What is Master Data Information?
The Master Data Information app is a powerful Business Central solution that enables you to structure, manage, and enrich all your master data in one centralized location without any customization or programming. Whether you're working with items, customers, vendors, or other master data records, this app provides a flexible and user-friendly way to add, organize, and utilize detailed product specifications, attributes, descriptions, and images across your entire business.
Dependencies and Related Apps
Required Apps
Abakion App Manager Core (Publisher: Abakion)
This core app provides the foundational framework that Master Data Information builds upon. It’s installed automatically when installing any Abakion app
Related Apps
Document Customizer (Publisher: Abakion)
Extends document layout and design capabilities for all Business Central reports and documents
Works closely with Master Data on Documents feature to control exactly how specifications and master data information appear on printed documents
Allows custom positioning, formatting, and styling of master data information on quotes, orders, invoices, and other documents
Enables creation of professional, branded documents that include rich product specifications, images, and extended text
When combined with MDI, you can create, specification-rich documents without any code or report development
Sales Configurator (Publisher: Abakion)
While not required, Sales Configurator extends Master Data Information with advanced product configuration capabilities for sales processes
Enables complex configuration rules, product bundling, and guided selling based on specifications
Uses Information Codes and Logical Dependencies from Master Data Information to drive the configuration experience
When both apps are installed, they work seamlessly together to provide end-to-end specification and configuration management
Document Handling (Publisher: Abakion)
Manages document attachments
Provides document versioning and distribution capabilities
Can work alongside master data images and extended text to create complete document packages
How They Work Together
The Abakion App Manager Core provides the base infrastructure for app management, licensing, and updates, while Master Data Information extends these capabilities specifically for managing detailed attribute data, specifications, and enriched content across all your Business Central master data records.
When Sales Configurator is also installed, it leverages the Information Codes, specifications, and Logical Dependencies defined in Master Data Information to enable sophisticated product configuration during the sales process. This creates a complete solution from specification management through to configured sales orders.
When Document Customizer is combined with Master Data Information, you gain complete control over how your specifications, extended text, and images appear on customer-facing documents. While MDI manages the content (what specifications to include), Document Customizer manages the presentation (where and how they appear on the printed page).
Summary
Master Data Information transforms how you manage product information, customer data, and other master records in Business Central. By centralizing all specifications, descriptions, images, and extended information in one place, it eliminates data silos, reduces errors, and makes it easy to enrich customer-facing documents. With features including attribute synchronization for AI-powered marketing text generation, the app's extensive feature set works together seamlessly to support workflows from initial product setup through sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and beyond.
The modular architecture means you can start with basic specification management and gradually adopt more advanced features like Specification Search, automated description generation, and attribute synchronization as your needs grow. Whether you're managing hundreds of product attributes, supporting multiple languages, need to track specification changes for compliance, or want to leverage Business Central's AI Marketing Text generator with your specifications, Master Data Information provides the flexible, powerful solution you need.
When combined with the Sales Configurator app, you gain an even more powerful solution for guided product configuration during the sales process, leveraging the Information Codes and Logical Dependencies you've defined to create a seamless experience from specification management through to configured sales orders.
Core Features
1. Information Code
Define reusable attribute templates (Information Codes) that can be applied across different master data types.
What it does:
Create standardized attributes like "Color," "Material," "Weight," "Certifications," etc.
Define the data type (text, number, date, option list, etc.) for each attribute
Set validation rules and default values
Apply the same attribute structure across items, customers, vendors, and other entities
Example: Create a "Material" information code once and use it for items, packaging information, and vendor specifications.
2. Master Data on Documents
Automatically include specifications and enriched information on sales and purchase documents.
What it does:
Add specification details to quotes, orders, and invoices
Create document templates that include specific Information Codes
Show customer-specific or vendor-specific information
Include images and extended text automatically
Customize which specifications appear on which document types
Works with:
Language and Extended Text - includes formatted descriptions
Image Handling - can include product images
Specification on Pages - shows specs on document lines
Document Customizer (related app) - provides advanced layout control for how specifications appear on printed documents
3. Specification on Pages
Display and edit specifications directly on cards, lists, and documents throughout Business Central.
What it does:
Add specification fields to any page
View specifications without opening separate pages
Edit specifications inline on lists and documents
Show different specifications based on context
Replicate specifications across related tables
This is the feature that makes specifications visible everywhere:
Item cards and lists
Sales and purchase documents
Production orders
Warehouse documents
Job cards
And many more
4. Language and Extended Text
Create multilingual descriptions and rich-text content for master data.
What it does:
Write extended descriptions in multiple languages
Use rich text formatting (bold, italic, lists, etc.)
Create different text versions for different purposes (sales, purchasing, internal)
Automatically show the correct language based on customer/vendor
Include extended text on documents
5. Merged Descriptions
Automatically generate combined descriptions from multiple specifications.
