Creating multiple records in D365FO using OData batch

Hi Folks, 

In todays post I will try to explains how to create multiple records in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365FO) using a single OData batch request. The example uses Postman and demonstrates how each part of the batch payload works, including boundaries, headers, and common pitfalls.

[Please read and understand the full content first before using the examples.]

1. Overview

OData batch allows you to send several operations in one HTTP request. This is useful when you want to create multiple records at once, such as multiple Ledger Journal Headers. Instead of sending separate POST requests, you wrap them inside a batch and a changeset.

• The batch groups everything together.
• The changeset groups write operations (POST, PATCH, DELETE) and makes them transactional.
• Each record creation is an application/http part inside the changeset.

2. Full Batch Payload Example

3. Understanding Each Part of the Payload

Batch Boundary : The batch begins with:

    --batch_7bf57939-a923-4e49-92d3-20fb4f2c8435

This boundary must match the boundary declared in the main HTTP header:

    Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary=batch_7bf57939-a923-4e49-92d3-20fb4f2c8435

The batch ends with:

    --batch_7bf57939-a923-4e49-92d3-20fb4f2c8435--

Changeset Boundary

Inside the batch, you declare a changeset:

    Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary=changeset_8a6f6ebe-e9c9-44a2-b980-c33a69370eb4

Each POST request is wrapped inside this changeset. The changeset ends with:

    --changeset_8a6f6ebe-e9c9-44a2-b980-c33a69370eb4--

Individual Operations

Each operation starts with:

--changeset_...

Content-Type: application/http

Content-Transfer-Encoding: binary

Content-ID: <unique number>

Content-ID is used to identify the operation. It becomes important when referencing results between operations.

Inner HTTP Request

Each operation contains a full HTTP request:

POST /data/LedgerJournalHeaders HTTP/1.1

Content-Type: application/json;odata.metadata=minimal

Accept: application/json;odata.metadata=minimal

Company: usmf

Prefer: return=representation

Key headers:

• Company: Specifies the legal entity.
• Prefer: return=representation: Returns the created record in the response.

The JSON body follows after a blank line.

4. How to Send This in Postman

1. Set method to POST.
2. URL:
3. https://<your-environment>.cloudax.dynamics.com/data/$batch
4. Add headers:
• Authorization: Bearer <token>
• Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary=batch_7bf57939-a923-4e49-92d3-20fb4f2c8435
• Accept: application/json
5. Paste the entire batch payload into the body (raw text).

Important:

• Do not add extra spaces before boundary lines.
• Ensure blank lines exist where required.
• Boundary names must match exactly.

5. Common Pitfalls

• Boundary mismatch: The most common cause of errors.
• Missing blank lines: Required between headers and body.
• Incorrect Company header: May cause data to be created in the wrong legal entity.
• Changeset errors: If one operation fails, all operations in the changeset fail.

6. Summary

Using OData batch in D365FO allows you to create multiple records efficiently in a single request. Understanding boundaries, headers, and formatting is essential for successful execution. The example provided can be used as a template for creating multiple Ledger Journal Headers or any other entity records.

Hope you find this post useful, pl drop a comment if you need some more examples. 

-Harry Follow us on Facebook to keep in rhythm with us. https:fb.com/theaxapta