> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.bevica.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.bevica.com/documentation/guides/crm/outlook-contact-insights.md).
# Outlook Contact Insights
Use the Business Central Outlook add-in to view contacts and create documents in Outlook.
## Business Central Outlook Add-in Guide
This guide provides a practical overview of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Outlook add-in—what it is, what it does, and how to install and use it effectively.
***
### What the Outlook Add‑in Does
The Business Central Outlook add-in allows you to work with ERP data directly from your Outlook inbox. It consists of two components:
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Contact Insights
* View customer/vendor details from Business Central inside Outlook.
* Create and send documents such as quotes and invoices without leaving your email window.
* Open the customer card, see history, and drill deeper into documents.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Document View
* Detects document numbers inside an email body (e.g., invoice, order).
* Provides a link directly to the corresponding Business Central document.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
These features streamline your workflow by keeping communication and transaction processing in one place.
***
### Installation Options
You can install the add‑in in two ways, depending on your role, we recommend the centralised deployment:
### A. Admin Installation (Centralised Deployment)
* Use Microsoft 365 admin center → Centralized Deployment.
* Deploy to the entire organisation, groups, or individual users.
* Recommended for controlled rollouts.
### B. User Self‑Installation
* From Business Central, open Assisted Setup → Set up your Business Inbox in Outlook.
* Follow prompts to authenticate and install.
***
## Using the Add‑in
### Opening the Add‑in
* In Outlook, select the Business Central icon in the ribbon or message window.
* On Outlook Web, it may appear under More actions (…); you can pin it for quick access.
### Working With Contacts
* When a customer emails you, BC identifies the sender and opens the customer card.
* From there, you can browse history and create new records.
### Creating Documents
* Create Sales Quotes, Invoices, Orders, Credit Memos directly inside Outlook.
* Fill in line items and send documents instantly.
### Switching Between Companies
* You can switch BC companies from the add‑in if your BC version supports it (2019 wave 2+).
More information here: [Use Business Central as your Business Inbox in Outlook](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/work-outlook-addin)
***
## Requirements & Notes
* Microsoft 365 subscription with appropriate permissions.
* Works with one BC environment at a time—to change environments, reinstall the add‑in.
***
## Additional Resources
* Get the Add‑in (Microsoft Learn): [Get the Business Central add-in for Outlook](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/admin-outlook)
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