Configure and edit business documents
Electronic reporting (ER) in finance and operations apps provides a configurable framework to design, manage, and distribute business documents and electronic formats without developer involvement. It supports the creation of regulatory and business documents such as invoices, purchase orders, and payment files.
Business Document Management (BDM) is built on top of the ER framework and enables business users to edit document templates directly by using Microsoft 365 or the appropriate Microsoft Office desktop application. Edits might include changing document layouts or adding placeholders for more data, all without modifying source code or redeploying configurations. No knowledge of the ER framework is required to update templates. To use Business Document Management, you must configure ER parameters and import the necessary ER configurations that contain editable business document templates into your Finance environment.
Edit document templates
Business users can modify the layout or data fields of a business document template directly in Microsoft Word or Excel. Templates can include placeholders that map data from the application through the Electronic reporting (ER) framework. For example, a user can add a new field to an invoice or update the company logo without developer support. Users can upload the updated template after editing and publish it immediately for use.
Manage document versions
Each edited template version is stored and tracked within Business Document Management. Users can review previous versions, compare changes, and restore earlier layouts if needed. This version control helps ensure that business documents remain consistent and compliant across the organization.
Update document structure
In addition to editing templates, users can modify the structure of business documents by adding or removing tables, fields, and placeholders. These changes let organizations include new data sources or reformat sections without changing X++ code. The document structure and layout remain linked to the underlying ER model, ensuring data consistency across all generated reports.
Import configurations from the Global repository or Globalization Studio
Editable templates and related configurations can be imported from the Global repository or Globalization Studio within Dynamics 365 Finance. These services host standardized and country/region-specific document formats, which you can customize to meet organizational or legal requirements.
Use the Business Document Management workspace
The Business Document Management workspace provides a unified experience for working with templates. Users can preview, edit, and publish documents in a single view. The workspace supports role-based access, version control, and direct integration with Microsoft 365 apps for editing Word or Excel templates. This interface simplifies the ability to maintain consistent and compliant business documents across the organization.
Electronic reporting and Business Document Management provide a flexible, no-code approach to designing and maintaining business documents that meet organizational and regulatory requirements.
The following video demonstrates some of the Electronic reporting features in Dynamics 365 Finance.