We’ve been talking a lot about Cloud migration in recent months. The topic is especially relevant to PowerObjects right now, as we’re smackdab in the middle of our very own migration from an On-premises version of Dynamics 365 to the Cloud-based version. If you’re interested in following our story, check it out here: PowerObjects’ Migration to the Cloud.

In today’s blog, we thought it would be a good idea to resurface one of our recent whitepapers, Does Your Dynamics 365 Solution Belong in the Cloud? Although this paper focuses on a Finance and Operations deployment, the message is universal because regardless of your organization’s focus or industry, there’s a very good chance a move to the cloud is worth considering as a potential next step in your growth.

It describes in detail the different deployment options available. They include On-premises, Cloud, and Hybrid, and the potential benefits and downsides of each type of deployment are explained. None of the three is right or wrong in every situation – it all depends on organizational needs, objectives, and aspirations. A good Microsoft Dynamics 365 business partner will never push you towards a deployment that isn’t best suited for your organization.

At the end of the day, the world is moving towards the cloud for a reason. It offers secure and redundant storage, and it’s more readily available across devices and geographies. In an increasingly mobile world, businesses are learning the most effective ways to take advantage of this newfound mobility to remain competitive while reducing overall costs.

One of the best features of Microsoft Dynamics 365, at least from a flexibility perspective, is that you’re not forever stuck with the deployment option your business initially selects. Many organizations start with an On-premises deployment and then, as their business grows and their needs change, they migrate to the cloud. As stated earlier, we at PowerObjects are a living, breathing example of just such an organization. To track our migration progress, click here.

To learn more about deployment options and what a Cloud deployment could mean for your business, click here to download the whitepaper.

Enjoy reading, good luck, and as always… happy D365’ing!

How to set SPO Functionality for the Account Entity - Step By Step Instructions

SharePoint Connection Setup

In CRM - Settings> SPO Configuration>SharePoint Connection Tab
In this example the SharePoint Document Library is Accounts.

The connection settings above should correspond to the SharePoint URL format of the Document Library - Accounts, as in this image

Add SPO functionality to CRM Entity

After creating successful connection to the Document Library in SharePoint, the next step is adding SPO functionality to the Account entity.

Click tab: Add SPO functionality to CRM Entity, and then click the button with same label.

Select Entity: Account

Add metadata from CRM entity view: select existing view or create custom view that includes all the fields in the Account entity and related entities to Account, to be used as metadata. In this example we created a view called “SPO View”, and it includes the metadata relevant to documents uploaded from Account entity to SharePoint, including one field (Contact’s Email) from the Contact entity which is related to the Account entity.
Select the “Required” option next to the metadata field that is mandatory in SharePoint. At initial settings stage, and testing, do not use the “Required” option (unselect all).

Select step 4 to store documents in folders within the “Accounts” document library.
The folder name is a selected field from the account entity like “Account Name” or “Account number”. We recommend selecting a field that is unique and always contains data.
Click Submit to complete this process.

Configure metadata columns in SharePoint

Account Name – Single line of text
Account Number - Single line of text
Description – Multiple lines of text
Contact – Single line of text
Email – Single line of text
Credit Limit – Currency
Payment terms - Choice (menu to choose from). Enter the picklist options from CRM as menu options in SP column

Modify the view to show relevant columns only. Set up filters, sorting and other available features to make it a “friendly” view for SharePoint users.

Test uploading document to SharePoint

Open an Account record in CRM. From the toolbar (in more …. functions) click the button Dynamics SPO and select to upload document from hard disk. Select document and upload. The document is now uploaded to a folder in the Accounts document library. The folder name is the content of the field selected as folder name (in this example it is Account Name), and it is saved with metadata from the CRM record.

NOTE: each time document is uploaded to SharePoint a new SPO Error is created. Use Advance Find to find the last created record, in case you wish debugging failed document upload.

Add sub-grid in Account pointing to documents uploaded to SharePoint

Open the Account’s form editor.
Click: Insert>Sub-grid
Enter: sub-grid unique name
Enter: sub-grid label
From Data Source select:
Records: Only Related Records
Entity: account (account)
Default View: Active SP Organizers
Click: OK

Click here to Download Dynamics SPO Free Trial version

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The post How to set SPO Functionality for the Account Entity – Step By Step Instructions appeared first on CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365.

