In early November, we were honoured to attend Directions EMEA 2024, the most significant conference for Microsoft partners focused on the ERP system Dynamics 365 Business Central. Participation in this event is essential for us, the OneCore team, who have been dedicated to this system for over 20 years with a special focus on leasing and credit companies.
This year’s conference was held in Vienna and attracted more than 3,200 experts from 60 countries. These numbers not only underline the importance of the event but also show its global reach.
The program was divided into two main parts: presentations of new products directly from Microsoft and a space for networking. Key topics were the new features in version 25 of Business Central, including security, digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence (AI). As bronze sponsors, we had our booth this year, where we met with partners who perceived the potential of implementing our OneCore solutions in their markets.
During the intensive three days full of lectures, workshops and meetings, we took away several key insights, which we would like to summarize:
1. AI Copilots and AI Agents
AI Copilots were the main conference topic and confirmed that AI will be a priority for Microsoft in the coming years. Copilots act as assistants across the system and simplify reporting, data orientation and work with the system. Our OneCore solution already allows you to use Copilot on leasing data, as well as connect it to our documentation, which makes it easier to train new employees.
An interesting finding from discussions with the Copilot creators was that the biggest challenge was teaching the system to admit when it doesn’t know the answer, instead of making it up. In addition, Microsoft has added the ability to create your Copilots directly in Business Central – we will prepare a demo soon!
Agents are specifically trained to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences across various roles and functions. This is a new area that Microsoft will explore in future releases.
2. Reporting
Power BI brings more than 60 pre-built reports integrated into Business Central. These reports cover finance, sales, purchasing, inventory, manufacturing, and projects.
Advanced Power Query users can take advantage of the enhanced Power BI connector for Business Central, which boosts flexibility and performance when handling data. These changes allow users to have greater control and more efficient analysis.
3. SaaS/Cloud
Microsoft is trying to make it easier for on-premise customers to switch to the SaaS version, this is also a current topic for customers from the leasing sector in our country. The new version of Business Central has optimized migration, page scripting for system testing, and increased system performance.
Microsoft has also announced a 10% discount on SaaS solutions for customers using M365, valid until June 30, 2025.
4. Partner Network and International Expansion
We implement OneCore solutions through local partners within the Microsoft network. At the conference, we learned great tips for marketing strategies in, for example, South Africa, where we see great potential for our Loans App. Also important was the lecture that emphasized the adaptation of business communication and negotiations in individual cultures.
Participation in Directions EMEA inspired us and confirmed our direction. We look forward to additional opportunities to share our innovations and collaborate with the global partner community.
