1. How Many Business Central Implementations Have You Done in My Industry?
ERP is not one-size-fits-all. A partner experienced in distribution may not understand manufacturing or construction.
Ask for examples of similar companies — same size, same challenges, same industry. Strong partners will share stories, metrics, and lessons learned.
What to Listen For: Specific examples. If they can’t name a similar project, that’s a red flag.
2. Who Will Actually Work on My Business Central Implementation?
Some partners have smooth-talking sales reps but hand off your project to junior consultants or contractors. You deserve to know who’s actually delivering your system.
Ask:
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Will we have a dedicated project manager?
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How many projects does each consultant handle?
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What happens if someone leaves mid-project?
Pro Tip: Ask to meet your project team before signing.
3. What Is Your Business Central Implementation Methodology?
A strong Business Central implementation partner follows a clear, repeatable process. They should explain exactly how they take you from discovery to go-live.
Look for defined stages such as:
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Discovery and design
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Configuration and data migration
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Testing and training
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Go-live and post-launch support
If their approach sounds vague or “flexible,” they may lack structure — a common cause of scope creep and blown budgets.
4. How Do You Handle Data Migration for Business Central?
Data migration is one of the trickiest parts of any ERP project. It’s also one of the most overlooked.
Ask how they plan to clean, validate, and load your data into Business Central.
Listen for:
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A proven, step-by-step process (data templates, test runs, validation)
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Shared responsibility for data cleanup
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Realistic timelines for accuracy testing
A partner who glosses over this step is a risk.
5. How Will You Support Change Management and User Training?
The best technology fails without adoption. A great Business Central partner prioritizes training and change management.
Ask how they plan to train your team before and after go-live.
The best partners offer role-based training, sandbox access, and refresher sessions post-launch.
Pro Tip: Ask if they provide documentation or recordings you can reuse internally.
6. How Transparent Are You About Business Central Costs and Timelines?
If a partner promises a guaranteed go-live in 8 weeks “for everyone,” proceed with caution. Every company is different.
Ask for:
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A detailed proposal with clear assumptions
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Hourly rates for extra work outside scope
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Examples of real budgets from similar clients
Honest estimates are a sign of a reliable, experienced partner.
7. What Happens After Our Business Central Go-Live?
Go-live is not the finish line. The best Business Central partners provide ongoing support, updates, and optimization.
Ask about:
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Post-launch support packages or retainer options
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How they handle Microsoft’s twice-yearly updates
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Average response times for support tickets
You want a partner invested in your long-term success, not one who disappears after go-live.
8. How Do You Handle Business Central Integrations and Add-Ons?
Business Central shines when connected to Microsoft 365, Power BI, Teams, and third-party applications.
Ask your partner about:
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Experience integrating AppSource add-ons
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Custom integration capabilities
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Guidance on avoiding unnecessary extensions
You want a partner who helps you build a stable ecosystem — not one who piles on software for short-term wins.
9. Can You Provide References from Other Business Central Clients?
Every reputable partner should have happy clients who are willing to talk about their experience.
Ask for at least three references. Then actually contact them.
Find out what worked, what didn’t, and how responsive the partner was during challenges.
If a partner hesitates or says their references are “confidential,” that’s a warning sign.
10. What Happens If the Business Central Project Goes Off Track?
Even well-run projects hit roadblocks. What separates good partners from great ones is how they handle problems.
Ask about:
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Their escalation process
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How they track issues and resolutions
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How often they hold project check-ins
If they struggle to explain this, they may not have a mature process.
Bonus: How Do They Make You Feel?
ERP projects are personal. You’ll be working with your Business Central partner for months — possibly years.
If you feel rushed, ignored, or pressured during sales, expect the same during implementation.
Choose a partner who listens, communicates clearly, and treats your success as their own.
Bringing it Together
Choosing the right Business Central partner is not about finding the biggest name — it is about finding the right fit.
Look for a partner who combines technical expertise, industry experience, and genuine transparency.
A great partner helps you plan, execute, and grow with confidence. The wrong one leaves you with a system that never quite fits.
At Alchemy 365, we encourage every business to ask these questions — even if you don’t choose us. Because an informed buyer always wins.
