Companies need accurate sales forecasts to keep on track to meet quarterly and annual revenue goals.

In Dynamics 365 Sales 2021 release wave 1, sellers can now clone an existing forecast when they need to make edits, and gain immediate clarity on revenue scenarios. The existing forecast remains intact while you configure different scenarios quickly and seamlessly.

This enhancement helps you plan for upcoming periods, when a few simple tweaks to the scheduling timeframe in an existing forecast will give you the insights you need.

Cloning not only eliminates repetitive data entry, but it also helps prevent forecasting errors.

With forecast cloning, these capabilities are now available:

• Change the rollup and hierarch entities and their relationship.
• Change the top of the hierarchy.
• Change the timeframe of a forecast.
• Change the hierarchy entity and user lookup field that defines who can access each record of the forecast.
• Change a forecast category option set, add columns, or modify columns.
• Add or modify filters that limit the data which drives the forecast.

For more information, read how to bring predictability to your revenue pipeline.

Next steps

• Check out the documentation for more information about forecasting in Dynamics 365 Sales.
• Read more on how to easily clone a forecast.
• Learn how to configure forecasts in your organization.

The post Save time by cloning sales forecasts in Dynamics 365 Sales appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

For many businesses, success increasingly depends on having the agility to innovate and adapt to rapid change, responding to customer needs, competitive pressure, and industry trends. But this is a difficult challenge when employees are buried in time-consuming busywork like repetitive tasks or complex processes.

That’s why we are dedicated to helping organizations like yours automate manual business processes, across both legacy and modern applications, so you can focus on what’s most important for your business and customers. In March, we released robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities in Microsoft Power Automate Desktop for Windows 10 users.

This month, we are introducing enhanced workplace automation capabilities for Microsoft Dynamics 365a set of prebuilt RPA solution templates, now available for public preview, that seamlessly integrate with select Dynamics 365 applications

Initially available for Dynamics 365 Customer Service, Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, and Dynamics 365 Finance, the prebuilt automation templates enable teams to rapidly automate common business scenariosfreeing time from day-to-day manual, repetitive, and error-prone tasks.

Developers can further extend any of those solutions by using custom actions, custom connectors, Microsoft Azure services, and APIs to take full advantage of Microsoft’s one cloud and data ecosystem.

Save time across customer service, finance, and supply chain roles

Explore some of the ways that RPA can help streamline processes and save valuable time across the workforce.

Dynamics 365 Customer Service: Helping call center agents rapidly validate customer credentials

Most contact centers require agents to validate or authenticate customer identities before proceeding with the service engagement. By enhancing Dynamics 365 Customer Service with RPA, agents can automate steps of the validation process, streamlining call times and helping agents to troubleshoot and solve customer issues faster.

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management: Streamline ordering of replacement parts for manufacturing line equipment

We’ve heard from manufacturing customers about the need to improve the process of ordering replacement parts for equipment on the factory floor. Often, technicians who identify defective parts on the manufacturing line need to write down part numbers, and then place the orders into the tracking system one by one. This is an inefficient and error-prone process. By integrating RPA processes into Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, technicians can simply scan or enter part details and submit orders on the spot, saving time and effort. Since Power Automate natively integrates with Azure IOT connectors, this solution can be easily extended to use the Azure IoT management system.

Watch a video to learn more about the new capabilities included in the latest update to Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

Dynamics 365 Finance: Perform end of cycle financial close tasks, such as report generation and account validation

At the end of each financial period, finance team members perform standard recurring tasks in order to close the period (month-end, quarter-end, year-end). Many of these tasks include end-of-cycle report generation for the purpose of account validation and documentation. By integrating RPA capabilities in Power Automate, Dynamics 365 Finance helps streamline many of these manual and time-consuming processes, freeing up finance team members to focus on more critical strategic tasks while at the same time maintaining the accuracy that is highly demanded by the more and more restrictive finance audit regulations.

