Find the right Dynamics 365 certification for you

by | Jun 9, 2021 | Technology

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

Do you love using Dynamics 365 to empower your organization to deliver operational excellence and delight customers? Have you considered earning a certification that validates your ability to strengthen your team’s digital foundation and to use technology to innovate and adapt? To help you plan your career journey, we’re presenting a new series of blog posts that explore the value and benefits of Dynamics 365 certifications.


 


In this post, we’ll focus on some of the highlights of our certification portfolio, which spans from fundamentals to role-based certifications that validate key Dynamics 365 skills.  


 


We’re here to help you discover the career path that’s right for you—whether you’re just starting out with Dynamics 365, looking to advance, or wanting to change to a new focus. When you pass an exam and earn your Microsoft Certification, that’s a validation of your skills and experience. The combination of your skills and a globally recognized, industry-endorsed Microsoft Certification sends a career-building message to employers. Your certification can even give you a boost of confidence and recognition in your career.


 


In later posts in this series, we’ll dive deeper into each of the certifications that we highlight here, to help you further explore and choose the certifications that are right for you and your career journey. Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 certifications often complement each other. To learn more about Microsoft Power Platform certifications, go to Finding the right Microsoft Power Platform certification for you.


 


The benefits of certification


Dynamics 365 offers many avenues for professionals to deepen their skills. Let those skills guide you as you investigate the different Dynamics 365 certifications available to you. A Microsoft Certification validates that you have the skills that organizations are looking for when they hire and advance employees. Plus, Microsoft keeps certifications up to date based on market and industry demands.


 


Many respondents in the 2020–2021 Microsoft Dynamics Salary Survey from Nigel Frank consider that years of experience with Dynamics 365 is the most important factor associated with a professional’s earning potential. Added to that, 61 percent of that survey’s respondents believe that certifications give you an edge in the job market. Many reported a salary increase (a 22 percent increase, on average) after they achieved a certification. Just as you use certifications to prove your skills, organizations can use them to identify the talent they’re looking for. They can even help you achieve promotions and raises.


 


Certifications can give your self-confidence and your career a boost. They’re an indication to employers that you’re willing to invest the time to build essential skills. The Global Knowledge 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report found that IT professionals with certifications, on average, earn more than their peers without them. Interestingly, the survey found that the more certifications a professional holds, the higher their average salary. Certification, combined with your drive and abilities, can help to open career doors for you.


 


The fundamentals certifications


Consider a fundamentals certification as the first milepost on your certification journey. These very popular technical certifications are held by professionals all over the globe. They build foundational skills and provide a pathway for earning certifications based on deeper technical skills required to perform industry roles.


 


There are two fundamentals certifications for Dynamics 365. The first is for those who are familiar with customer relationship management (CRM) and are IT savvy—either generally or through work experience. If you have this basic experience, look into Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) certification (pass Exam MB-910). To start exploring your journey to certification, check out the Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (CRM) journey map.


 


The other fundamentals certification is for those who have a broad exposure to the enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities of Dynamics 365 and who understand the basics of how finance and operations apps fit in within the overall Microsoft ecosystem. If this sounds like you, consider the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) certification (pass Exam MB-920). The Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (ERP) journey map can help you get started.


 


These two certifications that focus on CRM and ERP skills are replacing the older Dynamics 365 Fundamentals certification, which retires on June 30, 2021.


 


The functional consultant certifications


Functional consultants understand the value of collaborative work between business and technology. There are many possible career paths for those in this role. We have a wide variety of Dynamics 365 certifications for functional consultants who seek to validate their skills and broaden their career options.


 


If you’re a professional with expertise in marketing, sales, field service, or customer service, consider exploring the following Dynamics 365 associate certifications. Professionals who achieve these certifications also have skills configuring Microsoft Power Platform solutions and apps.


 


Marketers who use their technical expertise with both Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform to implement marketing solutions for their organization might consider the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate certification (pass two exams: Exam PL-200 and Exam MB-220). To start your journey to certification, check out the Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant journey map.


 


Sales professionals who use their technical expertise with both Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 to implement and extend sales solutions for their organization should explore the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate certification (pass two exams: Exam PL-200, linked to earlier in this post, and Exam MB-210). The Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant journey map can help you get started.


 


Field service professionals who have technical expertise using both Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform to implement intelligent planning solutions for their organization to help ensure consistent and dependable operations should consider Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate certification (pass two exams: Exam PL-200 and Exam MB-240). To start your journey to certification, explore the Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant journey map.


 


Customer service professionals who have strong applied knowledge of customer service and experience using Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365 to implement omnichannel solutions that focus on service, quality, reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction should investigate the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate certification (pass two exams: PL-200 and Exam MB-230). To start your journey to certification, check out the Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant journey map.


