How to Choose The Right Business Central Implementation Partner
Choosing a Business Central partner might not sound like a big decision at first. But if you get it wrong, it’ll cost you in time, money, and headaches you really don’t need.
Whether you're switching systems or implementating Business Central for the first time, your partner plays a bigger role than most people realise. They're not just there to get the software installed. They're going to help shape how your business runs for years.
So how do you pick the right one? That’s what we’re covering here.
What does a Business Central partner actually do?
Let’s get the basics out of the way.
A Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner helps you implement, customise, and support the ERP system so it actually works for your business not just in theory, but in practice.
- Setting up your system based on your workflows and departments
- Migrating your financial data
- Customising processes, reports, and dashboards
- Integrating third-party tools like Shopify, Power BI, or payroll software
- Providing training, support, and future enhancements
There are different types of partners too including Microsoft Direct, Indirect (through resellers), and CSPs (Cloud Solution Providers). The main difference is that CSPs often offer more flexibility and ongoing support because they’re not tied to Microsoft’s fixed implementation methods.
How to prepare before speaking to a Business Central partner
The best partner in the world can’t help you if you don’t know what you need. That’s why preparation before procurement is so important.
Before you start reaching out to potential partners, take the time to get clear on your current state and future goals. You’ll avoid confusion during scoping, reduce project delays, and make sure you're comparing like-for-like proposals.
- Map out your core business processes (finance, operations, inventory, sales, service)
- Identify what’s not working today and where you need improvement
- List the systems you're currently using such as Excel, legacy ERPs, CRM, or eCommerce platforms
- Prioritise your must-have features versus nice-to-haves
- Outline reporting needs for each team or role
- Know your internal project team structure including sponsors and decision makers
The more detailed you are, the more accurate and useful your partner proposals will be.
Key things to look for in a Business Central partner
Choosing a partner based on price alone is a fast track to regret. Here's what actually matters when evaluating your options.
Technical capabilities
Can they handle advanced customisations, integrations with your tech stack, and system automation? Ask about past projects that required similar complexity.
Industry experience
Have they worked with businesses like yours? Industry-specific knowledge means they’ll already know your pain points and can suggest best practices you haven’t thought of yet.
Microsoft certifications
Check if they’re a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications. Bonus points if they’ve developed custom ISV add-ons that expand Business Central’s capabilities.
Implementation methodology
Agile vs waterfall isn’t just a buzzword. It affects how your project runs. You want someone who clearly explains their discovery, development, testing, and go-live phases.
Ongoing support
Do they offer help after go-live? What are their SLAs for fixing issues? Do you get access to consultants who actually know your setup?
Cultural fit and communication
Are they responsive? Do they explain things clearly? This is a partnership and you’re going to be in regular contact for months, so it needs to feel like a good working relationship.
Questions to ask a potential Business Central partner
You can learn a lot about a partner by the questions they ask you but your questions matter too.
- How many Business Central projects have you delivered?
- Have you worked with companies in our industry before?
- Can you show us examples or case studies of similar implementations?
- What’s your approach to data migration and change management?
- What support do you offer after go-live?
- How do you handle scope creep or changing business requirements mid-project?
- Can you walk me through your testing and training process?
- Will we have a dedicated consultant or a rotating team?
If they struggle to answer any of these clearly, that’s a red flag.
What to avoid: Red flags when choosing a Business Central partner
Even experienced companies can end up with the wrong partner if they’re not watching out for warning signs.
- Vague proposals with no defined scope or methodology
- Guaranteed low prices without understanding your business needs
- No mention of post-implementation support
- Limited experience outside of a single industry
- A rigid approach with no flexibility
If they don’t ask you many questions, that’s a sign they’re not tailoring the solution and are instead selling a template.
Quick comparison: Types of Business Central partners
| Criteria | Big Vendor | Boutique Firm | Freelancer | In-House Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Experience | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Microsoft Certification | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Support Availability | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost Flexibility | No | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Communication Consistency | Mixed | Strong | Mixed | Strong |
Big firms bring scale but can feel impersonal. Boutique firms are often the sweet spot because they’re flexible, experienced, and closer to your team.
How to assess fit: Step-by-step framework
- Define your needs
Be specific about your goals, features, and integrations. - Build a shortlist
Use Microsoft AppSource, referrals, and industry recommendations. - Interview your top options
Ask structured questions and request references. - Compare proposals
Look beyond cost at scope, timelines, and support models. - Start with discovery
A smaller discovery phase helps confirm fit before full commitment.
What a great Business Central partnership actually looks like
Imagine a wholesale distributor that’s grown over time and now relies on a mix of spreadsheets and manual processes. They know things need to improve, but they also know their processes didn’t end up this way by accident. They evolved to fit the business as it grew.
A good Business Central partner starts by taking the time to understand that history. They run proper discovery sessions, ask detailed questions about how teams work day to day, and challenge assumptions where it makes sense.
Instead of jumping straight into configuration, they help the business define what should change, what should stay the same, and where standard functionality is enough versus where customisation is genuinely needed.
As the project progresses, that partner acts as a guide rather than just a delivery team. They keep stakeholders aligned, explain trade-offs clearly, flag risks early, and make sure users are trained in a way that fits their roles.
The result isn’t just a system that’s live, but one that’s understood, adopted, and supported properly long after go-live.
Final considerations: Cost, contract, and commitment
A typical Business Central implementation ranges from £10,000 to £75,000 depending on complexity, number of users, and customisation requirements.
- Fixed-fee vs time and materials contracts should be reviewed carefully based on scope clarity
- Post-go-live support should be planned from the outset
- Start with core functionality and expand as your business grows
For more information on licensing, check out our Business Central pricing blog where we give you a full break down of the costs involved and some useful tips on how to get the best price for your business.
Choosing a Business Central partner isn’t just about getting the system live. It’s about making the process efficient and as stress-free as possible.
If you want help figuring out what that looks like for your business, get in touch for a no-pressure conversation. The right partner will save you time, money, and frustration long term, so it's important to take your time and fully assess all options.