Exporting and Importing Data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC

Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC provides functionality that allows users to export and import application data using Configuration Packages. This guide explains a common process for data migration, configuration management, and transferring setup data between environments. Configuration Packages let you export structured data from Business Central to Excel and import the data back into the system.

Exporting Data Using Configuration Packages

This section explains how to export data by using Configuration Packages in Business Central. If you already have an existing Configuration Package, you can use it to export data directly. If you do not have a Configuration Package, this section explains how to create a new one and use it to export the required data.

Create a New Configuration Package to Export Data

To export data, you must first open or create a Configuration Package.

1. Navigate to Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

2. Use the search bar to search for Configuration Packages.

3. Select Configuration Packages from the search results.

4. Select New to create a configuration package.

5. Enter a Package Code and Package Name.

6. Select the Table IDs that contain the data you want to export.

7. Select Export to Excel.

   An Excel (.xlsx) file is generated containing the selected data.

Configuration Package Tables

The following tables are typically used:

Add Tables to the Configuration Package

1. Select Edit icon on the Configuration Package page.

2. Select Add Tables and select the required tables.

3. Navigate to Tables > Table > Fields to review table fields.

4. Exclude any sensitive fields before exporting.
   

Importing Data Using Configuration Packages

This section explains how to import data by using Configuration Packages in Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC. You can import data into an existing Configuration Package or create a new package and then import the data. The steps below describe the common process for preparing the file, importing it, validating the results, and applying the changes.

Prepare the Data File

Before you import, make sure your file is ready.

1. Create or update an Excel (.xlsx) file with the required data.

2. Match column names and data types to the target table fields in Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

3. Remove empty columns and any fields you do not intend to import.

4. For large updates, split the file into logical batches to reduce validation issues.

Select or Create a Configuration Package

You can import into an existing package or create one if needed.

1. Navigate to Microsoft Dynamics 365 BC.

2. Use the search bar to open Configuration Packages.

3. Open an existing package or select New to create a package and add the required Table IDs.

Import Data

Import the Excel file and resolve any validation messages.

1. Open the target Configuration Package.

2. Select Import from Excel and choose your file.

3. Review the import preview and confirm.

4. If errors appear, select the row to view details, fix the Excel data, and re-import.

5. If warnings appear, verify the impact and proceed only if the data is correct.
   

Once imported, the success message is displayed.

Applying the Imported Data

Apply the changes to update records in the database.

1. Select Apply Package.

2. Wait for the apply process to finish and review the completion message.

3. Open the target pages (for example, Sales Orders, Jobs, or related setup pages) and verify the updated records.

Best Practices for Import

• Import into a sandbox first and validate results before production.

• Back up your Configuration Package before applying changes.

• Use small batches for high‑volume imports to simplify troubleshooting.

• Keep a versioned copy of each imported Excel file for audit and rollback.