The ForNAV File Service brings back C:\ file access to Business Central

German version

Microsoft’s decision to stop supporting access to the local file drive (C:\ drive) from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC) has left many businesses struggling with restricted access to their essential data and a lack of seamless integration between their BC environment and their local file server(s).

While Microsoft’s decision to limit access to the local drive was partially aimed at enhancing security and data integrity within the BC ecosystem, it has also resulted in significant challenges for businesses that heavily relied on direct access to their local files.

For example, companies in the clothing industry rely heavily on high-resolution images to promote and sell their products. Law firms need access to considerable amounts of legal documents to help their clients. Construction firms produce heavily documented construction plans, drawings, and specifications. Pharmaceutical companies need to store a wealth of documents related to regulatory compliance, batch record management, quality control and assurance, or research and development.

Online file storage is not necessarily the solution

These are just a few examples of industries where document storage plays a significant part. For companies like these, having fast and easy access to large files (or a large number of files) is business critical. For them, using online storage can prove to be costly and inefficient, because accessing large files online can be a slow process.

Without access to their local file servers, such Business Central customers must find alternative methods to retrieve, manage, and integrate their crucial data.

C:\ file access from Business Central with the ForNAV File Service

The ForNAV File Service allows you to re-gain the ability to access your local drive from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Here are some concrete examples of how you can benefit:

Keep control over your data
When you store files locally, you have full control over your data without having to rely on a third-party service provider.

Retrieve data fast and effortlessly
Files stored locally typically have faster access times, keeping productivity high.

Streamline document management and increase efficiency
You can work with files stored locally any time you need to. No more tedious workarounds or manual data entry.

Pay no additional costs
There is always a cost involved in storing your data online. The ForNAV File Service is a cost-effective solution that comes with no extra subscription costs. Instead, our File Service is included in the standard ForNAV subscription. If you already have ForNAV installed (version 7.2 or higher), you also automatically have access to the File Service.

Help ensure compliance
Storing data locally can help you comply with some local data privacy regulations and industry-specific compliance standards and it gives you full control over data security measures.

Keep your data secure
The ForNAV File Service eliminates file security issues. It keeps your data secure by not opening outgoing ports, thereby removing firewall-related issues.

How the ForNAV File Service works

As with any ForNAV solution, the File Service solution was designed with simplicity in mind. It is user-friendly, easy to install, and it removes the need for extensive consultancy or programming.

It works with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Cloud and Universal Code OnPrem.

The API is heavily inspired by the .net file API, which supports almost any file/directory operation, and it does not have the limitations that the old Business Central API had.