That’s why SaaS companies are turning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for reporting and analytics. It’s not just about tracking revenue – it’s about delivering real insights that drive smarter decisions.

SaaS metrics that matter – Automated, not manual

Let’s face it: tracking key SaaS metrics like ARR, MRR, expansion revenue, churn, and cohort analysis shouldn’t be a manual, spreadsheet-driven process. With Business Central, you can automate the reporting of these metrics by connecting financial data with your CRM and subscription platforms.

No more copying and pasting, no more last-minute reconciliations before investor calls. Your leadership team gets accurate, up-to-date SaaS metrics on demand – ready to support critical business decisions.

Dashboards that speak to investors and boards

When it’s time to meet with VCs or your board, you can’t afford uncertainty in your numbers. Business Central integrates seamlessly with Power BI, giving you beautiful, interactive dashboards that translate your data into clear, actionable insights.

With tailored reports for ARR growth, churn rates, customer acquisition costs (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and financial projections, you’ll have exactly what you need to answer tough questions – and prove your growth story.

Revenue recognition, done right

Revenue recognition is one of the most time-consuming and error-prone areas of SaaS finance. Business Central simplifies this with automated revenue recognition workflows, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 and IFRS 15 standards.

No more struggling with deferred revenue schedules or inconsistent reporting across teams. Business Central handles it for you, providing confidence in your numbers and reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Real insights, real growth

In SaaS, growth is driven by data – but only if that data is reliable, current, and easy to understand. Business Central brings together powerful financial tools with advanced reporting and analytics, giving SaaS businesses the clarity they need to make smart moves and impress investors.

If you’re ready to ditch the spreadsheets and start reporting like a modern SaaS leader, Business Central is built for you.

Here’s how it solves six of the most common SaaS pain points:

1. Subscription billing & revenue recognition compliance

SaaS billing isn’t simple. Deferred revenue, complex contracts, and ASC 606/IFRS 15 compliance can bog down finance teams. Business Central automates the entire process, ensuring that revenue is recognized correctly and consistently – giving you peace of mind during audits and board reporting.

2. Real-time churn insights & retention forecasting

Keeping customers is just as important as acquiring them. With Business Central, you can connect your financial data with CRM and analytics platforms to track churn trends and renewal rates. Forecast future retention and take proactive steps to keep your customer base growing.

3. Recurring revenue, MRR & ARR tracking

MRR and ARR are the heartbeat of any SaaS business. Business Central makes it easy to automate recurring billing cycles and track subscription revenue in real time. No more spreadsheets or guesswork – just clear, reliable data to help you grow.

4. Multi-entity and multi-currency made simple

Scaling globally? Managing multiple entities? Business Central takes the complexity out of international operations with built-in multi-entity consolidations and support for multiple currencies. Grow without limits and keep financial operations running smoothly.

5. Visibility into critical SaaS metrics

Metrics like LTV, CAC, and CLTV drive strategic decisions for SaaS businesses. Business Central integrates seamlessly with reporting tools like Power BI, bringing your key performance indicators together in one place for smarter, faster decision-making.

6. Track costs that matter to investors

Investors care about how you spend on R&D and customer acquisition. Business Central gives you detailed project costing and department-level expense tracking – helping you prove ROI and prepare for your next funding round.

With Business Central, SaaS businesses get more than ERP – they get a growth engine. If you’re ready to simplify operations, improve reporting, and scale with confidence, it’s time to explore what Business Central can do for you.

Business Central is built in the cloud, built for SaaS, and built for the future. If you’re tired of dealing with outdated, clunky systems that hold your team back, this is the ERP you’ve been waiting for.

Built for the Cloud, not stuck in the past

Forget legacy, on-premises software. Business Central is a fully cloud-native ERP system, giving you secure, anytime-anywhere access to your financials, sales data, and operations – all in real time. No more servers to maintain, no more costly upgrades, no more wondering if your team is all looking at the same numbers.

