What You Need to Know About MS Dynamics 365 Business Apps – Part 2

If you read Part 1 of this two-part blog post, you know that Microsoft’s current version of business support is under the name Microsoft Dynamics 365, which includes a number of business applications.

 
Microsoft stopped offering these applications in two versions, one bundled version for large companies and one that they intended for small companies. Microsoft’s new approach gives customers the ability to purchase only those Dynamics 365 business applications that suit their needs.

Customer can start with one product and add others as their needs evolve. If a mid-sized business wants an application that was previously only available in a large company bundle, they can purchase it separately.

The capabilities offered by Microsoft are divided into five areas: Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Field Service, and Project Operations (previously known as Project Service Automation). The Sales application also offers separate modules.

This is the second of two articles that will give you the information you need about the Microsoft Dynamics 365 business applications.

Dynamics 365 Project Service Automation (Now Project Operations)

Project management that involves multiple departments is easier because Microsoft’s Project Service Automation is now a part of the Dynamics 365 Project Operations application. As a result, sales, project management, and finance teams can use one dashboard to manage projects. When all departments use the same information, it’s possible to be more successful in winning contracts, utilize resources better and streamline the approach to completing projects.

Project management tools and KPI dashboards assist in completing projects and evaluating success. The application also includes the ability to generate quotes, track related documents and obtain e-signatures.

Dynamics 365 Retail (Now Commerce)

Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Commerce was originally called Retail. This version allows customers to buy on any device across e-commerce, in-store, call center, back office, and more. Purchases are shipping using intelligent distributed order management.

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Users of the Finance application can increase profitability with AI-driven insights into real-time financial reporting. Time consuming and repetitive tasks are automated to help save time. Users can improve financial operations by integrating financials into core business processes to increase productivity and maximize performance. The Operations app helps the user create an intelligent and flexible supply chain.

Dynamics 365 Talent (Now Human Resources)

Dynamics 365 Human Resources has been updated to centralize employee profiles, offer self-service tools, manage HR programs with a connection to payroll systems. Users can also use the application with job systems such as LinkedIn, and more.

Supporting Apps for Dynamics 365

Microsoft has several applications that aren’t included in the Dynamics 365 applications, but you can take advantage of them to enhance your operations as needed.

Power Apps

When users want to create their own apps, Microsoft’s Power Apps is the answer. It has a drag and drop interface that doesn’t require coding knowledge. Once complete, the Power Apps can be integrated with Office 365 and Dynamics 365 to access business data to complete a variety of functions.

Power Automate (Previously Microsoft Flow)

Power Automate allows users to create workflows that will automate repetitive tasks. The user identifies a trigger in a business process, then creates a flow using low-code drag and drop tools. The Power Automate user must be a bit more sophisticated in using automated systems than those using Power Apps. Microsoft has an extensive template library that help users automate common processes.

Here’s an example:

• A user automates the process of routing expense reports for approval. If a manager has had the approval request for two days, that timing triggers a process that emails the manager reminding them to respond.

Dynamics 365 Customer Insights

Customer Insights helps users gather customer data that is presented in an actionable format. AI-powered insights are available in real time from user dashboards. Users can make plans based on customer data to improve the sales process. Customizable interactive reports help users improve the customer journey, and AI models are available to predict customer needs. All customer data is stored in highly secure servers, but users can also access Power Apps and Power Automate to assist in gathering and analyzing data.

Social Engagement (Discontinued)

If you’re looking for tools to support engaging on social media, you need to look for an appropriate app available in Microsoft’s AppSource listings. Microsoft felt that they could provide insights about more critical market and customer trends by focusing on other products, and the Social Engagement app has been discontinued.

Datavail Microsoft Dynamics 365 Services

You can reach your goals of increasing lead generation, improving service levels and boost your competitive edge by using Microsoft Dynamics 365 applications. But, you will face challenges to get the applications implemented and accepted.

Datavail can provide the type of support you need to make the best choices among the applications and to make the best use of the features that are available. As your partner, we can assist you with everything from consulting and development to fully managed services.

Whether you need to upgrade to the cloud, establish connections across applications, provide user training and support, and more, Datavail’s team can make your Dynamics 365 applications a success and help you grow your business.

Review our whitepaper, “What Everyone Needs to Know About Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Apps – An Overview” for more information. And, feel free to contact our experts to discuss your needs and see what you can accomplish with Datavail as your partner.