When you install the subscription app for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you set up the system through a wizard. The wizard covers four settings: two that control how the app calculates subscription periods, and two that define the number series the app uses. You can change all four settings later in the Subscription Setup page if you were unsure during the wizard or if your needs change.
The first calculation setting controls how the system determines the end of the first subscription period. You can base it on the current period from the start date, the end of the month, or the actual period length. You can always overwrite the end date on each individual subscription, so this setting only defines the default the system uses when it generates the calculation.
The second calculation setting is sales days per month. You can choose actual days in the month, or you can calculate each month as 30 days. This matters when a subscription period does not run from the start of a month to the end of a month. For example, if a period starts on the 12th, the system needs to know how to handle the overlap between two months.
The subscription number series numbers each new subscription. It works like the customer number series, drawing a new number every time you create a subscription. This is the master data number series for your subscriptions.
The posted subscription number series is used on posted documents, specifically the posted sales invoices. You can set up a separate posting number series here if you do not want the system to draw on the standard posted sales invoice number series. If you do not need a difference between subscription invoices and other invoices, you can simply choose the normal one.
Installing the subscription app and running the setup wizard
When you install the subscription app, a wizard walks you through the setup. It helps you configure the system before you start creating subscriptions. The wizard presents four settings: two that handle calculations and two that handle number series.
If you were not sure how to answer during the wizard, you do not have to get everything right the first time. The same four settings are available afterwards in the Subscription Setup page, so you can change them whenever you need to.
Calculating the end of the first subscription period
The first calculation setting in the Subscription Setup tells the system how to calculate the end of the first period. You have three options:
- Take the current period you are entering, based on the start date
- Use the end of the month
- Use the actual period length
Keep in mind that this is only the default behaviour. You can always change the end of the start period on each specific subscription by overwriting the date in the field. The setting just defines how the system generates the calculation by default.
Sales days per month and handling partial months
The second calculation setting is sales days per month. You can choose between two methods:
- Use the actual number of days in the month
- Calculate every month as 30 days
This setting comes into play when a subscription period does not run cleanly from the start of a month to the end of a month. For example, if a period starts on the 12th, the system needs to know how to handle the overlap between the two months. The sales days per month setting controls that calculation.
Number series for subscriptions and posted invoices
The last two settings are number series. The subscription number series numbers each new subscription. It works the same way as the customer number series: each time you create a new subscription, the system draws the next number. This is the master data number series for your subscriptions.
The posted subscription number series is used on posted documents, specifically the posted sales invoices. You can set up a separate posting number series here if you do not want the system to draw on the standard posted sales invoice number series. If you want your subscription invoices to use a different numbering than your other invoices, set up a dedicated series. If you do not need any difference, choose the normal posted sales invoice number series.
Reviewing your setup after the wizard
The setup for the subscription app is fairly simple. There are only these four settings to consider. Still, it is worth checking them after you run the wizard to make sure you chose the right options. Everything is available in the Subscription Setup page, so you can confirm or adjust each setting at any time.
Q&A
Where do I configure the subscription app settings?
You configure them through a wizard when you install the app. The same four settings are also available in the Subscription Setup page, so you can change them later if you were unsure during the wizard or if your needs change.
How does the app calculate the end of the first subscription period?
You choose one of three methods: take the current period based on the start date, use the end of the month, or use the actual period length. This is only the default. You can overwrite the end date on each individual subscription.
What does the sales days per month setting do?
It controls how the system calculates partial months. You can use the actual number of days in the month, or calculate every month as 30 days. This matters when a period does not start on the first of a month, for example a period that starts on the 12th and overlaps two months.
What is the difference between the two number series settings?
The subscription number series numbers each new subscription as master data, like the customer number series. The posted subscription number series is used on posted sales invoices. You can give posted subscription invoices their own number series, or use the standard posted sales invoice number series if you do not need a difference.
Can I use a separate number series for posted subscription invoices?
Yes. You can set up a dedicated posting number series for posted subscription invoices so the system does not draw on the standard posted sales invoice number series. If you do not want a difference, choose the normal one.