Category: Base App

Protecting Sensitive Data Made Easier: Introducing ‘Concealed’ Text Field Type in Business Central Wave 2 2025

Data privacy and security have become paramount concerns for businesses across all industries. With increasing regulatory requirements and growing awareness of data protection, organizations need robust yet user-friendly solutions to safeguard sensitive information. Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Business Central Wave 2 2025 introduces a game-changing feature that addresses this challenge: the new ‘Concealed’ text field type with the innovative Mask Type property.

The Challenge: Balancing Security and Usability

Traditionally, we faced a dilemma when handling sensitive data fields. The existing ExtendedDataType = Masked property offered security by displaying field values as dots, but this approach had limitations:

  • Always hidden: Once masked, the data remained permanently concealed, even from authorized users
  • Poor user experience: Users couldn’t verify entered data, leading to potential input errors
  • Limited flexibility: No option to reveal data when legitimate access was needed

These limitations created friction between security requirements and practical usability, forcing developers to choose between protecting sensitive data and maintaining a smooth user experience.

Business Central Wave 2 2025 introduces the new MaskType enum property, revolutionizing how we handle sensitive data display. This property offers two distinct values:

MaskType Values Explained

None (Default)

  • Standard behavior where field values are fully visible in the UI
  • No masking or concealment applied
  • Suitable for non-sensitive data fields

Concealed

  • Field values are hidden by default, appearing as masked dots
  • Users can reveal the actual value through an explicit action
  • An interactive “eye” button appears next to the field for toggling visibility
  • Perfect balance between security and accessibility

Implementing the concealed field type is straightforward. Here’s how to configure it in your AL code:

field(50100; "Sensitive Data"; Text[100])
{
    Caption = 'Sensitive Information';
    MaskType = Concealed;
}

When rendered in the UI, this field will display:

  • Masked dots by default (●●●●●●●●)
  • An eye icon button for revealing/concealing the value
  • Smooth toggle animation between hidden and visible states

Supported Field Types

The MaskType = Concealed property works with:

  • Text fields: For sensitive textual information
  • Code fields: For confidential codes and identifiers
  • Decimal fields: For sensitive numeric values with decimals
  • Integer fields: For confidential whole numbers

Supported Page Types

The concealed functionality is available on:

  • Document pages: Sales orders, purchase orders, etc.
  • Card pages: Customer cards, vendor cards, item cards
  • Not supported: List page repeaters and grid controls

The introduction of the ‘Concealed’ text field type with the MaskType property in Business Central Wave 2 2025 represents a significant advancement in data protection capabilities. This feature successfully bridges the gap between security requirements and user experience, providing organizations with a flexible, user-friendly approach to protecting sensitive information.

Stay tuned for more.

Optimizing Business Central Reports with the DataAccessIntent Property

When developing reports in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, performance and scalability are crucial—especially in cloud environments where system efficiency impacts everything from responsiveness to cost. One often-overlooked feature that can significantly enhance report performance is the DataAccessIntent property.

What Is DataAccessIntent?

The DataAccessIntent property is available on report objects in AL. It specifies how a report should access the database—whether it’s read-only or read-write.

The property supports two values:

  • DataAccessIntent = ReadOnly
  • DataAccessIntent = ReadWrite

ReadOnly

When you set DataAccessIntent = ReadOnly, you are explicitly telling the platform that your report only needs to read data from the database and will not perform any write operations.

Why is this important?

  • Better Performance: In Business Central SaaS, reports marked as ReadOnly can run on read-only replicas of the database. This reduces the load on the primary (read-write) database and enhances scalability.
  • Improved Report Execution Time: Since queries are routed to optimized replicas, report rendering can be faster and more efficient.

ReadWrite

If your report needs to modify data during execution—a rare scenario—you should use DataAccessIntent = ReadWrite. This forces the report to run on the primary database.

However, you should avoid using ReadWrite unless absolutely necessary because:

  • It eliminates the benefit of using read replicas.
  • It may degrade performance, especially under high concurrency.

When to Use Each

ScenarioUse ReadOnly?Use ReadWrite?
Standard data listing/reporting✅❌
Reports that update records❌✅
Diagnostic or audit reports✅❌

How to Set DataAccessIntent in AL

report 50100 "Customer Balance Report"
{
    DataAccessIntent = ReadOnly;

    dataset
    {
        dataitem(Customer; Customer)
        {
            column(Name; Name) { }
            column(Balance; "Balance (LCY)") { }
        }
    }

    layout
    {
        // Define RDLC or Word layout
    }
}

By default, if you don’t specify the property, it behaves as ReadWrite. So it’s a good practice to explicitly set it to ReadOnly when applicable.

