This month, Microsoft released the second phase of feature updates in their new continuous update model for Dynamics 365 Finance.
Are you ready to deploy those features for your team?
The new update approach is still unfamiliar territory for many businesses, and some have struggled to develop a strategic plan for analyzing and testing new features each month. If this is the case for your organization, that’s okay. Here’s what you need to know for May.
As part of their commitment to solving customer problems and creating strategic work experiences, Microsoft has transitioned to a continuous update model for Dynamics 365. In the new model, D365 Finance uses phased monthly releases for updates rather than two larger updates each year.
2020 Release Wave
The 2020 release wave one update plan launched in April. Additional features are scheduled for release each month through September. These features are designed to improve automation, predictive analytics, risk management, and usability within the software.
In light of the current business climate, Microsoft recently announced that they would enable one additional update deferral for D365 Finance customers. This will help businesses implement the updates when they are ready while also maintaining business continuity.
Staying on top of the new features and determining how to get the most value from them can be time consuming, however. The temptation may be to let new features go unused if they are not mandatory, especially those that are disabled by default.
At AXIA Consulting, we want to make sure you get the greatest possible benefit from every update. To help you achieve this goal, we will highlight one new feature each month in our update spotlight series. The monthly spotlight will walk you through the purpose of the new feature, show you how it delivers value, and help you navigate the process of enabling features as needed.
Here’s what is new in D365 F&O for May.
May Update Feature Spotlight
The first wave of updates for D365 F&O will be released from April to September of 2020.
The goal of these updates is to promote automation and predictive analytics so that CFOs and other leaders can turn their attention to strategic concerns rather than getting bogged down in daily execution. Updates will also support risk management, performance improvements, and usability for every member of your finance team.
Update: Designate fields as mandatory by using personalization
This month’s updates include personalization features designed to optimize user experience. Updating personalization capabilities enables users to tailor an experience that meets their needs. It also supports broader implementation of personalization across the software.
With this new update, you will be able to:
How does this update deliver value to your business?
Creating custom user experiences is a critical way to support your employees as they perform their jobs. As technology continues to evolve, people have come to expect deeper and more customized functionality from their technology. That’s true not only for consumer-oriented tech, but also for the software your employees use at work. Expanding personalization capabilities is an investment in better work experiences for your employees. It also supports them as they serve your customers.
The goal of Microsoft’s investment in personalization and user experiences is to make it easier for your employees to interact with the system. It will also encourage them to take advantage of the personalization features that are available so they can create more efficient, streamlined work experiences.
As part of the larger goal of improving usability and strategic performance, this update supports improved user interactions with the system for every member of your team.
Make the Most of every update with AXIA Consulting
Do you need help developing a plan for D365 F&O continuous updates? We can help!
No two businesses are the same, and that means you will need a strategy to decide which new features are right for your organization.
AXIA Consulting can help you:
If you have questions about your update strategy in general, specific features of the update, or how to get the best results, we have the answers you need.
Visit us at axiaconsulting.net to learn more.
Doug Blitzer leads AXIA’s Microsoft Dynamics 365 practice and has over 28 years of consulting and industry operations experience. His focus includes assisting private and public sector clients to achieve improved business process and technical operations. Doug’s expertise encompasses business process improvement, business metrics, technology strategy, project/program management, packaged and custom software implementation for ERP, CRM, HRIS, Learning Management, Performance Management, and Application Tracking systems, as well as eCommerce, organizational change management, and talent development.
Doug’s experience and relationship skills provide him with the foundation to direct and manage large complex projects, including multiple constituencies, multiple software integrations, and complex requirements.