Introduction
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a powerful ERP solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to streamline operations, improve financial management, and enhance decision-making.
However, one of the most common questions businesses ask is, “How much does Business Central cost?”
In this blog, we’ll break down the pricing structure of Business Central, including the different licensing options, implementation costs, and the lesser-known Device License. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when budgeting for Business Central.
Costs other than licences are provided as a general guide. A scoping exercise will determine the final cost based on your requirements and specific situation.
Business Central Licensing Options and Costs
Microsoft offers three main licensing tiers for Business Central, each designed to meet different business needs. These are: Essentials, Premium, and Team Member licenses. Additionally, there is a Device License for shared device access.
1. Business Central Essentials License
The Essentials license is the most common and cost-effective option for SMBs. It includes a comprehensive set of features covering key business functions.
Features included:
- Financial Management (General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, VAT, Multi-Currency, Bank Reconciliation)
- Supply Chain Management (Inventory, Purchasing, Order Processing)
- Sales and CRM (Quotations, Order Management, Opportunity Tracking)
- Project Management (Jobs, Resource Management, Time Sheets)
- Basic Service Management (Service Orders, Service Contract Management)
- AI-Driven Insights and Reporting
- Integration with Microsoft 365 and Power BI
Pricing (UK): £59.60 per user per month (as of 2024)
Best for: Businesses looking for a robust ERP system that covers finance, operations, and project management without the need for advanced service or manufacturing features.
2. Business Central Premium License
The Premium license includes everything in Essentials, plus additional capabilities for businesses that require advanced service and manufacturing functionalities.
Additional features in Premium:
- Full Manufacturing module (Production Orders, Capacity Planning, Supply Planning, and Machine Centres)
- Advanced Service Management (Dispatching, Contract Management, Service Item Management)
Pricing (UK): £85.30 per user per month (as of 2024)*
Best for: Manufacturing businesses, field service companies, and organisations needing advanced service management capabilities.
3. Business Central Team Member License
The Team Member license is a cost-effective option for employees who need limited access to Business Central.
Capabilities include:
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Read access to most Business Central data
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Ability to approve workflows (e.g., invoices, time-off requests)
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Enter time sheets
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Update customer records
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Access reports and dashboards
Pricing (UK): £6.60 per user per month (as of 2024)*
Best for: Employees who need read-only access or limited functionality, such as viewing reports, approving tasks, or making minor updates.
4. Business Central Device License
The Device License is designed for businesses that require multiple employees to access Business Central from a shared device.
Key benefits:
- Single device login: Any number of users can access Business Central from the licensed device.
- Commonly used in retail stores, warehouses, and shop floors.
- Suitable for businesses with shift workers who need access to Business Central but don’t require individual user licenses.
Pricing (UK): £36.96 per device per month (as of 2024)*
Best for: Businesses with warehouse workers, shop-floor employees, or retail staff who need shared access to Business Central.
* License costs are based on being paid in full annually.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond licensing, businesses should consider implementation, training, and support costs when budgeting for Business Central.
1. Implementation Costs
The cost of implementing Business Central varies depending on factors like company size, complexity, and required customisations.
- Basic Implementation (Small Business, No Customisation): £7,500 – £15,000
- Standard Implementation (Some Customisation, Training Included): £20,000 – £45,000
- Complex Implementation (Multiple Integrations, Advanced Customisations): £60,000+
Best for: Businesses needing a smooth transition from legacy systems or requiring specific process adaptations.
2. Data Migration Costs
Migrating data from legacy systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage) to Business Central requires expertise and careful planning.
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Simple Migration (Basic Data Import): £3,000 – £7,000
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Full Data Migration (Complex Data Structures, Historical Data): £15,000 – £45,000+
Best for: Companies needing to retain historical financial data and customer records.
3. Customisation & Integrations
Every business has unique needs, and Business Central allows for custom extensions and integrations.
- Minor Customisations (e.g., custom reports, UI adjustments): £2,000 – £8,000
- Major Customisations (e.g., automation, workflow modifications): £12,000 – £45,000+
- Third-Party Integrations (e.g., Shopify, CRM systems): £5,000 – £30,000
Best for: Businesses needing specific automation, third-party connections, or industry-specific features.
4. Training & Ongoing Support
Investing in training ensures employees fully utilise Business Central.
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Basic Training (Online Resources, Webinars): Free – £2,500
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On-Site Training (Workshops, In-Person Sessions): £3,000 – £10,000+
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Ongoing Support (Managed Services, Helpdesk): £500 – £2,000+ per month
Best for: Companies wanting to reduce downtime and ensure smooth adoption of Business Central.
Finance Starter Pack – Low Cost Option – Fixed Scope, Fixed Price
Start small with essential financial functions, and as your business grows, expand Microsoft Business Central into a full ERP system.
- Financial Setup, Sales & Purchasing
- Basic Data Migration
- Online Training and User Guide
- 60 Day Support Included
- Cost: £6,500
Best for: Companies wanting to start with Finance and Accounting and want to move away from manual processes and spreadsheets.
Conclusion: Is Business Central Worth the Investment?
Business Central is a scalable and cost-effective ERP solution that offers a range of pricing options to suit different business needs.
Whether you’re a small business needing essential financial management or a growing company requiring advanced manufacturing and service management, Business Central provides flexible licensing and pricing models.
When planning your investment, consider not just the licensing costs but also implementation, training, and support services to maximise your return on investment (ROI).
Next Steps:
Are you considering Business Central for your business? Contact us today to get a personalised cost estimate and implementation plan tailored to your needs.
FAQs on Business Central Pricing
Q: Can I switch from Essentials to Premium later? A: Yes, you can upgrade from Essentials to Premium at any time as your business needs evolve.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to use Business Central? A: The Team Member license is the most affordable, but it has limited functionality. For full functionality, the Essentials license offers the best value.
Q: Is there a free trial for Business Central? A: Yes, Microsoft offers a 30-day free trial for Business Central, allowing you to explore its features before committing.
Q: How does the Device License work? A: A single device license allows multiple users to access Business Central from a shared workstation, making it cost-effective for businesses with shift workers.