Important Considerations

  • The DataAccessIntent property is only a hint to the Business Central server. The server may not always be able to use a read-only replica, even if the property is set to ReadOnly.
  • If a report with DataAccessIntent set to ReadOnly attempts to modify data, a runtime error will occur.
  • The DataAccessIntent property can be overridden by the user through the “Database Access Intent List” page in Business Central.

In short: if your report doesn’t write data, use DataAccessIntent = ReadOnly. It’s an easy win for performance and best practice compliance.

Stay tuned for more….

How to Define Allowed Languages Per Environment in Business Central 2025 Wave 1

With the release of Business Central 2025 Wave 1, BC continues to enhance administrative control and governance features. One of the most welcome additions for global organizations is the ability to limit the available language options per environment. This is a game-changer for companies seeking better localization control, user experience consistency, and governance.

🚀 What’s New?

Until now, Business Central environments would display all installed languages by default, allowing users to switch freely. While flexibility is good, it posed problems in certain scenarios:

  • Local subsidiaries wanting only their national language.
  • Confusion due to long lists of unused language options.
  • Incorrect UI labels or translations due to unintended language selection.

Wave 1 2025 introduces the ability to define which languages are allowed per environment. Admins can now limit language choices for users based on the business unit, geography, or internal policy.

🔧 How to Configure Allowed Languages

To define allowed languages for a specific environment, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the Business Central
  2. Navigate to the new section: “Allowed Languages”.
  3. From the list of installed languages, check the boxes for only those you wish to allow.

Once applied, users in this environment will only see the allowed languages in their My Settings > Language dropdown.

This new feature may seem minor at first glance, but for global businesses and IT admins, it’s a powerful tool for consistency, control, and compliance. Whether you’re managing multiple countries, brands, or test environments, defining allowed languages per environment helps streamline operations and avoid confusion.

Stay tuned for more..

Generate launch.json from the Web Client in Business Central – Wave 1 2025

With the 2025 Wave 1 release of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, developers get a significant productivity boost: the ability to generate a launch.json file directly from the Web Client! 🎉 This is a feature that eliminates the need to manually configure environment settings in Visual Studio Code (VS Code), especially useful when working across multiple environments or containers.

💡 What is launch.json?

In AL development for Business Central, the launch.json file defines how your AL project connects to your Business Central environment. It includes settings like:

{
  "name": "Your Environment",
  "type": "al",
  "request": "launch",
  "server": "https://your-environment-url",
  "serverInstance": "BC",
  "authentication": "UserPassword",
  "tenant": "your-tenant-id"
}

You can now generate the launch.json configuration directly from the Web Client using just a few clicks. No more copying URLs, figuring out authentication types, or guessing server details.

🔧 Steps to Generate:

  1. Log into your Business Central Web Client.
  2. Navigate to the Help & Support page (? page=134).
  3. Scroll down to the Troubleshooting section.
  4. Look for the new Download launch.json button (or similar option).
  5. Click it – a launch.json file will be downloaded, pre-filled with your current environment’s configuration.

Second option will be navigate Installed extensions and download launch.json

The introduction of the launch.json generation feature in the Business Central Wave 1 2025 web client is a welcome addition for AL developers. It promises to streamline the initial setup process, reduce configuration errors, and enhance overall development efficiency.

Stay tuned fore more.

Business Central 2025 Wave 1 (BC26): Check Total Purchase Amounts on Documents

The Business Central 2025 Wave 1 (BC26) release introduces a valuable feature aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of accounts payable processes: “Check Doc. Total Amounts”. While seemingly simple from a user perspective, but powerful addition that helps users validate purchase documents before posting.

At its heart, “Check Doc. Total Amounts” is designed to prevent posting discrepancies between the manually entered total amounts on purchase document headers and the calculated total amounts based on the individual purchase lines. This helps ensure that the data within Business Central accurately reflects the external vendor invoices, minimizing potential errors and reconciliation issues.

Implementation Details:

Setup: The functionality is controlled via a new option within the Purchases & Payables Setup page. Administrators need to explicitly enable the “Check Doc. Total Amounts” toggle. This opt-in approach ensures that existing environments are not impacted unless the feature is intentionally activated.

New Fields: Upon enabling the feature, two new fields become visible on the Purchase Invoice and Purchase Credit Memo pages:

  • Doc. Amount Incl. VAT: This field is intended for users to enter the total amount, including VAT, as stated on the vendor’s document.
  • Doc. Amount VAT: This field allows users to enter the total VAT amount as per the vendor’s document.

Automatic Calculation: When a user enters a value in the “Doc. Amount Incl. VAT” field, the system automatically calculates and populates the “Doc. Amount VAT” field based on the VAT rates applied to the individual purchase lines. Conversely, if the user enters the “Doc. Amount VAT”, the “Doc. Amount Incl. VAT” is automatically calculated.

