Extending your Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM

When we talk about No-Code/Low-Code, you are spoilt for choice, probably a bit too spoilt, that it can be difficult to settle on which is the right tool for the job! We are always here to help you navigate the plethora of options, but in summary this is what you have at your disposal and where it should ideally be used.

Business Rules

• Define client-side logic executed in the browser

• Ideal for Simple validations, Field visibility changes and Setting default values

• No coding required; easy to configure

• Helps reduce technical debt

• Replaces some JavaScript use cases for UI logic

Workflows

• Automate processes without writing code

• Triggered by CRUD events (Create, Read, Update, Delete)

• Can Send emails, Create/update records and Trigger other workflows

• Best for simple, real-time automation within Dynamics 365 CRM

Power Automate (Flows)

• Cloud-based automation platform for complex workflows

• Integrates with Dynamics 365, Office 365, SharePoint, Teams and Third-party apps (e.g., Twitter, Slack, Dropbox)

• Suitable for Simple notifications and multi-step processes with approvals and data handling

• Visual designer and templates make it very accessible to non-developers

Business Process Flow (BPF)

• Guides users through processes visually

• Ensures consistency and enhances user experience

• Common use cases include Sales Processes, Case Resolution, Event Planning and Real Estate workflows

Custom Entities (Tables)

• Allows storage of business-specific data

• Use when standard tables don’t meet needs (customisation should be considered first)

• Components available for customisation:

  • Columns (Fields) - Capture additional data; best to repurpose where possible

  • Relationships - Link tables (e.g., one account to many contacts)

  • Forms - Customise layout, tabs, fields; reusable and can be created for different functions

  • Views - Filter and sort data like Excel; personal or public

  • Charts - Visualise key metrics; supports decision-making

  • Icons - Custom icons improve record identification and user experience

When it comes to a more traditional approach to customisation there is still a good choice of approaches and options, but each requires a more enhanced skill set to make the most of the tools available, what you have to really turbo charge your Dynamics 365 platform include.