Trainer-IT

Improve supply chain resilience through access to inventory.
An accurate and reliable inventory view is the basis for many of the decisions you make in your company. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain timely and accurate data. Keeping track of your inventory is the key to making decisions about replenishment, inventory strategy, and the company's financial health. It is important to understand that every action related to the supply chain, at some point, may also affect stocks.
The goal of inventory management is to maintain a flexible inventory level and turnover ratio. However, due to disruptions in the supply chain and delays, forecasting becomes a real problem. This is probably why many supply chain professionals plan to invest in the flexibility and resiliency of their supply chains. In 2021, Gartner conducted a study that showed that more than 80% of respondents want to make their supply chains more flexible and want more resiliency.
To address these issues, Microsoft offers the Inventory Visibility add-in as part of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.
The way of solving inventory pain points
The Inventory Visibility add-on is designed to transform the supply chain by solving inventory problems. The add-in is a highly scalable microservice. It can be included as an add-on for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and can be integrated with data sources from Microsoft or third-party logistics providers (3PLs). This allows you to provide online inventory visibility so as not to implement a full enterprise resource planning (ERP).
For large retailers, there is no problem in processing a million transactions per minute and accurately determining cross-channel inventory.
Fast response with inventory currency
All businesses need accurate data to make the right decisions. And especially important is the tracking of stocks, since any changes require a quick response. The new Inventory Visibility add-on gives you the ability to view inventory status. Thus, allowing the business to adjust production or sales plans in time.
Maintain fault tolerance through scalability
To increase the sustainability of the supply chain, you can use multiple sales channels and storage locations. Combine online channels, physical channels such as in-store sales. It is the combination that increases sales opportunities. In addition, it is important to create more storage locations closer to local markets. So, there will be no failures during the delivery.
However, companies note that new sales channels have different storage systems, and this burdens the consolidation of data and makes it difficult to get data online. Such data is critical to maintaining business operations. To solve this problem, the Inventory Visibility add-in was created. It allows you to process a huge number of transactions through different channels from different regions in seconds.
Supplier diversification is another strategy that supply chain leaders follow. Having information about suppliers' stocks is also valuable information that facilitates through or direct selling. It can also help to form a more complete picture of potentially available resources. This scenario involves integrating Inventory Visibility with vendor inventory systems.
In the past, updating inventory was extremely time-consuming as data was collected from multiple stores and regions. Now all changes and data are displayed in seconds. Store operations and channel orders have become much more efficient.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Dynamics 365 Finance now officially offers finance insights
AI in finance.
There has been a lot of talk about the prospects of AI, machine learning and robotization of processes in recent years, including in the financial sector. However, the discussions were not supported by concrete examples and explanations of how to apply these technologies in order to achieve better results and improve performance. Financial analytics allows you to predict cash flows and put forward intelligent budget proposals.
The outline of customer payment
Traditionally, companies have had a problem predicting when customers will pay bills. Lack of understanding breeds inaccurate cash flow forecasts. What would be the situation if companies could predict whether a customer would pay their bill on time or if they would delay payment?
Information about customer payments allows you to build forecasts by applying machine learning to financial data. This Dynamics 365 Finance functionality allows you to draw conclusions from already known customer payment data and analyze it for predictive purposes.
Information about customer payments very effectively changes the process of collecting and analyzing data. As a result, companies can make decisions based on predictions to automate tasks and track customers at risk.
Feature of forecasting the cash flow
For any business, cash flow is of great importance. Even companies with large profits can become insolvent if they fail to maintain the cash flow needed to fund operations. Cash flow forecasting allows companies to avoid adverse outcomes and manage their cash balances more effectively.
Cash flow forecasting allows for automatic integration with various external systems and reports. Machine learning allows you to make these predictions more accurately. This enables managers to make better decisions and optimize the company's capabilities.
Overall accuracy is improved when cash flow forecasting and time series forecasting are combined. You can also measure the effectiveness of forecasts by storing forecasts and comparing them with actual financial performance. This will allow more accurate forecasts to be made in the future.
Intelligent budget proposals
A large amount of time and resources are spent by organizations preparing the budget. Part of the time is spent cleaning up the historical data so it is possible to provide an accurate representation of the process history. The role of budget proposals is that they provide a streamlined mechanism for preparing a multi-year history, analyzing data, and changing over time.
