Solutions: The Unsung Heroes of CRM Customization

I’ve been wondering for a long time now if I should write this particular blog. Primarily because the topic seems overly straightforward, but after working in a few client environments for the past few weeks I feel obligated to. So, without further ado, let’s discuss Solutions within Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Ever since Dynamics CRM 2011, Microsoft has simplified the process of moving the customizations from one system to another. However, as I eluded to in my opening explanation, not everyone takes advantage of this.

Wait vs. Timeout: Who Comes Out on Top?

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Not a week goes by that my colleagues and I don’t find ourselves at a crossroads when discussing Workflows in CRM. Personally, I tend to have a love/hate relationship when it comes to workflows because I never want to see the “(Never Ending) Waiting” status in my System Jobs queue. The truth of the matter is, a “Waiting” status can be even more frustrating than a “Failed” status.

OneNote and CRM... Wait What?

If you’re like me, you use OneNote for everything from grocery lists to taking notes when meeting with customers. So you can only imagine my excitement when Microsoft announced that we can now upload OneNote notes to CRM. Once in CRM a user can link them to a customer, opportunity, case, record or whatever you choose.

Azure ExpressRoute: CRM Security Evolved

I can’t tell you how many times a prospect or customer has asked me, “How safe is Dynamics CRM Online?” This is a valid question considering the fact that there are people out there, just waiting for the right moment to steal your identity via your credit cards and personal information. CRM Online users are simply reacting to the times and in response Microsoft has promised a solution to put these fears to rest.

CRM Mobile App Makeover

For years now Microsoft Dynamics CRM users have been left contemplating the very basic interface and that was the Dynamics CRM mobile application. In fact, the product seemed like more of a “Mobile Express” website trying to pass as a mobile application. Luckily for users and salespeople the world over, Microsoft has let your voices be heard.

A Clean CRM is A Happy CRM

For years now Microsoft Dynamics CRM users have been left contemplating the very basic interface and that was the Dynamics CRM mobile application. In fact, the product seemed like more of a “Mobile Express” website trying to pass as a mobile application. Luckily for users and salespeople the world over, Microsoft has let your voices be heard.

CRM Outlook Lagging Behind? Not Anymore!

Ever since it was introduced, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Outlook client has been both a saving grace and a cause for frustration. The flexibility and seamlessness of the feature is second to none; however, the long processing time and occasional performance issues have left many users kicking the tires.

Honey I Shrunk the Database

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Recently, we’ve been working with a customer who is in the middle of a “server move.” As one would expect, this process has been far from straightforward. Last week, when speaking with the customer’s IT provider they were shocked to hear that the CRM database was 150 GB. The IT provider was concerned that such a large database move would take considerable time and network resources that were scarce to say the least.

Future Web Portals

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Controlling and allowing access to a system is one of the most critical and challenging topics of discussion in businesses today. Rather than sifting through security roles and multiple license types, you can look into web portals as a possible answer to your CRM hopes and dreams. Implementing a portal can help you give the right people access to the right data—without giving them full access to your CRM system.

What is xRM?

Keep in mind, if you are new to the world of CRM it is best to keep it simple for near future. After all, you have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run.Microsoft Dynamics sits on a .NET platform. For those not familiar with .NET, think of the core of Dynamics CRM as a piece of clay that can be molded into whatever the artist wishes to create. The platform allows users to build business processes faster, and with less risk and lower cost than a standalone customer development solution.