Leveraging Dynamics 365 for agile and future-proof business operations

In today’s business world, it is increasingly rare for a single large software package to support all processes within a company. More and more organizations are using a wide range of smaller applications, each performing a specific task. Depending on the size and complexity of the business, this can include dozens or even hundreds of specialized tools. This change, from one extensive application to multiple small, specialized systems, stems from the need for greater flexibility, scalability, and a faster way to bring new services to market. It shows how companies adapt their IT structure to stay agile and competitive.

Microsoft’s approach

Microsoft has also adapted to this development. Where Dynamics 365 was initially designed as an all-encompassing system, it is now a collection of smaller applications forming a complete solution. Gartner’s pace-layered application model shows that the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem is present at all levels, from the basics to the more advanced and innovative layers.

For most companies, about 80% of their needs are met by the bottom two of this model: System of Record and System of Differentiation. These layers provide the essential features needed for day-to-day functioning and achieving strategic custom solutions in the upper layers of the model.

Our approach is to keep the bottom layer standard as much as possible. The higher you go in the model, the more room for customization and adjustments. In this way, businesses can differentiate by using technology specifically designed for flexibility and innovation.

Collaboration between systems with Business Events

Of course, the systems in these different layers do not work in isolation. They need to share data to support business processes. This requires seamless collaboration between the applications, where the idea of ‘Business Events’ comes into play. These are the critical events within an application that cause other systems to be notified. Think, for example, of creating a new customer, placing an order, or processing a payment. These events ensure that the systems can communicate with each other and work together smoothly.

Flexibility through decoupling from systems

The significant advantage of this approach is that the applications can work separately. Instead of being directly connected, a central relay point (also known as middleware) is used. Microsoft offers technologies such as Azure Service Bus for this. This allows for flexibility and scalability. An application doesn’t need to know who is receiving the information; it simply sends out a message, and the other systems can process it in their way. This makes adding or removing new systems easier without disrupting the entire IT structure.

Why this approach?

This way of working allows businesses to keep their systems flexible, scalable, and efficient. New applications are easy to integrate or detach, contributing to a future-proof and agile IT environment. Instead of managing one large and cumbersome system, organizations can deploy small, specialized applications that are easier to maintain and don’t get in each other’s way.

This flexible approach is vital for companies looking to modernize their IT. It provides a system that can respond quickly to organizational changes and opportunities, which is crucial in today’s digital world.