Forrester's Business Central Study: What the 209% ROI Figure Really Measures

In March 2026 Microsoft published a summary of a Forrester Total Economic Impact study on Business Central. This post sets out what the study found, how it was put together, and how to use it in your own business case.

Key PointThe study models one composite organisation built from four interviews. Treat its numbers as a starting point, not a forecast.

The headline figures

Forrester's study page reports a 209% return on investment and a net present value of $464K over three years. Microsoft's summary rounds these to more than 200% and $460K, and gives a potential payback in six months.

Both figures are in US dollars and are risk-adjusted projections for a model organisation, not measured results from a single business.

How the study was put together

Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to carry out the study. Forrester interviewed four decision-makers with Business Central experience and combined their experiences into one composite organisation.

Microsoft's summary describes that composite as a business with $50 million annual revenue, 300 employees and 15 core finance users.

Pro TipCompare your own revenue, headcount and finance team size with the composite before you lean on its figures.

Where the benefits come from

Microsoft's summary groups the benefits into four areas:

• Finance operations. Up to a 30% reduction in monthly close time, and up to 50% time savings for payables, receivables and billing.
• ERP consolidation. A total cost of ownership reduction of 10% or more, from retiring older systems.
• Profitability. Up to a 3% improvement in net profit margin.
• Reporting and audit. Up to a 30% reduction in audit preparation time.

Using it in your own business case

A vendor-commissioned study is a useful starting point, not a forecast for your business. Before you quote these numbers internally:

• note that the study was commissioned by Microsoft and based on four interviews;
• check how close your size and complexity are to the composite organisation;
• measure your own month-end close, audit preparation and processing time today, so you have a baseline to compare against.

Watch OutThe study was commissioned by Microsoft. Say so whenever you quote its figures in a board paper.

Next steps

For independent guidance on finance technology, see the ICAEW technology resources. Our Business Central implementation guide covers what the project involves.

To build a business case from your own numbers, see our Business Central services or contact us. If you already run Business Central, our free Business Central review scans your current setup.