With master data information, you can copy customers, vendors, items, serial numbers or lot numbers.
Master Data Information in Business Central lets you copy customers, vendors, items, serial numbers and lot numbers, including the extra data such as text, specification files, dimensions and information values that you have attached to the records. This article walks through how to copy a customer and how to use template codes to enforce mandatory field values during the copy.
To copy a customer, open the customer you want to base the new record on, go to the Master Data Information menu and select Copy customer. The customer number is filled in by default as the source. You then assign the new customer number, either manually or by picking from one or more number series, and enter the customer name.
You can use a master data template code to control the copy. A template can specify default values for fields in the customer table, for example setting the posting group to foreign, the currency code to Euro and the language code to ENG. To add or edit fields on a template, change its status away from released so you can drill down and add more fields, then release it again before use. A released template applies those fields as mandatory when you copy.
During the copy you can also choose to bring along prices and discounts, master data information values, descriptions and languages, default dimensions, and any specification files or text attached through Master Data Information. The same functionality works from the vendor list, so you can copy vendors with their attached data in the same way.
This makes it practical to set up several reference customers or vendors that each carry their own master data, then copy from whichever one fits the situation. After copying, you can open the new record and check the Master Data Information to confirm that text and other values came across.
Copying items works in a similar way but has some extra functions, which is covered separately.
How to copy a customer with Master Data Information
Open the source customer, go to the Master Data Information menu and choose Copy customer. The source customer number is set by default. Add the new customer number manually or from a number series, then enter the customer name. Optionally apply a template code, select which related data to include, and complete the copy.
Using master data template codes
Template codes let you predefine field values for the copy. For a foreign customer you might set the posting group to foreign, the currency code to Euro and the language code to ENG. To build or change a template, set its status so it is not released, drill down and add the fields you want, then release the template. When released, the template fields are applied as mandatory during the copy.
What you can copy along with the record
Beyond the standard fields, you can include:
- Prices and discounts
- Master Data Information values
- Descriptions and languages
- Default dimensions
- Specification files and text attached through Master Data Information
Because the extra Master Data Information follows the copy, you can verify on the new record that text and other values were transferred correctly.
Q&A
What can you copy with Master Data Information in Business Central?
You can copy customers, vendors, items, serial numbers and lot numbers, along with attached data such as prices and discounts, descriptions, languages, default dimensions, specification files, text and master data information values.
How do you copy a customer?
Open the customer, go to the Master Data Information menu and select Copy customer. The source customer number is filled in by default. Enter the new customer number manually or from a number series, add the customer name, choose what to include and complete the copy.
What does a master data template code do?
A template code predefines field values that are applied when you copy. For example, a foreign-customer template can set the posting group to foreign, the currency code to Euro and the language code to ENG. The defined fields are applied as mandatory during the copy.
How do you edit a template?
Change the template status so it is not released, drill down to add or change fields from the customer table, then release the template again. A template must be released before you can use it in a copy.
Does copying work for vendors too?
Yes. The same copy functionality works from the vendor list and brings along the attached master data in the same way as for customers.
Why are items handled separately?
Copying items uses the same approach but includes some extra functions, so it is covered separately.