Analysis tools in Business Central
When you work with financial analysis and decision support in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you have several tools available. But the question is not whether Power BI or Excel is the best – it is about which task you are facing.
Sometimes the task requires in-depth analyses, other times quick answers or a strategic overview. In this series of articles, we guide you through the three most important tools: Power BI for performance and KPI analysis, Excel for trends and numbers and Analysis view for quick, operational insights. Each solution has its strength, and you get the most out of your data when you use it correctly.
The tool depends on role and needs
Data and analysis are used differently depending on where in the organization you sit and what your focus is. The figure here shows the connection between role, data types and tool selection:
From details to overview – how to consume data
| Role | Data type | Tool | Typical use |
| C level | Performance data | Power BI | KPIs, dashboards, reporting |
| Financial management | Trends, summations | Excel | Budget analyses, simulation, controlling |
| Finance employee | Detailed data | Analysis view | Turnover, deviations, daily control |
Power BI: Get an overview and control of the KPIs
Power BI is the obvious choice for top managers and strategically oriented financial managers. When connected with Business Central, you get access to:
- Interactive dashboards with real-time data
- Visualization of key figures and deviations
- Possibility of drill-down and advanced filtering
You can follow developments day by day and act proactively. Power BI helps monitor cash flow, sales development, customer performance and much more.
This is where you keep an overview and make informed decisions based on visualized data.
Excel: Dive into trends and summed numbers
Excel remains the finance manager's preferred analysis tool, and there is a good reason for that. With direct integration to Business Central, you get access to:
- Pivot tables and advanced calculations
- Budget follow-up and scenario calculation
- Trend analyses over months, quarters and years
Excel is ideal when modeling “what-now-if” scenarios, performing deviation analyzes, or working with your own KPIs. You have the flexibility to shape the analysis exactly as you want – and you work in a known and efficient environment.
Analysis view: Get answers to the operational – immediately
When you need quick answers to specific questions – without opening Excel or waiting for BI reports – Analysis view is your friend. Directly in Business Central you can:
- Filter data by dimensions and periods
- See turnover, contribution margin and budget deviations
- Build your own views without external help
Analysis view requires no BI skills, and you get real-time data that can be used immediately. It is perfect for day-to-day operations and quick analysis of financial ratios.