Ever since Microsoft CRM moved online and Plugin sandboxing became mandatory, you'll have likely come up against the challenge of using third party assemblies.

Sand-boxed Plugins cannot access any third-party assemblies and so if you use a NuGet package such as the Microsoft.SharePoint.Client libraries or Newtonsoft's Json.Net then you may have considered or even used ILMerge to embed a copy of the assembly into your compiled Plugin. You may even have used ILMerge to include your own 'common' libraries into your Plugins - even though you could have included the source code. To put it simply - don't do this!

ILMerge is *not* supported!

This is not like the managed/unmanaged solutions or JavaScript vs Business Rules debate. The simple fact is that using ILMerge with Plugins is not supported by Dynamics 365 CE/CDS for Apps.

There is a very old blog post on msdn from back in 2010 about ILMerge that contains this statement from the Dynamics team:

"This post has been edited to reflect that Dynamics CRM does not support ILMerge. It isn't blocked, but it isn't supported, as an option for referencing custom assemblies."

If you do decide to use ILMerge then be warned then you are in dangerous waters! If there is a problem with your environment that is plugin deployment related then the likely answer from Microsoft support is that you'll need to remove your use of ILMerge before your issue can be resolved.

Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions!

One of the most common reasons for using ILMerge I see is when using Newtonsoft's Json.NET. There are many code snippets out there that use this library to parse JSON it to an object graph. Consider the following code for de-serialising Json from the Nest API into a c# object graph:

var nestData = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<NestData>(json);
public class NestData
{    public Devices devices { get; set; }    public Dictionary<string, Structure> structures { get; set; }
}

The good news is that since .NET 4.0 we've had pretty much the same control over deserialising JSON using the standard class libraries:

using (var stream = new MemoryStream(Encoding.UTF8.GetBytes(json)))
{
    DataContractJsonSerializerSettings settings = new DataContractJsonSerializerSettings()
    {
        UseSimpleDictionaryFormat = true
    };

    DataContractJsonSerializer ser = new DataContractJsonSerializer(typeof(NestData), settings);
    var nestResponse = (NestData)ser.ReadObject(stream);
}

[DataContract]
public class NestData
{
    [DataMember]
    public Devices devices;
    [DataMember]
    public Dictionary<string, Structure> structures;

}

Other libraries that are not included in the .NET Framework (e.g. Microsoft.SharePoint.Client) shouldn't be used. If you can't include the source code in your Plugin, then consider using a loosely coupled Microservices approach to manage your integrations. This way you'll have fully supported lightweight plugins that can offload the heavy lifting outside of the sandbox worker processes.

Keep those Plugins small and lightweight! 

_{Photo by Hafidh Satyanto on Unsplash}

Lubricant Marketers, are you struggling to integrate data into your CRM system? Or, are you struggling to make your data come alive? Do you have a CRM system to let all of this happen?

This is a common hurdle Lubricant Marketers face in the Oil and Gas industry, and are unsure how to solve, but let us reassure you – it’s through CRM that you can make your data come alive! 

We’re guessing if you’re reading this post, you have a lot of data that you don’t know what to do with. That’s okay – CRM can help.

Lubricant Marketers that are leaders in the Oil and Gas industry use CRM to drive growth and create new opportunities. Part of this comes from integrating data.

Seamless and clean data integration is a universal concern for Lubricant Marketers, and, arguably, across industries, but with a one-time data migration into CRM, things get easier, faster.

This approach takes you through the process of loading your data into your CRM solution all at once. After that, you run a process to get updated information into your CRM system nightly.

Everything will be automated, so once you complete this initial step, information is continuously rolled from your accounting (back office) system to an FTP site to your CRM solution.

This systematic approach takes the worry away from Lubricant Marketers who may otherwise struggle with data organization

A simple and systematic one-time approach helps Lubricant Marketers get their fields locked in, so, again, there is only “one version of the truth”. You’ll never have to guess who has the right data – it will all be in CRM, and you can rely on its cleanliness.

