How to Simplify Reporting and Data Management in Business Central Using Excel

Still switching between Business Central and Excel for your everyday workflows? Here’s the smarter way: use Excel within Business Central to manage data updates, design custom reports, and export financials—without duplicate work or data loss. 

In this edition, we walk through three practical ways to integrate Excel directly into your Business Central workflow to save time, reduce errors, and stay flexible. 

We’ll go over: 

1.  How to Analyze, Edit, and Report Using Excel (2025 Release)

2. How to use Copilot to leverage your Business Central Data in Excel

3. How to Create and Use Excel Templates for Transactions

(2025 Release) How to Analyze, Edit, and Report Using Excel in Business Central 

The new Excel feature allows users to make mass updates to records like vendors, items, customers, or chart of accounts directly in Excel and then publish changes back to Business Central. 

Analyze Business Central Data in Excel 

You can now pull list analysis data from Business Central and export it directly to Excel. The data structure remains intact, allowing you to use Excel’s full analytical power. 

• Open the Analyze view on any list page (like Customers). This  view will show you different fields that will make it easier for you to analyze. 

Pivot Mode for Cleaner Reports 

Pivot mode is especially helpful when exporting complex data: 

• Toggle on Pivot Mode for a more structured layout. 

• Drill down for detailed insights. 

• Exported data in Pivot Mode is cleaner and avoids duplication. 

• If you want the Analysis List to be more interactive, turn off Pivot Mode – however once you export to Excel, the view will be unorganized.  

• Use the “Open in Excel” button to export the layout and data. 

Edit Sales Price Lists in Excel 

One of the most exciting features in the 2025 Release Wave 1 is the ability to edit sales price lists directly in Excel. 

• Access your Sales Price Lists (e.g., Default, Retail, Wholesale). 

• Select a list and click “Edit in Excel.” 

• Excel loads the data with the Business Central data connector then publish to export into Business Central after your edit. 

Watch full video to learn how to access excel-based reports from Business Central here. 

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How to use Copilot to leverage your Business Central Data in Excel 

Analyzing Business Central Data in Excel with Co-Pilot 

Start by opening your Business Central tenant and navigating to Customer Ledger Entries. Export the data to Excel using “Open in Excel.” Upload and save to your cloud which will activate Copilot. 

Once in Excel, run Copilot using your chosen prompt to analyze the data. Copilot will help you uncover patterns, trends, or specific insights based on the ledger entries. 

This lets you quickly interpret Business Central data using Excel and AI-powered analysis. 

Watch full video to learn how to explore item ledger entries here. 

How to Create and Use Excel Templates for Transactions 

Creating Templates 

Open your General Journal in Business Central. 

1. Highlight the first line of the journal form. 

1. Copy it using Ctrl + C. 

1. Open a new Excel spreadsheet and paste the line using Ctrl + V. 

This creates your reusable template. Populate it with data as needed, then paste it back into Business Central for quick journal entry. 

Watch full video to learn how to use the template for purchase orders. 

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