How can Microsoft Dataverse (formerly known as Common Data Service) benefit organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365
Many data and computer services have data and logic capabilities that are disjointed from each other. This often forces you to build unique data and logic stacks for each app and makes it difficult to build integrated experiences or analyze data across apps. To address this challenge, Microsoft Dataverse, formerly known as the Common Data Service (CDS), is a cloud-scale database used to securely store data. It allows your apps and processes to interact with a single set of data shapes and business logic.
Microsoft Dataverse is a data storage and retrieval service that provides the foundation for commonly used and stored data. Similar to a database, it stores data in tables, known as entities. It makes it easier to share information between applications and allows users to gain valuable insights from their data as well as build custom apps to support their specific business processes. Running in Microsoft Azure, not only does Dataverse understand the shape of your data it also knows the best way to store different data types. It automatically stores images, assets, and blobs as text strings in tabular data. And it aggregates values and associated activities.
No more siloed information
Common Data in legacy applications are often stored in silos within the app making it difficult to share information without the need to implement extensive customizations. Communication between different apps needs to be done on an app-by-app basis. This makes integration expensive, challenging, and difficult to support long-term. It can also be challenging to share information between apps from the same vendor. Even when applications appear to classify data in the same way, they often have different ways of recording, labeling, and structuring data. For instance, Dynamics 365 Business Central and Dynamics 365 for Finance both use different international currencies, but this currency data is recorded differently in the two apps.
Real-time data-sharing
Microsoft Dataverse provides a way to gather apps in a connected, centralized way. It allows users of Dynamics 365 to share information between their apps and sync up all areas of their operations so they can make smart decisions based on real-time information. It can merge and stitch together all the data in your Dynamics 365 apps, as well as information from Microsoft 365, and third-party sources. It acts as a secure database where business information can be stored and standardized, and information can be effortlessly synchronized across multiple applications in a unified way.
Centralized data
The Microsoft Dynamics 365 suite of specialized products can be connected by Dataverse, ensuring each application is connected by the same source of data. Thanks to this simplified integration, users can have peace of mind that their data is always accurate and synched. Microsoft Dataverse makes it easy to move and synchronize data between applications. For instance, you can easily transfer customers and contacts from Dynamics 365 Sales to Dynamics 365 Finance. Furthermore, if new applications are required for specific requirements, it’s possible to transfer data seamlessly and securely between the applications to ensure a simpler and more reliable user experience.
Easy integration with other services
Microsoft Dataverse not only links previously disconnected Microsoft apps but it also allows users to connect third-party apps right out of the box. Widely used apps such as Salesforce, MailChimp, Facebook, Google Drive, or Zendesk can be quickly connected to Microsoft apps. Dynamics 365 users can also create workflows across all their cloud services. Plus, it’s possible to create connectors and flows without the need for complex, expensive integrations.
Access to deeper analytical services
It’s common for Dynamics 365 users to use tools from the Power BI suite to monitor their business and gain insights for better decision-making. Dataverse provides users with access to all the data they need to directly integrate into Power BI, making it easier for users to get a complete overview using data pulled from various sources. Featuring pre-built connectors, it automatically gathers and merges the data. This data can then be turned into in-depth insights, which Power BI uses to suggest recommended next steps. Furthermore, thanks to the Insights platforms, users are further empowered. With no coding skills, they can build reports and customize apps to meet specific business requirements.
Two-way communication
Dataverse provides a centralized point where systems can come together and connect, bridging the gap between the different apps and the data stored within them. It creates a two-way channel of communication and Microsoft business applications can communicate with each other as well as with other third-party apps and services. Regardless of whether you’re working within Dynamics 365 or a custom application, Dataverse offers an easy way to manage data between applications with overlapping entities. Any changes made in your ERP system are seamlessly synced with the other applications. Furthermore, with over 120 pre-set standard entities and new entries added regularly, it’s possible to extend and create new entities to meet specific requirements. And, you don’t need to worry about breaking pre-existing connections with other apps. Dataverse takes care of everything.
Always full control of your data
By default, data from the different business apps are not automatically uploaded to Dataverse. Organizations always have full control over what data is shared with their other apps and services. When importing data into Dataverse, incoming information is mapped so that it aligns with the standard entities, or new entities can be created and mapped if required. It also provides mapping templates for use when importing data from popular third-party sources such as Salesforce. These mapping templates can be customized and extended as needed.
Always secure
The Dataverse platform complies with the same security framework as Microsoft’s other cloud-based platforms. It offers entity-level authorization and role-based security. And, field- and row-level security will be added in future releases. These security frameworks also apply to any apps or services using Dataverse.
Are you ready to get started?
Pipol can help you adapt specific Dynamics 365 applications and services for your organization. Take advantage of our extensive services, centralized project management, and expert consultants to simplify your business transformation. We will help you make the right choices about business solutions, develop the processes that best support your goals and roll out smoothly across your entire organization.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can guide you through this process.