Next steps

Take the first step to enable your customer service, supply chain, and finance teams to automate processes in Dynamics 365. Get a free Power Automate RPA trial license and install Power Automate Desktop, and then import the three solutions mentioned above into your environment to set it up. Check out the documentation for steps to get started.

Send us your feedback, and we’ll work hard to address your feedback and improve the preview experience.

The post Enhance workplace automation with prebuilt RPA templates for Dynamics 365 (preview) appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

“What kind of cool opportunities are there in the research and education space and how can we leverage that technology?” These were the types of questions that educators at Northeastern University asked themselves when looking for solutions to provide unique, immersive experiences for their students. Education and experiential learning have seen incredible value in the development of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technology and content, according to Statista.¹ Traditional, more passive learning methods are failing to meet the needs of modern education, and institutions like Northeastern University are rapidly exploring and adopting more innovative and impactful solutions.

Students need a tactile, active, and hands-on experience that helps them retain information longer and apply acquired knowledge in real-world situations, even while learning. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides and HoloLens 2 give professors and leaders in learning and development a game-changing approach to experiential and hands-on learning.

Move from traditional to experiential learning

The biotech department at Northeastern University knew it needed to expand its traditional learning model to provide students with more experiential learning opportunities. They discovered Microsoft’s mixed reality solutions and immediately saw the value of applying this technology to lectures, classroom training, and research.

The value of mixed reality became even more clear after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown university facilities and sent students home. Northeastern University started using mixed reality as part of their pandemic response, working to ensure students didn’t miss out on their education even while at home. Using Dynamics 365 Guides and HoloLens 2 the students at Northeastern University received an immersive learning experience despite the challenges of the coronavirus lockdown.

“The HoloLens really emphasized the power of visual learning in a specific space, but not actually having to be there.”Jared Auclair PhD, Director of Executive Training and Biotechnology Programs, Northeastern University

Reduce training time with Dynamics 365 Guides

Before Northeastern University introduced mixed reality to the training process, it took three hours for Dr. Auclair to teach a relatively simple technique inside the lab. Working closely with his students, Dr. Auclair often spent time in person to help them get it right. Now, using Dynamics 365 Guides, Northeastern University has cut training time by 83 percent. Students can now acquire the technique required in no more than 30 minutes and discovered a new-found independence.

“We can get them into HoloLens 2, and they can go through a program by themselves being guided by the guides. It’s a beauty of it that I don’t have to be there. And then, we can bring them in the lab and ensure they’ve been trained properlyI think Dynamics 365 Guides has the potential to be a game-changer in the training realm of biotech.”Jared Auclair PhD, Director of Executive Training and Biotechnology Programs, Northeastern University

Empower students to do more with mixed reality

In addition to reducing training time, mixed reality has freed up critical time for specialists who no longer need to be present during in-classroom training. They can spend this extra time giving feedback and preparing the student for more complex techniques. At Northeastern University, students using mixed reality can quickly apply their skills in the real world and appreciate the independence and flexibility this learning method provides, particularly during such an uncertain time.

“We’re excited about exploring the new possibilities of using this kind of technology for experiential learning in whatever kind of setting, given that this technology is now more widely available.”Nick Wilson, Associate Director, Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning Through Research, Northeastern University

Get started with Dynamics 365 Guides

• Take the next step by trying a 30-day free trial of Dynamics 365 Guides.
• Read how Dynamics 365 Guides is transforming remote nursing education at University of Michigan.
• Learn how MSR and Sheba Medical Center meet urgent staffing demands with HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides.
• Discover how to navigate the skills gap with Dynamics 365 Guides.
• See how companies across industries are getting the most out of mixed reality.

1-“XR/AR/VR/MR technology investment directions worldwide 2016-2019″, Lionel Sujay Vailshery, March 16, 2021, Statista.

The post Northeastern University uses Dynamics 365 Guides mixed reality to deliver experiential learning appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

We have made the decision not to invest in transitioning the Russian payroll capabilities in Dynamics AX 2012 R3 over to Dynamics 365.

