What is Customisation in Dynamics 365?
In the world of Dynamics 365, customisation refers to the ability to tailor the platform to suit your specific business needs and processes. This goes beyond standard configurations, allowing you to mould the application to seamlessly integrate with your unique workflows and functionality requirements.
Types of customisation within Dynamics 365_
- Configuration: Utilise built-in settings and options within Dynamics 365 to adjust standard features without writing code. This includes customising dashboards, views, fields, and workflows within the established capabilities of the platform.
- Code-based customisation: For more complex requirements, leverage development tools (like the SDK) to create custom entities, fields, plugins, and workflows. This approach requires programming expertise and offers greater flexibility but comes with increased complexity and maintenance needs.
- Solutions and extensions: Explore pre-built solutions and extensions available from Microsoft or third-party vendors. These pre-configured add-ons address specific industry needs or niche functionalities, often requiring minimal to no coding while adding valuable features to your Dynamics 365 environment.
Benefits of Customisation within Dynamics 365_
- Improved user experience: Tailor the platform to fit your specific workflows and user needs, enhancing efficiency and user adoption.
- Streamlined processes: Automate repetitive tasks with custom workflows, eliminating manual steps and boosting productivity.
- Integrated functionality: Connect Dynamics 365 to other business systems and applications through custom integrations, ensuring seamless data flow and eliminating information silos.
- Competitive advantage: Implement unique functionalities not found in standard Dynamics 365, differentiating your business and catering to specific customer needs.
Things to consider before undertaking customisation in Dynamics 365_
- Complexity: Evaluate the complexity of your desired customisations and choose the appropriate approach (configuration, code, or pre-built solutions) based on your technical expertise and resource availability.
- Maintenance: Remember that customisations often require ongoing maintenance and updates to stay aligned with future releases of Dynamics 365.
- Cost: Factor in the cost of development resources, third-party solutions, and potential maintenance needs when considering your customisation strategy.