 


If you’re a functional consultant with applied knowledge of Dynamics 365 Business Central, Commerce, Finance, or Supply Chain Management, consider exploring the following Dynamics 365 associate certifications.


 


Functional consultants who implement core Dynamics 365 Business Central processes for small and medium-sized businesses might be interested in Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant Associate (pass Exam MB-800). The Dynamics 365 Business Central Functional Consultant journey map can help you get started.


 


Functional consultants, developers, information workers, or business professionals who use Dynamics 365 Commerce to support their teams might consider Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Commerce Functional Consultant Associate (pass two exams: Exam MB-300 and Exam MB-340). To start your journey to certification, check out the certification page on Learn.


 


Functional consultants with experience working in finance departments analyzing business requirements and translating them into business processes and solutions should explore Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate (pass two exams: Exam MB-300, linked to earlier in this post, and Exam MB-310). The Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant journey map can help you start your journey to certification.


 


Business users and functional consultants with a fundamental understanding of supply chain management industry standards should consider Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate (pass two exams: Exam MB-300 and MB-330). To start your journey to certification, check out the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant journey map.


 


Functional consultants or business users with a deep understanding of industry and manufacturing standards with experience configuring Dynamics 365 supply chain management should look into Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate (pass two exams: Exam MB-300 and MB-320). To start your journey to certification, get more information on the Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant journey map.


 


The developer certification


Developers who are responsible for translating requirements into critical system functionality for finance and operations apps in Dynamics 365 should look into Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate certification (pass two exams: Exam MB-300 and Exam MB-500). You need to have experience providing solutions using standardized application coding patterns, extensible features, and external integrations. To get started on your journey to certification, explore the Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer journey map.


 


The solution architect certification


This expert certification is for highly qualified professionals with years of experience, such as solution architects, functional or technical consultants, or IT or business professionals who have a deep understanding of Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations apps. You fit the profile for the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert certification (complete a prerequisite and pass Exam MB-700) if you’re a trusted advisor for stakeholders and you design cohesive solutions for your customers. The Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect journey map can help get you started on your journey to certification.


 


Dynamics 365 resources


These resources can help you get started on your journey and connect with others:



 


Ready to discover your career path?


Training is available for every Dynamics 365 certification, whether you want to review before an exam or brush up on your skills to prepare. Go to Microsoft Learn for Dynamics 365 (linked to earlier in this post) to decide how you want to learn and which platform best fits your learning style. You have access to a breadth of options to help grow your confidence and expertise—from self-paced learning, training events, instructor-led training, and more. It’s time to take the next step to discover your career path!


 


And stay tuned for the next blog posts in this series to learn more about the certifications that interest you.


 


Related posts



 

“Visio for everyone” ? – The Intrazone podcast

“Visio for everyone” ? – The Intrazone podcast

by | Jun 9, 2021 | Technology

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

Get ready to take your diagramming skills to the next level!


 


In this episode, Chris and I talk with Mukul Kumar (Senior product manager) and Nishant Kumar (Product manager) from the Visio team at Microsoft. They have some exciting news that’s ‘goodness at no cost’ to a lot of people in Microsoft 365. We’ll dig into this and all things Visio – its place in the world of productivity, use cases for beginners to experts – web to desktop, and more.


 


The goal after finishing this episode: to be so fluent, you diagram in your sleep.


 


Listen to podcast below:


 


https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/19387808/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/247bc1/


 


Subscribe to The Intrazone podcast! And listen to episode 66 now + show links and more below.


 


Intrazone guests: Nishant Kumar (product manager | Microsoft) and Mukul Kumar (senior product manager | Microsoft).Intrazone guests: Nishant Kumar (product manager | Microsoft) and Mukul Kumar (senior product manager | Microsoft).


Links to important on-demand recordings and articles mentioned in this episode:  



 


Subscribe today!


Listen to the show! If you like what you hear, we’d love for you to Subscribe, Rate and Review it on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.


 


Be sure to visit our show page to hear all the episodes, access the show notes, and get bonus content. And stay connected to the SharePoint community blog where we’ll share more information per episode, guest insights, and take any questions from our listeners and SharePoint users (TheIntrazone@microsoft.com). We, too, welcome your ideas for future episodes topics and segments. Keep the discussion going in comments below; we’re hear to listen and grow.


 


Subscribe to The Intrazone podcast! And listen to episode 66 now.


 


Thanks for listening!


The SharePoint teams want you to unleash your magic, creativity, and productivity – and visualize it all. And we will do this, together, one diagram at a time.



The Intrazone links



+ Listen to other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts.


 


Left to right [The Intrazone co-hosts]: Chris McNulty, director (SharePoint/Viva – Microsoft) and Mark Kashman, senior product manager (SharePoint – Microsoft).Left to right [The Intrazone co-hosts]: Chris McNulty, director (SharePoint/Viva – Microsoft) and Mark Kashman, senior product manager (SharePoint – Microsoft).


