Supply chain operations are becoming increasingly complex as businesses manage more suppliers, faster delivery expectations, and greater pressure for accuracy. Manual processes slow operations, increase the risk of errors, and make it difficult to scale.
This is where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central delivers value—helping organizations streamline, automate, and optimize their entire supply chain from end to end.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to automate supply chain workflows using Business Central.

1. Automate Replenishment with Demand Forecasting

Business Central includes demand forecasting tools that analyze historical data and trends to predict future inventory requirements. By using these capabilities, companies can:

• Reduce stockouts and excess inventory

• Automatically generate purchase or production orders

• Improve planning accuracy

With machine-learning-based forecasting through Azure, the system can proactively suggest replenishment actions before issues arise.

2. Enable Automatic Purchase Order Creation

One of the most impactful automation features in Business Central is automatic purchase order generation. The system can create purchase orders based on:

• Minimum and maximum inventory levels

• Vendor lead times

• Safety stock requirements

• Reorder points and replenishment policies

Instead of manually tracking inventory, Business Central automates the process and triggers purchasing actions exactly when they’re needed.

3. Use Workflow Automation for Approvals

Many supply chain processes require internal approvals, including:

• Purchase orders

• Vendor onboarding

• Price changes

• New item creation

Business Central’s workflow engine allows you to automate these approvals based on rules such as department, threshold amounts, or item categories. This reduces delays while maintaining proper oversight and control.

4. Automate Vendor Management

Vendor management plays a crucial role in supply chain performance. Business Central automates several vendor-related tasks, including:

• Vendor performance scoring

• Lead-time calculations

• Price list updates

• Document and communication tracking

When integrated with Power Automate, businesses can extend these capabilities further by triggering alerts or actions when vendor metrics or conditions change.

5. Streamline Manufacturing with Production Automation

For manufacturing companies, Business Central offers automation that supports:

• Production order creation

• Bill of Materials (BOM) management

• Capacity planning

• Routing and shop-floor scheduling

These tools reduce production delays, improve planning accuracy, and help maintain consistent output quality.

6. Optimize Warehouse Operations with WMS Automation

Business Central’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) automates key warehouse tasks such as:

• Directed put-away and pick

• Barcode scanning and mobile device integration

• Automated shipment scheduling

• Real-time inventory tracking

These automations reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and enhance overall warehouse efficiency.

7. Leverage Power Automate for Custom Supply Chain Workflows

Power Automate allows organizations to build custom automation between Business Central and hundreds of other applications. Examples include:

• Automatic notifications for low inventory

• Synchronizing purchase invoices with external systems

• Updating vendors when order statuses change

• Triggering processes when inventory reaches predefined thresholds

This flexibility enables businesses to connect all components of their supply chain and create a truly automated ecosystem.

8. Improve Visibility with Real-Time Dashboards

Automation is most valuable when paired with clear visibility. Using Power BI dashboards connected to Business Central, companies can track:

• Inventory levels

• Supplier performance

• Production efficiency

• Delivery timelines

• Forecast accuracy

Real-time insights ensure better decision-making and more proactive management.

Conclusion

Automating your supply chain with Business Central goes far beyond saving time. It enhances accuracy, reduces costs, strengthens vendor relationships, and provides the scalability needed to grow. From forecasting and replenishment to warehouse and production automation, Business Central offers the tools necessary to build a modern, efficient supply chain.

Ready to Automate Your Supply Chain? Partner with Tech Ventures.

If your organization is looking to enhance or automate supply chain processes using Business Central, Tech Ventures can help. Our team specializes in implementation, customization, and optimization tailored to your business needs.

Contact Tech Ventures today to begin transforming your supply chain operations with Business Central.