With the arrival of the Business Central version 27, Microsoft has taken a solid step toward a smarter, more intuitive, and productivity‑focused user experience. As a technology consultant, I’ve rarely seen such a direct improvement in how users interact with the ERP as the new advanced “Tell Me” search functionality.
What is “Tell Me” and why does it matter?
“Tell Me” is Business Central’s internal search engine, that small text box that allows users to find pages, reports, actions, and settings without navigating through menus. Until now, its behavior relied on exact text matches. The problem? If you didn’t remember the exact name of what you were looking for, you could lose valuable time.
The semantic evolution in BC27
With version 27, “Tell Me” has evolved into a semantic search engine. What does this mean? It now interprets what the user intends to say, even if the exact words aren’t used. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence capabilities (including Copilot), the system understands synonyms, related terms, and context.
For example, if you type “customer invoice”, the system may suggest “sales ledger”, “billing report”, or “list of customers with outstanding invoices”, even if you didn’t use those terms literally.
Real example of semantic search
Let’s say you type:
“customers with unpaid invoices”
Previously, if you didn’t type “accounts receivable” or “sales ledger”, you wouldn’t find what you were looking for.
Now, the system directly suggests:
- Aging reports.
- Lists of customers with outstanding balances.
- Actions to send reminders.
- Pages related to collections.
All of this without you needing to know the exact name of each module.
Benefits from a consulting perspective
From the perspective of a technology consultant, this improvement has very positive implications:
- Reduced training time: New users can find what they need without memorizing technical names.
- Lower dependence on support: By making navigation easier, the need for assistance with basic tasks is reduced.
- Greater system adoption: A more user‑friendly interface improves the perception of the ERP and encourages its use.
- Process optimization: Users access key functions faster, which has a direct impact on operational efficiency.
What benefits does this bring to your company?
- Less time wasted: Your team finds what it needs in seconds, without navigating menus or seeking help.
- More autonomy: New or less technical users can work smoothly from day one.
- Fewer errors: By finding the correct function from the start, users avoid using the wrong pages or reports.
- Higher productivity: Every minute not lost searching is gained for tasks that truly add value.
And what if we combine it with Copilot?
The synergy between “Tell Me” and Copilot is another strong point. You can now search for a page and, once there, ask Copilot to summarize the data, suggest actions, or even help you fill in fields. It’s an assisted work experience that turns the ERP into a true digital business assistant.
A smarter user experience
The new advanced search in Business Central 27 is not just a technical improvement; it’s a statement of intent. Microsoft is committing to a more human, smarter, and more productive user experience. As consultants, our role is to leverage these tools to transform the way our clients work, and this functionality is a gem we should not overlook.
Important: This feature is only available for Business Central online.
Have you already tried the new “Tell Me”? What impact has it had on your day‑to‑day experience as a user?
How ABD Consulting and IT Solutions can help you
At ABD Consulting and IT Solutions, we are a specialized Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner. We help companies upgrade their systems to the latest version of the ERP, integrating functionalities such as “Tell Me” and Copilot to boost productivity and drive digital adoption.
Our team supports the entire process of implementation, migration, and support, ensuring that every client gets the most out of the new artificial intelligence and semantic search capabilities in Business Central 27.
Transform your way of working with the support of ABD Consultoría. Discover the power of Microsoft’s AI‑First ERP.