Being cloud-based means your ERP scales alongside your business, giving you the flexibility to grow without worrying about infrastructure or IT bottlenecks. Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or spread across regions, Business Central keeps everyone connected to the numbers that matter.

Built to connect, not complicate

For SaaS companies, your ERP shouldn’t sit in a silo. That’s why Business Central is API-first, making it easy to connect with the platforms your business already uses.

With open APIs and full developer support, you can integrate Business Central with your CRM (like Dynamics 365 Sales, Salesforce, or HubSpot), your payment processors (such as Stripe or Chargebee), and your product analytics platforms. Automate workflows, eliminate manual data entry, and build a system that works the way you do.

Need help? Microsoft provides robust documentation and developer resources, making it easy for your in-house or external development teams to build, connect, and extend your ERP.

The modern ERP built for SaaS growth

SaaS companies don’t have time for outdated, inflexible systems. Business Central gives you a modern, cloud-native platform that’s API-driven by design, so you can automate processes, connect your systems, and stay focused on what matters most—growing your business.

If you’re ready to move on from legacy systems and into a platform built for SaaS, Business Central is ready when you are.

Simplified Multi-Currency Management 

Managing transactions in multiple currencies is one of the biggest challenges in international trade. Business Central takes the hassle out of currency conversions by automatically updating exchange rates and allowing seamless multi-currency invoicing and payments. This ensures accurate financial reporting and reduces risks tied to currency fluctuations. 

Key Benefits: 
– Automatic exchange rate updates  
– Multi-currency invoicing and payments – Real-time currency conversion for financial reporting 

Stress-Free European Tax Compliance 

Europe’s VAT (Value-Added Tax) regulations are far more complex than U.S. sales tax rules. Business Central comes with built-in VAT functionality, helping American companies stay compliant with European tax laws without the headache.

Key Benefits: 
–  Automated VAT calculations based on transaction location 
– Compliance with EU VAT rules, including the VAT One Stop Shop (OSS) 
– Tax reporting tools to simplify audits and filings 

Financial Reporting That Meets Global Standards 

U.S. companies use GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), while European businesses follow IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). Business Central bridges this gap, allowing businesses to operate under both standards effortlessly.

Key Benefits: 

– Dual reporting capabilities for GAAP and IFRS– Automated localization settings for European countries 
– Integration with country-specific financial compliance requirements

Hassle-Free Cross-Border Payments & Banking 

Processing international payments can be tricky when dealing with different banking systems. Business Central integrates with European banks and payment providers, streamlining financial transactions across borders.

Key Benefits: 

– Support for SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transactions 
– Direct bank integrations with European financial institutions 
– Automated reconciliation for multi-currency transactions 

Smart Supply Chain & Inventory Management 

Managing supply chains across multiple countries requires real-time visibility and streamlined logistics. Business Central provides powerful tools to optimize your supply chain and improve collaboration with European suppliers.

Key Benefits: 

– Multi-location inventory management 
– Automated warehouse tracking and order fulfillment 
– Compliance with European shipping and customs regulations 

Overcoming Language & Localization Barriers 

Navigating language differences and local business practices can slow things down. Business Central helps by offering multilingual support and customized localization options for various European markets.

Key Benefits: 

– Multilingual support for invoices, reports, and user interfaces 
– Customizable localization features for specific European regions 
– Cloud-based access for seamless remote collaboration 

The Bottom Line 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central removes the complexity from international operations, helping American businesses work effortlessly with European partners. With built-in currency management, tax compliance tools, supply chain optimization, and banking integrations, Business Central makes global expansion more manageable and profitable.

Evan holds a Finance degree from Portland State University and has spent the past few years working with Business Central implementations for North American clients. Over that time, he’s gained deep experience across multiple modules and developed a strong connection to the print industry, especially through his work integrating Business Central with PrintVis.

