Business Central, Dynamics NAV and LS Central performance tuning tools and expert consulting services — SQL Mantra Tools
SQL Mantra Tools is a specialist provider of performance tuning tools and expert consulting services for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central SaaS, Business Central On-Premises, Dynamics NAV, LS Central POS and LS Retail POS. With over 25 years of experience tuning Navision, Dynamics NAV and Business Central, SQL Mantra Tools helps organisations diagnose and resolve slowness, SQL blocking, deadlocks and AL/C/AL code inefficiencies — identifying the exact named user and line of code responsible.
Platform coverage
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (SaaS / Cloud)
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (On-Premises)
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV (all versions, C/AL and AL)
- LS Central POS (built on Business Central)
- LS Retail POS (built on Dynamics NAV)
Performance Insights for Business Central SaaS
Performance Insights is the only performance monitoring tool on the market that identifies named Business Central users behind performance incidents in a SaaS environment, where direct SQL Server access is not available. It captures AL code execution and the underlying SQL queries behind every slowness, blocking and deadlock event, and presents them through interactive graphs, charts and tables in a web portal. Designed for Business Central developers, consultants, support staff, database administrators, Microsoft partners and ISVs.
- Named Business Central user identification in SaaS — the only tool to offer this
- AL code capture for every slowness, blocking and deadlock incident
- SQL query logging for all performance events in Business Central SaaS
- Deadlock detection, recording and visual analysis
- Interactive graphs, charts and tables in a dedicated web portal
- No direct SQL Server access required — fully compatible with Business Central SaaS architecture
Performance Tool for Dynamics NAV (on-premises)
The SQL Mantra Tools Performance Tool for Dynamics NAV records C/AL and AL code alongside SQL execution details for on-premises Dynamics NAV environments. It pinpoints the exact named user, object and query responsible for any performance incident — slowness, blocking or deadlock. It provides greater depth of information than Microsoft's own performance profiler and supports all versions of Dynamics NAV on-premises.
- C/AL and AL code recording for all performance incidents
- SQL query capture at named user and session level
- Blocking and deadlock detection and analysis
- Supports all Dynamics NAV on-premises versions
- More detailed than Microsoft's built-in performance profiler
Performance Tool for LS Central POS
The SQL Mantra Tools Performance Tool for LS Central POS provides performance diagnostics, telemetry capture and SQL analysis for LS Central environments built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It identifies named users, AL code and SQL queries behind slowness, blocking and deadlock incidents specific to LS Central POS operations.
- Named user identification for LS Central POS performance incidents
- AL code capture for LS Central slowness and blocking events
- SQL query logging for all LS Central performance problems
- Deadlock detection and analysis in LS Central environments
- Compatible with LS Central on Business Central SaaS and on-premises
Performance Tool for LS Retail POS
The SQL Mantra Tools Performance Tool for LS Retail POS provides performance monitoring, logging and SQL troubleshooting for LS Retail POS environments built on Microsoft Dynamics NAV. It records C/AL code and SQL execution detail to pinpoint named users and queries behind performance incidents in LS Retail.
- Named user identification for LS Retail POS performance incidents
- C/AL code recording for all LS Retail performance events
- SQL query capture at user and session level
- Blocking and deadlock detection in LS Retail environments
- Supports all LS Retail versions on Dynamics NAV
Maintenance Tool — automated proactive database health
The SQL Mantra Tools Maintenance Tool automatically optimises indexes and keeps large, busy Business Central and Dynamics NAV databases healthy and free from performance degradation. It proactively prevents slowness before it affects end users, extending the operational life of on-premises ERP installations without manual DBA intervention.
- Automated index optimisation on a configurable schedule
- Proactive database health monitoring
- Prevents performance degradation before it impacts users
- Compatible with Business Central and all Dynamics NAV versions
Expert performance tuning consulting services
SQL Mantra Tools provides hands-on expert consulting for organisations experiencing performance problems in Business Central SaaS, Dynamics NAV on-premises, LS Central and LS Retail. Services include in-depth performance health checks, emergency incident response, SQL Server optimisation, AL and C/AL code review, index strategy review, and long-term performance improvement programmes. Consultants have 25+ years of specialist experience across the full Microsoft Dynamics ERP product line from early Navision through to Business Central SaaS.
