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business-central-mcp

by SShadowS

bc_run_report

Execute a Business Central report by numeric ID to run server-side processing or capture output as PDF, Excel, or Word. Open the request page to set parameters before execution.

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. When format is set, rendered file bytes are returned in downloads[] (base64 in bytes, or savedPath when BC_DOWNLOAD_DIR is set); an oversized file reports a per-entry error instead of bytes.

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 fully discloses the internal flow: request page handling, format selection via SystemAction 410, error on unavailable format, oversized file handling, and server-side execution.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is long but well-structured: core action first, then request page path, then format path, then usage guidance, then examples. It could trim some redundant detail but remains focused.

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?

Given the tool's complexity (two execution modes, format handling, error cases, no output schema), the description is thorough: it covers the dialog flow, format availability, oversized files, and common use cases.

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?

Input schema already describes both parameters with 100% coverage. The description adds value by providing examples, explaining internal behavior of the format parameter, and listing common report IDs.

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 clearly states it executes a BC report by numeric ID, distinguishes from data-viewing tools like bc_open_page/bc_read_data, and explains both request page and format capture modes.

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?

Explicitly states when to use (reports with server-side actions, inspect request pages) and when not (data viewing, confusing with pages), and references sibling tools as 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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