“I am a recipient of ‘learn by fire’,” Evan says. “So I do feel my functional knowledge is immense as we embark on Microsoft’s continual, worldwide growth of Business Central.”

We talked to Evan to learn more about his background, his new role at NAB, and what he’s most excited about.

What will your role at NAB involve?

“Currently as an Application Specialist on multiple projects for NAB, I find myself offering knowledge to fellow co-workers and leading the implementation team in North American Business Central migrations. I am excited to work alongside PrintVis specialists here at NAB to provide our clients with optimal value while offering a refined Microsoft ERP system.”

Do you have any hobbies or fun facts about yourself you’d like to share?

“I am currently a tri-citizen of USA, Canada and Ireland although I have not yet traveled to Europe. I avidly follow American sports including basketball, American football, and soccer after an unfortunate injury ended my college basketball career. I do still participate in sports recreationally, when the weather is right.”

What does a typical workday look like for you?

“I am quick to rise in the mornings, so I tend to start working at 7:00am Eastern Time. I work from home and have the comfort of 2 furry children, both miniature schnauzers, to keep me company or better yet, cause me problems. I will oftentimes take a midday lunch break, otherwise I am configuring/testing environments, supporting clients or fellow NAB employees and enjoying every second of it.”

1. Scalability Without the Overhead

One of the key advantages of Microsoft Cloud solutions is their scalability. SMBs can start small and expand their operations without the need for costly infrastructure investments. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, for example, offers a cloud-based ERP system that grows with your business, allowing you to add new features and users as needed.

2. AI-Powered Business Insights

Industry giants use big data and AI to make strategic decisions. With Microsoft Power BI, SMBs can also harness real-time analytics to track performance, monitor sales trends, and predict customer demands. These insights enable smarter decision-making and help SMBs stay competitive.

3. Automation for Increased Efficiency

Time-consuming manual tasks slow down business operations. Microsoft’s Power Automate enables SMBs to automate workflows, reducing administrative work and improving productivity. Whether it’s automating invoice processing, sending customer follow-ups, or managing inventory, automation saves time and reduces errors.

4. Enterprise-Level Security Without the Cost

Large corporations invest heavily in cybersecurity, but SMBs often lack the budget for robust security measures. Microsoft Azure Security provides enterprise-grade protection with features like multi-factor authentication, threat detection, and automatic data backups—all at an affordable cost.

5. Seamless Collaboration with Cloud-Based Tools

With Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint, SMBs can facilitate remote collaboration, real-time document sharing, and virtual meetings. This ensures that businesses can operate efficiently regardless of location, just like larger corporations. 

Final Thoughts 

Microsoft’s cloud solutions provide SMBs with the tools needed to scale, automate, and compete in today’s fast-paced market. By leveraging AI, automation, security, and collaboration tools, SMBs can operate with the efficiency of a large enterprise—without the massive overhead. The right technology can turn a small business into an industry leader.

The hidden costs of operating without ERP 

1. Inefficiency & wasted Time 
Without ERP, teams waste hours manually entering data, reconciling errors, and switching between disconnected systems. This inefficiency leads to higher labor costs and reduced productivity.

2. Data silos & poor decision-making 
When financial, sales, and inventory data are stored in separate systems, businesses lack a unified view of their operations. This leads to delayed decision-making and missed opportunities.

3. Compliance & security risks 
Companies without ERP struggle to maintain accurate records for tax reporting, regulatory compliance, and audits. Microsoft Dynamics 365 ensures businesses meet compliance standards while protecting sensitive data.

4. Lost revenue from errors & downtime 
Manual invoicing, inventory mismanagement, and order fulfillment mistakes can lead to lost revenue. ERP automates these processes, reducing errors and improving cash flow. 

Why Microsoft Dynamics 365 pays for itself 

Automates key processes
– Reduces manual work, increasing efficiency and lowering labor costs.

Improves cash flow
– Optimizes invoicing, payments, and financial reporting to enhance profitability.