What can be transformed
Financial analytics brings AI and automation functionality to Dynamics 365 Finance. These developments are a sensational breakthrough that is changing the perception of transactional finance. As you can see, this is achieved through the use of AI, Machine Learning and Intelligent Automation. It is the interconnected set of these tools that makes it possible to analyze payments and predict cash flows.
With these tools, financial institutions can make their business decisions much easier. Their ideas are based on clear data provided by AI. As a result, they will be able to increase operational efficiency through the use of intelligent automation. Microsoft is making these transformational opportunities available.

Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Using diagnostics in order to optimize call center routing.
Smooth and properly configured routing has undeniable benefits in terms of optimizing maintenance workload and increasing efficiency. The business module can change, scale, and the original routing infrastructure becomes more complex. Updates to Unified Routing in Dynamics 365 Customer Service make it much easier to manage these processes.
Common Routing Steps for Classification and Assignment
Thanks to the unified routing architecture, it is possible to configure routing in stages and apply individual settings at each stage. At the stage of classification, it is possible to create rules affecting customer data for analytic purposes. In addition, at the classification stage, it is possible to apply smart search and forecasting. All of these algorithms are based on machine learning. Insights are needed during the prioritization phase: a work item is assigned to the most appropriate agent or queue for resolution.
Each incoming work item is processed according to rules. This is necessary for the work item to be assigned to the best agent. For each item, you can see the classification, how the priority, value and queue were assigned.
How to Solve Problems Using Unified Routing Diagnostics
When there is a problem with this routing setup, you use diagnostics to get insights into what might be wrong. You can see why certain work items are taking longer to assign, and you can also see why an item could be incorrectly assigned. More information: Diagnostics for unified routing
If you experience routing problems, you can use diagnostics to determine the cause. This will help you understand the problem. Previously, only the Customer Service Hub or the Omnichannel admin center app had access to diagnostics. That is, only an administrator could create and edit rules, view diagnostics, search for incorrect routes in general - optimize routing settings.
In operational mode, however, managers are responsible for performing operations, configuring queues and agents. Managers can have problems, and if previously only administrators had access, now also managers now have access to historical analysis for unified routing. Analysts need more tools to understand the root of the problem.
In order to resolve this problem, supervisors gained access to diagnostics. They can now not only manage items in queues, but also view the routing settings for a specific work item, and report problems to the administrator, suggesting customization improvements.

Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Mixed reality helps in exploring the Intel manufacturing environment.
Modern companies have seen value in using mixed reality. It can be used to influence how employees learn and work. Microsoft offers unique mixed reality solutions that transform the workforce in an intuitive way. Examples of such solutions are Microsoft HoloLens 2, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist.
Using Intel as an example, we will look at how the above mixed reality technologies are used. At such important technological enterprises, Microsoft`s developments in the field of mixed reality are given the opportunity to perform key functions associated with complex production. When working with the smallest geometries in manufacturing, precision and continuous process improvement are essential to achieve smarter and more efficient production. Intel has a great responsibility to keep pace with the evolution of the global virtual network.
For example, at one of the manufacturing plants, two mixed reality technologies (HoloLens 2 and Dynamics 365 Guides) were able to become part of production processes and participate in such scenarios as:
• Troubleshooting: By using Dynamics 365 guides, employees can audit more thoroughly, strive for fixes the first time, and define directions for repair.
• Maintenance and repair tasks: Employees of the company are trained directly in practice according to step-by-step instructions for conducting an audit and eliminating breakdowns. In addition, Intel uses Dynamics 365 Guides for asset management.
• Facility tour: To show the inner workings of Intel facilities, employees can use HoloLens 2 to take digital tours of the facilities.
• Preparing interactive training materials: Employees of the company can be trained both from home and in the production workshop itself. Dynamics 365 Guides helps Intel create digital, interactive training accessible from anywhere. Trainings can be delivered using a PC or HoloLens device with simple 2D and 3D creation in a real-world environment.
• Remote communication: Dynamics 365 Remote Assist makes it easy to connect Intel experts and technicians through collaboration calls so you don't disrupt your workflow. With Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, the company has made it easier for experienced engineers to work from home. for example, it has become easier to perform remote inspections with photo and video materials. Also, travel avoidance has contributed to global safety during COVID-19.

Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Integrated manufacturing solution helps breaking down data silos.
Often there is a problem of aligning production management systems (equipment, personnel) called manufacturing ex*****on systems with resource planning systems such as Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Custom MESs that are tailored to the manufacturer's requirements can be created for a variety of reasons. At the same time, manufacturers face difficulties when integrating such systems with ERP systems.
In this excerpt, we will talk about the most common problems in integrating these two systems. We will also understand how integration can help shape the concept of the manufacturing floor.
Challenges met while integrating
There are several problems that can be caused by the integration of MES with ERP systems:
• Cost: Since the integration often takes more time, the cost can be much higher than originally planned by the customer.
• Archiving and signal playback: If there is no implementation of this possibility during integration, then it is difficult to reproduce a signal when incoming or outgoing data.
• Debugging: Troubleshooting becomes difficult when two different systems are linked. In this case, error messages appear. This means that data is not syncing or validation is not performed.
• Key Points: There are signal bursts in the production floor, for example, many reports are completed in a short time. Of key importance is the importance that, after integration, the system would cope with such spikes.
• Personal Notification: Very often, integration causes the problem of not being able to notify a specific team or specific person. Even if the responsibility for integration lies with one person, it takes time to determine who is exactly responsible for solving any issue.
• Data fragmentation: data can be present both in the first and in the second system, but not be synchronized. However, synchronization is important for an accurate picture of the status of orders on the shop floor.
• Out-of-order or multiple deliveries: Each system has its own set of deliveries and releases. Updates can occur at different times and should not affect the other system. Delivery synchronization can be one of the integration issues.
• Limited reusability: Once the integration is complete, it is usually shared between the two systems. When a different production site is involved, a completely new integration implementation may be required.
Keep your data up to date in an integrated solution
The need for manual input and the ability to maintain the relevance of data in both systems is possible only thanks to the automated data exchange in an integrated solution. For example, if a material use is marked in MES, then it will also be registered in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Inventory data is available for planning and sales. To solve all of the above integration problems, Microsoft is releasing a tool for smooth and hassle-free integration.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Dynamics 365 Customer Insights helps to enhance consent management.
When we talk about customer-owned data, confidentiality and compliance are first and foremost taken into account. In today's privacy-critical world, consent funnels are just as important as shopping sequences. Working to create a focused and personalized experience, customer consent for all processes, without exception, where data is used.
Dynamics 365 Customer Insights offers new consent features that can be considered by marketers and business analysts. Administrators have rights to connect and configure the use of rules. You don't need to write any code for this. The features described are available in preview in wave 2 of the 2021 release.
Segmentation and the rules of consent
Additional consent enablement capabilities enable Customer Insights to provide rich data management. Namely, their collection, unification, enrichment. Working with data begins in the self-service data preparation services in the Consent Center. Users can map the integrated consent data with the actions and rules of inclusion or exclusion. Then these rules can be used to control business processes.
Data analysts also have opportunities to capitalize on innovation. They will have the ability to include consent data for training and help improve the predictions and accuracy of machine learning models. For example, this will affect metrics such as customer churn and customer lifetime value (CLV).
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

A Center of Excellence helps ensure the success of the Power Platform.
Microsoft Power Platform is releasing a new low-code platform for workflow reporting and automation. In combination with Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Apps, the platform can be used for software development, analysis, and automation. Organizations using the Microsoft Power Platform need to scale solutions to meet demand-level performance. And the best solution is to start by creating a Center of Excellence (CoE).
The mission of the Center of Excellence
CoE is a set of tools that help you strategize how Microsoft Power Platform is embedded in workflows. This will help ensure performance and application development, all in coordination with the entire company, not specific departments. The importance of CoE lies in the fact that it stimulates innovation and provides independence from disorganized structures.
CoE is instrumental in guiding three key steps in the Microsoft Power Platform implementation:
• Administration: Clear and specific allocation of guidelines needed. Manage database concepts, permissions, and connectors. Administration includes such features as archiving unused applications, transferring ownership, optimizing duplication, etc. When there are clear guidelines, innovation is much faster and easier. On the CoE control panel, you will find options for administering and setting access rights.
• Operations: In the CoE dashboard, you can find data about which applications are used and by whom and how often. Business people can create applications using a low-code platform for little cost. As they grow, vendors are stuck with more shady software that needs to be managed. The CoE starter kit contains ready-made templates for applying best practices.
