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If you've been a consultant for any amount of time, you've heard a customer ask you "What are the best reports I should be using straight out of the box?". *Disclaimer that you might be at an end-user and have received this question or you've been the one asking this question.
Either way, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, I’ve been around the D365 block a few times and have some insights that’ll help you hit the ground running. Whether you’re in finance, operations, accounts payable (AP), or accounts receivable (AR), there's a report with your name on it (not literally).
So, grab your favorite beverage (Alani for me, thanks), and let’s jump into the recommended reports per business department in D365 F&O.
1. Finance Department: The Backbone of Every Business
1.1 Financial Statement Reports
Description: These reports, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement, provide a comprehensive overview of your organization’s financial health.
Justification: They are essential for decision-making, especially during financial reviews and audits.
How to Get There: Navigate to General Ledger > Inquiries and reports > Financial reports.
Frequency of Use: Monthly or quarterly, depending on your reporting cycle.
Intended Audience: CFO, Financial Controllers, and Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Financial Statements
1.2 Trial Balance
Description: A report showing the balance of all ledger accounts to ensure that debits equal credits.
Justification: It’s critical for verifying the integrity of your financial records before closing periods.
How to Get There: Navigate to General Ledger > Inquiries and reports > Trial balance.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during the period close process.
Intended Audience: Accountants, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Trial Balance
1.3 Budget vs. Actuals
Description: This report compares budgeted amounts with actual spending.
Justification: It helps you track financial performance and adherence to budget constraints.
How to Get There: Navigate to Budgeting > Inquiries and reports > Budget vs. actuals.
Frequency of Use: Monthly or quarterly, aligned with budget reviews.
Intended Audience: Finance Managers, Budget Analysts.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Budget vs. Actuals
2. Operations: Keeping the Wheels Turning
2.1 Production Order Reports
Description: Tracks the progress of production orders from start to finish.
Justification: Essential for monitoring manufacturing processes and ensuring timely completion of production.
How to Get There: Navigate to Production control > Inquiries and reports > Production order reports.
Frequency of Use: Daily or weekly, depending on production volume.
Intended Audience: Production Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Production Order Reports
2.2 Inventory Value Report
Description: Provides a snapshot of the current value of inventory on hand.
Justification: Critical for managing inventory costs and making informed decisions about stock levels.
How to Get There: Navigate to Inventory management > Inquiries and reports > Inventory value report.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial close or inventory audits.
Intended Audience: Inventory Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Inventory Value Report
2.3 Master Planning Reports
Description: These reports include Planned Orders and Net Requirements, guiding the materials planning process.
Justification: They ensure that production has the necessary materials without overstocking, balancing supply and demand.
How to Get There: Navigate to Master planning > Inquiries and reports > Master planning reports.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, aligned with production scheduling.
Intended Audience: Supply Chain Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Master Planning Reports
3. Accounts Payable (AP): The Gatekeepers of Outflows
3.1 Vendor Invoice Transactions Report
Description: A detailed report of all vendor invoices, payments, and outstanding balances.
Justification: Helps ensure that vendor payments are accurate and on time.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Vendor invoice transactions report.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, during payment processing.
Intended Audience: AP Clerks, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Vendor Invoice Transactions
3.2 Aged Payables Report
Description: Breaks down outstanding payables by age, showing which invoices are overdue.
Justification: Vital for managing cash flow and avoiding late payment penalties.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Aged payables.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial reviews.
Intended Audience: AP Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Aged Payables
3.3 Vendor Performance Report
Description: Assesses vendor performance based on criteria like delivery times and quality.
Justification: Useful for vendor management and negotiations.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Vendor performance report.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during vendor reviews.
Intended Audience: Procurement Managers, AP Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Vendor Performance
4. Accounts Receivable (AR): The Revenue Champions
4.1 Customer Invoice Journal Report
Description: Tracks all customer invoices and their statuses.
Justification: Crucial for monitoring receivables and ensuring timely collection.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Customer invoice journal.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, during collection reviews.
Intended Audience: AR Clerks, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Customer Invoice Journal
4.2 Aged Receivables Report
Description: Breaks down outstanding receivables by age, highlighting overdue payments.
Justification: Helps prioritize collection efforts and manage cash flow.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Aged receivables.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial reviews.
Intended Audience: AR Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Aged Receivables
4.3 Credit Management Report
Description: Monitors customer credit limits and credit risks.
Justification: Essential for managing credit exposure and avoiding bad debt.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Credit management.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during credit reviews.
Intended Audience: Credit Managers, AR Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Credit Management
5. Human Resources (HR): The People People
5.1 Employee Details Report
Description: Provides comprehensive information on all employees, including job titles and compensation.
Justification: Important for managing personnel records and organizational structure.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Employee details.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, for HR audits and updates.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, HR Analysts.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Employee Details
5.2 Absence Overview Report
Description: Tracks employee absences, including leave types and duration.
Justification: Helps manage workforce productivity and plan for absences.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Absence overview.
Frequency of Use: Weekly or monthly, depending on workforce size.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Absence Overview
5.3 Training and Development Report
Description: Tracks employee training courses and certifications.
Justification: Essential for ensuring that employees are compliant and up-to-date with required skills.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Training and development.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during performance reviews.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, Learning & Development Teams.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Training and Development
6. Sales: Driving the Business Forward
6.1 Sales Order Reports
Description: Detailed view of all open sales orders, including status and delivery dates.
Justification: Critical for tracking customer orders and ensuring timely fulfillment.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Sales order reports.
Frequency of Use: Daily, for order tracking and customer communication.
Intended Audience: Sales Managers, Order Processing Teams.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Sales Order Reports
6.2 Sales Performance Report
Description: Analyzes sales data by product, region, or salesperson to measure performance.
Justification: Helps identify sales trends and optimize strategies.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Sales performance.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during sales reviews.
Intended Audience: Sales Directors, Sales Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Sales Performance
6.3 Customer Retention Report
Description: Tracks customer retention rates and identifies at-risk customers.
Justification: Vital for improving customer loyalty and retention strategies.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Customer retention.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during customer satisfaction reviews.
Intended Audience: Customer Success Managers, Sales Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Customer Retention
Dad joke of the day
Why did the rabbit go to the salon? It was having a bad hare day.
DynamicsDad
These HR reports are crucial for managing employee data, tracking absences, and ensuring skill compliance. Similarly, MyMorri provides employees to access HR services like attendance records, training details, and work schedules, streamlining workforce management and improving efficiency.