Artificial intelligence is no longer something that lives outside your business systems. With Microsoft Copilot now built into Dynamics 365 Business Central, organizations can use AI directly within the ERP platform they use every day to analyze data, uncover insights, streamline processes, and reduce manual work.
During a recent Innovia webinar, our team explored how Copilot is transforming the Business Central experience and demonstrated practical ways organizations can start using AI today.
Many businesses are already experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to improve productivity. What makes Copilot in Business Central different is that it works directly with the data and processes already stored in your ERP.
Rather than exporting reports, manually reviewing transactions, or searching through records, users can simply ask questions in natural language and receive actionable answers based on their Business Central data.
For organizations running Business Central Online, Copilot provides new opportunities to:
Analyze financial and operational data faster
Generate insights without building reports
Accelerate sales and finance processes
Improve productivity across departments
Make better decisions using real-time business information
Microsoft continues to expand Copilot capabilities, but several powerful features are already available.
One of the most accessible ways to use Copilot is through the built-in chat experience.
Users can ask questions using natural language, such as:
Instead of manually navigating pages, building filters, or creating reports, Copilot quickly returns results and provides links back to the records used to generate the answer.
An added benefit is transparency. Copilot references the source data behind its responses, helping users understand where the information originated and providing confidence in the results.
Business Central users have traditionally relied on exporting data to Excel for deeper analysis. Copilot helps eliminate much of that extra work.
When users request revenue summaries, customer analysis, or other reporting insights, Copilot can create analysis views directly in Business Central. These views function similarly to pivot tables while remaining inside the ERP.
This allows users to:
For finance and operations teams, this means spending less time preparing data and more time acting on it.
Sales teams can use Copilot to help build quote and order lines with simple prompts.
Instead of manually searching for items and entering details line by line, users can describe what they need in plain language or upload supporting documentation. Copilot then suggests relevant items, quantities, and sales lines.
The feature can help:
Users can review confidence levels and suggested matches before accepting the recommendations.
Copilot also supports finance teams in two critical areas: cash flow forecasting and bank reconciliations.
For cash flow management, organizations can use AI-driven forecasting to generate projected cash flow worksheet lines based on existing Business Central data.
For bank reconciliations, Copilot reviews transactions and suggests potential matches between bank statement entries and Business Central records. Users can review, accept, or reject those suggestions, helping reduce the time spent on reconciliation activities.
One of the most common concerns organizations have about AI is data access and security.
Copilot follows the permissions already established within Business Central. Users only see information they are allowed to access based on their assigned security roles.
This makes security configuration more important than ever. Organizations should review existing permissions and ensure users have the appropriate level of access before expanding AI usage across the business.
While Copilot can dramatically improve efficiency, it is important to remember that its recommendations remain suggestions.
Copilot can:
However, users remain responsible for reviewing and approving information before posting transactions or making business decisions.
The most successful AI deployments combine the speed of automation with the experience and judgment of business users.
As organizations begin exploring AI, it's important to understand how Microsoft measures usage.
Advanced Copilot experiences, agents, and other AI-driven services may require Copilot credits. Organizations can purchase credits through pre-purchased plans or pay-as-you-go models.
Because usage can vary significantly between users and departments, companies should establish internal guidelines around:
Starting with a small pilot group often provides valuable insights before expanding AI initiatives company-wide.
Rather than attempting a company-wide rollout immediately, Innovia recommends a phased approach.
Week One: Enable Copilot capabilities and begin experimenting with basic questions.
Week Two: Focus on a specific process such as financial analysis, sales order creation, or customer insights.
Weeks Three and Four: Measure results, gather feedback, and identify where users are seeing the greatest value.
Once users become comfortable with Copilot, organizations can begin exploring more advanced capabilities such as Copilot Studio and AI agents.
The best way to evaluate Copilot is to put it to work on real tasks.
Try using Copilot to:
These practical use cases help teams understand where AI delivers meaningful time savings while building confidence in how the technology fits into everyday operations.
AI is quickly becoming a standard part of the modern ERP experience. With Copilot built directly into Dynamics 365 Business Central, organizations can gain faster access to insights, simplify routine processes, and create more efficient workflows without leaving the platform.
Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to expand your existing capabilities, Innovia can help you develop a practical roadmap for adopting AI in a way that aligns with your business goals.