Category: Business CentralRead time: 7 MinsPublished on: 16 Dec 2025

Hire Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultants | Certified Experts for US & Canada

Whether you’re upgrading from legacy systems or implementing Business Central for the first time, hiring a certified Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant ensures your ERP project runs smoothly from data migration to go-live support. The right consultant (MB-800 certified) helps your business to save time, reduce errors, and achieve faster ROI.

This decision goes beyond software setup. It is about aligning your ERP with your business strategy. A good consultant helps you avoid delays, budget overruns, and poor user adoption.

This blog explains how to select the right Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant to ensure a successful ERP implementation and maximize your return on investment. It covers:

  • Role of a Consultant: Guides ERP planning, setup, integration, and ongoing support.
  • When to Hire: Bring in a consultant if you lack expertise, face complexity, or need long-term help.
  • Choosing the Right Partner: Look for certifications, experience, strong management, and transparent pricing.
  • Functional vs. Technical Consultants: Functional = process/configuration; Technical = development/integration.
  • Cost and ROI: Understand pricing models and how consultants drive faster, more effective ERP adoption.
  • Long-Term Value: The right consultant provides ongoing support and helps your business grow.

Whether you're leading finance, managing IT, or running a growing business, this blog will help you choose a Business Central partner who delivers results.

1. What does a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultant do?

What does a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultant do?

A Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant serves as a trusted advisor during ERP implementation. They analyze business requirements, configure and customize Business Central modules, manage data migration, and train end users. The consultant also oversees integration with other systems (e.g., Office 365, Power BI) and ensures ongoing support, helping maximize your ROI.

A Dynamics 365 consulting partner ensures the system aligns with your business goals. Their job is to make sure Business Central works for your business. Here is what they do at each stage:

  1. Discovery and Requirements Gathering

    The consultant starts by learning how your business works. They meet with key stakeholders to understand goals, workflows, and pain points. This step helps define what Business Central must do for your company.

    They document your needs and translate them into system requirements. This ensures the ERP setup supports your business, not the other way around.

  2. System Configuration and Customization

    Once the plan is clear, the consultant configures Business Central. They set up modules for finance, inventory, sales, and more.

    If your business needs specific features, they customize the system. This may include creating extensions, adjusting workflows, or adding fields. The goal is to make Business Central fit your operations.

  3. How Does a Business Central Consultant Handle Integration and Data Migration?

    The data migration experts will plan and execute transition from legacy systems (such as Dynamics NAV, GP, SAP, or QuickBooks) to Business Central, ensuring data integrity and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)

    They also set up system integration with other applications (e.g., Office 365, Azure, Power BI), enabling seamless data flow. This preparation maximizes uptime and maintains ROI.

  4. Training and Post-Go-Live Support

    Before launch, the consultant trains your team. They offer role-based sessions for finance, warehouse, and sales users.

    After go-live, they provide support to fix issues and answer questions. This helps your team use the system with confidence from day one.

  5. Strategic Advisory and Continuous Improvement

    A good consultant does not disappear after launch. They stay involved to help you get more value from Business Central.

    They suggest updates, new features, and process improvements. They also help you scale the system as your business grows.

2. Signs you Need a Business Central Consultant for your ERP Project

External assistance is not needed for every ERP project, but it is often essential. If your team lacks experience or your business has complex needs, a Business Central consultant can save time, money, and stress. If you’re a mid-market or enterprise company in the US or Canada considering a upgrade, these are key indicators to bring in a Business Central partner.

  1. Your Team Lacks Business Central Expertise

    If your internal team has never worked with Business Central, you are at risk. ERP systems are complex. Without experience, mistakes can lead to delays, data loss, or poor system setup. A consultant brings proven methods, avoids common errors, and helps your team learn fast.

  2. You Have Complex Workflows or Integrations

    If your business uses custom workflows or needs to connect Business Central to other systems like CRMs, payroll, or e-commerce, you need expert help. Consultants know how to build secure, scalable integrations that keep data flowing and reduce manual work.

