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EdwardHayes91

business-central-mcp

bc_run_report

Run Business Central reports by numeric ID, capture them as PDF/Excel/Word, or interact with their request page for parameter-driven processing.

Instructions

Execute a Business Central report by its numeric report ID. If the report has a request page (parameter/filter dialog), the response's requestPage carries its fields plus a requestPage.pageContextId and requestPage.formId. Fill parameters with bc_write_data against that pageContextId, then run the report with bc_respond_dialog { dialogFormId: requestPage.formId, response: "ok" }. The report runs server-side on the BC service tier.

Pass format: "pdf", "excel", or "word" to capture the rendered output as base64-encoded bytes (this path auto-drives the request page, so no bc_write_data/bc_respond_dialog is needed). The tool drives the BC "Send to..." flow (SystemAction 410) internally: opens the format-selection dialog, selects the requested format by SaveValue-ing the matching text label into the SelectionControl, confirms with OK (300), then fetches the file from DynamicFileHandler.axd. Returns download.bytes (base64), download.contentType, and download.fileName. If the BC_REPORT_DIR env var is set the file is also saved to disk and savedPath is returned.

Format availability depends on the report's installed layouts -- not all reports offer all three formats. If the report does not offer the requested format, an error is returned listing the available option texts. "pdf" is always BC's default and requires no SaveValue; "excel" prefers the "data only" variant; "word" targets any option containing "Word".

Use this tool for reports that perform server-side actions (batch posting via Report 295, inventory adjustments, data processing) or to inspect and fill request page parameters. Common reports: 1306 (Customer Statement), 120 (Aged Accounts Receivable), 6 (Trial Balance), 295 (Batch Post Sales Orders).

Do NOT use this for viewing data -- use bc_open_page and bc_read_data for data retrieval. Do NOT confuse reports with pages -- reports are processing/printing objects, pages are UI views.

Example (open request page): { "reportId": 6 } Example (capture PDF): { "reportId": 6, "format": "pdf" } Example (capture Excel): { "reportId": 6, "format": "excel" } Example (capture Word): { "reportId": 6, "format": "word" }

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
formatNoRendered output format to capture via the BC "Send to..." flow. "pdf" captures a PDF (BC default); "excel" captures Excel (prefers "data only" layout); "word" captures a Word document. Format availability depends on the report's installed layouts -- reports without the requested layout return an error listing available formats. Omit to open the request page only without executing.
reportIdYesNumeric BC report ID to execute (e.g., 1306 for Customer Statement, 6 for Trial Balance).
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the full transparency burden and excels. It discloses that the report runs server-side, internally drives the BC 'Send to...' flow, selects formats via SaveValue, fetches files from DynamicFileHandler.axd, saves to disk when BC_REPORT_DIR is set, and returns errors listing available formats if the requested format is unavailable.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is long but densely informative. It is front-loaded with the primary purpose, then methodically covers the request-page flow, format-capture flow, environmental side effect, format availability caveat, usage exclusions, and examples. Every sentence contributes necessary context, with no filler.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite the absence of an output schema, the description fully explains return values (requestPage fields, download.bytes, contentType, fileName, savedPath) and how to integrate with sibling tools (bc_write_data, bc_respond_dialog). It also lists common report IDs, making the tool immediately actionable.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already provides detailed descriptions for both parameters (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The description adds extra value with concrete usage examples, the behavior when format is omitted, and nuanced format selection rules ('pdf' is default, 'excel' prefers data-only, 'word' targets options containing 'Word'), justifying a 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description starts with a specific verb and resource: 'Execute a Business Central report by its numeric report ID.' It clearly distinguishes reports from pages and explicitly names alternative tools for data retrieval, leaving no ambiguity about the tool's role.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives explicit when-to-use guidance: 'Use this tool for reports that perform server-side actions... or to inspect and fill request page parameters.' It also states when not to use it: 'Do NOT use for viewing data -- use bc_open_page and bc_read_data,' and names concrete alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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