• Innovation: Empowering manufacturers. CoE is the beginning of a journey of innovative expansion and growth for the company. CoE provides the ability to automate and digitalize operations without sacrificing security. Specialists with low code levels can be found in various departments outside of development. The main goal is to find communities and identify in which direction it can develop based on its role in business.
• Leaders are specialists who can tweak the development team by providing expert assistance or insistence. It is necessary to train such specialists and keep their knowledge of products and developments up to date.
• Organizational change agents work on awareness, distribute helpful materials and templates, promote learning at hackathons
• Developers working on creating architectural projects, updating templates and creating new ones.
• Operations and engineering work to provide self-service for objects and data, use of APIs and connectors and is also responsible for monitoring usage metrics.
CoE will no doubt be a huge boost to your organization's success on the Microsoft Power Platform, whether you've worked with low-code before.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Expanding Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem with Shopify.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partners with Shopify to simplify the shopping experience for customers. Dynamics 365 Business Central provides end-to-end business management while Shopify provides a simple e-commerce product. By integrating with each other, the systems synchronize orders and customer information so that sellers can serve customers quickly and efficiently. Collaboration furthers Dynamics 365 Business Central's commitment to data connectivity to accelerate the adoption of more efficient enterprises.
Fast adaptation
The synergy between Dynamics 365 Business Central and Shopify will definitely bring positive results in helping to organize more agile processes and still stick to a sales focus. Once you have your online stores and business transactions data set up, you can easily manage inquiries, merchandising, and product prices. Dynamics 365 Business Central will be able to support any Shopify Store scenario with tiered pricing structures.
Conscious work
The fewer manual processes, the more accurate the job will be. It will also help you focus on customer care. When you connect Shopify and Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can improve your inventory visibility, order history, statuses, payments, and more. A faster response to customer requests depends on visibility.
Advanced performance
Efficiency in operations saves time, costs and facilitates faster decision making. As a result, you gain confidence in minimizing costs while expanding your online presence. Dynamics 365 Business Central is also an excellent financial and tax reporting tool for all financial law requirements.
Microsoft's goal is to create an open system to help customers find the right solutions to accelerate their digital transformation. Joining Shopify Global ERP enables Dynamics 365 Business Central customers to accelerate growth by processing payments using a built-in connector that will be available in 2022.
Analytics is at the heart of all innovation. It is based on quality data. Advanced capabilities will enable Dynamics 365 Business Central users to meet the needs of their customers. At the same time, enterprise customers continue to use Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce to provide the ability to make payments offline or online. This capability means businesses of all sizes can do business anywhere, providing consumers with better experiences and choices.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Optimize order fulfillment and supply chain continuity with Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management.
Many companies face supply chain problems. These difficulties are solvable by digital transformation, but organizational constraints are becoming an obstacle. The lack of awareness of corporate systems is an obstacle for companies to gain an understanding of their supply chain. And outdated technology hinders business continuity, affecting the inability to adapt to changing customer demand.
New technologies are helping to automate data-driven decision making. Data should be at the heart of strategy development. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management enables companies to make data-driven decisions.
Optimizing fulfillment with intelligance
The delivery of Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management includes a mechanism to optimize ex*****on. It takes on the role of intelligently managing order complexity and providing real-time transparency and visibility of all inventory. Most often, problems in this area are faced by companies that carry out direct deliveries to the consumer. In recent surveys, virtually all original equipment manufacturers believe digital transformation is essential to an organization's strategic success.
The source of the problem is the complexity that comes from combining multiple sources of orders. The add-on also has more and more options for ex*****on. Finally, it is also any number of storage locations from which inventory can be retrieved to fulfill customer orders. It is key for an organization to use and optimize these options. Only in this case enterprises will be able to profitably fulfill the agreements on the order.
The order fulfillment optimization mechanism is based on AI. Using simple APIs, you can connect to any of these enterprise applications. Companies can instantly connect to existing order management systems such as ERP and WMS. And also expand them thanks to pre-created partner connectors. Intelligent Order Management has an important role to play in the digital transformation of the supply chain. It provides flexibility in supply chain management and sustainability.