Enables better decision-making
– Real-time analytics provide actionable insights for growth.

Supports business scalability
– Adapts to business needs, whether expanding or optimizing operations.

The cost of inefficiency far outweighs the investment in an ERP. Microsoft Dynamics 365 not only streamlines operations but also delivers a high return on investment, making it a smart choice for companies looking to stay competitive. 

Key benefits of cloud ERP 

1. Cost savings & reduced IT overhead Cloud ERP eliminates the need for expensive hardware, IT infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance costs. Instead of large upfront investments, businesses pay for what they use with a predictable subscription model.
2. Anywhere, anytime access With remote work becoming the norm, companies need real-time access to data and applications from any location. Cloud ERP enables seamless collaboration across multiple locations, ensuring that teams remain productive and connected.
3. Faster implementation & scalability Unlike traditional ERP systems, which can take months to deploy, cloud ERP solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 can be implemented quickly. Businesses can also scale up or down based on demand without needing additional infrastructure.
4. Automatic updates & security Cloud ERP providers handle software updates, security patches, and compliance, ensuring businesses always have the latest features without disruptions. This is particularly crucial for industries with strict regulatory requirements.
5. AI & advanced analytics integration Microsoft Dynamics 365 integrates AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics, allowing businesses to gain deeper insights, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions. 

Emerging trends in cloud ERP 

• AI-powered automation: More businesses are leveraging AI-driven insights for predictive maintenance, inventory management, and financial forecasting. 

• Sustainability & ESG tracking: Companies are using ERP systems to monitor environmental impact and meet sustainability goals. 

• IoT & real-time monitoring: Cloud ERP connects with IoT devices to improve tracking and efficiency in manufacturing and logistics. 

By adopting cloud ERP, U.S. businesses can stay agile, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency, making Microsoft Dynamics 365 a strategic investment for long-term success.

A Unique Blend of Technology and People

Nicklas describes his work as the perfect mix of several key elements. His role revolves around data modeling, gathering information from different sources and structuring it in a way that makes it useful. Another major aspect of his job is data visualization, where he creates clear, insightful reports and dashboards that make data both accessible and actionable. He also relies on automation tools like Power Automate to streamline repetitive tasks and save valuable time. System integration is another crucial focus, as he builds interfaces using Power Apps to connect systems and create a smoother user experience.

But perhaps the most important part of his job is problem-solving. “It’s about taking a complex problem, breaking it down, and building a solution that is both simple and powerful,” Nicklas explains.

A Day in the Life of Nicklas

A typical day starts with a call to a client to understand their needs. After reviewing their existing BI solution, he dives into the data to identify any gaps. Maybe new data needs to be integrated, or an existing report needs adjustments to reflect evolving business requirements. If a challenge is particularly complex, he collaborates with a BC consultant—teamwork is a key part of the job.

The Best Part of the Job?

For Nicklas, the most rewarding part of his work is solving problems and helping clients. “Taking on a challenge, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and finding a solution is really satisfying. And when clients see the impact—when they realize how much easier their work becomes—that’s when you know you’ve done a great job.”

The Biggest Challenges

Being a Power BI specialist means constantly staying up to date. The digital landscape evolves rapidly, and keeping up with the latest advancements is essential to delivering high-quality solutions. Nicklas emphasizes that understanding the technology is only part of the job—understanding the client’s real needs is just as critical.

Of course, every job comes with its challenges. For a Power BI specialist, common obstacles include navigating data access permissions and dealing with long lead times when transferring data from cloud-based storage to on-premises systems to develop BI solutions.

At NAB – More Than Just Technology

For Nicklas and his colleagues, success isn’t just about building great technical solutions to building relationships. “We’re not just a vendor—we’re a partner, helping our clients navigate the opportunities that come with digitalization,” he says. The strong culture at NAB, with engaged and skilled professionals, enables both the team and their clients to reach new heights.