Business Central Translations: Language Setup and Customization - Part 1

In today's globalised world, firms frequently operate in numerous areas and languages. To efficiently manage worldwide operations, software with multilingual capabilities is required. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) includes a powerful translation system that enables enterprises to customise language choices, thereby increasing user experience and operational efficiencies. This article looks at how translations function in Business Central and how they may be used to support global business operations.

Why Are Translations Important in Business Central?

Businesses that expand into new areas face a variety of languages, currencies, and regulatory regimes. Ensuring that employees can interact with Business Central in their native language improves the software's usability and productivity.

Business Central allows users to configure numerous languages across various modules, allowing workers to work smoothly in their favourite language. It also allows translations for custom fields, reports, and data entry, assuring consistency and correctness in both internal and external interactions.

How Translation Works in Business Central

Business Central supports several languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. Here's an outline on how to activate and use translations successfully.

1. Configuring Language Settings

The first step in enabling multilingual support is to configure the Language Settings in Business Central. Users can choose their favourite language or use the organization's default language settings. This guarantees that when a user logs in, the interface, menus, and forms appear in their preferred language.

To configure a language in Business Central:

• Navigate to User Settings.

• Select Language and choose the desired language for your region or business requirements.

2. Standard Text Translations

Business Central provides built-in translations for standard interface elements and commonly used terms such as "Sales Orders," "Invoices," and "Purchase Orders." These translations are included in the base application by Microsoft.

For example, changing the language from English to French automatically updates the captions.

However, some standard texts may not be translated by default.

To install additional language support:

• Open Extension Management via the Business Central search bar.

• Click on AppSource Gallery.

• Search for the desired language (e.g., French) and select it.

• Click Install App.

• In the installation settings, select the preferred language and confirm installation.

Once installed, the system updates with the new language settings, ensuring a localized user experience.

3. Translating Custom Fields

Many businesses customize Business Central by adding custom fields, tables, and industry-specific terminology. While these enhancements improve operational efficiency, they may not be automatically translated in the base system.

To resolve this, Business Central provides the CaptionML property, which allows developers to define multilingual captions for custom elements.

Example:

English: Displays field names and labels in English.

French: The same fields are shown with French translations.

By implementing the CaptionML property, businesses ensure a seamless multilingual experience even for customized elements.

Conclusion

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central makes it simple for multinational companies to handle multilingual customers. Companies can improve usability and efficiency across regions by changing language settings, adding extra translations, and ensuring that custom fields are translated using CaptionML. Embracing Business Central's translation skills enables firms to operate efficiently in a global market while providing a consistent and localized experience to all users.