A smarter way to run defence programmes with Business Central

A modern ERP system that helps defence organisations manage financial control, supply chains, contracts and operational delivery from one secure platform.

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Why defence organisations choose Microsoft Business Central

Defence organisations deal with complex supply chains, strict compliance standards and long project lifecycles. When systems do not connect, this complexity becomes harder to manage. Business Central brings financial, commercial and operational data together to support informed decisions.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s comprehensive ERP system for organisations across the defence sector. It brings together finance, procurement, logistics, project delivery, reporting and supply chain activity in one place.

With it, defence teams can replace disconnected tools and spreadsheets with a secure, scalable platform backed by Microsoft’s enterprise security. If you want a clearer, more controlled way to run defence programmes, keep reading.

Meet Business Central: an ERP for the defence sector

An ERP system built for security-conscious industries helps defence organisations manage programmes, partners and compliance with confidence.

Unified operations

Business Central connects finance, procurement, logistics and project information to create a single operational picture. Defence organisations often run multiple systems across different units or partner structures. Bringing these together supports better collaboration, reduces duplication and improves accuracy across the supply chain.

Better decision-making

With real-time dashboards, built-in forecasting tools and connected data, leaders gain clearer insight into performance. Recent research reports that organisations with integrated decision intelligence frameworks improve operational efficiency by up to 20%. These improvements directly support assurance, cost management and programme delivery.

Scalability

Whether you operate as a tier 1 defence contractor or a specialist supplier, Business Central scales with your organisation. You can deploy in the cloud, on-premises or as a hybrid model. This helps defence teams adapt the system to their security posture and commercial growth.

Cost control

Automated workflows, reduced manual processes and clearer reporting help lower operational overheads. According to recent studies on Microsoft business applications, organisations using a unified ERP reduce finance-related costs by up to 30% through process automation and improved visibility. This gives defence teams stronger financial discipline across projects.

Compliance and security

Defence work requires strict compliance, traceability and audit readiness. Business Central includes role-based access, audit trails and Microsoft’s security framework to help meet these standards. Features such as automated approval workflows and data classification help support regulatory and contract compliance requirements.

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Discover how Microsoft Dynamic 365 Business Central works

Why your business needs an ERP

82%

of businesses are utilising an ERP

1 in 5

businesses are dissatisfied with their current ERP

96%

of businesses say using an ERP has contributed to achieving business outcomes

Data taken from a survey we commissioned in December 2024

ERP designed for defence

Defence organisations deal with long programme cycles, sensitive supply chains and strict reporting obligations. Dynamics 365 Business Central includes flexible tools that support secure operations, financial clarity and efficient programme delivery.

Project oversight

Manage defence programmes with clear timelines, budget plans, resource activity and delivery milestones. Teams gain a structured way to oversee complex work and maintain control over variations, dependencies and subcontractor activity.

Supply chain and logistics

Defence supply chains are sensitive and multi‑layered. Business Central helps track stock levels, manage suppliers, control lead times and plan logistics more accurately. This supports timely delivery and reduces the risk of disruption.

Financial management and cost assurance

Track spending across projects, monitor financial risks and maintain audit-ready records. Defence organisations benefit from real-time budget visibility, multi‑currency support and accurate reporting that helps meet contract obligations.

Why defence teams choose Business Central

Programme scheduling

Plan programme schedules with visibility across tasks, dependencies and resources. This helps identify bottlenecks early and maintain steady delivery against defence contracts.

Cost estimation and forecasting

Accurate cost modelling is essential during bid, design and delivery phases. Business Central offers tools for detailed cost estimation, scenario planning and forecasting so organisations can submit precise bids and keep projects on track.

Supply chain resilience

Track parts, equipment, maintenance items and specialist components across suppliers. Defence organisations can monitor stock levels, lead times and quality controls, helping reduce the risk of shortages or delays.

Contract and partner management

Manage agreements, partner relationships and subcontractor performance in one platform. This supports transparent reporting and ensures that all parties meet commercial and contractual requirements.

Operational insight

Leverage dashboards and analytical tools to understand performance across projects, cost centres and delivery teams. This insight helps leaders identify risks early and make changes that support better outcomes.

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The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Download our report

The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

the-dynamics-of-success-report-download-1

Strengthen your operations with an ERP built for defence

Defence organisations need clarity, efficiency and confidence in their operations. Business Central simplifies processes, connects teams and strengthens commercial and operational control.

To learn more about Business Central, or to see what an ERP for defence looks like, get in touch via this short form.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Business Central for defence organisations?

Business Central is Microsoft’s core ERP platform that helps defence organisations manage finance, supply chains, projects and reporting in a secure, connected system.

Is Business Central secure enough for defence work?

Business Central uses Microsoft security, which includes data encryption, role-based access and audit trails. Organisations can also choose cloud, on-premises or hybrid deployment depending on their security requirements.

Can Business Central support long defence programme cycles?

Yes. It includes project planning, budgeting and cost control tools designed for long-term programmes with complex milestones, dependencies and reporting needs.

Does Business Central work with other Microsoft tools?

It integrates with Microsoft 365, Power BI, Power Apps and Azure services. This gives defence teams a connected digital environment for communication, workflows and reporting.

How does Business Central help with compliance?

It includes audit trails, permission controls, approval workflows and accurate financial records. These features support regulatory, contractual and internal compliance obligations.

Can Business Central be customised for specific defence needs?

Yes. Defence organisations can customise workflows, reports and integrations. Many suppliers also build industry-specific extensions that run on the Business Central platform.

Does Business Central help with supply chain visibility?

It provides real-time tracking of inventory, supplier activity, logistics steps and delivery timeframes. This helps defence teams manage complex supply chains more effectively.

Is Business Central suitable for both large defence primes and smaller suppliers?

Yes. It is designed to scale, making it suitable for prime contractors, tiered suppliers, engineering firms and logistics partners.

Can Business Central support bid and proposal teams?

Its cost estimation, forecasting and financial planning tools help bid teams create accurate proposals and assess commercial viability.

Is Business Central a cloud-only system?

No. Defence organisations can deploy it in the cloud, on-premises or in a hybrid environment, depending on their requirements.