However, we’ll continue to support existing Russian payroll capabilities for organizations on an Enhancement Plan during the mainstream support and extended support through October 12, 2021 and January 10, 2023, respectively. For more information about Dynamics AX 2012 R3 lifecycle, read this article.

Although we do not recommend it, organizations can continue using Russian payroll capabilities with the knowledge that all regulatory updates and non-security hotfixes for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 will end on October 12, 2021, and security hotfixes will end on January 10, 2023.

Here are answers to some common questions for organizations impacted by this decision.

Why is support of Dynamics AX 2012 R3 Russian payroll capabilities not being continued in future releases?

Payroll is not included in the global strategic focus of the Dynamics 365 portfolio. Partners and ISVs are best positioned to provide payroll functionality that is compliant with local regulations and tax updates.

What Russian payroll solution is recommended when I move to Dynamics 365 Finance?

We recommend that organizations work with their implementation partner to determine the best local payroll solution based on their specific needs.

Does being active on a support or service plan ensure continued support for the Dynamics AX 2012 R3 solution?

Yes. Organizations active on an Enhancement Plan will receive mainstream support and extended support. The mainstream support for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 ends on October 12, 2021. Extended support for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 ends on January 10, 2023. For more information about Dynamics AX 2012 R3 lifecycle, read this article.

Can I continue to use the Russian payroll capabilities included in Dynamics AX 2012 R3?

Yes, but regulatory updates and non-security hotfixes for the Russian Payroll feature for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 will be discontinued on October 12, 2021.

Is support for Dynamics AX 2012 R3 Russian payroll capabilities being retired?

No. Dynamics AX 2021 R3 is included in mainstream support until October 12, 2021, which means Microsoft provides security hotfixes, non-security hotfixes, and regulatory updates. After the end of mainstream support, it will be included in extended support from October 13, 2021 to January 10, 2023. Microsoft will continue to provide security hotfixes only. There won’t be additional support for non-security hotfixes nor will there be regulatory updates. Dynamics AX 2012 R3 will be out-of-support starting on January 11, 2023. For more information about Dynamics AX 2012 R3 lifecycle, read this article.

Will the Russian payroll capabilities of Dynamics AX 2012 R3 be available in Dynamics 365 on-premises deployments?

Russian payroll capabilities of Dynamics AX 2012 R3 won’t be available in Dynamics 365 as a cloud service or for on-premises deployment. We suggest you work with your implementation partner to determine the best option for you.

What if I want to continue to use the Russian payroll capabilities after the end of the mainstream support for Dynamics AX 2012 R3?

Organizations using Russian payroll capabilities in AX 2012 R3 are welcome to use it after it is discontinued. However, we do not recommend doing this, as payroll regulations are continuously changing, and the existing product will not be compliant.

Will out-of-the-box integration be provided with any payroll solution for Russia, similar to integration with some US solutions, such as Ceridian or ADP?

Microsoft works with ISVs on enabling seamless integration with payroll providers for different geographies. Monitor Microsoft AppSource and other communication channels for alternative solutions.

Next steps

We recommend that you contact your implementation partner to determine the best payroll solution to meet your needs and build a plan to migrate to a new solution.

Send email to RUPayrollInquiry@microsoft.com with any questions about these changes. Find more information about the Russian payroll capabilities in the documentation.

The post Update for our customers using Russian payroll capabilities of Dynamics AX 2012 R3 appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Most companies use sales pipeline data to gauge a very generalized picture of future sales. But imagine if your company’s data was accurate enough to predict next month’s revenue within a few cents? If an organization can standardize on top-performing sales processes and establish an accurate, targeted picture of the customer, pipeline data becomes far more reliableand future sales become far more predictable.

Insurance brokerage and advisory company Willis Towers Watson (WTW) collected extensive sales data across systems within the organization, but they lacked a centralized system to view the collected data. The company adoptedMicrosoft Dynamics 365 Salesto capture data in a single system where they could extract insights to optimize sales practices and prioritize high-converting customers. By using insights to drive success into sales practices, WTW has increased the reliability of their sales pipeline, making future revenue far more predictable.

