Automate the Boring Stuff: Workflow Automation in Business Central

Alex Hughes
11 minutes ago
3 min read

In today’s fast-paced digital world, time is money—and manual processes are costing you both. Whether it’s chasing invoice approvals, onboarding new clients, or managing stock levels, repetitive tasks drain valuable resources and leave room for human error.

💡 That’s where workflow automation in Business Central comes in.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central isn’t just an ERP system—it’s a powerhouse of built-in automation designed to simplify your operations, streamline communication, and boost productivity. If you're still relying on spreadsheets or disconnected systems, you're missing out on one of the biggest game-changers in modern business.

What Is Workflow Automation in Business Central?

Workflow automation in Business Central refers to the ability to define, customise, and execute rules-based processes within your ERP system—without constant human involvement.

Instead of manually sending reminders, waiting on approvals, or double-checking data entries, Business Central handles it for you. It connects the dots across departments and systems, so everything runs like clockwork.

Some common examples of automated workflows include:

Sending email alerts for overdue payments
Approving purchase orders above a certain value
Automatically updating inventory when stock is received
Assigning tasks when a sales quote is created
Notifying finance when new customer accounts are opened

All of this is done in real time, securely, and without needing a developer to write a single line of code.

Why UK Businesses Are Embracing Workflow Automation

According to Microsoft’s latest findings and market trends reported by Forrester, small and mid-sized businesses are rapidly adopting low-code automation tools to increase operational efficiency. Here’s why it’s making waves across the UK:

1. 💼 Reduced Admin Burden

Say goodbye to chasing colleagues for approvals or manually updating records. With automation, repetitive tasks are handled instantly and consistently.

2. 📈 Improved Accuracy

Automation reduces errors caused by manual data entry—especially important in industries like finance, manufacturing, and distribution where accuracy is everything.

3. ⏱ Faster Decision-Making

Workflows keep your processes moving. No more bottlenecks waiting for someone to check an email—approvals and tasks are automatically assigned and escalated.

4. 🤝 Better Collaboration

Departments are connected through shared workflows, reducing silos and improving transparency across finance, operations, and customer service teams.

5. 🔐 Built-in Compliance

Set rules that align with your compliance policies. Whether it’s financial thresholds or audit trails, workflows help you stay aligned with regulatory requirements.

Real-World Example: Automating Credit Control

Let’s say your finance team spends hours each week chasing late payments. By using workflow automation in Business Central, you can set up an automatic reminder sequence that:

Flags overdue invoices by a set number of days
Sends a polite but firm email reminder to the client
Notifies the finance team if the invoice remains unpaid after two attempts
Escalates the case to management or collections if required

This kind of automation can save hours per week and improves your cash flow—without ever lifting a finger.

Is It Easy to Set Up?

Yes. Business Central comes with pre-configured templates for common workflows, plus a no-code visual designer that lets you create your own. And if you’re already using tools like Power Automate, you can integrate even more advanced automations across your Microsoft ecosystem.

Whether you're automating your first approval process or connecting your CRM and ERP to work as one, Business Central makes it easy to start small and scale fast.

Ready to Automate the Boring Stuff?

If you’re tired of spending time on things that should be automated, we can help. As Microsoft specialists, we’ll work with you to identify where workflows can save time, reduce costs, and boost your team’s performance.

👉 Let’s streamline your business — book a free consultation now.

Final Thoughts

Workflow automation in Business Central isn’t just for big enterprises. UK SMEs are already seeing the impact—saving time, reducing errors, and unlocking growth opportunities without adding headcount. The best part? You can start today.