What is a business solution? How do I create one with Dynamics 365?

What is a business solution?

A business solution within the ERP/CRM realm refers to a collection of software components forming a comprehensive system for a company. It serves as a framework for integrating and automating various business processes, such as accounting, logistics, operations, customer management, and more.

When obtaining a CRM or ERP system, it typically starts in its basic, off-the-shelf form known as “out of the box” or “vanilla.” This vanilla version generally suffices for most business needs, yet customization can enhance efficiency and productivity. While certain challenges might call for tailored solutions, they’re not always mandatory.

Business solutions for CRM and ERP apps.

Business solutions for CRM and ERP applications encompass customized configurations that can be constructed using platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, HubSpot, and various other systems.

These solutions involve tailored adjustments implemented either independently or in partnership with solution providers like Techcronus.

Are solutions useful in Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Apps like Dynamics 365 offer immense flexibility, empowering users to explore boundless possibilities. An implementation advisor collaborates with you, translating your visions into action using the software. They guide you through identifying your enterprise’s actual requirements and optimizing your sales procedures. Following consultations and a thorough analysis of your business, the solution begins to take shape.

Think of a solution within your app as akin to a container, such as a bucket. The customizations chosen alongside your advisor fill this container: whether they involve fields, automations, or business processes, they culminate in a solution that’s expanded, adaptable, and tailored uniquely to your specific needs.

Ultimately, a business solution enables your CRM or ERP system to evolve alongside your company’s growth. Partners like Techcronus support this evolution, providing guidance, advice, and imparting best practices along the way.

How to create a solution for Dynamics 365?

Identify Requirements: Understand your business needs and the specific functionalities or customizations required in Dynamics 365.

Access Solution Explorer: In Dynamics 365, navigate to the Solution Explorer, which is the interface for managing solutions.

Create a New Solution: Click on “New” to initiate a new solution. Provide details such as name, publisher, version, etc.

Add Components: Within the solution, add required components like entities, fields, views, forms, workflows, business process flows, etc., depending on your business requirements.

Customize Components: Customize these elements as needed using the customization options available within Dynamics 365. This might involve configuring fields, defining relationships between entities, creating workflows for automation, or designing specific forms and views.

Test the Solution: Thoroughly test the solution to ensure that it aligns with your business processes and functions correctly.

Publish the Solution: Once validated, publish the solution to make it available for use within your Dynamics 365 environment.

Deploy and Monitor: Deploy the solution to your desired environment (e.g., production, sandbox) and monitor its performance. Make any necessary adjustments based on user feedback or evolving business needs.

Remember, creating a solution in Dynamics 365 often involves a mix of technical expertise, understanding of business processes, and familiarity with the Dynamics 365 interface and customization options. Consulting documentation or seeking assistance from Dynamics 365 experts can also be beneficial during this process.

What is a solution by default in Dynamics 365?

In Dynamics 365, the term “solution by default” refers to the standard, pre-existing configuration and components provided within the platform upon installation or initial setup. This default solution encompasses the foundational elements such as standard entities, fields, forms, views, workflows, and system settings that are included as part of the basic Dynamics 365 package. Essentially, it represents the out-of-the-box functionality and structure of the platform designed to offer basic functionalities across various business operations. This default setup serves as a starting point for users, providing fundamental tools and features that can be further customized, extended, or tailored to meet specific business needs and requirements.

The 2 steps to create a business solution in Dynamics 365

Access Solution Explorer:

In Dynamics 365, locate and access the Solution Explorer. This is usually found in the left-hand navigation or within the settings menu.

Create a New Solution:

Once in the Solution Explorer, look for an option to create a new solution. This might be labeled as “New,” “Create,” or represented by a plus (+) icon.

Click on this option to initiate the creation of a new solution. A form or dialog box will appear where you can input details such as the solution name, publisher, version, and other relevant information.

Fill in the required fields and confirm the creation of the solution. Upon completion, you’ll have a new solution created and accessible within Dynamics 365, serving as a container for customizations and configurations tailored to your business needs.

The role of solution Publisher in Microsoft Dynamics 365

In Microsoft Dynamics 365, the solution publisher plays a crucial role in organizing and identifying customizations within the platform. The solution publisher is essentially an entity responsible for defining and managing solutions and their components. Here are its key roles:

Identification and Organization: The solution publisher helps distinguish customizations and solutions within Dynamics 365. It assigns a unique identifier to solutions, ensuring they’re distinct and identifiable.

Versioning and Branding: It allows for version control and branding of solutions. By associating solutions with a specific publisher, users can recognize and differentiate between various customizations and updates.

Security and Licensing: The solution publisher also contributes to security and licensing aspects. It helps in managing access permissions by defining who can create, edit, or distribute solutions within the Dynamics 365 environment.

Distribution and Deployment: Solutions published by a specific publisher can be shared or distributed across different Dynamics 365 instances or organizations. This aids in deploying customizations and configurations consistently across various environments.

the solution publisher serves as a central entity that governs the creation, identification, branding, and distribution of solutions within Microsoft Dynamics 365, ensuring clarity, consistency, and manageability of customizations across the platform.
You can create these customizations yourself or you can ask for help from a specialist in CRM or ERP implementation like Techcronus.