“In January, we ran our numbers based on prior performance and predicted almost to the penny what the number would be for new business going forward. Probably very few companies have been able to do something like that.”Luis Maurette, CRB Global Head of Sales and Client Management, WTW

Sales predictability can be increased when sales leaders have two key things:

1. An accurate picture of high-conversion customers: Seller conversion rate will increase and sales cycles will close faster if you can provide your sellers a picture of your highest-converting customers. With the right tools, customer profiles can easily be developed from the characteristics of existing customerssales intelligence you already have. According to LinkedIn, 74 percent of sales intelligence users said the tools are extremely critical or critical in closing deals.
2. Better, faster sales processes: According to McKinsey, sales performance management can drive up to a 10 to 20 percent increase in revenue per salesperson. That means if you leverage tools that help you identify sales best practices and standardize them across your company, your sales cadence becomes predictable.

Fast access to data, fewer systems to pull data from, and easy collaboration with teammates and stakeholders optimize processes, and in turn makes sales cycles faster.

Identify customers more accurately, win more customers

A better understanding of the customers leads to higher conversion rates. Marcelo Fama, Head of Latin America CRB Ops at WTW says that with the new capabilities offered by Dynamics 365 Sales and Microsoft Relationship Sales (which includes LinkedIn Sales Navigator), “We identify more opportunities sooner with the highly effective, automated triggers in the sales process that come with the platform.” At WTW, they are now able to target unique audiences because of data in Dynamics 365, and have accelerated the sales process because clients recognize right out of the gate that they understand their clients’ needs.

Increase speed and collaboration with Teams

When sellers can quickly access account managers and subject matter experts for quick information within the context of a deal, sales cycles close faster. WTW plans to leverage the integration of the One Microsoft platform to optimize their sales processes. With Microsoft Teams embedded in Dynamics 365 Sales, sellers can share and edit CRM records within the context of chats and channels, providing the seamless collaboration between segments and regions critical to closing deals. “We have aspirations to become even more connected as a company and to accelerate growth through standardized processes,” says Maurette.

Success depends on making it stick

Historically, the failure rate for large-scale change efforts like new customer relationship management (CRM) programs has been as high as 70 percent. WTW reversed this trend and within six months of rapid deployment, 90 percent of WTW sellers were up to speed and using the new tools to work faster and more efficiently.

“In my 18 years at WTW, I don’t think we ever expected staff to adopt anything at above 80 percent, let alone a sales platform. It’s just outstanding.”Jim Blaney, Head of Sales and Client Management, Corporate Risk and Broking, North America, WTW

By tapping into the true value of Dynamics 365 Sales, WTW makes more data-driven decisions with consistency across the company rather than decisions based on guesswork. And the company has a deeper understanding of its clients and can better create targeted campaigns and deliver relevant, personalized services.

Learn more about Dynamics 365 Sales

Want to learn more about Dynamics 365 Sales? Watch Dynamics 365 Sales demos or take the Activate Digital Selling guided tour to see how Dynamics 365 Sales can empower your sellers with actionable insights.

Read more about how Willis Towers Watson brought predictability to their pipeline.

We’re always looking for feedback and would like to hear from you. Please head to the Dynamics 365 Community to start a discussion, ask questions, and tell us what you think.

The post Bring predictability to your revenue pipeline with Dynamics 365 Sales appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

The past year has brought dramatic change to almost every facet of our lives. We have seen the same disruption play out across every industry, from retail to healthcare to financial services. Customer expectations are fundamentally altered, and it’s hard to imagine things going back to the way they once were.

As organizations work to stay relevant in this new world, they need digital solutions, with a strong software development strategy to meet the evolving needs of their customers. That means, they need developers.

But for developers, the way we have thought about development and product management has changed little in the past 50 years. Although we have moved from binary to assembly to third-generation languages, we have not seen a fundamental shift.

As organizations look for industry-specific digital solutions tailored for their space, developers need to increasingly shift their mindset from coding to composing clouds and components.

The post Build differentiated SaaS apps with Microsoft Industry Clouds appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.