Business Central Expanding without problems: 5 tips

Expanding Business Central is one of the benefits. The software is easy to expand via Marketplace. You decide what you need. Do you want to expand your system now, or are you planning to do so in the short term? We would be happy to share a few tips to help ensure the expansion runs smoothly.

Business Central and Apps from the Marketplace

If you have been working with Business Central for some time, you are undoubtedly familiar with Marketplace. By downloading an app, you can easily expand your software. In principle, you can purchase an app without involving your partner. However, be aware that this entails some risks. Of course, it is nice that you expand your software to meet your needs by purchasing a new app. However, it does mean that your software may change and react unexpectedly. Why is that? All Business Central apps in the Marketplace integrate with the base software under a subscription-like model. Within the base, several hooks allow the software to be expanded with a downloadable app. The tricky part here is that it is unknown in advance which order these apps will be placed in.

Hassle-free Business Central expansions

It is very annoying when your Business Central environment suddenly stops working as you are used to. To prevent this, we have 5 tips to ensure your system continues to function correctly when you want to expand it with a new application.

1. Test the app in the Sandbox environment together with the other apps

The only way to be sure that the new app you want to use works correctly in your current Business Central environment is to test it in the Sandbox environment. This way, you find out whether the new app works correctly with the other apps before you start using it in your live environment.

2. Do not purchase too many different apps for the same function

Business Central works best if you purchase only one app for a specific function. Make sure you choose which app you want to use for sales orders, for example. This way, the programs do not compete with each other. Are you not satisfied with your current app? Then switch to another one, but avoid using both apps simultaneously.

3. Choose independent apps as much as possible

Ensure that you do not install too many apps that only work in combination with another app. It is best to choose independent applications. If there is a problem with a specific function in a particular app, it will not affect your other functions in other apps.

4. Expand your live environment with a maximum of 1 app at a time

As mentioned earlier, it is advisable first to test your newly installed application in the Sandbox environment. Once you have done that, expand your live environment with a maximum of one app at a time. If you want to install multiple new apps, test them in the Sandbox environment first. This ensures that your live environment continues to function correctly.

5. Consult with your Business Central partner or app supplier

Naturally, it is always wise to contact your Business Central partner if you are looking for an upgrade. Your partner can advise you on the right app and has the expertise to ensure your Business Central environment continues to function correctly.