Dynamics CRM Developer Training November 2023

At the heart of the new Power Platform revolution is Microsoft Dynamics CRM, a powerful customer relationship management solution that fundamentally transforms the manner in which businesses, governments, and organizations interact with their customers, fostering growth and profitability.

Businesses and organizations across diverse industries, from retail to governmental agencies, can really leverage Dynamics CRM to enhance customer service delivery, streamline operations, and generate insightful data for decision making.

Unleashing the full potential of Dynamics CRM necessitates a specific expertise.
A Dynamics CRM developer becomes a catalyst for this change, possessing the skills and knowledge to configure, customize, and extend the CRM software to meet the unique needs of an organization.

Imagine a electronics manufacturer wanting to track the lifecycle of its products, or a call center desiring an improved system to manage customer requests. Here, a Dynamics CRM developer is a key player in crafting these bespoke solutions.

To further aid developers in their journey, Microsoft offers a robust toolset such as the Dynamics CRM Developer Toolkit. This toolkit is fully compatible with various versions of Visual Studio, including Visual Studio 2019. Moreover, it seamlessly blends with the Dynamics 365 Developer Toolkit, allowing developers to navigate the features of both Dynamics CRM and Dynamics 365. The toolkit includes ‘microsoft.dynamics.framework.tools.installer.vsix,’ an installer package which sets up the necessary components in Visual Studio. Once installed, the ‘extension.vsix.manifest’ file contains metadata about the extension. Learn more with Dynamics Edge Dynamics CRM Developer Toolkit training November 2023. However note that the Developer Toolkit and Visual Studio 2019 may no longer be the recommended usage in the modern versions of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, newer methodology may be recommended, and there may now be options involving Visual Studio Code and VS Code Extensions, which could be explained to you more in our comprehensive Dynamics CRM Training November 2023 and Dynamics 365 Training November 2023 offerings.

One other key thing you may learn from our D365 CRM training November 2023 is that these Visual Studio development tools play a significant role in shaping the development process. For instance, Visual Studio 2017 provides an intuitive interface for code editing, debugging, and testing. With Azure DevOps integration, developers can plan, develop, test, and deliver software in a more streamlined and efficient manner.

Exploiting the capabilities of these tools requires an in-depth understanding of the Dynamics CRM Developer SDK, the definitive guide for developers. SDK stands for Software Development Kit, a collection of software tools and libraries that aids developers in creating applications. When it comes to integrating external systems with Dynamics CRM, the Dynamics CRM API plays a pivotal role. API stands for Application Programming Interface, a set of rules and protocols for building and interacting with software applications.

Developers can leverage the Dynamics CRM REST API to interact with the CRM data and functions from a variety of platforms. Coupled with Dynamics 365 SDK tools, developers can create, retrieve, update, and delete data, as well as perform a multitude of other operations. In the realm of building inspection service technicians, the Dynamics CRM Developer API might be used to manage appointments, track inspection results, or generate performance reports, thus elevating their work efficiency.

The Dynamics CRM development experience extends beyond just APIs and SDKs. A Dynamics CRM plugin developer plays a crucial role in this process, often tasked with the creation of custom logic to extend or modify the standard behavior of the CRM. This can involve writing a C# plugin, registering it in Dynamics CRM, and associating it with a specific message, step, or workflow. Learn more with Dynamics Edge’s Dynamics CRM developer sdk training November 2023 offerings. Custom code activity in Dynamics CRM is an essential aspect of this process.

Consider the ‘microsoft.dynamics.crm.executeworkflow’ namespace which includes the ExecuteWorkflow Action, allowing developers to initiate workflows programmatically. The ExecuteWorkflowRequest Class under the ‘microsoft.crm.sdk.proxy’ namespace forms a part of this process. This flexibility in extending CRM functionalities could be leveraged by a small business selling custom portraits to manage orders, track shipments, and handle customer inquiries, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

In addition to workflows, developers can also harness the power of other actions like ‘microsoft.dynamics.crm.sendemail’ to send emails directly from Dynamics CRM. The SendEmail Action could be used by a US federal government agency to automate communication with constituents, improving transparency and responsiveness.

