Enable accelerated growth with confidence: A Forrester TEI study projects more than 200% ROI over three years and six-month payback using Dynamics 365 Business Central

2026-03-31 · Source: Microsoft AI Blogs · Field: Business & Management — Operations & Process Management, Corporate Strategy & Leadership · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

A Forrester Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study, commissioned by Microsoft, projects that organizations deploying Dynamics 365 Business Central can achieve over 200% return on investment (ROI) and a six-month payback period over three years, alongside an estimated \$460K net present value (NPV). The study, based on interviews with business decision makers, identified over \$680K in three-year, risk-adjusted present value benefits through improved finance productivity, ERP consolidation, enhanced profitability, and streamlined reporting. Specific benefits include up to a 30% reduction in monthly close time, 50% time savings for AP/AR/billing activities, and up to a 3% improvement in net profit margins. Furthermore, Business Central provides an "AI-ready" foundation by unifying finance and operations data, enabling future leverage of AI-powered experiences like Microsoft 365 Copilot and intelligent agents.

Key takeaway

A Forrester TEI study projects Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central delivers over 200% ROI and a six-month payback for SMBs. This is achieved through up to 50% time savings in finance operations, over 10% TCO reduction from ERP consolidation, and up to 3% net profit margin improvement. The platform provides a unified, AI-ready foundation for finance and operations, enabling faster decision-making and future integration with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Topics

• Forrester TEI Study
• Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Return on Investment
• Finance Operations

Best for: Executive, Consultant, Entrepreneur

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Microsoft AI Blogs.