The Intrazone, a show about the Microsoft 365 intelligent intranet (aka.ms/TheIntrazone)The Intrazone, a show about the Microsoft 365 intelligent intranet (aka.ms/TheIntrazone)

Bringing Visio to Microsoft 365: Diagramming for everyone

Bringing Visio to Microsoft 365: Diagramming for everyone

by | Jun 9, 2021 | Business, Microsoft 365, Technology, Visio

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

With the shift to hybrid work comes the need for business leaders to create a new, flexible operating model spanning people, places, and processes. Every business process will need to be transformed and diagrams are often the starting point for many process updates. They enable leaders across the organization to improve and visually communicate processes…

The post Bringing Visio to Microsoft 365: Diagramming for everyone appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.

Run quality assurance automatically with robotic process automation

Run quality assurance automatically with robotic process automation

by | Jun 8, 2021 | Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Technology

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

Organizations have an increasing demand to automate standard business processes and provide more convenient interactions to their staff. With robotic process automation and Microsoft Power Automate, businesses gain efficiency and accuracy by using an experience to automate repetitive processes in Dynamics 365.

Read a related blog post: Enhance workplace automation with prebuilt RPA templates for Dynamics 365

Workers on the manufacturing floor use quality orders in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management to request quality assurance processes for selected items on manufacturing lines. Potential defects or problems are typically raised based on visual observations, abnormalities in production processes, sensor data, or AI-driven predictive analysis.

Our automation solution template for Supply Chain Management demonstrates how you can use Power Automate to automate business processes to create quality orders.

Watch a video: Utilize RPA to create quality orders in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management

graphical user interface, application

The Power Automate solution template includes a cloud automation flow and a desktop automation flow that automate the creation of quality orders in Supply Chain Management.

Although the automation can be started from different event sources and signals, the QOrder app is included in the solution template. It’s an example of user inputdriven automation that is typically used in visual inspections, together with scanning item QR codes, entering quantities, and attaching camera pictures.

The automation solution template also includes parameters that you can use to configure the automation for a specific use case in a production facility.

Find more information about how to use this and other automation templates

How the automation solution works

The automation solution runs in your instance of Power Automate. After you download and import the solution template into your solutions in the Power Automate portal, you first specify a set of parameters that configure quality order creation in your Supply Chain Management environment, parameters for your quality management scenario, and a connection to your desktop automation host. This host will open your Supply Chain management environment and create the quality order when requested by the automation flows.

Find more information about deployment

Download the Automation solution template

Screenshot of the QOrder application and one of the automation flows.

Solution parameters are used to provide credentials and values that are the same for all automation runs. In the preceding example, the configuration parameters are values for Site, Warehouse, and Test Group. Item numbers, quantities, and (optionally) picture attachments are entered by the initiating party for each automation. You can, of course, customize the automation solution to meet your needs.

Find more information in the installation documentation

After the solution installation and configuration are completed, you can find the assets listed in your solution. After the app has been published for your organization and shared, users can sign into Power Apps on their mobile device, open the app, and start creating quality orders.

The app will capture the input from the user and create a row in a data table called QOrder_Queue to request a new quality order. The cloud flow from the QOrder automation solution was started during the installation process and will automatically pick up the new request. It will then contact the desktop automation flow through the configured on-premises connector on the automation host. The desktop automation flow, in turn, will begin the creation of the quality order in your Supply Chain Management portal.

You can also view the history of automation runs in your solution instance. Select QOrder – Cloud Flow Monitor Queue, and review the run history.

We have also added a second cloud flow that can be used to call directly into the desktop automation of the quality order creation host. You can use this other automation flow to connect to more signals to create quality orders. The signals include signals from sensors that use IoT Central, or even AI-based predictive decision-making processes.

Note that this is the first preview version of the solution template, and some functionality is limited. In this release, a picture that is attached in the QOrder app won’t yet be attached to the quality order in Supply Chain Management. We will add this and more capabilities in iterative enhancement updates.

Next steps

For a complete step-by-step guide about how to download, install, and use the sample solution for automating quality order creation, see Automate quality order creation on Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management with Robotic Process Automation using Power Automate Desktop

The post Run quality assurance automatically with robotic process automation appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.

Bringing Visio to Microsoft 365: Diagramming for everyone

Three new voice features for Outlook mobile—now on iOS, and coming soon to Android

by | Jun 8, 2021 | Business, Microsoft 365, Technology

This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.

If you feel like you are juggling more meetings, emails, and chats than ever, you’re probably right—and you’re certainly not alone. In our recent Work Trend Index annual report, Microsoft shared data that clearly illustrated how the digital intensity of workers’ days has increased substantially. Email is no exception—the number of emails delivered to commercial…

The post Three new voice features for Outlook mobile—now on iOS, and coming soon to Android appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.