What Is AL Development?
Business Central AL development refers to customizing and extending Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central using AL. The official programming language for the platform. When your business needs features that the standard version doesn’t offer, developers use AL to build safe, modular solutions known as custom Business Central extensions.
These extensions live outside the standard Microsoft codebase. That means you can change how Business Central works, without risking system stability or breaking future updates.
Microsoft designed Business Central to support AL-based customizations. Here’s how it works:
An AL developer writes new logic (like a custom report or automation)
The logic is packaged as an extension and deployed to your environment
Business Central loads the extension at login, like a plugin
You get new functionality that works seamlessly with the rest of the system, while your core setup stays untouched and upgradeable.
Why Go Custom with AL?
Most businesses eventually outgrow the default features in Business Central. That’s where Business Central AL development becomes essential.
With the right custom Business Central extension, you can:
Add new workflows
That fit how your team works.
Connect other apps
Your business depends on.
Generate the reports
You wish existed.
Automate tasks
That take up your team's time.
Why Extensions Matter
Custom Business Central extensions are the modern way to adapt Business Central to your business. Before this, any customizations involved changing the base application code which caused major problems during system upgrades or migrations.
But with AL:
Each customization is modular and independent
You can disable or update it without affecting the whole system
Microsoft supports this approach, which means future-proofing is built in
What Can Gem365 Build for You?
If your team repeats a manual step every day, there’s a good chance it can be automated through Business Central AL development:
Custom Validation Rules During Sales or Purchase Processes
Automation Tools That Post, Approve, or Notify Based on Your Logic
Industry-Specific Features for Compliance or Local Standards
Data Exchange Between Business Central and External Systems
Custom Dashboards, Reports, or User Role Layouts
Benefits of Partnering with Gem365
We care about building tools you’ll actually use, not just something that “works.”
- Microsoft-Focused Expertise: We know Business Central inside and out
- Upgrade-Friendly Builds: Our extensions follow Microsoft best practices
- Secure, Clean Code: We use a modular approach to protect your system
- Ongoing Support: We’re here after go-live to support changes or updates
- Clear Communication: No technical jargon unless you ask for it
Whether it’s a simple time-saver or a complex process overhaul, our AL developers are ready to help. Stop working around the system and start shaping it around you.
Ready to shape Business Central around your business?
Let’s talk about what Business Central AL development can do for you.
