Updating a large number of records one by one can be time-consuming and inefficient. Fortunately, Dynamics 365 Business Central allows users to edit master data directly in Microsoft Excel while maintaining a secure connection to the system and ensuring automatic data validation.
In this video tutorial, we show you how to use the Edit in Excel feature to update your Business Central data quickly and efficiently.
How the “Edit in Excel” feature works
In this example, we start from the Vendors list, where all vendors registered in the system are displayed.
To perform bulk updates, select Share and then choose Edit in Excel.
Business Central automatically generates an Excel workbook connected directly to your database, allowing you to edit records in Excel and publish the changes back to Business Central without any additional import or export steps.
Updating data in Excel
Once the workbook opens, you’ll notice the Microsoft Dynamics add-in on the right-hand side. Depending on your organization’s settings, you may be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft work account to establish a secure connection.
After the data has been loaded, all records are displayed in a familiar Excel table format, making it easy to filter, sort, and update information.
You can quickly modify fields such as:
- Addresses;
- Postal codes;
- Payment terms;
- Other vendor master data.
Simply edit the values directly in the Excel cells, just as you would in any standard spreadsheet.
Publishing changes back to Business Central
Once you’ve completed your updates, click the Publish button in the Microsoft Dynamics pane.
Business Central automatically validates all submitted data before applying the changes.
If any values do not meet the system’s validation rules, the add-in will display an error message, allowing you to correct the issue before publishing successfully.
A faster and smarter way to maintain master data
The Edit in Excel feature is one of the most efficient ways to manage master data in Dynamics 365 Business Central. It enables users to update hundreds or even thousands of records simultaneously, significantly reducing manual effort and eliminating the need to edit records one at a time.
For organizations managing large volumes of master data, the native integration between Business Central and Microsoft Excel improves productivity, helps maintain data accuracy, and simplifies day-to-day administrative tasks.