Validation on Posting: The crucial technical aspect lies in the posting validation logic. When a user attempts to post a Purchase Invoice or Purchase Credit Memo with the “Check Doc. Total Amounts” feature enabled, Business Central performs the following checks:

  • It calculates the sum of the “Amount Including VAT” for all individual purchase lines.
  • It calculates the total VAT amount based on the VAT entries of the purchase lines.
  • It compares these calculated totals with the values entered in the “Doc. Amount Incl. VAT” and “Doc. Amount VAT” fields on the document header.

Error Handling: If the calculated total amounts from the lines do not match the manually entered amounts on the header, the system will prevent posting and display an error message to the user. This forces a review of the purchase lines and header information to identify and rectify any discrepancies before the document can be posted.

The “Check Doc. Total Amounts” feature in Business Central 2025 Wave 1 (BC26) is a welcome addition for improving the accuracy of purchase document processing.

Stay tuned for more.

File.ViewFromStream in AL: Display Text Directly from Stream

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 2025 Wave 1 continues to improve its developer experience with handy new features. One of the exciting additions in this release is the File.ViewFromStream method — a simple yet powerful function that enhances how developers interact with files stored in memory.

In the current versions of Business Central, when you need to view an attached document, a report output, or an incoming file, the typical process involves downloading the file first and then opening it with an external application. This can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple files or when you simply need a quick glance at the content. Switching between applications disrupts your workflow and can feel inefficient.

📘 What is File.ViewFromStream?

The new method File.ViewFromStream(Stream: InStream,Text[,Boolean]) enables developers to open or preview a file directly from a stream, without having to save it to a temporary physical file.

This is a major convenience when working with files generated on the fly — such as PDFs, Excel files, or text reports — especially in scenarios where users just need to view or download the file rather than save it on the server.

Syntax

[Ok := ]  File.ViewFromStream(InStream: InStream, FileName: Text [, AllowDownloadAndPrint: Boolean])

🛠 Example:

procedure ShowGeneratedReport()
var
    TempBlob: Codeunit "Temp Blob";
    OutStream: OutStream;
    InStream: InStream;
    ReportContent: Text;
begin
    ReportContent := 'Hello from AL!' + Format(CurrentDateTime) + '\nThis is a preview of your text report.';

    TempBlob.CreateOutStream(OutStream);
    OutStream.WriteText(ReportContent);

    TempBlob.CreateInStream(InStream);
    File.ViewFromStream(InStream, 'ReportPreview.txt', true);
end;

💼 Use Cases

Here are some scenarios where ViewFromStream can be a game-changer:

  • Previewing customer invoices or sales reports generated on-demand.
  • Opening files attached in workflow approvals.
  • On-the-fly document generation in extensions or apps.

The File.ViewFromStream method offers a powerful and user-friendly way to present stream content directly within Dynamics 365 Business Central. The File.ViewFromStream method is a lightweight, client-friendly way to present text content on the fly in Business Central.

Stay tuned for more.

Production Order Cancellations: Reversing Consumption in Business Central V26

Production orders are the backbone of manufacturing operations, but sometimes, plans change. Orders need to be cancelled, and when those orders have already consumed materials, things can get tricky. Business Central V26 has stepped in to simplify this process, offering a more streamlined way to reverse consumption and cancel production orders. Let’s explore how this works.

Imagine you’ve started a production order, materials have been consumed, and then, for whatever reason, the order needs to be scrapped. In previous versions of Business Central, simply deleting the order wasn’t an option. The system needed a way to accurately reverse the consumption entries to maintain inventory and financial integrity. This often involved manual adjustments and could be a time-consuming, error-prone process.

Business Central V26: Simplifying the Reversal:

Enter the “Reverse Production Order Transaction” action in Business Central V26. This feature provides a more efficient and accurate way to undo consumption and output transactions, making production order cancellations less of a headache.

How it Works:

  • Reversing Item Ledger Entries:
    • When you use the “Reverse Production Order Transaction” action, Business Central generates reversing item journal lines.
    • These lines effectively negate the original consumption entries, returning the materials to inventory.
  • Handling Output and Capacity:
    • The system also reverses output and capacity entries, including quantities, scrap, setup time, and run time.
    • This ensures that all related ledger entries are accurately adjusted.
  • Accurate Ledger Updates:
    • The system applies these reversals to the original ledger entries, maintaining precise inventory and cost records.

After reversal of production order you can finish production order without output. To achieve this you need to enable the setup on Manufacturing setup

Activate the Finish Order Without Output toggle in the Manufacturing Setup page.

