D365 FinOps Dual Write Training December 2023

Dive into the world of Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 FinOps) and discover the benefits of integrating your business applications. Learn about the MB-300 certification and how dual-write technology can revolutionize your data management.

D365 FinOps, also known as Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, D365F&O, D365 FO, and D365F5FO, is a powerful suite of business applications that seamlessly integrate finance and operations processes. The “D” in D365 stands for Dynamics, while “FinOps” represents the combination of Finance and Operations, streamlining your business for efficiency and growth. Dynamics 365 Finance focuses on automating financial management, while Dynamics 365 Operations targets process optimization and resource management.

The MB-300 certification is an exam designed to validate your knowledge and skills in using Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. It covers various aspects, such as data management, configuration, and dual-write functionality. Earning this certification can boost your career by demonstrating your expertise in implementing and managing D365 FinOps solutions.

Dual-write is an essential feature in D365 FinOps, providing near-real-time, bidirectional data flow between finance and operations apps and Dataverse. It automates data synchronization, ensuring a consistent user experience across applications. This integration is crucial for businesses looking for a one-stop solution for finance, supply chain management, and customer relationship management (CRM).

The importance of dual-write in MB-300 is that it showcases the seamless integration of Dynamics 365 applications. It allows candidates to demonstrate their understanding of data management and synchronization between applications, ensuring an efficient and optimized system.

Dual-write is vital for both MB-300 and D365 FinOps, as it enables a robust infrastructure for data management and synchronization. It supports online and offline modes, offers a no-code/low-code approach, and links environments for different business applications to work together.

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations provides an integrated solution for managing your business processes, and dual-write technology plays a crucial role in connecting applications for a seamless user experience. Consider earning the MB-300 certification to showcase your expertise in D365 FinOps and leverage the power of dual-write to optimize your business operations. Embrace the future of business management and take your career to new heights!

Dual-Write in Retail

Dual-write plays a crucial role in the retail industry by synchronizing data between Dataverse (Dynamics 365 CRM) and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. This synchronization helps retailers maintain accurate and consistent information across different systems, improving operational efficiency and customer experiences. Let’s explore three retail scenarios where dual-write offers significant benefits:

1. Fashion Retailer: Inventory Management and Omnichannel Experience

Without dual-write, a fashion retailer might struggle to maintain accurate inventory data between their CRM and Finance and Operations systems. This discrepancy could lead to stockouts, overstocking, or incorrect pricing, ultimately resulting in lost sales and dissatisfied customers.

Stockouts

Stockouts occur when a retailer runs out of a specific product, preventing customers from making a purchase. Without dual-write, discrepancies between CRM and Finance and Operations systems can lead to inaccurate inventory data, increasing the likelihood of stockouts. For example, if the CRM system shows a product is in stock but the Finance and Operations system has not been updated, customers may place orders that cannot be fulfilled. This situation can result in lost sales, as customers may turn to competitors for the product, and dissatisfied customers who might not return for future purchases.

Overstocking

Overstocking refers to having an excess of inventory, tying up cash flow and increasing storage costs. Without dual-write, inconsistencies in inventory data between CRM and Finance and Operations systems can lead to overstocking. For instance, if the CRM system indicates low stock levels, but the Finance and Operations system has not been updated with recent deliveries, the retailer may unintentionally order more products than needed. Overstocking can lead to wasted resources, markdowns to clear excess inventory, and ultimately, reduced profit margins.

Incorrect pricing

Incorrect pricing arises when there are inconsistencies in product pricing data between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems. Without dual-write, these discrepancies can cause confusion and frustration for customers who may see different prices in different sales channels. For example, a customer may find a product online with a lower price than in-store, leading to dissatisfaction and potential loss of sales if they choose not to make a purchase due to the pricing discrepancy.

D365 FinOps Dual Write can enhance your omnichannel experience!

With dual-write, retailers can synchronize inventory data in real-time between both systems, mitigating stockouts, overstocking, and incorrect pricing issues. By accurately maintaining stock levels and pricing information, retailers can provide a seamless omnichannel shopping experience for customers while improving inventory management. Dual-write is essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring that the retailer can effectively meet customer needs and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

2. Electronics Retailer: Customer Loyalty and Rewards Programs

An electronics retailer may have a customer loyalty program with reward points, but without dual-write, there could be inconsistencies between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems. This misalignment could lead to delays in updating reward points, customer dissatisfaction, and potential revenue loss.

