Yes, integrating Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central with an on-premises MES platform such as Ignition is a recognized approach for bringing equipment runtime, output counts, and other machine data into BC. While Maintenance Manager does not include a native MES connector, the integration architecture is well-established: the MES serves as the intermediary between shop floor devices and Business Central, and the data exchanged can be used to update the interval values that drive maintenance scheduling.
How the Integration Architecture Works
PLCs and field devices communicate using OPC, which is the industrial standard for device-level data exchange. An MES platform like Ignition is designed to collect and normalize this OPC data into a structured database. Business Central can then read from that database through a custom or partner-built integration to retrieve values such as current runtime hours, output counts, or distance readings and apply them to the corresponding maintenance equipment item in BC. This approach is generally more reliable than a direct PLC-to-BC connection because the MES layer handles the real-time device communication, data buffering, and structuring. Business Central then reads clean, structured values rather than raw device signals.
What Updates in Maintenance Manager
Once a runtime or output count value is updated on a maintenance equipment item in BC, Maintenance Manager evaluates whether the maintenance interval threshold has been reached. If the current value equals or exceeds the defined interval size, the task is flagged as due and a work order can be generated. This means that as long as the integration keeps the interval values current, work orders will trigger based on actual machine behavior rather than estimated schedules. Insight Works has established partner relationships with automation providers who work in this space. If your organization already has Ignition deployed, the integration path is primarily a BC development or partner engagement to create the data feed rather than a change to Ignition’s existing configuration.
Relevant Tools
Maintenance Manager by Insight Works manages the maintenance interval logic, work order generation, and execution tracking within Business Central.
mxAPS by Insight Works can schedule maintenance orders generated from MES-driven interval triggers alongside production orders to minimize operational disruption.
An on-premises MES such as Ignition is a practical and well-suited integration point for feeding equipment data into Business Central. With interval values kept current through that integration, Maintenance Manager can trigger maintenance based on actual machine runtime rather than calendar estimates, which is the core value of runtime-based preventive maintenance.