Out-of-the-box ERP solutions are built to serve the broadest market possible. They are designed to work for many industries, business sizes, and operational models. But what happens when your unique processes, regulatory obligations, or customer experiences don’t fit that mold? This is where Microsoft Business Central partners come in, delivering custom app development that bridges the gap between standard functionality and tailored business needs.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a robust cloud-based ERP solution for small and medium-sized enterprises. It covers finance, operations, supply chain, sales, project management, and customer service. While it provides rich core features, many companies soon discover that they require additional functionalities or custom workflows that are highly specific to their business models. That’s when turning to a certified partner for custom app development becomes not just valuable, but necessary.
Why Out-of-the-Box Isn’t Always Enough
Business Central’s default capabilities work well for standard accounting, invoicing, inventory tracking, and CRM. However, businesses in highly specialized industries often encounter challenges such as:
- Integrating industry-specific compliance requirements
- Automating custom approval workflows
- Extending functionality to mobile field workers
- Building vertical-specific modules for manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, or nonprofits
- Customizing user interfaces for different roles
- Adding data connectors to legacy systems or proprietary platforms
While Microsoft provides AL (application language) and Power Platform tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Dataverse, they often require advanced skills and deep platform knowledge. That’s why partnering with skilled Microsoft Business Central partners for custom app development ensures faster, more scalable, and more secure results.
The Role of Microsoft Business Central Partners in Custom App Development
Custom app development is about more than just writing code. It’s about understanding the nuances of your business and translating them into software that supports performance, productivity, and growth. Professional partners help businesses with:
Requirements gathering and analysis
Before any line of code is written, a Business Central partner works closely with your internal teams to assess your current systems, processes, and challenges. This ensures every custom app aligns with both technical and business goals.
Technical architecture design
Using Microsoft’s best practices, partners define how custom apps will interact with Business Central, Azure services, third-party APIs, and existing databases. This phase ensures performance and scalability.
App development using AL, APIs, and Power Platform
Custom apps are developed using AL for Business Central extensions, or low-code tools like Power Apps and Power Automate for quick deployments. Partners ensure the solution meets Microsoft certification standards and can be maintained over time.
Testing, deployment, and training
Custom apps go through quality assurance, user acceptance testing, and role-specific training so teams can adopt them quickly. Partners also support go-live and long-term maintenance.
Security and compliance
Microsoft Business Central partners understand how to apply data security, permissions, and compliance protocols within the Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring your customizations are safe and audit-ready.
Benefits of Custom App Development Through Partners
Tailored workflows that match your real business operations
Whether you need a multi-step purchase approval matrix or a sales forecasting tool that reflects your unique business cycles, custom apps offer precision and control.
Enhanced efficiency through automation
Manual workarounds become digital processes, reducing errors and increasing team productivity.
Seamless integration with other tools
Custom apps can integrate Business Central with payment gateways, logistics platforms, eCommerce stores, warehouse management systems, and more—eliminating data silos.
Improved user experience
Dashboards, fields, and forms can be customized to match user preferences and simplify their daily tasks.
Competitive advantage
Custom functionality can give your organization an edge by improving service delivery, response time, or operational efficiency.
Top Microsoft Business Central Partners for Custom App Development
When choosing a partner to deliver high-quality custom app development, it’s important to select one with deep Business Central expertise, Microsoft certifications, and a proven track record in solution delivery. Here are some of the top Microsoft Business Central partners known for custom app development services:
InTWO
InTWO is a globally recognized Microsoft Solutions Partner offering cloud ERP, CRM, infrastructure, and app development services. Their Business Central practice specializes in tailoring ERP systems to meet complex business needs. InTWO’s experts build industry-specific apps using both AL and Power Platform tools, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with Microsoft’s cloud strategy. Whether it’s a custom finance module or a mobile-friendly field service application, InTWO’s ability to blend technical excellence with business insight makes them a trusted partner for mid-size and enterprise clients.
Velosio
Velosio delivers Microsoft Business Central services with a focus on agility and modern ERP adoption. Their development team specializes in building vertical apps for industries such as distribution, construction, and professional services. Velosio’s custom apps integrate seamlessly into Business Central while offering enhanced UX and workflow functionality.
ArcherPoint
Known for their deep NAV and Business Central expertise, ArcherPoint helps clients extend ERP capabilities through custom apps and extensions. Their agile development methodology and experience with manufacturing, retail, and finance make them ideal for complex customization projects.
Western Computer
Western Computer delivers Business Central implementations and custom solutions across the US. Their development team provides full-cycle app design services including API development, Power Platform solutions, and embedded analytics dashboards tailored to industry needs.
Sikich
Sikich focuses on digital transformation with a strong Business Central practice. Their developers create custom apps that improve reporting, compliance, and automation for industries such as healthcare, public sector, and manufacturing.
Binary Stream
Binary Stream is not just a partner but also an ISV (Independent Software Vendor), delivering packaged and custom apps for complex financial processes. Their team can develop or adapt Business Central apps for multi-entity management, billing, and lease accounting.
Best Practices for Working with Business Central Partners on Custom Apps
To ensure a successful outcome from your app development project, consider these best practices:
Start with a clear business case
Outline the problem, desired outcome, and success metrics before the project begins. This helps the partner align development with your business goals.
Choose partners with vertical experience
Partners familiar with your industry can accelerate development and suggest best practices.
Use agile development methods
Break the project into sprints with regular reviews and iterations to stay aligned.
Plan for change management and training
Custom apps often introduce new workflows. Invest in onboarding and support to maximize adoption.
Build for the long term
Ensure that the code is clean, documented, and adheres to Microsoft’s extension model to stay upgrade-friendly.
Conclusion
Off-the-shelf ERP software can get you started, but real business differentiation often lies in your unique processes. When your out-of-the-box solution no longer fits, Microsoft Business Central partners offer the strategic and technical expertise needed to build custom apps that empower your business.
Custom development isn’t just about adding features—it’s about aligning your technology with the way you do business. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, services, or a highly regulated industry, a trusted partner like InTWO can help you build Business Central solutions that are tailored, scalable, and future-ready.
Investing in custom app development through Microsoft-certified partners is the next step in turning your ERP system into a true business enabler.
