Legacy Data
Legacy data encompasses information stored in an outdated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Additionally, it may encompass data that is no longer in active use or actively maintained, but is retained for historical or other reasons. The process of migrating this legacy data to Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power BI can yield numerous advantages, such as enhanced data accessibility and informed decision-making. Moreover, it streamlines the expenses and intricacies associated with maintaining and updating obsolete systems or formats.
Prerequisite: Please make sure you have installed the Power BI Insights Connector App.
To successfully import Legacy Data into Dynamics 365 Business Central, the process can be divided into two key steps:
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Import Data using Configuration Packages: This step involves importing the Legacy Data into Dynamics 365 Business Central utilizing standard Configuration Packages.
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Approve Legacy Data: Once the data has been imported, the next crucial step is to review and approve the Legacy Data.
Step 1: Import Data using Configuration Packages
1. Sign in to Business Central
2. In the Tell Me box, enter Configuration Packages, and then click on the 'Configuration Packages' link.
3. Click New to create a new Configuration Package
4. Type in the Configuration Package Code and Package Name.
In the lines input Table ID 70645057 (you can also select the Page ID 70645113).
5. Choose "Export to Excel" and save the Excel template file. Please use this file to enter your legacy transactions.
6. Fill the Excel file with legacy data. Do not modify the column structure.
The following data is mandatory for legacy sales:
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Bill-to Customer No.
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Sell-to Customer No.
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Posting Date
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Document Type
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Quantity (Base)
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Sales Amount (LCY)
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Please note that the legacy master data, such as Customers, Items, Salespeople, Locations, or Dimension Values, must already exist in Business Central. Only enter the respective Business Central Master Data numbers.
Specific columns:
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Entry No. - this should be a sequential and unique number, for example, 1, 2, 3, etc.
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Status - leave this column blank.
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When the Document Type is Credit Memo, the Sales Amount, Cost Amount, and Quantity should be expressed as negative values.
7. Import the Excel file which you have prepared in the previous step, by selecting the “Import from Excel”.
Select Import.
8. Select Validate Package.
9. Select Apply Package. This action will import data into the Legacy Sales Entry table.
Step 2: Approve Legacy Data
The final and crucial step in this process is to carefully review and approve the imported legacy data. By approving the data, you are ensuring its accuracy and reliability before it becomes part of the Power BI reporting, enabling you to make informed decisions based on trustworthy information.
In Dynamics 365 Business Central open the Power BI Insights Connector App.
Select Related > Setup per Company > Legacy Data.
Please select "Approve".
Note that only approved legacy data will be imported into Power BI.
Please ensure that the number of records matches the number of approved records.
Click on the related actions to review the imported data.
After completing the import, please proceed to initiate a manual data refresh in your Power BI Workspace.
To display Legacy measures in Power BI cube reports, please ensure that you select the option "Show More" as "True".