What it does:
Create description templates using placeholders for specifications
Automatically build product descriptions from attribute values
Generate descriptions in multiple languages
Update descriptions automatically when specifications change
Use for item descriptions, document text, or other purposes
Example template: "{Brand} {Model} - {Color}, {Size}, {Material}" Result: "Acme Pro 3000 - Blue, Large, Stainless Steel"
Related features:
Information Codes - provides the data for placeholders
Language and Extended Text - can combine with manually written text
Related to:
Master Data on Documents - automatically insert extended text on sales/purchase documents
Merged Descriptions - combine multiple text elements into cohesive descriptions
6. Import Worksheet
Bulk import and update master data and specifications from Excel or other data sources.
What it does:
Create reusable import templates
Map Excel columns to Information Codes and master data fields
Validate data before importing to prevent errors
Preview changes before committing
Import new records or update existing ones
Handle both standard fields and custom specifications
Related features:
Information Matrix - export current data to use as an import template
Master Data Template - use templates to set defaults for imported records
7. Information Matrix
Display and manage multiple specifications in a powerful, spreadsheet-like grid view.
What it does:
View specifications for multiple items/records simultaneously
Edit multiple specification values at once
Filter and sort to find specific information quickly
Export data to Excel for analysis
Bulk update specifications across multiple records
How it relates to other features:
Uses Information Codes as column headers
Works with Item Variants to show variant-specific specifications
Integrates with Order Matrix for sales order entry
Additional Features
8. Searching, Marking and Filtering
Advanced search capabilities to find records based on specifications.
What it does:
Search across all specifications, not just standard fields
Use multiple search criteria simultaneously
Save frequently used search filters
Mark records for bulk operations
Quick filters on specification values
Enhanced by:
Specification Search - dedicated specification-based search tool
Information Matrix - filter matrix views
Item Search - specialized item search functionality
9. Information Code Archive Entries
Maintain a historical record of all changes made to your information codes and specifications.
What it does:
Automatically track when specifications are created, modified, or deleted
View historical values and who made changes
Audit trail for compliance and quality assurance purposes
Restore previous values when needed
Use case: When a product specification changes due to regulatory updates, you can see the complete history and when the change was made.
10. Logical Dependencies
Define business rules and relationships between specifications.
What it does:
Create "if-then" rules between specifications
Automatically show/hide specifications based on other values
Validate that required specifications are completed
Ensure data consistency across related specifications
Set up exclusive selections (choosing one option prevents others)
Example: If "Material Type" = "Metal", then require "Corrosion Resistance" specification; if "Fabric", then require "Thread Count".
Works with:
Sales Configurator - enforces rules during product configuration
Specification Wizard - guides users through dependent specifications
11. Item Variants
Enhanced item variant management with specification support.
What it does:
Create and manage item variants based on dimensions (size, color, etc.)
Assign variant-specific specifications
Set up automatic variant creation rules
View and edit variant information in matrix format
Link variants to specific Information Codes
Integration:
Information Matrix - manage variant specifications in grid view
Order Matrix - quick order entry by variant
Specification on Pages - show variant specs on documents
12. Copy Master Data
Duplicate master data records along with all their specifications, descriptions, and settings.
What it does:
Copy items, customers, vendors, or other master data with one click
Include or exclude specifications, extended text, images, and other attributes
Create templates for commonly used configurations
Significantly reduce data entry time for similar products
Works with:
Information Codes - copies all specification values
Master Data Extended Text - copies formatted descriptions
Image Handling - optionally copies all associated images
Master Data Hierarchy - maintains parent-child relationships
13. Favorite Information in FactBox
Quick access to your most important specifications directly on master data cards.
What it does:
Pin frequently used specifications to a FactBox for instant visibility
Configure different favorites for different user roles
View key information without opening full specification lists
Update favorite specifications directly from the FactBox
Configuration: Set up in Master Data Information Setup which favorites appear for each master data type.
14. Image Handling
Centralized management of images and visual content for all master data.
What it does:
Attach multiple images to any master data record
Organize images with categories and descriptions
View images in a gallery format with zoom and slideshow capabilities
Store images locally or in external storage (Azure Blob Storage, SharePoint)
Link images to specific specifications or variants
Integration points:
Item Variants - assign variant-specific images
Master Data on Documents - include images on sales/purchase documents
Specification on Pages - display relevant images based on selected specifications
15. Order Matrix
Streamlined order entry for products with multiple variants and specifications.
What it does:
Enter sales orders using a matrix format
View item availability across variants
Select quantities for multiple item/variant combinations at once
Filter by specifications to find the right products quickly
Automatically create sales lines from matrix selections
Works closely with:
Information Matrix - similar interface for specification management
Item Variants - displays all variants in columns
Specification Search - filter the matrix by specifications
16. Master Data Hierarchy
Organize master data in parent-child relationships and groupings.
What it does:
Create product families and sub-families
Inherit specifications from parent records
Manage item substitutions and alternatives
Create fixed relationships between items
Build bill-of-materials structures with specifications
Integration points:
Copy Master Data - copy hierarchy structures
Information Matrix - view hierarchies in tree format
Specification Search - search within specific hierarchy branches
17. Pop-up Messages
Display important warnings, instructions, or information when working with master data.
