An ERP for the utilities sector: Dynamics 365 Business Central

Unify metered billing, finance, asset management, field operations and customer service. Dynamics 365 Business Central helps utility providers improve efficiency, increase transparency and modernise service delivery. 

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Why utility providers need Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Utilities operate in highly regulated, data‑intensive environments. Whether supplying water, electricity, gas, district heating or multi‑utility services, providers must manage high volumes of meter data, billing cycles, field activity, asset maintenance, procurement and customer enquiries. Many rely on outdated or disconnected systems that make it difficult to maintain accuracy, respond quickly to issues or deliver consistently high‑quality service. 

Dynamics 365 Business Central is increasingly adopted by utilities because it delivers a single ERP platform for finance, purchasing, inventory, projects, resource allocation and reporting. It offers comprehensive financial, purchasing and inventory‑management capabilities suited to organisations that need streamlined, all‑in‑one ERP functionality. 

Native industry extensions also enable Business Central to support metered utility billing and integrated customer portals — key requirements for modern utilities. SkyBill, a Business‑Central‑based solution, provides automated billing for water, electricity, gas, heating and common‑area charges, making Business Central a smart choice for utilities seeking digital transformation. AI‑powered capabilities within Business Central also help utility teams analyse data faster, ask questions in plain language and automate administrative tasks such as bank reconciliation.

 

Meet Business Central: an ERP designed for modern utility operations 

Utilities need systems that support compliance, accuracy, large‑scale data handling and dependable customer service. 

Unified utility operations 

Business Central centralises finance, procurement, inventory, meter‑to‑cash processes, customer information, maintenance planning and reporting. Combined with extensions like SkyBill, it becomes a full metered‑billing ERP with a customer portal and ready‑to‑use integrations.  

Better decision making 

Leaders gain real‑time insight into consumption trends, billing accuracy, supply chain performance, asset condition, forecasted demand and operational efficiency. AI within Business Central helps utility teams analyse list data faster and uncover insights that improve service delivery.  

Scalable for water, energy, gas and multi‑utility providers 

Business Central adapts to different utility models, from small municipal providers to growing private operators. Its flexibility and scalability make it suitable for utilities that need reliable financial and operational foundations.  

Cost efficiency 

Automation reduces administrative overhead across billing, procurement, reporting, stock management and reconciliation. ERP for utilities helps minimise inefficiencies, reduce costs and centralise operations.  

Compliance and audit‑readiness 

Utilities must ensure accurate billing, maintain asset records, meet regulatory standards and provide audit‑ready documentation. Business Central supports compliance with audit trails, system controls and accurate, centralised data. 

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Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 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 essential services and large‑volume operations    

Business Central supports the core functions of water, electricity, gas and multi‑utility providers with dependable, centralised processes. 

Metered billing and customer management   

With extensions such as SkyBill, utilities can automate metered billing, manage multiple tariffs, track meter readings and create accurate invoices. Utilities also gain access to integrated customer portals for bill viewing, payments and communication.  

Asset, plant and equipment management 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central supports asset visibility, maintenance planning and lifecycle tracking. Industry guidance on utility ERP highlights the importance of asset management and uptime for utilities.  

Field service and workforce coordination 

Coordinate field teams for maintenance, repairs, meter replacement, disconnection and inspections. Business Central integrates with field‑service tools to provide work orders, part requirements, scheduling and mobile access. 

Financial management and regulatory reporting  

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central centralises budgeting, forecasting, billing, cashflow, reconciliation and reporting. Allowing utility operations to  benefit from its comprehensive financial‑management capabilities.  

Inventory and supply‑chain control 

Track stock across depots, vehicles and warehouses. Manage critical components such as meters, valves, cabling, fittings or treatment chemicals. ERP systems for utilities help optimise operations by centralising data and reducing supply‑chain inefficiencies.  

Why utilities choose Dynamics 365 Business Central

Automate meter‑to‑cash processes 

Automated metered billing reduces manual work, prevents billing errors and improves cashflow. Business Central combined with SkyBill provides automated billing for water, electricity, gas and other utilities.  

Improve service reliability and asset performance  

Real‑time data and asset‑management tools help utilities reduce downtime and plan maintenance more effectively. Utilities require ERP systems with strong asset‑management capabilities to maintain uptime.  

Reduce administrative workload 

Automation across billing, procurement, reconciliation and reporting decreases manual effort and improves accuracy. ERP systems help utilities minimise inefficiencies and reduce operational costs.  

Support customer experience improvements 

Customer portals, accurate billing and faster response times build trust and satisfaction. 

Scale operations with confidence 

As utilities expand services or add service areas, Business Central supports growth through reliable financial and operational structures. 

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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 utility operations with an ERP built for essential services   

Utilities need dependable systems that handle large‑volume data, regulatory requirements and customer service expectations. Business Central unifies billing, finance, supply chain, operations and maintenance so providers can deliver high‑quality service efficiently. 

To learn more about Business Central for utilities — or to book an assessment — get in touch using the short form below.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for utilities?

It is an ERP system that centralises finance, procurement, billing, asset management and operations for utility providers.

Can Business Central handle metered billing?

Yes. Extensions like SkyBill provide automated billing for water, electricity, gas and heating.

Does Business Central support customer portals?

Yes. Utility‑specific solutions provide integrated portals for bills, payments and communication.

Does it support asset and maintenance management?

Yes. Asset planning and lifecycle tracking are essential capabilities in utility ERP solutions.

Can Business Central integrate with field‑service teams?

Yes. It supports work orders, scheduling and mobile tools through integrations.

How does Business Central support compliance?

It maintains audit trails, structured processes and accurate billing and financial data.

Is it suitable for water, electricity and gas providers?

Yes. Business Central is flexible enough to support all major utility types.

Does Business Central reduce manual workload?

Yes. It automates billing, purchasing, reporting and reconciliation.

Is Business Central cloud‑based and secure?

Yes. It is a Microsoft cloud ERP with enterprise‑grade security.

How soon do utilities see value?

Many benefit once billing, finance and supply‑chain processes are centralised.