Businesses today are embracing intelligent CRM and ERP to compete and get ahead. These cognitive tools, powered by emerging tech like AI, are just what modern enterprises need to streamline operations, boost customer satisfaction, and fuel business growth.

The key here is constant innovation, which is exactly what Microsoft achieves with Dynamics 365— timely advancements featuring cutting-edge innovations and strategies that are driving enterprises toward the digital age.

Let’s delve into some of the latest developments in Dynamics 365 and decode how it optimizes CRM and ERP functions for peak performance.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning

In March 2023, Microsoft presented Dynamics 365 Copilot – an AI assistant for CRM and ERP.
Copilot showed significant results for early adopters — increasing productivity by 70% and task completion rate by 73%. AI-driven features within this application enable marketing, sales, and field service professionals to make smarter decisions and drive efficiency across their operations.

• AI-driven chatbots can handle routine customer inquiries, while RPA can automate data entry tasks, minimizing errors and improving productivity.
• Furthermore, AI-enabled Dynamics 365 allows businesses to act upon meaningful insights based on historical data patterns proactively. Take the case of predictive maintenance in field service, helping anticipate equipment failures before they occur and minimizing downtime significantly.
• Sales and marketing strategies can be optimized through role-specific insights and actionables, for instance, predictive lead scoring in sales can help prioritize leads likely to convert.

Personalized Customer Experiences

With AI tools for personalization, omnichannel engagement, and sentiment analysis, Dynamics 365 helps businesses create tailored experiences that foster loyalty, drive satisfaction, and differentiate their brand in a crowded marketplace.

• Acting as a central repository for customer data, Dynamics 365 can unify data from various touchpoints such as sales interactions, marketing engagements, service requests, and more; providing insight into each customer, including preferences, purchase history, support tickets, feedback, etc.
• By harnessing robust sentiment analysis capabilities, Dynamics 365 can determine the emotion behind each customer interaction. This allows for businesses to identify areas of improvement and address customer concerns.

IoT and Edge Computing Implementation

The integration of latest IoT capabilities in Dynamics 365 enables organizations to monitor assets, optimize operations, and deliver predictive maintenance services. Along with Microsoft Power BI–a data visualization platform, can provide valuable insights into business functions and drive proactive decision-making that delivers on business continuity.

• Businesses can monitor, adjust settings, or diagnose issues remotely on IoT-enabled devices from anywhere, at any time. This empowers them with visibility and asset control, ultimately improving responsiveness and operational efficiency.
• A new ‘Sensor Data’ add-in functionality enables organizations to have their devices autonomously report back with crucial data. For instance, smart warehouse shelves with RFID tags can automatically update inventory levels, trigger reordering when stock is low, and monitor production expiration dates.

Blockchain Technology Incorporation

Dynamics 365 integrates blockchain to unite and secure CRM databases, providing a 360-degree view of customers, enhancing data integrity, and streamlining supply chain processes. Ergo, businesses can mitigate risks, build trust, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Blockchain, with its distributed architecture and network keys, ensures the data is tamper-proof, preventing unauthorized alterations, deletions, and inaccuracies. This layers high levels of data integrity and security, enhancing trust in business operations.
• Data decentralization and transparency to the supply chain can be established, allowing customers to access information that builds trust in the organization. For instance, a retailer can gain customer trust with blockchain-enabled product tracking, ensuring complete traceability from source to destination.
• Businesses can also streamline customer onboarding processes, mitigate identity theft, and ensure compliance with blockchain-based digital identities. This futher enhances security and trust in transactions and interactions.

Embracing VR Technology

Virtual reality (VR) unlocks new possibilities for immersive training, visualization, collaboration, and more within the business world. Most companies are either in the process of incorporating VR into their strategy or have already integrated VR into at least one line of business.

• In CRM modules, sales representatives can virtually walk through a client’s facility or visualize products in real-world settings, leading to better understanding and engagement. It can help employees with performance support, learning and training modules, as well as on-demand training opportunities.
• For instance, companies use Microsoft HoloLens VR headset with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist to show clients what an item might look like in their home, assist onsite technicians, or provide on-site virtual training.
• Additionally, remote workers or teams can seamlessly collaborate and engage in decision-making regardless of geographical barriers. By convening in a shared VR environment, teams can ideate, review, and function out of safer working conditions.

Deployment Flexibility

Dynamics 365 offers flexible deployment options that cater to the ever-evolving needs of modern businesses. The applications can be deployed across on-premises infrastructure, private or public cloud platforms–empowering organizations to enhance their resource utilization, performance and productivity, and ensure compliance.

• With cloud deployments, organizations are equipped with scalability, flexibility, and accessibility to data from any location. This reduces the need for on-premise equipment and associated maintenance costs for growing businesses. In addition, the latest Dynamics 365 features are automatically updated.
• With on-premise, enterprises can gain better control over data and infrastructure, along with offline access to Dynamics 365. For instance, this environment is suitable for highly-regulated, remote industries dealing with sensitive in-house data or specific regulatory needs.

Low-Code Development

Dynamics 365 enables low-code development and customization capabilities with intuitive tools and pre-built templates. It reduces the time and cost associated with software development with drag-and-drop functionalities and reusable components.

• For example, Microsoft Power Platform, a low-code development platform based on Dynamics 365, empowers business users to develop custom applications and workflows without extensive coding expertise.
• It can analyze data, develop applications, automate processes, and create virtual agents, helping respond to cost-effectively changing development landscapes.

Future-Proof your Business Today

In this increasingly digital-first world, Dynamics 365 stands as a steadfast ally for enterprises, facilitating digital transformation and catalyzing success. Microsoft being named a leader in the 2024 Gartner^® Magic Quadrant™ for Integration Platform as a Service is a testament to this.

However, without the right implementation partner, organizations might find it challenging to map out the best use of the software.

HTC Global Services can be your go-to strategy and implementation partner, backed with a dedicated Microsoft Center of Excellence, a team of 600+ consultants specializing in Microsoft technologies, and over 10 years of collective experience in driving value with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 portfolio.