BI4Dynamics BC state-of-the-art architecture powered by Microsoft technology

From D365 Business Central to Power BI

BI4Dynamics is a ready-to-use solution that uses Data Lake and transforms Dynamics data with fully automated Data Warehouse and Analysis Services. That ensures powerful analysis on the document level without sacrificing the speed of data processing and querying.

Data transformation is done automatically in the following steps:

1. Preparation: Export BC tables to the Data lake and insert them into the Data Warehouse.
2. Transformation: Data Warehouse Automation with best-in-class content.
3. Consumption: Analyze data with visualization tools, e.g. Power BI and Excel.

  D365 BC Data Transformation

Exposing BC tables as web services

D365BC database is not directly accessible so we need to install BI4Dynamics extension that automatically:

• Reads BC metadata that BI4Dynamics will use for customizations.
• Creates queries, one query for each exported BC table.
• Exposes queries as web services.

A standard BI4Dynamics extension exports 150 tables, any other custom tables are added automatically.

Exporting BC tables to Data Lake

BI4Dynamics creates a Docker, a specialized Virtual Machine, that incrementally exports tables as CSV files to Azure Data Lake. The refresh time can be scheduled. Export to Lake operation is not affecting the BC production process.

Azure Data Lake to BI4Dynamics Data Warehouse

CSV files are loaded to DW using the standard SQL feature PolyBase.

Data Transformation is the process where BI4Dynamics takes the raw copy of tables that landed in the BI4Dynamics staging area and transforms it using SQL objects (stored procedures, views, dimensions, facts).

The SQL engine is super scalable and can quickly process terabytes of data. SQL engine can support any model. SQL code generated in this data warehouse automation transformation process is fully automated.

There is no need for specific SQL knowledge. All customizations are wizard-driven and require only BC knowledge.

Data Warehouse data are pushed to the Tabular database for a better user experience. Users will connect with Excel, Power BI, or any other tool, where also permissions are set.

The tabular database can be implemented on:

• On-Premises using existing hardware.
• Azure Analysis Services, hosted by Microsoft, paid per service, not per user.
• Power BI Premium Capacity – paid per user, not per server.

The business intelligence content is the same in all cases. We will help you choose the right environment by taking into consideration database size, the number of users, geographic usage, self-service needs of advanced users, needs for sending reports to users’ emails, and other factors.