Enhance Dynamics 365 with Third-Party Apps From an ISV

20.08.24

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a robust tool for managing business processes, but to fully leverage its potential integrating it with third-party applications is often necessary to extend the solution.

Third-party applications from an ISV (independent software vendor) available from App Source can help you to enhance its functionality and extend the capabilities significantly. This can save you time, effort and costs in development and testing and give you a solution already validated by others in your industry.

What are third-party apps?

Third-party apps are software applications developed by companies other than the original manufacturer of the primary software or platform. They extend the functionality of the primary software by offering additional features, tools, or services such as improving data flow and streamlining workflows.

For example, third-party apps (also referred to as ISV solutions) can enhance Microsoft Dynamics 365 by providing specialised capabilities like data analytics, e-commerce integration, or electronic signature services. These apps allow you to customise and optimise your Dynamics software to meet your specific needs better and improve overall efficiency.

There are several popular examples of third-party applications that integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 to enhance its functionality; Mailchimp, Power BI, DocuSign, ClickDimensions, HubSpot, Zendesk, Shopify and Adobe Sign.

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How does integrating third-party apps enhance functionality?

Power BI

Integrating Power BI with Dynamics 365 enhances functionality by providing advanced data analytics and interactive visualisations. It enables users to create detailed reports and dashboards, offering deep insights into business performance. This integration helps in making data-driven decisions, identifying trends, and improving overall business intelligence directly within Dynamics 365.

ClickDimensions

Integrating ClickDimensions with Dynamics 365 provides comprehensive marketing automation tools. It enables email marketing, web intelligence, lead scoring, and campaign tracking directly within Dynamics 365. It streamlines marketing efforts, improves lead management, and enhances customer engagement, allowing businesses to run more effective and targeted marketing campaigns.

Shopify

Integrating Shopify with Dynamics 365 synchronises e-commerce data, such as orders, customers, and inventory. This integration streamlines online sales and ensures accurate data flow between platforms. It enhances efficiency in handling e-commerce activities and improves customer service by having all relevant information accessible within Dynamics 365.

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How do ISV solutions help tailor Dynamics 365 to a specific industry?

Third-party apps help customise Microsoft Dynamics 365 to specific industries by providing specialised functionalities and tools that address unique industry needs.

In the manufacturing sector, ISV solutions from Microsoft App Source can offer features like advanced production scheduling and quality control. Whilst in the distribution industry, they can provide enhanced inventory management, logistics optimisation, and order fulfilment solutions.

For the apparel industry, ISV solutions can streamline product lifecycle management, inventory tracking, and personalised marketing; and in the financial sector they offer advanced analytics, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance tools.

These industry-specific apps can integrate seamlessly with Dynamics 365, allowing you to customise the platform to your precise operational requirements.
This ensures that you can leverage Dynamics 365’s core CRM and ERP capabilities while benefiting from added functionalities that are crucial to your industry without unnecessary and expensive customisations.

By using ISV solutions for Dynamics 365, businesses can improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and gain deeper insights into operations, leading to better decision-making and competitive advantage. Third-party apps play a crucial role in adapting Dynamics 365 to meet the diverse needs of various industries.

ISV Solutions for Business Central

In the same way third-party apps enhance Dynamics 365 functions, they can also significantly enhance Dynamics 365 Business Central by adding specialised features, such as advanced inventory management, streamlined financial reporting, and automated workflows.

This improves efficiency, customises the platform to specific business needs, and provides deeper insights, optimising overall operations.

Learn more about Dynamics 365 Business Central

Key things to keep in mind when extending Dynamics 365

Avoid replicating your current system

A common mistake when implementing new business software is to simply replicate a legacy system in a new implementation, which limits transformation and leads to excessive customisation. Instead, focus on a process-oriented approach, emphasising business outcomes over technical details.

Use out-of-the-box features as much as possible

Work with your Microsoft Partner to fully understand the out-of-the-box capabilities and use them to simplify and optimise your processes. If you review and align your business processes with standard app features, you’ll be benefiting from industry-backed standardised processes.

If customisation is required, check for an ISV solution first before deciding to customise the software to save development and maintenance costs and time.

Having a Microsoft partner and ISV partner

When using a cloud platform like Dynamics 365, you will likely have a contract with a Microsoft Partner for implementation and ongoing support with an SLA. Understanding how third-party apps affect your solution is crucial to avoid breaking your service contract.

An ISV app is typically supported and maintained at scale for multiple organisations – so you would likely have an ISV partner in addition to your Dynamics partner. The positive of this is that you can benefit from the specific experience of the ISV.

Are you looking to integrate ISV solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365?

As a trusted Microsoft Partner, Syscom can help you fully explore the out-of-the-box capabilities of both Dynamics 365 and Business Central, as well as offer advice and assistance with choosing a D365 ISV solution from App Source, if necessary for your business.

Contact us today on 01384 400 600, via email info@syscom.co.uk or by filling out the contact form below.

Further Information

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Syscom can help you transform the way you run your business using Microsoft’s suite of cloud-based, intelligent business applications - Dynamics 365.

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Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central allows SMEs to significantly scale operations and optimise performance.

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