Delays in updating reward points

Without dual-write, inconsistencies between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems can cause delays in updating customer reward points. For example, if a customer makes a purchase and earns reward points, but the Finance and Operations system is not updated in real-time, the customer may not be able to redeem their points immediately. This delay can lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales opportunities if customers choose to shop elsewhere due to the inconvenience.

Customer dissatisfaction

Customer dissatisfaction can result from discrepancies in reward points data between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems. For instance, if a customer’s reward points balance is not accurately reflected across both systems, they may experience difficulty when trying to redeem points or access exclusive offers. This frustration can negatively impact the customer’s overall experience with the retailer and may lead to lost future sales.

Potential revenue loss

Potential revenue loss can occur when inconsistencies between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems hinder the effectiveness of a retailer’s loyalty program. If customers perceive the program as unreliable or cumbersome due to data discrepancies, they may choose to shop with competitors who offer a more seamless experience, ultimately leading to lost sales for the retailer.

D365 FinOps Dual Write can boost your customer loyalty programs!

By implementing dual-write, the electronics retailer can synchronize customer data and reward points in real-time between both systems. This integration enables a seamless customer experience when redeeming rewards and provides the retailer with accurate insights into customer behavior. As a result, the retailer can develop better-targeted marketing campaigns and promotions, enhancing customer loyalty and driving increased sales.

3. Grocery Retailer: Supply Chain Management and Vendor Relationships

In the grocery retail industry, effective supply chain management and strong vendor relationships are crucial to success. Without dual-write, data discrepancies between CRM and Finance and Operations systems could hinder the retailer’s ability to manage orders, track shipments, and maintain accurate financial records. This lack of synchronization may result in delivery delays, spoiled products, or strained vendor relationships.

Delivery delays

Without dual-write, discrepancies between CRM and Finance and Operations systems can lead to delays in order processing and delivery. For example, if the CRM system indicates an order has been placed, but the Finance and Operations system hasn’t been updated, the retailer might not promptly process the order, resulting in delayed shipments. These delays can lead to customer dissatisfaction, potential loss of sales, and increased operational costs for expedited shipping to meet delivery expectations.

Spoiled products

In the grocery retail industry, managing perishable items is critical. Without dual-write, inventory data inconsistencies between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems can result in spoiled products due to poor stock rotation or inaccurate expiry date tracking. This can lead to financial losses, as the retailer will need to dispose of spoiled products, and customer dissatisfaction if customers encounter out-of-date items on store shelves.

Strained vendor relationships

Data discrepancies between the CRM and Finance and Operations systems can strain vendor relationships. For instance, if a retailer’s purchase orders or payments are not accurately recorded across both systems, vendors may experience delays in receiving payments or confusion over order quantities. This can lead to mistrust and damaged relationships with vendors, potentially impacting product availability and pricing negotiations in the future.

D365 FinOps Dual Write can improve your supply chain management!

By utilizing dual-write, the grocery retailer can synchronize data across systems, ensuring accurate and timely order processing, inventory management, and financial reporting. This integration streamlines supply chain operations and strengthens vendor relationships, leading to improved efficiency and a more profitable business. Dual-write enables the grocery retailer to manage their supply chain effectively, reducing the risk of delivery delays, spoiled products, and strained vendor relationships, ultimately enhancing their overall competitiveness in the market.

Dual Write in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Dual-write is essential for retailers to maintain data consistency between Dynamics 365 CRM and Finance and Operations systems. Implementing dual-write technology in retail scenarios, such as fashion, electronics, and grocery, can lead to improved inventory management, enhanced customer experiences, and more efficient supply chain operations. By leveraging dual-write, retailers can capitalize on the benefits of synchronized data and drive their business towards growth and success.

Contact Dynamics Edge today and ask us how we can help your leverage D365 FinOps features, including dual write and more, to improve your supply chain management, enhance inventory control, optimize customer experiences, and strengthen vendor relationships. These powerful features provide retailers with the tools they need to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and drive profitability.