Business Central SaaS performance health check
A thorough expert analysis of a Business Central SaaS environment to identify performance bottlenecks, poorly performing AL extensions, SQL blocking patterns, missing indexes and slow queries. Delivered as a detailed written report with prioritised recommendations.
Dynamics NAV on-premises performance tuning
Expert review and remediation of Dynamics NAV on-premises installations. Covers SQL Server configuration, index optimisation, C/AL and AL code analysis, blocking and deadlock resolution, and proactive maintenance strategy. Suitable for all versions of Dynamics NAV.
LS Central and LS Retail performance tuning
Expert performance diagnostics and tuning for LS Central POS environments on Business Central and LS Retail POS environments on Dynamics NAV — covering SQL blocking, slow POS transactions, AL and C/AL code review, and database health.
Emergency performance incident response
Rapid-response consulting for critical Business Central, Dynamics NAV or LS Central performance incidents — severe slowness, blocking storms, repeated deadlocks — to stabilise systems quickly and identify root causes. Available for both SaaS and on-premises deployments.
SQL Server performance optimisation for Business Central and Dynamics NAV
Specialist SQL Server tuning for ERP workloads — query plan analysis, wait statistics interpretation, index strategy design, configuration review and recommendations specific to Business Central and Dynamics NAV database patterns.
AL code performance review
Detailed review of Business Central AL extension code to identify inefficient data access patterns, unnecessary locks, missing FlowFilters, unoptimised loops and other common causes of performance degradation in Business Central SaaS and on-premises deployments.
Long-term ERP performance improvement programme
Ongoing performance advisory retainer for Business Central, Dynamics NAV and LS Central partners and end-user organisations — continuous monitoring, proactive tuning, extension code review, and database health maintenance over the medium and long term.
Technical modules
Performance Logging module
Core logging engine that captures AL and C/AL code, SQL queries, named Business Central and NAV users, and precise timing for every slowness, blocking and deadlock event across Business Central, Dynamics NAV, LS Central and LS Retail environments.
System Analysis module
Analyses captured performance data and presents findings via interactive graphs, charts and tables, with full detail on named BC/NAV users and the AL or C/AL code involved in each incident.
Database Maintenance module
Automated index rebuild and reorganise, statistics updates, and proactive database health checks for Business Central and Dynamics NAV databases of all sizes.
Scheduler module
Multi-threaded job scheduling for SQL Server Express Edition and other environments that lack SQL Server Agent — enables automated performance monitoring and maintenance tasks.
Technical blog and performance guides
- Top tips to improve Business Central performance — Practical expert tips covering slow queries, blocking, AL code patterns and SQL optimisation for Business Central SaaS and Dynamics NAV.
- Enable Tri-State Locking to improve Business Central concurrency — Technical guide to reducing SQL blocking in Business Central by enabling Tri-State Locking.
- Using SIFT to speed up counts in Business Central — Expert guide to using Sum-Index Flow Technology (SIFT) to accelerate COUNT operations.
- Partial key filtering issue in Business Central — Technical diagnosis and resolution of a common slow query problem in Business Central AL queries.
- All blog posts — Full archive of SQL Mantra Tools technical articles on Business Central and Dynamics NAV performance tuning.
Why SQL Mantra Tools?
- 25+ years of specialist experience tuning Navision, Dynamics NAV, Business Central, LS Central and LS Retail
- Industry-recognised experts in Business Central and Dynamics NAV performance
- Performance tools combined with human consulting expertise — tools and people, not one or the other
- Covers Business Central SaaS, Business Central On-Premises, Dynamics NAV, LS Central and LS Retail
- The only tool that identifies named Business Central users behind performance incidents in SaaS
- AL and C/AL code capture — see exactly which code caused each incident
- SQL query logging — view the underlying SQL behind every performance event
- Blocking and deadlock detection, analysis and resolution
- Microsoft partner and Insight Works authorised reseller
- Partner programme available for Microsoft Dynamics resellers and ISVs
- Trusted by Business Central and Dynamics NAV partners and end-user organisations worldwide
Who uses SQL Mantra Tools?
