Business Central includes built-in report templates that can be customized to better reflect your organization's processes and branding. Report layouts can be modified using either RDLC or Word formats, and multiple layouts can be created for the same report and assigned as needed.

Common customization options include:

• Updating report formatting
• Modifying report content
• Changing company-specific information
• Customizing email messages
• Creating company-specific report layouts

Finding the report to customize

The first step is identifying the report you want to modify.

To do this:

1. Navigate to Report Selections.
2. Select the appropriate usage category.
3. Locate the desired report.
4. Note the Report ID.

The Report ID is used to create and maintain custom layouts for that specific report.

Creating a custom RDLC layout

Once the Report ID has been identified:

1. Open Custom Report Layouts.
2. Create a new layout.
3. Enter the Report ID.
4. Select RDLC Layout.
5. Save the new layout.

The layout can then be exported and opened in Microsoft Report Builder for editing.

Editing an RDLC layout

After exporting the layout:

1. Open the file in Microsoft Report Builder.
2. Modify static text or formatting as needed.
3. Save the updated layout.
4. Import the revised layout back into Business Central.

For example, a company might update a remit-to address or adjust branding elements to match current business requirements.Once imported, the report can be previewed to verify the changes before deployment.

Assigning a custom report layout

Creating the layout is only part of the process. The layout must also be assigned before it becomes active. To assign a custom layout:

1. Open Report Layout Selections.
2. Locate the report using the Report ID.
3. Change the layout type to Custom Layout.
4. Select the desired custom layout.
5. Save the configuration.

Business Central will then use the selected layout when generating that report.

Creating a custom Word layout

Word layouts provide a simpler option for customizing documents such as email templates. To create a custom Word layout:

1. Open Custom Report Layouts.
2. Copy an existing layout.
3. Export the layout.
4. Open the file in Microsoft Word.
5. Modify the content as needed.
6. Save and re-import the updated layout.

This approach is especially useful for adjusting email messaging and template wording.

Customizing vendor remittance email messages

The session demonstrates how to customize the email body that accompanies vendor remittance notices. For example, users can replace the default email message with custom text such as:

• Personalized greetings
• Company-specific instructions
• Standardized communication language

After importing the updated Word layout, it can be assigned as the default email body for the report.

Testing the results

After assigning both the report layout and email layout:

1. Generate the report.
2. Review the attached document.
3. Verify the email body content.
4. Confirm that all layout changes appear as expected.

Testing helps ensure both the report and related communications display correctly before they are used by end users.

Benefits of custom report layouts

Custom layouts allow organizations to:

• Align reports with company branding
• Improve document readability
• Customize customer and vendor communications
• Support company-specific business processes
• Maintain different layouts for different companies

Key takeaway

Business Central's custom report layout functionality enables organizations to tailor both printed reports and email communications without modifying core application functionality. By leveraging RDLC and Word layouts, users can create professional, company-specific documents that better support business operations and communication standards.