Navcite has recently reviewed Microsoft’s plans for the upcoming Wave 1 release of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, expected to be rolled out between April and September 2024. Unveiled on January 25, 2024, these plans signify Microsoft’s commitment to drive digital transformation through hundreds of new features and enhancements.
Release Highlights
This wave of updates will offer numerous improvements, including increased user-friendliness, productivity tools, innovative app development, and advanced AI features. The customizable release planner will provide users unparalleled flexibility in customizing and filtering update plans according to their needs.
Dynamics 365 Highlights
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:
Delivers substantial enhancements with a focus on Copilot, improved reporting and data analysis capabilities, elevated project and financial management, and simplified workflow automation.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service:
Introduces next-generation Copilot features, modern experiences, integrations with Microsoft 365, vendor management, and links to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Operations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales:
Focuses on enhancing customer understanding and boosting sales through the use of data, intelligence, and user-friendly experiences. Generative AI leadership and open configurability take center stage, providing organizations with tools to expedite deals and enhance productivity.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service:
Continues to provide customer service agents with tools to work efficiently through Copilot, filtering response verification, and improvements in usability for multiple sessions.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance:
Focuses on autonomous finance through the addition of AI-driven experiences, improvements in business performance, and automation in various financial processes.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management:
Optimizes business processes for increased insight and agility through Copilot skills, demand planning transformations, and efficient warehouse processes.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations:
Enhances usability, performance, and scalability in key areas such as project planning, invoicing, time entry, and core transaction processing.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides:
Introduces several new features and improvements, including support for high-detail 3D models through Microsoft Azure Remote Rendering and enhanced web content support.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce:
Invests in omnichannel experiences through improvements in mobile point of sale experiences and streamlined order management.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights:
Focuses on making it easier and faster to manage customer data using AI for quick insights and democratized access to analytics.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights – Journeys:
Utilizes AI to revolutionize how marketers work by optimizing interactions with customers across departments and channels.
Insights from Partner Interviews – Peter Nicks & Peter Rhodin
In an interview with Microsoft’s partner executives, Peter Nicks and Peter Rhodin, the connection between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power Platform was discussed. Below are their insights into how the new Power Platform features are expected to facilitate customization and automation of business processes.
Questions and Answers:
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The connection between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Power Platform seems to be a key aspect. How will the new features within Power Platform make it easier for businesses to customize and automate their processes?
Answer: Absolutely, we see Power Platform as a powerful extension of Dynamics 365 Business Central. The new features within Power Platform will provide businesses with the ability to customize and automate their processes seamlessly. For example, users will be able to manage work orders in Field Service and invoice them in Business Central, increasing efficiency and reducing manual work.
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With the introduction of Copilot and AI innovation, how are these features within Business Central expected to enhance productivity for different roles within small and medium-sized businesses?
Answer: Copilot and AI innovation are indeed exciting for small and medium-sized businesses. For the sales team, Copilot will facilitate the creation of sales lines, and for the finance department, it will expedite bank reconciliations. We aim to make these tools accessible and useful for all roles, leading to increased productivity and faster decision-making.
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What are the most anticipated improvements in user experience, and how will these changes make it easier for users to manage their daily tasks?
Answer: We have focused on improving the user experience in several areas. For example, the ability to use drag-and-drop to attach multiple files will make it easy to manage documents. Additionally, users will now be able to share error information to seek help from others, creating a more collaborative and efficient work environment.
As organizations prepare to ride this wave of innovation, Microsoft’s commitment to shaping the future of digital ecosystems becomes evident. The seamless integration of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform invites businesses to unlock new possibilities, fostering a journey towards enhanced efficiency, collaboration, and overall success.
