Dynamics 365 Business Central: Comparing Years (Year-Over-Year) in Analysis Mode: A Simple 4-Step Guide

Hi, Readers.
Today I would like to share another mini tip about Business Central, how to quickly create a Comparing Years report (Year-Over-Year or YoY Analysis) in Analysis Mode.

Comparing Years report (Year-Over-Year or YoY Analysis) simply means comparing year-over-year or year-on-year data. It is a method to evaluate and compare different metrics over a specific time period with the same time period in the previous year or years. For example, 2025 is compared with 2024 and 2023 data.

It’s common to see clients making these kinds of requests, and some consultants might suggest customization. Actually, it’s quite easy to do using Analysis Mode, and I’ll share a simple method in this post.

“Analysis mode” is a feature that allows users to interact with data on lists in a way that’s optimized for data analysis, enabling them to create detailed pivot tables, reports, and analysis views directly from the same page, without needing to run separate reports or switch to other applications. It was introduced as a public preview feature in 2023 release wave 1 (BC22), and provided a new way to interact with data on list pages. More details: Analyze, group, and pivot data on list pages using multiple tabs (In-client Analysis mode)

Since then, Microsoft has continued to update this feature.

Let’s see more details. I’ll use General Ledger Entries as an example this time.
First, click the analysis mode icon to enter analysis mode.

1. Turn on the Pivot Mode toggle

2. Set the values you want to display.

3. Drag the Posting Date Year into the Column Labels.

4. Set the row group, such as displaying the G/L Account No.

Done.

More details: Pivot mode

You can further refine your analysis by drilling down into Quarter or Month levels as needed.

You can then use Copy Link to share it with other users, or use Open in Excel to export it as an Excel file.

PS: You can also use Copilot to help you create reports.

More details:

Great. Give it a try!!!😁

END

Hope this will help.

Thanks for reading.

ZHU