  3. You Must Meet Regulatory Compliance

    Industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing face strict rules. Business Central must be set up to meet those standards. A consultant with industry experience ensures your ERP handles tax rules, audits, and reporting correctly.

  4. You’ve Had ERP Failures or Delays Before

    If past ERP projects ran over budget or missed deadlines, do not repeat the same mistakes. A consultant brings structure, project management, and accountability. They help you stay on track and avoid costly setbacks.

  5. You Need Long-Term Support and Optimization

    ERP is not a one-time setup. As your business grows, your system must evolve. Consultants offer ongoing support, updates, and advice. They help you get more value from Business Central over time.

3. Why the Right Business Central Consulting Partner Matters

Choosing a Business Central consulting firm is more than a tech decision. It is a strategic move that affects how your business runs, grows, and competes. Check our Business Central Implementation Services for project planning guidance.

  1. Strategic vs. Technical Decision

    ERP systems touch every part of your business from finance, operations to sales, and service. A consultant who understands strategy will align Business Central with your goals. Technical skills alone are not enough. You need a partner who sees the big picture and helps your team adopt the system with confidence.

  2. Impact on Processes, Timelines, and Budgets

    The right consultant keeps your project on track. They help avoid delays, reduce rework, and control costs. They also ensure Business Central supports your workflows. This leads to faster adoption and better long-term value.

  3. Risks of Choosing the Wrong Partner

    A poor fit can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and low user adoption. Worse, you may end up with a system that does not meet your needs. Choosing the wrong partner can cost more than money, affect your growth, and frustrate your team. Working with a certified Business Central consulting firm helps ensure your ERP delivers lasting value.

4. How to Hire the Right Dynamics Business Central Consultant?

How to Hire the Right Dynamics Business Central Consultant?

Choosing a Business Central consultant is a high-stakes decision. These two criteria Microsoft certification and industry experience help you separate trusted partners from risky picks.

  1. Microsoft Certifications and Competency

    Microsoft Partner status matters. It shows the firm meets Microsoft’s standards for ERP delivery. Look for a “Solutions Partner for Business Applications” badge. This signals proven skill in Business Central projects.

    Also ask if their team includes MB-800 certified consultants. This certification proves they understand Business Central’s core features and can apply them to genuine business needs.

    Good firms invest in ongoing training. They stay current with updates and know how new features can help your business. Ask how often their team trains and how they track new releases.

    Why It Matters: Certified consultants reduce risk. They follow best practices, avoid common errors, and deliver faster results.

  2. Industry Experience and Expertise

    Industry experience saves time and money. A firm that knows your sector will ask better questions, spot risks early, and tailor Business Central to your workflows.

    Look for firms with clients in your industry. Ask for case studies or examples. If they have worked with similar businesses, they will know what works and what does not.

    Certain firms provide industry-specific solutions. These may include templates, add-ons, or reports built for sectors like retail, manufacturing, or services.

    Also check their regulatory knowledge. If your business must follow rules like GAAP, FDA, or tax laws, your consultant should know how to set up Business Central to stay compliant.

    Why It Matters: Industry-fit means fewer surprises, smoother setup, and better long-term value.

  3. Proven History and Client References

    A strong history shows the consultant can deliver results. Look for firms that share case studies with clear outcomes. These should show how they helped clients improve operations, reduce costs, or meet deadlines.

    Also, positive feedback from clients builds trust. Ask for references and speak with past clients if possible. Check past Business Central projects the firm has completed. Longevity and volume show they have refined their methods and learned from experience.

    Why It Matters: A proven partner is more likely to deliver on time, within budget, and with fewer surprises.

  4. Project Management and Communication

    Good project management keeps your ERP rollout on track. Ask what methodology the firm uses like Agile, Microsoft Sure Step, or a custom approach. A structured plan helps manage scope, timelines, and risks.

    Make sure they assign an experienced project manager. This person should have led similar ERP projects and know how to manage issues before they grow.

    Communication style is key. The firm should be responsive, clear, and easy to work with. They should listen to your needs and explain things in simple terms. Also consider cultural fit. If their team collaborates well with yours, collaboration will be smoother and more productive.

    Why It Matters: Strong project management and communication reduce delays, confusion, and stress during implementation.

