You can create data sets that you can use for building reports in Excel, Power BI or any other reporting tool that works with an OData data source.

The function 'create data set' gives the user the possibility to create a data set form list pages or queries. Pages are much more convenient, because each query must be coded.

However, the selection of pages is very limited. Only pages of type 'list' can be selected. This limitation excludes all subform (Listpart). A data set with the actual content of Sales quotes, Sales orders, Job Tasks, etc. can not be created and the analysis of such data is only possible if a query has been coded.

Extending the function 'create data set' to publish the content of listparts, would give the user an enourms possibilities. The integration of Business Central and reporting-/ controlling tools wourld be a matter of simple configuration.