The Must Use D365 F&O Reports (by Business Department)

Beau Schwieso

Aug 21, 20246 min read

Yo-yo (iykyk)

If you've been a consultant for any amount of time, you've heard a customer ask you "What are the best reports I should be using straight out of the box?". *Disclaimer that you might be at an end-user and have received this question or you've been the one asking this question.

Either way, you’re not alone. Lucky for you, I’ve been around the D365 block a few times and have some insights that’ll help you hit the ground running. Whether you’re in finance, operations, accounts payable (AP), or accounts receivable (AR), there's a report with your name on it (not literally).

So, grab your favorite beverage (Alani for me, thanks), and let’s jump into the recommended reports per business department in D365 F&O.

1. Finance Department: The Backbone of Every Business

1.1 Financial Statement Reports

Description: These reports, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement, provide a comprehensive overview of your organization’s financial health.
Justification: They are essential for decision-making, especially during financial reviews and audits.
How to Get There: Navigate to General Ledger > Inquiries and reports > Financial reports.
Frequency of Use: Monthly or quarterly, depending on your reporting cycle.
Intended Audience: CFO, Financial Controllers, and Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Financial Statements

1.2 Trial Balance

Description: A report showing the balance of all ledger accounts to ensure that debits equal credits.
Justification: It’s critical for verifying the integrity of your financial records before closing periods.
How to Get There: Navigate to General Ledger > Inquiries and reports > Trial balance.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during the period close process.
Intended Audience: Accountants, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Trial Balance

1.3 Budget vs. Actuals

Description: This report compares budgeted amounts with actual spending.
Justification: It helps you track financial performance and adherence to budget constraints.
How to Get There: Navigate to Budgeting > Inquiries and reports > Budget vs. actuals.
Frequency of Use: Monthly or quarterly, aligned with budget reviews.
Intended Audience: Finance Managers, Budget Analysts.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Budget vs. Actuals

2. Operations: Keeping the Wheels Turning

2.1 Production Order Reports

Description: Tracks the progress of production orders from start to finish.
Justification: Essential for monitoring manufacturing processes and ensuring timely completion of production.
How to Get There: Navigate to Production control > Inquiries and reports > Production order reports.
Frequency of Use: Daily or weekly, depending on production volume.
Intended Audience: Production Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Production Order Reports

2.2 Inventory Value Report

Description: Provides a snapshot of the current value of inventory on hand.
Justification: Critical for managing inventory costs and making informed decisions about stock levels.
How to Get There: Navigate to Inventory management > Inquiries and reports > Inventory value report.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial close or inventory audits.
Intended Audience: Inventory Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Inventory Value Report

2.3 Master Planning Reports

Description: These reports include Planned Orders and Net Requirements, guiding the materials planning process.
Justification: They ensure that production has the necessary materials without overstocking, balancing supply and demand.
How to Get There: Navigate to Master planning > Inquiries and reports > Master planning reports.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, aligned with production scheduling.
Intended Audience: Supply Chain Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Master Planning Reports

3. Accounts Payable (AP): The Gatekeepers of Outflows

3.1 Vendor Invoice Transactions Report

Description: A detailed report of all vendor invoices, payments, and outstanding balances.
Justification: Helps ensure that vendor payments are accurate and on time.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Vendor invoice transactions report.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, during payment processing.
Intended Audience: AP Clerks, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Vendor Invoice Transactions

3.2 Aged Payables Report

Description: Breaks down outstanding payables by age, showing which invoices are overdue.
Justification: Vital for managing cash flow and avoiding late payment penalties.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Aged payables.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial reviews.
Intended Audience: AP Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Aged Payables

3.3 Vendor Performance Report

Description: Assesses vendor performance based on criteria like delivery times and quality.
Justification: Useful for vendor management and negotiations.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts payable > Inquiries and reports > Vendor performance report.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during vendor reviews.
Intended Audience: Procurement Managers, AP Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Vendor Performance

4. Accounts Receivable (AR): The Revenue Champions

4.1 Customer Invoice Journal Report

Description: Tracks all customer invoices and their statuses.
Justification: Crucial for monitoring receivables and ensuring timely collection.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Customer invoice journal.
Frequency of Use: Weekly, during collection reviews.
Intended Audience: AR Clerks, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Customer Invoice Journal

4.2 Aged Receivables Report

Description: Breaks down outstanding receivables by age, highlighting overdue payments.
Justification: Helps prioritize collection efforts and manage cash flow.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Aged receivables.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during financial reviews.
Intended Audience: AR Managers, Finance Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Aged Receivables

4.3 Credit Management Report

Description: Monitors customer credit limits and credit risks.
Justification: Essential for managing credit exposure and avoiding bad debt.
How to Get There: Navigate to Accounts receivable > Inquiries and reports > Credit management.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during credit reviews.
Intended Audience: Credit Managers, AR Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Credit Management

5. Human Resources (HR): The People People

5.1 Employee Details Report

Description: Provides comprehensive information on all employees, including job titles and compensation.
Justification: Important for managing personnel records and organizational structure.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Employee details.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, for HR audits and updates.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, HR Analysts.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Employee Details

5.2 Absence Overview Report

Description: Tracks employee absences, including leave types and duration.
Justification: Helps manage workforce productivity and plan for absences.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Absence overview.
Frequency of Use: Weekly or monthly, depending on workforce size.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, Operations Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Absence Overview

5.3 Training and Development Report

Description: Tracks employee training courses and certifications.
Justification: Essential for ensuring that employees are compliant and up-to-date with required skills.
How to Get There: Navigate to Human resources > Inquiries and reports > Training and development.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during performance reviews.
Intended Audience: HR Managers, Learning & Development Teams.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Training and Development

6. Sales: Driving the Business Forward

6.1 Sales Order Reports

Description: Detailed view of all open sales orders, including status and delivery dates.
Justification: Critical for tracking customer orders and ensuring timely fulfillment.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Sales order reports.
Frequency of Use: Daily, for order tracking and customer communication.
Intended Audience: Sales Managers, Order Processing Teams.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Sales Order Reports

6.2 Sales Performance Report

Description: Analyzes sales data by product, region, or salesperson to measure performance.
Justification: Helps identify sales trends and optimize strategies.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Sales performance.
Frequency of Use: Monthly, during sales reviews.
Intended Audience: Sales Directors, Sales Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Sales Performance

6.3 Customer Retention Report

Description: Tracks customer retention rates and identifies at-risk customers.
Justification: Vital for improving customer loyalty and retention strategies.
How to Get There: Navigate to Sales and marketing > Inquiries and reports > Customer retention.
Frequency of Use: Quarterly, during customer satisfaction reviews.
Intended Audience: Customer Success Managers, Sales Managers.
Learn More: Microsoft Learn - Customer Retention

Dad joke of the day

Why did the rabbit go to the salon? It was having a bad hare day.

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