  5. Pricing Models and Transparency

    Most Business Central consultants offer either fixed-price or time-and-materials (T&M) contracts. Fixed price gives cost certainty but requires a well-defined scope. T&M offers flexibility but can lead to budget creep if not managed.

    Ask for rate cards that show hourly costs by role like project manager, developer, trainer. This helps you compare firms and spot hidden fees. Review proposals carefully. Look for clear breakdowns of tasks, deliverables, and costs. Vague pricing is a red flag. Also ask what is included like software licenses, training, support.

    Why It Matters: Transparent pricing builds trust. It helps you compare value, not just cost, and avoid budget risks.

  6. Customization and Integration Capabilities

    Most companies need level of customization. Ask if the firm has developers skilled in AL code, Power Platform, and APIs. They should know how to build safe, scalable extensions. If you use other systems like CRM, payroll, or e-commerce, check their integration experience. Smooth data flow between platforms saves time and reduces errors.

    Also ask how they approach customization. Good consultants use standard features first, then add custom code only when needed. This keeps your system easier to update and maintain. They should also know which third-party add-ons can solve problems without custom development.

    Why It Matters: Strong technical skills ensure Business Central supports your workflows and grows with your business.

  7. Ongoing Support and User Training

    Before go-live, your team must know how to use Business Central. Look for firms that offer role-based training like tailored sessions for finance, sales, warehouse, and admin users.

    Ask if they provide documentation like user guides or quick-reference sheets. These help staff stay productive after training ends. During go-live, the firm should offer real-time support. This includes help with issues, questions, and system errors.

    After go-live, the consultant provides dedicated support to address issues and implement updates. They also conduct direct user training (on topics like compliance settings and new features) to ensure your team can use Business Central effectively. Continuous support guarantees compliance with industry regulations and helps sustain ROI over time.

    Why It Matters: Intense training and support reduce downtime, boost user confidence, and protect your ERP investment.

  8. Post-Implementation Services and Ongoing Partnership

    Your business will change and so should your ERP. A good consultant offers ongoing maintenance, system checks, and help with updates. Ask if they support new feature rollouts and version upgrades. Business Central updates often, so your system must stay up to date.

    Look for firms that offer strategic advice. They should help you spot new opportunities, improve workflows, and plan future changes. Also ask about refresher training for new hires or new modules. This keeps your team sharp and your system useful. A long-term partner adds more value than a one-time vendor. They help your Business Central system grow with your business.

    Why It Matters: Post-implementation services protect your investment and support long-term growth.

  9. Geographic Presence and On-Site Availability

    If your business prefers face-to-face support, choose a firm with a local or regional presence. On-site help is useful during planning, training, and go-live. It also reduces travel costs and improves coordination.

    If team composition is split across states or time zones, check for time zone alignment. A U.S.-based firm will match your working hours, make meetings, and support easier to manage.

    If your business operates globally or plans to expand, look for firms with international reach. They should understand local rules, taxes, and languages. This helps if you need Business Central in multiple countries. Also consider regional expertise. Firms specialize in industries common to certain areas like manufacturing in the Midwest or retail in California.

    Why It Matters: A consultant with the right geographic fit can offer better support, faster response times, and deeper industry insight.

5. What is the Difference Between Functional and Technical Business Central Consultants?

  • Functional consultants focus on business processes, process mapping, and configuration. They configure the system based on how your company works.
  • Technical consultants manage development (coding and extensions in AL language), integrations, and customizations. They make sure the system is scalable and secure.
  • What Certifications and Skills Should a Business Central Consultant Have?

    Look for consultants with Microsoft certifications such as the MB-800: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate. Certified consultants have proven expertise in Business Central modules and industry best practices. Also assess if they use formal implementation methodologies (e.g., Agile, Sure Step).

6. How Much does a Business Central Consulting Project Cost?

Most firms offer either fixed-price ERP or time-and-materials (T&M) contracts.

  • Fixed price gives cost certainty. You pay a set amount for a defined scope.
  • T&M contract charges by the hour as it is flexible but can lead to budget increase if not managed well.

