How to install and configure Power BI template reports in Dynamics 365 Business Central

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure:

• You have an online Business Central environment configured for Power BI integration.
• You have the appropriate Power BI entitlements and permissions, including:
  • Permission to install template apps from AppSource
  • Access to shared workspaces
• Each company within your tenant requires a separate Power BI app installation.
• You have a Power BI Pro license for:
  • The user installing the template app
  • The user refreshing the data
  • Each user accessing the reports

Step 1: Install the Power BI template app

To install a Power BI template app for your desired module, use the corresponding link below:

• Finance: Install Now
• Sales: Install Now
• Purchasing: Install Now
• Inventory: Install Now
• Inventory Valuation: Install Now
• Manufacturing: Install Now
• Projects: Install Now

Installation process:

1. Click the installation link for your module.
2. Sign in to Power BI.
3. Click Get it Now and follow the prompts.

4. Once installed, refresh your Apps page in Power BI to see the new app.

Step 2: Configure the Power BI template app

1. Open the installed Power BI app.
2. A yellow notification bar will appear at the top—click it.

3. Enter the Environment Type and Company Name (ensure accuracy).

4. Authenticate using OAuth2 and sign in with your Office 365 credentials.

5. The data refresh will begin, syncing Business Central with the Power BI report. The duration depends on dataset size.

6. Rename the workspace for clarity (recommended to include the company name):
   • Click Workspace Settings (top-right).
   • Go to the General tab.
   • Rename the workspace.

Step 3: Share the Power BI app

1. Navigate to the installed App Workspace.
2. Click the three-dot menu (…) next to the app and select Edit.
3. Click Go to Workspace.

4. In the top-right corner, click Manage Access.

5. Click Add People or Groups and enter users or security groups who need access.

Recommendation: Use Entra Security Groups for streamlined access management and permissions in Business Central.

Step 4: Configure Power BI in Business Central

Note: The following configuration must be done per company and per App Report.

1. Go to your Business Central environment and the specific company you are configuring. Search for Power BI and select Power BI Connector Setup.

2. Fill in the Date Table Configuration options.

3. After configuring the Date Table, you’ll see a list of template report options. Click the App Report you’re configuring and apply any necessary filters.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to the report and select the appropriate Power BI App Workspace. Confirm you have a valid Power BI license. Renaming the Workspace helps identify the correct one.

5. Once configured, Power BI reports will be accessible under “All Reports” in Business Central.

By leveraging these reports, organizations unlock a deeper understanding of financial performance, sales trends, and operational efficiency. The ability to customize and securely share these reports ensures that team members and decision-makers always have access to the most relevant data. With the right configuration and ongoing support, Power BI becomes an indispensable tool within your Dynamics 365 Business Central environment, streamlining reporting processes and improving overall data visibility.

Investing time in properly configuring your Power BI template reports ensures accurate, up-to-date information for strategic decision-making. As your business evolves, Power BI’s flexibility enables you to adapt and expand reporting to meet new challenges. From KPI tracking and forecasting to operational optimization, Power BI integrated with Business Central can transform your approach to data-driven success.

Next steps

Ready to make the most of your Business Central data with Power BI? Rand Group specializes in Power BI and Dynamics 365 Business Central implementations, integrations, and training. Our experts can help with:

• Initial setup and configuration of Power BI template reports
• Customizing reports to your unique business needs
• Security and access management best practices
• Ongoing support and optimization

Contact Rand Group today to ensure you’re harnessing the full power of your data for better business outcomes. Explore our resources or discover more about connecting Business Central and Power BI to unlock even greater insights.