What it does:
Show pop-up messages when opening specific records
Display based on specification values or conditions
Set message priority levels
Create user-specific or role-specific messages
Include messages on sales/purchase documents
Use cases: Safety warnings, handling instructions, regulatory notes, special pricing alerts
18. Special Order and Drop Shipment
Enhanced special order and drop shipment handling with specification transfer.
What it does:
Transfer specifications from sales to purchase documents
Maintain specification consistency through special order process
Show customer-required specifications to vendors
Track special order specifications on documents
Link special order items with their specifications
Integration:
Master Data on Documents - includes specs on both sales and purchase sides
Specification on Pages - displays relevant specs throughout the process
19. Specification Search
Powerful search tool to find items and master data based on specification criteria.
What it does:
Search using multiple specification criteria
Find items that match all or any of the criteria
See specification mismatches (nearly-matching items)
Save search templates for repeated use
Export search results
Create sales/purchase lines directly from search results
Related features:
Item Search - complementary search focused on text search
Order Matrix - can filter by specifications
Information Matrix - view full specs of search results
20. Attribute Synchronization
Synchronize Master Data Information Codes with standard Business Central Item Attributes to enable AI-powered features.
What it does:
Automatically sync your Information Codes to Business Central's standard Item Attributes
Enable the use of Business Central's AI-powered Marketing Text generator with your specifications
Keep standard attributes and MDI Information Codes in sync
Allow AI to generate compelling marketing descriptions based on your detailed specifications
Bridge the gap between MDI's powerful specification system and Business Central's native AI features
Primary use case: Use the standard Business Central AI Marketing Text generator to create marketing content based on the detailed specifications you've defined in Master Data Information. The AI can read your synced attributes (color, material, features, etc.) and generate professional marketing descriptions automatically.
How it works: When you enable synchronization for an Information Code, its values are automatically synchronized to corresponding Item Attributes. This makes your detailed specification data accessible to Business Central's AI features without duplicating your data entry efforts.
How Features Work Together
Common Workflows
Product Setup Workflow:
Define Information Codes for your product attributes
Set up Logical Dependencies between related specifications
Create Master Data Hierarchy to organize product families
Configure Favorite Information for quick access to key specs
Enable Specification on Pages to show specs on item cards
Sales Process Workflow:
Use Specification Search to find products matching customer requirements
Master Data on Documents automatically adds specifications to quotes/orders
Language and Extended Text provides descriptions in customer's language
Document Lifecycle Workflow:
Create sales quote with Specification Search to find matching items
Convert quote to order - specifications carry forward automatically
Master Data on Documents ensures specs appear on order confirmation
Create shipment - specifications sync to shipment documents
Post invoice - historical specification values preserved
Use Document Customizer (related app) to format specification presentation
Data Management Workflow:
Create master data templates using Copy Master Data
Import bulk data with Import Worksheet
Track changes with Information Code Archive Entries
Use Information Matrix for bulk specification updates
Generate descriptions with Merged Descriptions
Manage multilingual content with Language and Extended Text
Product Configuration Workflow:
Define Logical Dependencies between specifications
Use Specification Wizard for guided configuration
Transfer configured specs to sales documents with Master Data on Documents
Getting Started
Initial Setup
Install Master Data Information
Access Master Data Information Setup to configure basic settings
Define your first Information Codes for common attributes
Recommended First Steps
Start with a few key Information Codes (don't try to define everything at once)
Apply specifications to a small group of items
Test Information Matrix to see how easy it is to manage specifications
Configure Specification on Pages to show specifications on item cards
Set up Favorite Information for your most important specifications
Train users on Specification Search for finding items
Best Practices
Use consistent naming conventions for Information Codes
Leverage Copy Master Data to reduce repetitive data entry
Set up Logical Dependencies to maintain data quality
Use Master Data Archive Entries for audit compliance
Configure Pop-up Messages for important safety or regulatory information
Utilize Master Data on Documents to enrich customer communications
Enable Attribute Synchronization to leverage Business Central's AI Marketing Text generator for automated content creation
Support and Resources
Help URL: https://usedynamics.com/master-data/
App Support: https://abakion.com/support/apps
Publisher: Abakion
Product Website: https://abakion.com/dynamics-365/apps/master-data/
Summary
Master Data Information transforms how you manage product information, customer data, and other master records in Business Central. By centralizing all specifications, descriptions, images, and extended information in one place, it eliminates data silos, reduces errors, and makes it easy to enrich customer-facing documents. With features including attribute synchronization for AI-powered marketing text generation, the app's extensive feature set works together seamlessly to support workflows from initial product setup through sales, purchasing, manufacturing, and beyond.
The modular architecture means you can start with basic specification management and gradually adopt more advanced features like Specification Search, automated description generation, and attribute synchronization as your needs grow. Whether you're managing hundreds of product attributes, supporting multiple languages, need to track specification changes for compliance, or want to leverage Business Central's AI Marketing Text generator with your specifications, Master Data Information provides the flexible, powerful solution you need.
When combined with the Sales Configurator app, you gain an even more powerful solution for guided product configuration during the sales process, leveraging the Information Codes and Logical Dependencies you've defined to create a seamless experience from specification management through to configured sales orders.