lists | General availability |
| Stop all active tasks for a selected agent | General availability |
Development
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Allow developers to define data analysis definitions in apps | General availability |
| Download symbols from NuGet feed | General availability |
| Evaluate AL coding agents with BC-Bench | General availability |
| More secure outgoing HTTP calls by default | General availability |
| Run AL objects and open record references using fully qualified names | General availability |
| Run AL tests from Visual Studio Code | General availability |
E-commerce
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Assign custom collections to items exported to Shopify | General availability |
| Export items with attribute-based product options | General availability |
| Sync images of product variants between Business Central and Shopify | General availability |
| Use checkout currency when creating sales documents from Shopify orders | General availability |
| Use the latest Shopify connector update | General availability |
Electronic documents
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Link inbound e-documents to purchase invoices | General availability |
| Set default e-document type on vendor templates | General availability |
| Set up service participants in company information | General availability |
Finance
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Calculate plastic and sugar taxes | Public preview |
| Calculate withholding taxes for vendors | Public preview |
Governance and administration
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Connect AI agents to the admin center via MCP server | Public preview |
| Manage database index usage and cost per company | General availability |
| Migrate to the cloud from any SQL database | General availability |
Microsoft 365 integration
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Updated Outlook integration for seamless workflows | General availability |
Reporting and data analysis
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Control the lifecycle of report layouts | General availability |
| Enhanced Subscription Billing Power BI app | General availability |
| Financial reporting enhancements | General availability |
| Modernized inventory analytical reports | General availability |
| Set default document language at company level | General availability |
| Enhanced demo data for analytics | General availability |
| New APIs for analyzing approval workflows | General availability |
| New APIs for analyzing permissions | General availability |
Supply chain management
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Add pictures to item variants | General availability |
| Use Description 2 field on various pages | General availability |
| Approve requisition worksheets and item journals | General availability |
| Define planning behavior for items without SKUs | General availability |
| Create contract service orders with one line per order | General availability |
| Create purchase orders from drop shipments | General availability |
| Create purchase quotes for contacts | General availability |
| Define item attributes for variants | General availability |
| Evaluate quality of goods and materials | General availability |
| Improved manufacturing usability | General availability |
| Filter receipt and shipment lines for invoicing | General availability |
| Match purchase invoices to multiple orders and receipts | General availability |
| Post drop shipment invoices independently | General availability |
| Reverse drop shipments without invoicing | General availability |
| Send posted shipments and return receipts by email | General availability |
| Control posting periods with date formulas | General availability |
Sustainability
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| New APIs for sustainability integration | Public preview |
| Show carbon footprint on sales document reports | General availability |
Upgrade to Business Central 28
Online customers
- New customers automatically receive version 28.0
- Existing customers are notified when the update is available
- Admins can schedule the update within a 5-month window, ending August 31, 2026
On-premises customers
- Systems on version 24 or earlier must first upgrade to version 25 before moving to 28
- Several obsolete objects have been removed from the base application
What does this mean in practice?
Business Central 28 is not a typical version update.
It represents a shift in how ERP systems are used:
- ERP becomes an active participant (AI agents)
- Deeper integration within the Microsoft ecosystem
- Higher level of automation in financial and operational processes
In simple terms: less manual work, faster decisions, greater control.
Interested in the details?
In the coming weeks and months, we will cover the most important Business Central 28 features in detail:
- dedicated articles on AI and Copilot capabilities
- practical implications for financial operations
- real-life examples of how to turn these features into business value
If you would like to understand how Business Central 28 can impact your organization—or how to turn these new features into immediate business value—get in touch with us.
