Inventory Management in Dynamics 365 Business Central

Managing inventory effectively is critical for meeting customer demand and minimizing costs. Dynamics 365 Business Central provides tools that help businesses streamline inventory management processes, improve decision-making, and gain insights into inventory needs. In this demonstration, we explore several key functionalities: checking item availability, assembling to order, and predicting inventory needs with built-in intelligence.

Checking Item Availability and Generating Purchase Orders

One of the primary functions in Business Central is checking item availability by location. In this scenario, we begin by checking the stock levels of an item—the Atlanta whiteboard. Through the item list, users can view a graphical representation of current stock levels. For example, we see that 10 Atlanta whiteboards are available, but based on demand, 12 are required. With a few clicks, the system enables users to create and confirm purchase orders to fulfill that shortage.

Business Central simplifies the purchase order creation process by offering features like automatic order generation with a single click, helping save time and reducing manual entry. This functionality ensures that inventory is always aligned with demand and prevents stockouts.

Assemble to Order Based on Demand

Another powerful feature of Business Central is the ability to manage assemble-to-order scenarios. When a customer places an order for a product that requires assembly, such as a conference package, Business Central automatically checks inventory to ensure enough components are available. If stock levels are insufficient, the system notifies the user, allowing them to adjust the order or take necessary actions.

Once the required components are available, the system generates an assembly order. After the kit is assembled and added to inventory, the sales order is posted and processed. This ensures that businesses can quickly respond to customer orders while managing stock efficiently.

Predicting Future Inventory Needs with AI

One of the standout features of Business Central is its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven inventory forecasting. By analyzing sales and inventory trends, the system can predict future inventory needs. In this demonstration, we see how the system forecasts potential shortages based on current demand, prompting the user to create new purchase orders or invoices to restock critical items.

Additionally, Business Central offers smart notifications, alerting users when other items frequently ordered from the same vendor are also running low. This not only improves inventory accuracy but also helps businesses negotiate better terms by bundling orders, ultimately leading to more efficient purchasing decisions.

Conclusion: Why Dynamics 365 Business Central Helps Manage Inventory

Dynamics 365 Business Central offers comprehensive tools for managing inventory, from checking item availability and assembling to order, to predicting future inventory needs. These features streamline inventory processes, improve decision-making, and provide greater insight into inventory levels and demand. With Business Central, businesses can optimize their inventory management strategies, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.