Choose based on your project’s complexity and how clearly you can define the scope upfront.

  1. Rate Cards and Typical Ranges

    Ask for a rate card that shows hourly costs by role like project manager, developer, trainer. Typical rates vary by region and experience. Few firms offer blended rates or package deals.

    What’s Included and What’s Extra

    Review proposals carefully. Look for clear breakdowns of:

    • Software licensing
    • Implementation services
    • Training and documentation
    • Support hours
    • Travel costs

    Ask about hidden fees like sandbox environments, extra support, or change requests. These can add up fast.

  2. Cost vs. Value Considerations

    Do not choose based on price alone. A lower bid may mean less experience or a limited scope. Compare what each firm offers like training, support, project management, and long-term help.

    A good consultant may cost more upfront but save you money through faster setup, fewer errors, and better adoption. A trusted Dynamics 365 consulting firm or ERP optimization specialist can save more through process efficiency.

Why It Matters: Transparent pricing helps you plan better, avoid surprises, and choose a partner who delivers real value.

7. How can Hiring a Business Central Consultant Maximize ROI?

By aligning Dynamics 365 Business Central with your business goals, a consultant boosts efficiency and cuts costs. They optimize processes, avoid costly mistakes, and handle customization so you see a measurable ROI (often 20–40% in the first year). They also provide ongoing support and user training, which further improves user adoption and long-term value. Here is how to assess the value.

  1. Time Saved in Implementation

    A skilled consultant shortens setup time. They know the system, avoid trial-and-error, and follow proven methods. Faster go-live means quicker access to ERP benefits as a result better reporting, smoother workflows, and improved control.

  2. Reduction in Errors and Rework

    Poor setups lead to data issues, missed features, and costly fixes. Consultants reduce mistakes by using best practices and testing thoroughly. This lowers the need for rework and protects your data.

  3. Improved System Adoption and Productivity

    Training and support help your team use Business Central with confidence. Better adoption means faster workflows, fewer manual tasks, and more accurate reporting. Productivity gains often show within weeks of go-live.

  4. Long-Term Business Impact and Scalability

    A good consultant sets up Business Central to grow with your business. They help you add new features, integrate other tools, and improve processes over time. This supports long-term goals and reduces future costs.

  5. Sample ROI Metrics and Case Examples

    Look for case studies with clear results like “Reduced month-end close by 40%”, “Cut inventory errors by 60%” and “Improved order processing speed by 3x”. Ask firms to share metrics from past projects. These show how they have helped similar businesses succeed.

8. Why Hire Business Central Consultants from Congruent Software?

  • Microsoft Solutions Partner with MB-800 certified experts
  • Pioneer in Microsoft Dynamics Practice
  • 10+ years of Business Central implementation experience
  • Serving clients across the US & Canada
  • Experts in integration, migration, and ongoing support

Whether you’re upgrading from legacy applications or implementing Business Central from scratch, our consultants ensure a smooth rollout, on time and within budget.

Hiring a certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central consultant ensures your ERP investment delivers measurable results. The right partner helps you plan, implement, and scale efficiently, especially if your business operates in the US or Canada. Choose certified experts who align technology with business strategy for long-term success.

When comparing firms, evaluate:

  • Have they worked with businesses like yours?
  • Do they offer clear pricing and dedicated support?
  • Can they scale with your needs?

Interview at least two or three firms. Look beyond cost. Focus on experience, fit, and long-term value. The best consultant is not always the cheapest, but they are the one who helps your business run better, faster, and smarter.

9. FAQ

  1. What does a Business Central consultant do?

    A Business Central consultant helps plan, configure, and support ERP systems tailored to your business. They manage data migration, integrations, and training to ensure maximum ROI.

  2. What certifications should a Business Central consultant have?

    Look for MB-800, Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate certification and Microsoft Partner accreditation.

  3. How long does a Business Central implementation take?

    Most mid-sized implementations take 3–6 months depending on modules, customizations, and data migration needs.

  4. Can I hire consultants for short-term or remote projects in the US & Canada?

    Yes. Many certified Business Central consultants offer flexible, remote, or on-site services across North America.