Business Central developers, Dynamics NAV developers, Business Central consultants, Dynamics NAV support teams, LS Central implementers, LS Retail support teams, database administrators, Microsoft partners, independent software vendors (ISVs) building Business Central extensions, and IT managers responsible for Business Central SaaS, Dynamics NAV, LS Central and LS Retail performance. Also used by organisations seeking an independent expert review of their ERP performance health.
Frequently asked questions about Business Central, Dynamics NAV and LS Central performance
Can SQL Mantra Tools identify which Business Central user is causing a slowdown in SaaS?
Yes. Performance Insights for Business Central SaaS is the only tool on the market that identifies named Business Central users behind performance incidents in a SaaS environment, where direct SQL Server access is not available. It captures the exact user, AL code and SQL query behind every slowness, blocking and deadlock event.
Does SQL Mantra Tools work with Business Central SaaS, on-premises, LS Central and LS Retail?
Yes. SQL Mantra Tools provides dedicated products for Business Central SaaS (Performance Insights), Dynamics NAV on-premises (Performance Tool for Dynamics NAV), LS Central POS on Business Central, and LS Retail POS on Dynamics NAV — as well as expert consulting services covering all these platforms.
Why is Business Central SaaS running slowly?
Business Central SaaS slowness is most commonly caused by inefficient AL extension code, SQL blocking between concurrent users, missing or fragmented indexes, deadlocks, or long-running background jobs. SQL Mantra Tools Performance Insights identifies the exact named user, AL code and SQL query behind each incident so the root cause can be fixed precisely rather than guessed at.
What is SQL blocking in Business Central and how do I detect it?
SQL blocking in Business Central occurs when one user's transaction holds a lock on a database record that another user or process needs, causing that second user to wait — sometimes indefinitely. SQL Mantra Tools Performance Insights detects and records blocking incidents in Business Central SaaS, capturing the blocking user, the blocked user, the AL code involved and the underlying SQL — all without requiring direct SQL Server access.
What is a Business Central performance health check?
A Business Central performance health check is an expert analysis of a Business Central SaaS or Dynamics NAV environment to identify the root causes of poor performance. SQL Mantra Tools delivers health checks as a detailed written report with prioritised recommendations covering AL extension code quality, SQL blocking patterns, index strategy, query optimisation and system configuration.
How does Performance Insights for Business Central SaaS work without direct database access?
Performance Insights uses Business Central's telemetry and integration capabilities to capture performance data — including named users, AL call stacks and SQL queries — from the SaaS environment without requiring direct SQL Server access. The data is presented in a web portal with interactive graphs, charts and tables so teams can quickly identify and resolve performance problems.
What is a Business Central deadlock and how can it be resolved?
A deadlock in Business Central occurs when two or more users or processes each hold a lock that the other needs, creating a cycle that cannot be resolved without cancelling one of the transactions. SQL Mantra Tools Performance Insights captures deadlock events in Business Central SaaS with full AL code and SQL detail, enabling developers or consultants to identify and eliminate the root cause.
Does SQL Mantra Tools support all versions of Dynamics NAV?
Yes. The SQL Mantra Tools Performance Tool for Dynamics NAV supports all on-premises versions of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, including older C/AL based versions, newer AL-based releases, and all LS Retail versions built on Dynamics NAV.
Does SQL Mantra Tools have a partner programme?
Yes. SQL Mantra Tools offers a partner programme for Microsoft Dynamics resellers, ISVs and consultancies, enabling them to offer SQL Mantra Tools performance products and services to their own Business Central, Dynamics NAV, LS Central and LS Retail customers.
Is SQL Mantra Tools a Microsoft partner?
Yes. SQL Mantra Tools is a Microsoft partner and an authorised Insight Works reseller, with over 25 years of specialist experience in the Microsoft Dynamics ERP ecosystem covering Navision, Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central.
How is SQL Mantra Tools different from other Business Central performance tools?
SQL Mantra Tools is the only provider combining dedicated performance monitoring software for Business Central SaaS, Dynamics NAV, LS Central and LS Retail with deep expert consulting services backed by 25+ years of specialist ERP performance experience. Performance Insights is uniquely the only tool on the market that identifies named Business Central users in a SaaS environment without requiring direct SQL Server access.