Business Central V26’s enhanced capabilities for reversing production order transactions represent a significant step forward in simplifying production management. By automating the reversal process, manufacturers can save time, reduce errors, and maintain accurate inventory and financial records. This feature is a valuable addition to the Business Central , making production order cancellations less of a burden and more of a seamless operation.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Preview PDFs Directly in Business Central Web Client (v26)

With the release of version 26, a significant productivity boost has arrived: direct PDF attachment previews within the web client. No more downloading, opening external viewers, or switching between applications. This streamlined experience lets you access and review crucial documents instantly, right within your Business Central workflow.

What Does This Mean For You?

Imagine you’re processing a purchase order and need to quickly verify the attached vendor invoice. Previously, you’d have to download the PDF, open it in a separate application, and then return to Business Central. This process was time-consuming and disruptive.

Now, with the new preview functionality, you can:

  • View PDFs directly in the FactBox: When a PDF is attached to a record (like a sales order, purchase invoice, or customer card), you can preview it instantly in the FactBox without leaving the page.
  • Save time and improve efficiency: Eliminate the need for downloads and external viewers, allowing you to focus on your core tasks.
  • Enhance collaboration: Quickly share and review documents with colleagues, streamlining approvals and decision-making.
  • Enjoy a seamless user experience: The integrated preview functionality provides a more intuitive and efficient workflow.

How Does It Work?

The new feature leverages the browser’s built-in PDF rendering capabilities. When you click on a PDF attachment in the FactBox, the document opens directly within the Business Central web client, allowing you to:

  • Scroll through pages.
  • Zoom in and out.
  • Search for specific text.

This feature is enabled by default in Business Central version 26. Simply open a record with a PDF attachment, and you’ll see the preview option in the FactBox.

For Developers:

  • Microsoft has added the following AL methods to enable this functionality.
    • File.ViewFromStream (for Business Central online)
    • File.View (for Business Central on-premises)

Unleash Your Workspace: Resizable Fact Boxes Arrive in Business Central v26!

Tired of cramped Fact Boxes? Wishing you could see more detail without endless scrolling? Your wish has been granted! Dynamics 365 Business Central version 26 (2025 wave 1) introduces a much-anticipated feature: resizable Fact Boxes!

For years, Business Central users have navigated valuable contextual information within the FactBox pane. However, the fixed width often led to limitations, especially on larger screens or when dealing with detailed data. Now, Microsoft has empowered users to take control of their workspace.

Say Goodbye to Fixed Dimensions!

With the new resizing capability, you can:

  • Customize Your View: Easily adjust the width of the FactBox pane to suit your needs. Whether you need a narrow view for quick glances or a wider view for in-depth analysis, the choice is yours.
  • Maximize Screen Real Estate: Utilize your screen’s potential by expanding the FactBox to view more information at once. No more unnecessary scrolling!
  • Personalized Experience: Business Central remembers your preferred FactBox size per page and mode, ensuring a consistent and tailored experience every time you return.
  • Simple and Intuitive: Resizing is a breeze! Simply drag the divider line between the main page area and the FactBox pane to your desired width.
  • Quick Reset: If you want to return to the default size, just double-click the divider line.
  • Reasonable Limits: The factbox can be expanded to a maximum of half of the page width.

Why This Matters

This seemingly small change has a significant impact on user productivity and efficiency. By providing greater control over the workspace, Business Central empowers users to:

  • View Information More Effectively: Gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of related data.
  • Reduce Scrolling and Save Time: Access crucial information faster and streamline workflows.
  • Enhance User Experience: Create a more personalized and comfortable working environment.

How to Resize Your Fact Box:

  1. Locate the divider line separating the main page area and the FactBox pane.
  2. Click and drag the divider line to your desired width.
  3. Observe the FactBox pane resizing accordingly.
  4. To return to the default size, double-click the divider line.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of resizable Fact Boxes highlights continuous improvement and user-centric design. This feature further enhances the flexibility and usability of Business Central, making it an even more powerful tool for businesses of all sizes.

How to add keys in Base table of Business Central

With the release of Wave 1 2021 lot of new feature introduced . One of the new feature is that partners now can add keys in base table with customized field which was not possible earlier

Today we will see how we can do that

First Lets see what is happening is earlier version of business central. In earlier version we can only add the keys with the field added on table extension and we are not able to see the field available in base table for adding in keys

Look at the following example as I created one simple extension in V17 and trying to add key

Now when I try to add the keys in this table extension it will populate only those fields which are added in table extension

In New version of Business central i.e. Wave 1 2021 we can Add more keys with base table fields and use to improve the performance while retrieving or updating records

Now look at the following example for new version .Just created a simple table extension

Now when I try to add the keys in this table extension it will populate all the fields available in base table as below

So that means we can create keys with

  1. Fields from base table
  2. Fields from table extension

Can I create combination of fields from base table and fields from table extension ?

And the obvious answer is no and reasons are simple that both base table and table extension are two different tables in Sql server.

I hope you will find this information useful

So stay tuned for more updates.

Cheers.