Effect of application
Those who directly supply products to the consumer simply need a solution that provides transparency of supply. This is how organizations can achieve supply chain resilience. Dynamics 365 Intelligent Order Management is central to the digital supply chain. An efficient ex*****on optimization engine simplifies order management, ex*****on and inventory sources. In addition, Microsoft has added new vendor connectors. This allows companies to take action long before the delivery of goods is delayed. For example, they can provide discounts on shipping and provide customers with transparent tracking of shipping status.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Consolidating HR offerings opens wide possibilities for customers.
Microsoft today announced that it is introducing new HR capabilities to all customers in Dynamics 365 Human Resources.
There are currently 2 HR sets in two different Dynamics 365 infrastructures:
• Dynamics 365 Human Resources is a complete stand-alone application thanks to the fact that it runs on an independent infrastructure. It is used to obtain information about the employees working for the company and to increase flexibility. A lot of investment and a lot of work have been invested in the work on Dynamics 365 Human Resources.
• The HR module contains an outdated set of features. It was previously part of the Unified Operations licensed package. No enhancements have been added to this module, and HR capabilities are available through Dynamics 365 Finance or Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. The HR module also works on the same infrastructure, in the operational portfolio, formerly called Finance and Operations.
Of course, double access to personnel data only creates misunderstandings and limits the use of the application by 100%. Here's what customers will get by combining capabilities in one infrastructure:
• Improved vacation and absence control, benefits management and reporting;
• Extensibility with Microsoft Power Platform and augmentation of business logic to personalize screens and forms;
• Deploy more efficiently and intelligently manage the application lifecycle, services, and geographic availability;
• Innovation in the context of the roadmap. Engineers can now use shared services, thereby reducing platform costs.
Please note that Dynamics 365 Human Resources is still licensed and sold as a standalone application. However, the merger will open up the shared infrastructure of Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Dataverse. Of course, the transition will affect those using the HR module and Dynamics 365 Human Resources.
Frequently asked questions and answers to them:
When is the completion of the Dynamics 365 Human Resources infrastructure merger planned?
The infrastructure merger is planned as a phased process. This is necessary so that all clients have enough time to make the transition. New opportunities will appear already from the 2nd wave of 2021. The merger will be completed in wave 1 release 2022.
When does a company need to migrate to a new infrastructure?
The answer is different for each company, and it depends on the readiness for the transition and the current configuration.
• Organizations that use the HR module will have new features along with regular One Version updates. Preliminary, the functions will become available from January 2022.
• To complete the integration, organizations that use Dynamics 365 Human Resources will be provided with migration tools. It's best to check your migration plan regularly and stay up-to-date on the tools available. On average, it is planned that after the availability of tools, it is worth completing the transition in 1-1.5 years.
• Organizations that use the HR module and Dynamics 365 Human Resources will also need to use migration tools.

Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/

Install the learning module for the Field Service mobile app (Dynamics 365).
The Field Service (Dynamics 365) app is designed to keep employees connected and up to date with important information. Employees use the app to view work information. Such as work notes, timetables, work orders and asset data. You can download the Field Service Learning Module (Dynamics 365) quickly and easily to learn step-by-step exercise guides and start using the app today.
The skills you will acquire
Completing the module will only take about 4 hours of your time, and this is what you will be able to:
Download and sign in to the mobile app and interact with Dynamics 365 Field Service information such as orders and work orders.
• By downloading and logging into the app, you can interact with order information;
• You will be able to make general settings for the objects displayed in the application, for example, editing, tables, object presentation. You can also configure the work of the application in offline mode;
• Learn the best practices for implementing the Field Service (Dynamics 365) mobile app and also all the important knowledge from the previous app;
• Learn to perform complex settings such as location tracking, barcode scanning, notifications. All of this will help you meet more and more business requirements and processes.
Required items
To complete the Field Service (Dynamics 365) mobile app tutorial you will need:
• Laptop or computer
• Internet
• Tablet or mobile phone (Android / iOS)
This is all you need to complete the course. Note that no prior experience is required. The module itself begins by setting up a new Dynamics 365 Field Service environment from scratch. However, if you already have a Dynamics 365 Field Service environment, you can use it.
More about the app
Few details about the Field Service mobile app (Dynamics 365). It is an application optimized for mobile interfaces based on a model built on the Microsoft Power Platform. This makes it possible to configure and manage the application from mobile devices as conveniently as from laptops and PCs.
Article publication source:
https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/