Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a revolutionary platform for cloud-based business applications that combines enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) with extensive productivity software and tools including artificial intelligence (AI).
As a leading business application platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365 supports all industries. In addition to its essential functions, Dynamics 365 offers exceptional capabilities and flexibility that are exclusive to Microsoft. The familiar and easy-use user interface of Dynamics 365 ranks high for integration simplicity, end-user training quality, and availability of features. Let’s explore this in more detail.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Overview
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the next-generation, intelligent cloud-based business software everyone needs. The software is a consolidation of CRM and ERP solutions into a single cloud service delivered by specialized applications, enabling end-to-end business processes driven by unified navigation. It has an intuitive user experience and enables seamless integration between applications. Through Software-as-a-Service, Dynamics 365 extends your organization’s commitment to the cloud on an ever-green platform that is always the latest and greatest software.
Specialized applications offered through Dynamics 365 include Customer Service, Sales, Field Service, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Commerce – to name a few. The end goal of these intelligent apps is to help your team ‘do more with less’.
Benefits of Using Microsoft Dynamics 365
Dynamics 365’s greatest asset is its ability to function in tandem with other Microsoft technologies. Unlike most CRM systems, which rely on third-party plug-ins, Dynamics 365 offers more beneficial integration with sister products like Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, and Azure. Through the AppSource marketplace, Microsoft is also expanding its collection of third-party applications compatible with Dynamics 365.
Native integration between Microsoft 365 productivity apps (such as Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook) and Dynamics 365’s CRM/ERP capabilities provides users with a unified view of data intelligence regarding customer records, transactions, behaviors, and preferences, as well as orders, inventory, and assets.
Security is also top-of-mind when using Dynamics 365. Data can be secured down to the field level, meaning your team has access to only the data they need to perform daily tasks. Dynamics 365 is built on the powerful Microsoft Azure cloud platform, so it is backed by the strength and technology innovation of Microsoft. Microsoft has recently quadrupled its investment in cybersecurity by committing $20 billion over the next five years.
Features of Microsoft Dynamics 365
The wide range of features, capabilities, offerings, and business processes that Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers is what truly sets it apart from competitors. Not only does this software evolve the way you do business, but it also operates as a cloud-based application that runs in a secure browser and mobile application – which can be accessed from anywhere via a web-enabled device.
Aside from its operational benefits, Microsoft Dynamics 365 includes native integration with Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) out-of-the-box to boost productivity. Access Teams chats and files directly within the Dynamics 365 interface. Sync with Outlook to send emails within Dynamics 365 and track essential conversations right to the Opportunity or Company record. Export to and import from Excel with ease. The possibilities are virtually endless.
The Power Platform adds built-in process automation and business intelligence for predictive insights in Dynamics 365. Power Automate’s custom workflow builder enables users to construct robust and adaptable workflows essential to any operating business. Power BI brings data to life via dynamic dashboards so you can illuminate the information that is important for making decisions within your operation.
The Takeaway
Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a wide range of features and functionalities for every organization. Investing in a robust business application solution will unquestionably help you to optimize and automate operational processes, thereby increasing productivity and profitability.
Microsoft Teams and Outlook are just two examples of the many Microsoft applications that can be seamlessly integrated with Dynamics 365. As this technology progresses, more and more functionalities will become available to users. Dynamics 365 is a great place to revolutionize your business operations and expand your adoption of the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.
Contact Arctic IT today to learn more about the Dynamics platform.
By Bryan Schmidt, Principal Solution Architect CRM and Power Apps at Arctic IT