To query and manipulate CRM data, developers can utilize ‘microsoft.dynamics.crm.lookuplogicalname’ along with the ability to query data using the Web API on PowerApps. These Web API queries can easily handle lookups displaying values in Dataverse flows. But what is Dataverse? Dataverse is Microsoft’s cloud-based storage platform for business data. Previously known as the Common Data Service or Common Data Model, it underwent significant terminology changes, for example, tables were called entities, and columns were called fields. Learn more with Dynamics CRM plugin developer training November 2023 by Dynamics Edge.

Looking closely at a Dynamics CRM lookup column, it plays an important role in creating relationships between tables. Lookup columns in Dataverse, formerly known as lookup fields in Common Data Service, allow records in one table to reference records in another. For instance, a system lookup field, now called a system lookup column, could be used by a state government agency to relate a permit application record to a specific department. For more info check out Dynamics CRM lookup column training November 2023 or Dynamics CRM lookup field training November 2023.

When we delve deeper into the data structure, we come across terms like attribute, option set, and two options. These terminologies are fundamental to establishing data integrity and enhancing user experience in Dynamics CRM. Relationships in Dynamics CRM, whether it’s a 1:N relationship, N:1 relationship, or N:N relationship, help to maintain data consistency and establish connections between tables, a vital factor when handling large datasets, such as an international government agency might do.

With the shift towards a more user-centric design approach, model-driven apps and canvas apps built on PowerApps have gained prominence. Utilizing Power Fx, a low-code programming language, developers can build robust, feature-rich applications to serve a variety of industries. For instance, in the retail sector, a canvas app could serve as a product catalog, or a model-driven app could manage inventory.

To further enhance user experience, client-side scripts like JavaScript are used for form validation, data manipulation, and user interface customization. This feature becomes invaluable in sectors like real estate where agents can use Dynamics CRM to manage properties, schedule viewings, and generate reports.

Within Dynamics CRM, the sitemap forms the navigation structure. It consists of areas, groups, and subareas, providing users with a comprehensive view of their CRM data. Advanced lookup and filters empower users to search for records in a more efficient and sophisticated manner, and views present a filtered list of records. Columns in a view represent fields of a record, giving users a snapshot of essential information at a glance.

Forms serve as the primary interface for data entry, and dashboards provide an overview of business metrics at a glance. Both can be customized to meet specific business needs, be it in a fitness club managing member data or an educational institution tracking student progress.

Another fundamental concept in Dynamics CRM is the ‘table,’ formerly known as an entity. Each table consists of records. Records in Dynamics CRM are units of data that are stored in a table and are made up of columns (formerly known as fields). For instance, in a table for ‘Customers,’ each customer would be a separate record with details filled into columns like ‘Name,’ ‘Email,’ ‘Address,’ and so forth.

A powerful tool called XrmToolbox allows developers to access and manage various features of Dynamics CRM, including lookup view columns. This tool becomes an indispensable asset for developers, consultants, and administrators in various industries. For example, you may use Ribbon Workbench to customize the ribbon or command bar. However note this: in the modernized, newest versions of Power Platform, actions like customizing the Sitemap and even the command bar in the ribbon may now be possible right out of the box, without XrmToolbox! Enroll for Dynamics CRM xrmtoolbox training with Dynamics Edge today to learn about what is possible, with and even without XRMToolBox!

Fostering robust relationships with customers involves managing various touchpoints effectively, one of which is appointments. Dynamics CRM Appointment functionality is a crucial asset for businesses that rely heavily on personal interactions, such as consulting agencies, real estate firms, or even international government agencies arranging diplomatic meetings.

