RSMUS.comThe Dimension functionality in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central software enables Not For Profit (NFP) companies to streamline their operations and reporting. In this blog, we are going to dig into what a dimension is and all the benefits that come with using this feature in Business Central.
Dimension and Dimension Values
Dimension and its Dimension Values enable companies to setup tags for data in Business Central. This helps to group or categorize data enabling data analysis to be extremely efficient. For example, you could set up a Dimension Called Grants with the values of the different types of Grants you receive. When you enter a cash receipt, it can be tagged with the Grant dimension value making it easier to analyze data by filtering to that data quickly.
In Business Central, you can have unlimited Dimension values. There are two Global Dimensions which are easily accessible on all master data, reporting and documents. Shortcut dimensions can also be setup. These are accessible with a few clicks of the mouse. In total, you can set up 8 dimensions which include the Global Dimensions.
Dimension Example: Grant
In this example, we posted a cash receipt for $5,000 and tagged it with the Dimension Value, Research Grant. In Business Central, you can filter to get the information you want to evaluate or build reports for your data using dimension filters. In the picture below, we filtered on the ledger entries to see all the entries made for the Research Grant. You can see the posted cash receipt and the dimension in the FactBox.
Benefits of Dimensions
The ability to streamline the chart of accounts is my favorite benefit of using dimensions. Rather than having multiple g/l account for the different types of income, you can use one account and tag income with the appropriate dimension value.
Data driven decisions are at your fingertips. As mentioned above, the filtering by dimension on ledger entries is another huge benefit. You can filter your data and analyze it right in the ledger entry pages of Business Central with Business Central’s Analysis Mode. You can create pivot tables right on the ledger entry pages. No more exporting to excel! You can also filter on your reports by dimension.
From the Customer Ledger Entries Page using Filtering and the Analysis Mode
Dimension Tips
To make Dimensions easier to use, you can tag your master data with defaults. We can attach default dimensions to a G/L Account, Customer Card, Vendor Card, Item Card, etc. The dimensions will flow to the general ledger entries. These defaults can be setup to require a code to be entered before posting a transaction, require a specific code to be entered prior to posting, or code optional. You can also setup allowed dimension values for your data. The column below for Allowed Values Filter is where you set this up. This goes a long way in making it easier for users to minimize mistakes.
Depending on your business, certain dimension combinations may be contradictory. Business Central allows you to block or limit certain combinations, on the Dimension Combination page.
We just scratched the surface in this blog on Dimensions. We welcome a more in depth conversation!
