In the world of business applications, innovation and continuous development are crucial for staying competitive. Microsoft, a leader in this field, has been introducing regular updates to its solutions for years. For Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, these updates come in two “waves”: one starting in April and the other in October. Every six months, users can expect not only fixes but also entirely new features designed to improve the user experience and streamline business processes.
The second update wave of 2024, which has just begun, introduces a range of new features that are sure to intrigue users. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highlights—both those already available and those set to arrive in the near future.
Additional Excel reports for consolidations and fixed assets in Dynamics 365 Business Central
Excel reports in Business Central are designed so users can easily format the data to create custom reports. However, in the October update wave, Microsoft has added four new report layouts focusing on consolidations and fixed assets:
- Consolidated Trial Balance
- Fixed Asset Details
- Fixed Asset Analysis
- Fixed Asset Forecast
These report layouts are accessible through the search bar and Home Page for users with the Accountant role. While this feature has been available in preview since September, it’s set to be fully implemented in October.
Copilot – better data analysis in Business Central
Although still in preview, this improvement is promising. For instance, when viewing the inventory list in Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can use Copilot to organize and analyze data. For example, if you ask Copilot to group inventory by type and unit of measure, it will create an additional tab in the ERP system as per your request.
Moreover, the analysis includes data from columns hidden in the list view, making it easier to make potential changes before approving the suggestions provided by Copilot.
New data search model in Business Central
A new data search feature is coming to specific lists and tables in Business Central. Initially, it will be available for Customers, Contacts, Inventory, and General Ledger lists, with later expansions to include sales and purchase documents, projects, and more.
The new search model supports columns optimized for full-text search. When enabled, users can choose between the old (legacy) search method and the new (modern) method via a dropdown in the search box.
For example, ff you search for “Polish rocking” using the legacy method, no results will appear because it doesn’t match the exact phrase “Polish rocking chair.” However, the modern search method will return the correct result even with partial matches.
Resizing columns without personalization mode
A seemingly obvious feature that wasn’t simple until now—adjusting column widths in ERP system lists. Previously, this required entering Personalization Mode, which was cumbersome. The new update makes the process faster and available on any page without needing personalization. Column widths can now be adjusted to fit the device you’re using, whether a laptop or smartphone.
Easier email drafting in Dynamics 365 Sales with Copilot
Improvements have also reached Dynamics 365 Sales, Microsoft’s CRM system. A feature supporting email drafting within the CRM interface, powered by Copilot, is set to launch in October after being in preview since June 2023.
Key functionalities include:
- Choosing a proposed category or entering custom text for Copilot to generate a prompt.
- Adjusting the email’s tone and length.
- Editing the suggested content before sending.
Customizing the lead qualification process in CRM
The lead qualification process is essential for any business. Customizing this process with the help of Copilot is another improvement set to roll out this month, following early access availability since July 2024.
Administrators can:
- Configure the lead qualification process to ensure thorough evaluation.
- Involve Copilot to generate lead summaries.
- Enable the creation of multiple opportunities from a single lead.
Users can:
- Assign generated opportunities to other salespeople.
- View lead qualification summaries after qualification.
- Choose to create multiple opportunities from one lead.
Proactive suggestions from Copilot in Dynamics 365 Customer Service
The October update wave also impacts Dynamics 365 Customer Service, designed for support and technical assistance agents. A new feature, arriving in November 2024, will provide proactive prompts to assist agents.
Highlights include:
- Copilot suggesting conversation starters based on the context of a case.
- Providing suggestions at later stages of the conversation.
- Proactively generating insights to help resolve the issue.
Experience the new features introduced in Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Service, Power Apps, and Power Automate, and see how they can enhance your daily operations. Fill out the form below to schedule a free consultation with our advisor!
