If you are thinking about leveraging the wide functionality of Microsoft Dynamics 365, you might be wondering how exactly this cloud software is used. This short guide will help you to understand the ERP system offered by Microsoft better.
Solutions and Licensing Plans
The very first step to using Microsoft Dynamics 365 is choosing the exact software you would like to deploy. This cloud-based system provides its users with an array of integrated apps and modules which can be used either separately or together. The maximum possibilities are available with the full Microsoft Dynamics 365 plan including both ERP and CRM software , however, you should be aware of the specific needs of your business. Depending on its scale, structure and activity, you might find it more cost-effective to utilize only certain apps.
It is also crucial to know the licenses used for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 apps as they are quite different from the ones of other ERP solutions. No matter whether you prefer the full Microsoft plan or only one of its apps, you will have to pay for a so-called “seat” or a user.
A seat can have the Full User license with complete access to all of the features of an application or the Team Member license with limited read-and-write functionality. While the letter one can reduce expenses, it also has a practical meaning for data security, as it is not sensible to allow each of your employees to change crucial data entries in the apps.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation and Maintenance
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud software, which means it is accessed through a web browser with an Internet connection and different types of devices without a need for installation. The system itself is already installed on the servers of the vendor and provided to its users as Software-as-a-Service or SaaS. Most of the apps are hosted by the public Microsoft Azure cloud.
Note, while the cloud technology helps you to avoid high costs related to hardware, storing a large amount of data in the cloud might require paying an extra fee for renting the space.
Even though Microsoft Dynamics 365 does not require traditional installation, the process of implementation can take several months depending on the complexity of your company’s structure. The implementation project requires time for tailoring the ERP system to the exact requirements of your business, preparing data for processing and testing the implemented software before going live. The process can be shortened with proper organization and assistance of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation partner.
Further testing is highly recommended since this system is undergoing regular modifications. While major updates are usually released every three months, minor optimization changes can happen more frequently. Regression testing helps to avoid undesirable behavior of the ERP system.
Expanding Functionality
Although the full Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution is highly rich in features, it can be extended even more due to the integration with the third-party add-ons and apps. You can reach the collection of over 500 products through AppSource, which is an official Microsoft store. For instance, there you can find tools for speech-to-text processing as well as maps integration.
For automating your workflows as well as building your own custom apps, you might be willing to use the CDS for Apps or the back-end platform of The Common Data Service for Apps. This is also a useful tool for app standardization and solving compatibility issues, especially in the case of unifying disparate pieces of software recording data in different ways. The CDS for Apps also empowers Microsoft PowerApps for creating more customized applications such as booking tools or budget trackers as well as Microsoft Flow for automated workflows.
To boost processing of data generated by third-party software and making it compatible with the tools of Microsoft Power BI, you might be interested in using The Common Data Service for Analytics.
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