You eliminate the guesswork of spreadsheets, documents, or even manual media like binders or sticky notes by having all of your data put in one place that is accessible and updated every day.

If you relate to the struggles expressed in this post, it’s time you look into utilizing Data Integration in CRM to create new opportunities and grow your business.

Learn more about how Lubricant Marketers are using CRM to Drive Success in Ledgeview’s NEW eBook for the Oil and Gas industry! Discover how you can use Data Integration in CRM to keep your data consistent and always at your fingertips …

Download it here.

Today’s tip is from Nick “Benchpress” Doelman. Technically it’s from his wife which proves that all of us, MVPs, are mere mortals and the real knowledge still belongs to the users.

She only wanted to see contacts that belonged to an account on the record but the lookup view was showing all the contacts. Turns out, the editable grid lookup will only filter if the ‘filter by’ field is also on the view. For instance:

1. Without the “Account” being visible on the editable grid view:
   
2. Now with the “Account” being added to the editable grid view:
   

Don’t have a tip but your spouse works with Dynamics? Ask them and send the tip to jar@crmtipoftheday.com!

(Facebook and Twitter cover photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash)

Upcoming in Dynamics 365: Unified Interface

Most of the core functionalities remain similar, but some enhanced capabilities are introduced 

• Timeline Control - allows for better collaboration with your team. The way this is accomplished is by providing a quick way to see the entire communication thread. Along with the new Unified Interface comes the capability to see all of your teams interactions in a single view. This includes emails, notes, posts, voice attachments, and combined/ custom activities . Enhanced filtering views are also available. With the Unified Interface, you will be able to filter by the type of activities you want to see.
• Reference Panel- The reference panel is a great way to get work done without having to click out of the screen. You can search for things within the context of the record you are viewing. Reference Panels can be used with all entities in the interface.

To learn more about the great new features of the Unified Interface, visit http://bit.ly/2QOCCo5

The post Dynamics 365 Unified Interface appeared first on CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365.

What are Hackathons? A broad way to describe them is problem-solving events. However, two of our UK-based PowerObjects consultants recently made a visit to Munich, Germany to attend one of Microsoft’s annual Hackathons, and they came home suggesting a better description: a whole lot of fun.

Taking place during the weekend of 13^th-14^th October, the Microsoft Hackathon was set up as a competition, wherein 50 people were split into approximately 30 groups to devise and deliver a working solution on an issue of their choosing. PowerObjects consultants Pavlos Vasileiadis and Jack Murphy each participated in the Hackathon for a very intense 48 hours of (almost) non-stop technical work, planning and presenting.

Their motivations and participation throughout the Hackathon completely personify PowerObjects’ 5 Guiding Principles, which are collectively a very strong component of our Company Culture. To that end, let’s highlight each of the Principles and describe exactly how Pavlos and Jack exemplified PowerObjects’ values during the Hackathon.

“It was a good mixture of competition but also sharing knowledge, all in a really positive atmosphere” – Pavlos

ALWAYS ADD VALUE

The key aspect of adding value came in the form of defining and consolidating the pain points relating to the topic and project the PowerObjects team chose. The healthcare solution they devised, which they coined PowerClinic, can add tremendous value back to the clinics and practices experiencing the same pain points. Adding value remained at the core of the team’s practices throughout the intense 48-hour event.

Whilst not a new player in EMEA scene, PowerObjects is always on the lookout for ways to boost and bolster our Brand image and recognition within EMEA. Adding value to the PowerObjects brand is an important and ongoing process that is always aided by every member of the organisation. Pavlos and Jack, during their weekend of non-stop hacking, became Brand Ambassadors by spreading awareness, throughout all their activities, of who PowerObjects is and what we do.

True to the guiding principle, our two refined consultants took it upon themselves to add value not only to PowerObjects, but also to themselves. The best way to build and improve anything is to start at the foundation. Pavlos and Jack accomplished that by learning priceless information about themselves, including how they work under pressure, and best practices in delivering solutions. Over the course of 48 hours, they further developed their in-depth knowledge of Microsoft’s platforms and technologies, as well as developed crucial knowledge about themselves.

