Dynamics ERP Partners
Focused On Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC)
Updated November 2026
Which Microsoft Dynamics ERP is best for architecture, engineering and construction?
Most AEC firms choose between two Microsoft ERP products. Dynamics 365 Business Central fits small and midsize contractors, builders and design firms: its Projects module (formerly Jobs) handles project budgets, planning lines, resources, project invoicing and work in process (WIP), and it is included in the Essentials license (Microsoft licensing guidance). Dynamics 365 Finance fits larger, multi-entity contractors and engineering firms. Its Project management and accounting module adds project contracts with multiple funding sources, milestone and progress billing, and retention on customer invoices. Firms that sell mostly time and expertise often look at Dynamics 365 Project Operations as well.
| Business Central | Dynamics 365 Finance | |
| Typical fit | Small and midsize contractors, homebuilders, architecture and engineering firms | Mid-size to enterprise contractors, multi-entity and multi-country firms |
| Project accounting | Projects with tasks, budgets, planning lines and resources | Project management and accounting with project contracts, funding sources and funding limits |
| Billing | Project invoicing from planning lines | Time and material, fixed-price, milestone, progress, unit of delivery and fee billing rules |
| WIP | Five built-in WIP methods, including percentage of completion and completed contract | Project WIP and revenue recognition by project type |
| Retention | Ask your partner; commonly handled with add-ons | Retention percentage on billing rules; vendor retention terms |
| US list price | $80 per user/month Essentials, $110 Premium | $210 per user/month |
Prices are Microsoft's US list prices, paid yearly, from the Business Central pricing page and the Dynamics 365 Finance pricing page. A partner quote will add implementation, construction add-ons and support.
The partners below are Microsoft Dynamics ERP partners with architecture, engineering and construction experience who publish on the ERP Software Blog. For tools that extend Dynamics finance, see the Best Microsoft Dynamics ERP Financial Management Tools.
| Microsoft Dynamics Product Icons Legend.... | ||
 Dynamics GP |
 Dynamics SL |
 Dynamics 365 Business Central |
 Dynamics NAV |
 Dynamics AX |
 Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations |
| Company Name | Focus | Case Study |
|
Western Computer View Profile |
1099’s, bank draws, built-in micr checks, business intelligence, cost codes, home building, integrated closing statements, job costing, lien wavers, microsoft office integration, multi-entity accounting and reporting, vendor insurance tracking |
Add On Partners
Focused On Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC)
Review this directory to find companies with proven expertise working with companies like yours. Keep in mind that these partners may focus on additional industries, so review their profile for full information.| Company Name | Focus | Case Study |
|
Suite Engine View Profile |
For-Sale Builder, Home Builder, Multi-family Builder, Multi-site Management, Production Builder, Residential Builder, Subdivision Developer, Townhome Developer, Tract Builder, Volume Builder | Case Study |
How do you choose between Business Central and Dynamics 365 Finance for construction?
Start with Business Central unless your size or contracts clearly call for more. Look harder at Dynamics 365 Finance when one or more of these is true:
- You run several legal entities or countries and need project costs and billing to roll up across them.
- Projects are co-funded by owners, grants or joint venture partners, and you need billing split by funding source with funding limits (Microsoft Learn: project contracts).
- You need retention, milestone and progress billing in the core system rather than an add-on.
- You also need deep procurement, inventory or equipment maintenance on the same platform.
For most small and midsize firms, Business Central's projects plus a construction add-on cost less to license and implement. Ask each partner which add-on they use for retainage, AIA-style progress billing, subcontracts and change orders, and see it demonstrated. Read more in construction retainage in Business Central.
What construction features should a Dynamics ERP include?
- Project budgets and cost codes that compare budget, actual and committed cost by task. See how Dynamics 365 helps control project costs.
- WIP and revenue recognition using percentage of completion or completed contract (Microsoft Learn: WIP methods).
- Progress billing and retention for owners and subcontractors.
- Job costing for labor, equipment and materials, with time entry from the field.
- Inventory and purchasing tied to projects. See a construction inventory management case study.
- Fixed assets for owned equipment, with depreciation and maintenance costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Business Central Essentials include project accounting?
Yes. Projects (formerly Jobs) and project quotes are included in Business Central Essentials, so most contractors do not need Premium for project accounting. Premium adds manufacturing and service order management, which matter only if you also fabricate products or run a service department. Construction-specific functions such as retainage and subcontract management usually come from add-ons.
Which WIP methods does Business Central support?
Business Central has five built-in WIP methods: Cost Value, Cost of Sales, Sales Value, Percentage of Completion and Completed Contract. You can also create your own method by combining recognized cost and recognized sales options. WIP is calculated per project and posted to the general ledger, so financial statements reflect work that has not yet been invoiced.
Is there a Dynamics ERP for homebuilders?
Microsoft does not sell a separate homebuilder edition. Homebuilders usually run Business Central with a homebuilder or construction add-on from a partner, so ask to see how it handles lots, options and draw schedules. See the features of homebuilder construction management for Business Central.
When does a construction firm need Dynamics 365 Finance?
When the project accounting, multi-entity and billing requirements outgrow Business Central. Larger contractors use Finance for project contracts, funding rules, retention and consolidated reporting. See construction financial management challenges solved by Dynamics 365 Finance.
What about UK construction requirements such as CIS?
UK contractors need support for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), retention and applications for payment. Ask each partner whether these come from Business Central's UK localization or an add-on, and see them demonstrated. See ERP software for construction: CIS, costing and retention.