Customers expect quick access to business information, whether they need to check an order, review a document, or find out where their cargo is. For companies managing high volumes of these interactions, making information easy to find, understand, and act on helps keep everyday workflows moving.
Xpand Portal version 4.6.0.0 introduces new capabilities to make these interactions more efficient. The release brings an AI Assistant, a dedicated Cargo Tracking Module, faster page loading, and more flexible hosting options, alongside improvements to mobile usability, dashboards, and security management.
Here is how these changes can help businesses improve customer self-service and make better use of their portal.
AI Assistant. Make business information easier to access
Even with well-designed dashboards, finding specific information can require navigating several pages, especially when business workflows are complex. The new AI Assistant gives portal users another way to find the information they need.
Users can ask questions in natural language and receive answers, summaries, lists, and links to relevant records. They can explore information, including details behind dashboard figures, through a single conversation rather than searching across multiple views.
For businesses, this can reduce routine information requests and give customers greater independence. Customers can find relevant information more quickly, while support teams spend less time retrieving it for them.
The assistant follows existing access permissions and data-masking rules. Administrators can configure AI models and datasets, set usage quotas, and review activity logs to manage how AI is used within their portal.
Cargo Tracking Module. Give customers visibility into their goods
The new Cargo Tracking Module gives warehouse customers self-service access to cargo information through Xpand Portal. They can check inventory, cargo locations, storage time, available quantities, restrictions, and planned inbound and outbound movements without requesting each update from warehouse staff or customer service teams.
The module also provides visibility into operational details such as damaged cargo, dangerous goods, and customs or documentation holds. This helps customers understand the status of their goods and identify issues that may affect their availability or movement.
With this information accessible in one place, businesses have an opportunity to reduce repetitive status requests and improve communication with customers. Customers, in turn, gain better visibility into their goods and the information they need to plan their operations.
Xpand Portal’s standard API framework receives information from Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and ERP systems. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central connects through the standard Xpand Portal Connector.
For Microsoft partners, this creates an additional opportunity to address warehouse and logistics requirements with a dedicated portal module, rather than building every cargo visibility scenario from scratch.
Faster performance and a more convenient user experience
Fast-loading pages and clear dashboards help users complete everyday tasks more efficiently, especially when working with large amounts of business data.
In version 4.6.0.0, data-heavy pages load approximately 50% faster, with results depending on the page, data volume, and deployment environment. Improvements cover dashboards, filters, value lists, and large data views, helping users access information with less waiting.
New dashboard elements also make business data easier to interpret. Trend indicators show percentage or absolute changes, ring charts visualize category distributions, and breakdown tiles highlight KPI-related figures.
Mobile and tablet usability has also improved. Lists, cards, dashboards, navigation, attachments, and notifications have been adapted for smaller screens and touch interaction. Administrators can control which elements appear on mobile devices to better match users’ needs.
Together, these improvements support a smoother experience for customers, partners, and employees who rely on the portal to access business information throughout the day.
More flexibility and control for IT teams
Version 4.6.0.0 gives IT teams more hosting options and greater control over user access and authentication.
Linux-compatible hosting expands deployment options, allowing businesses to choose an environment that better fits their infrastructure and IT strategy.
Security improvements give administrators additional control over authentication and portal access. Administrators can enforce authentication requirements using named accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA), or single sign-on (SSO) for all users simultaneously. Authentication changes are logged to support traceability.
Member access management has also been updated. Administrators can lock a member's portal access while retaining the account and its history. Locked members cannot sign in or receive subscription notifications, while their records remain available for administrative review.
These capabilities help organizations manage external access more deliberately and align portal administration with their security requirements.
Additional improvements across the portal
Beyond the main updates, version 4.6.0.0 includes further refinements to everyday portal administration and usability.
- Clearer interface elements: Revised alerts, improved tiles, compact commands, and more consistent interactions help users navigate the portal more comfortably.
- More flexible dashboard presentation: Additional visualization options help businesses present key figures and performance indicators in a way that suits their needs.
- More controlled access management: Administrators can restrict individual members' access without losing their account history, supporting more traceable administration.
These improvements complement the larger release features, making the portal more practical to use and manage across different business scenarios.
For the complete list of changes, including detailed functionality and configuration options, see the Xpand Portal 4.6.0.0 release notes.
What Xpand Portal release 4.6.0.0 means for your business
Revised alerts, improved mobile adaptivity, compact commands, and more consistent interactions help users navigate the portal more comfortably.
Explore Xpand Portal 4.6.0.0. Read the full release notes to discover all the new features and improvements, or request a demo to explore how Xpand Portal can support your business processes.
About Xpand Portal
Xpand Portal is a web-based B2B solution that integrates with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, giving customers, vendors, and partners secure access to business information and self-service capabilities. Its configurable modules help businesses streamline processes, reduce manual work, and improve collaboration with external users.