THINK TEAM

Due to the large number of people and the plethora of teams all competing for first prize, there was a naturally incited atmosphere of competition that the PowerObjects representatives were more than eager to meet head on.

“PowerObjects loves a challenge” – Jack

Pavlos and Jack volunteered to lead their individual team of five in devising, strategizing and executing their planned solution. This meant that on top of their own specific project responsibilities, their role included delegating tasks, ensuring that timelines were kept to and total organisation of their team. They took PowerObjects’ second principle to heart and created an efficient and productive working environment, boosting their teammates’ spirits and teamwork.

Within a smaller context, Pavlos and Jack seldom have the opportunity to work this closely together for such an extended period. The 48-hour weekend enabled them to get to know each other much better as working colleagues and cultivate an effective working dynamic. No doubt this will be reflected in their future projects!

LOVE WHAT YOU DO

At PowerObjects, it’s highly important that every member of the organisation truly enjoys their role. Passionate involvement in projects and daily tasks helps ensure that solution delivery is consistently successful. During the Hackathon, passions and competition were running high throughout, which helped fuel the PowerObjects team to work harder and achieve more.

Going up against the clock to complete a task under a great deal of pressure is exactly the type of situation in which PowerObjects thrives and produces exemplary solutions. Competing against other teams at the Hackathon, in such an intense environment, opened another view of the technology and reaffirmed Pavlos’ and Jack’s enjoyment of what they do.

“There is no point of the Hackathon that you don’t enjoy” – Pavlos

LIVE THE TECHNOLOGY

Having a love for the technology used every day is an important aspect in the life of a PowerObjects employee. The Microsoft Hackathon event shows precisely how Pavlos and Jack live the technology as a key part of their lives. They both researched the event themselves and made conscious and involved efforts to ensure they attended, since the opportunity to work this closely with Microsoft, and regarding Microsoft technology, was too good to pass by. They live the technology right to their cores and their involvement, even on weekends, reflects the commitment to be the best in their respective fields.

It is important to note that all the work that went into PowerClinic at the Hackathon was completed using current Microsoft technologies. An important learning that Pavlos and Jack gained was the in-depth insights into what is possible with the current technologies, even under strenuous and short timelines. For example, the team managed to successfully “get 3 months of work done in the space of 2 days.” Knowing the technology inside and out is critical to being able to deliver the best solutions, consistently.

DO THE RIGHT THING

One of the main objectives that Pavlos and Jack had defined, before going into the Hackathon, was to make sure they initiated, worked diligently on, and successfully executed a project they deeply cared about, thereby adding value not only to business operations, but to the betterment of society, as well. After a team brainstorming session, they decided on designing and creating a healthcare-based solution, with the idea of streamlining the patient process.

“It wasn’t just about adding value to the business, it was about adding value back to society” – Jack

Even in the face of severe competition and pressure, our PowerObjects ambassadors remained true to the final core of our company culture. They did the right thing by focusing on a project to improve the lives of a much wider range of people: those suffering from almost innumerable issues.

Q&A:

What benefits do you feel you gained from attending the Hackathon?

• Pavlos: “Managing a team under constant and absolute pressure teaches you a lot about project and time management. More importantly it teaches you that there is no delivery without the correct attitude of management.”
  
• Jack: “Being able to work with similar like-minded consultants, and actually deliver a working solution in that timeframe teaches you a lot about teamwork as well as how important and rewarding good communication is.”
  

Did you learn anything new from the experience?

• Pavlos: “I learnt a lot about myself and how I cope with the pressures of delivering under strict and short deadlines. Sticking to your plan and continuously delivering is crucial.”
  
• Jack: “I definitely learnt a lot about how to keep your calm under a lot of time-intensive pressure. Also, that at events like these everyone runs almost purely on energy drinks!”
  

Would you do the Hackathon again?

• Pavlos: “Absolutely, but I need a bit of a break first.”
  
• Jack: “I would definitely go back again next year.”