The latest Business Central updates are changing how businesses use their ERP systems. AI agents are now starting to handle tasks inside everyday workflows, and employers are asking for a different mix of skills from Business Central professionals as a result. Henley Morgan helps businesses recruit experienced Business Central consultants, developers and technology specialists across the US and UK. This article looks at how the 2026 updates are shifting the skills and roles employers need.
How Business Central AI agents are changing the platform
Microsoft’s 2026 Release Wave 1 brought new AI agent capabilities to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. An agent no longer just suggests an action. It can carry out a defined task inside workflows that respect user permissions.
The Expense Agent is one example. It can help process expense details taken from receipts. The same release also includes changes to external attachments, Power BI deployment and connections with Dataverse and Customer Engagement.
The direction is easy to see. AI in Business Central is becoming part of the daily workflow instead of a separate tool people have to go and open. For businesses, that can mean less manual work in certain processes. For employers, it also means the skills needed to manage, configure and extend the system are starting to shift.
How AI agents are changing Business Central jobs
Each major Business Central update tends to change what employers ask for. In the past, the brief was often simple: find someone who can implement, configure or support the system. Now employers also want people who can work on a live system, improve processes that already exist and spot where the new AI features could be useful.
That doesn’t mean every Business Central professional has to become an AI specialist. Consultants and developers do need a better grasp of how AI agents interact with workflows, permissions, data and existing customisations, though.
Wider technical experience is also becoming more useful alongside Business Central knowledge. People who can work across Power Platform, Azure, integrations and Business Central development offer more than a standard implementation role would.
Business Central’s growing market is adding to hiring demand
More businesses are moving away from older ERP systems, or replacing products that no longer fit their needs, and many are choosing Business Central. The more companies adopt Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the more people are needed to implement, support and develop it.
New implementations are only part of the picture. Existing customers also need help with upgrades, integrations, customisation and reporting. Microsoft releases updates on a regular cycle, so businesses and partners need people who can keep systems current and make good use of new features.
That puts demand on both functional and technical Business Central jobs. Consultants and developers who know the platform, the wider Microsoft ecosystem and the day-to-day demands of a live ERP environment are especially valuable as the customer base grows.
What employers should look for in Business Central hires
Employers should plan around the version of Business Central they’ll be running next year, not just the one they use today. A developer who knows Business Central and can also work with Power Platform, Azure and integrations will be a strong asset as the platform becomes more connected.
The right profile depends on the business. Some companies need functional consultants who can assess new features and improve workflows. Others need AL developers who can extend Business Central without adding unnecessary customisation.
Salary expectations vary with experience, skills and location. Our Business Central salary guide offers a useful benchmark when you’re planning your hiring.
What does this mean for Business Central professionals?
You don’t need to become an expert in AI, but knowing how to work with these features could help when you look for your next role.
If you’re a developer, AL skills still matter, as does experience with integrations and customisation. Time spent with Power Platform, Azure or workflow automation helps too, particularly on projects where Business Central connects to other Microsoft tools.
If you’re a functional consultant, it’s worth understanding how the new AI features work. Employers want people who can look at a business process, see where the technology could help and explain it clearly to the people using the system.
For anyone searching for Business Central jobs, hands-on project experience will likely count for more than another certification. Being able to describe the systems you’ve worked on, the problems you solved and the features you used shows employers what you can actually do.
Conclusion
AI agents are taking on more tasks in Business Central, and the skills employers look for are starting to change with them. Core Business Central knowledge is still essential. What’s growing is the need for people who can pair it with Power Platform and Azure experience and put the new features to work day to day.
For companies, thinking about this early will make it easier to build a Business Central team that’s ready for what’s coming. For developers, trying out the new capabilities is a simple way to build experience.
Our team works closely with businesses and ERP professionals, so we see first-hand how Business Central changes are affecting recruitment and the skills employers want. Our ERP recruitment experience covers a range of platforms and specialist roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are AI agents in Business Central?
AI agents in Business Central can handle certain tasks inside the ERP system rather than only offering suggestions. They work within defined workflows and permissions, which can cut down some manual work.
2. Will AI agents reduce the need for Business Central consultants?
Unlikely. Businesses still need experienced people to configure systems, improve processes, manage integrations and decide how new features should be used.
3. Are Business Central developer jobs changing because of AI?
Yes, the role is changing as more AI capabilities arrive. Developers still need strong AL and customisation skills, but experience with integrations, automation and the wider Microsoft ecosystem is becoming more useful.
4. How can Business Central professionals prepare for these changes?
Start by getting hands-on with the latest Business Central features. From there, build your knowledge of AI agents, Power Platform, Azure and integrations alongside your existing Business Central skills.