Dynamics CRM appointment training November 2023 – the Appointment feature provides an intuitive and organized way to schedule, manage, and track appointments. It eliminates manual coordination efforts, offers automatic reminders, and enables sharing of appointment information with all relevant stakeholders. For instance, a state government agency could use the appointment feature to schedule and manage inspections or site visits. With synchronized calendars, conflict detection, and integration with Outlook, the feature provides a seamless experience for both the organization and the customer, paving the way for enhanced service delivery and improved customer satisfaction.

Another remarkable feature in Dynamics CRM is Notes, part of the Timeline Control, which was formerly more related to the Social Pane. The Timeline Control is a unified interface for customer interactions, allowing users to view and act on customer activities like posts, activities, notes, and voice attachments in a single location. Notes enable users to add text or attached documents to a record, thereby providing context or additional information related to the record.

Consider a call center scenario, where customer service representatives handle a multitude of calls daily. They could use Notes to jot down important customer information during a call, making it easy to reference later. The timeline control allows for chronological tracking of these interactions, leading to a comprehensive and coherent customer history that can significantly improve customer service quality and response times.

Power Apps Component Framework (PCF) is another integral part of the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. PCF allows developers to create custom components that can enhance user interface and experience. These components, built using modern web technologies, can be reused across various applications, thus speeding up the development process and maintaining consistency. Learn more in our Dynamics CRM PCF training november 2023 or power apps model driven apps pcf training –  and you may also want check out our options for Power Apps Canvas App PCF training as well if you want to learn more about PCF in Canvas Apps.

A PCF component could be as simple as a custom button or as complex as a dynamic data visualization chart. A retail business, for example, could create a PCF component that shows a dynamic graph of sales trends within the Dynamics CRM interface, enabling managers to make data-driven decisions quickly.

Alternatively, an electronics manufacturer could use PCF to create a component that visualizes the lifecycle of its products or components in an interactive way. This provides staff with a clear overview of product stages, from manufacturing to delivery, and can help in identifying bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

In essence, whether it’s managing appointments, adding notes, or creating custom components with PCF, Dynamics CRM continues to provide businesses with the tools they need to deliver superior customer experiences. Each feature adds a layer of functionality that makes the system more adaptable and user-friendly, allowing businesses to truly make the software their own.

Subgrids are another important concept in Dynamics CRM, providing a means to display related records on a form. For example, a small boutique could have a ‘Customer’ form that includes a subgrid showing the customer’s past purchases. Subgrid records allow for quick reference and navigation to related records, thereby enhancing the user experience.

From custom code to C# plug-ins, Dynamics CRM provides multiple avenues for customization. But it’s not always about writing code. In some cases, you can achieve desired functionalities without custom code. Tools like Power Automate provide a no-code solution for automating business processes.

Power Automate comes with two variants, Power Automate Cloud Flow and Power Automate Desktop Flow. While Cloud Flow is used to automate workflows between online services, Desktop Flow can automate tasks on a local computer. For instance, a news agency could use Cloud Flow to automate social media posts, while Desktop Flow could be used by an accounting firm to automate repetitive data entry tasks.

From this expansive exploration of Dynamics CRM, its capabilities, and potential, it’s clear to see the transformative role it plays across varied industries. The inherent versatility allows it to cater to an array of unique requirements, from call centers and electronics manufacturers to government agencies and small businesses selling custom portraits.

Dynamics CRM is more than just a tool; it’s a potent catalyst for business growth. It empowers businesses to build stronger relationships with their customers, streamline operations, and extract valuable insights from data. This ability to customize and extend its functionalities to cater to unique business needs has made Dynamics CRM a favorite amongst developers, businesses, and organizations worldwide.

Through this lens, the narrative of Dynamics CRM isn’t just one of technological innovation; it’s a story of how technology can facilitate meaningful connections, improve service delivery, and drive growth. Each feature and each tool is a piece of the puzzle, allowing businesses to build their unique solution and navigate the path to success. Through this journey, the compelling chronicle of Dynamics CRM continues to unfold, affirming its indispensable role in today’s digital world.