Since I work on integrating Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&SCM with Power Platform solutions, there is always discussion about the integration tools used and why we deploy them.

Mostly with partners sticking with the familiar, lately also with customers because previous Microsoft partners have built custom made integrations that turn out not to work properly, leaving customers without confidence in the solutions offered.

Therefore, today I explain the available options.

My favorite for now is Dual-Write by the way.

Dual-Write

Dual-Write, a cutting-edge data synchronization tool, addresses the intricate task of integrating two pre-existing applications built on diverse schemas. The predominant challenge lies in achieving seamless data synchronization between these platforms, necessitating the physical presence of shared data across both applications. Dual-Write steps into this complex terrain, offering a robust solution for synchronizing data between disparate systems.

Key Features:

• Single Source of Truth:

Dual-Write ensures that there is a unified and consistent source of truth by synchronizing data seamlessly between the two applications. This means that regardless of which application you access, the data remains consistent and up-to-date.

• User-Friendly Interface:

With an intuitive and user-friendly design, Dual-Write makes the process of data synchronization straightforward. Its interface allows users to easily configure and manage synchronization settings without the need for extensive technical expertise.

• Low Maintenance Overhead:

Maintaining data synchronization can be a complex task, but Dual-Write simplifies this process. Its architecture is designed to minimize maintenance efforts, ensuring that the synchronization remains reliable and efficient over time.

In summary, Dual-Write not only addresses the challenge of synchronizing data between apps with disparate schemas but also offers a single source of truth, an easy-to-use interface, and low maintenance overhead for a streamlined and efficient data synchronization solution.

Virtual Tables/Entities

In the realm of data management, the utilization of virtual tables/entities emerges as a strategic approach when there’s no imperative for information to reside in both databases. This avant-garde solution, exemplified by the likes of virtual entities, allows data to be exclusively stored in the F&SCM (Finance and Supply Chain Management) database while maintaining seamless accessibility within the Power Platform, as if it were inherently integrated into Power Apps.

Key Features:

Efficient Data Access:

Virtual tables/entities optimize data accessibility by enabling direct access to information stored in the F&SCM database from within the Power Platform. This ensures real-time access to critical data without the need for redundant storage.

• Seamless Integration:

The integration between virtual entities and Power Platform is designed to be smooth and cohesive. Users can seamlessly incorporate F&SCM data into their Power Apps, fostering a unified and streamlined user experience.

• Data Consistency:

By centralizing data storage in the F&SCM database, the risk of inconsistencies arising from duplicated information is mitigated. Virtual entities promote a single source of truth, enhancing data accuracy and integrity.

• Preferred Option for Data Management:

The utilization of virtual tables/entities is the recommended and preferred choice when data duplication between platforms is unnecessary. This approach aligns with best practices in data management, emphasizing efficiency and coherence.

In summary, the implementation of virtual tables/entities not only facilitates efficient data access but also promotes seamless integration and data consistency. Choosing this option aligns with contemporary data management practices, prioritizing effectiveness and reducing redundancy across platforms.

And the Virtual Entity apps are available on AppSource.

Data Integrator

When I talk to other Microsoft Partners, they always come up with the Data Integrator as an integration tool. I have even heard one of our most important partners say that they only want a solution if it is built with Data Integrator.

Guess these kind of Microsoft Partners are still living very much in the past.

News flash: Data Integrator will retire end of 2024!

Azure Logic Apps

Azure Logic Apps is like a superhero for your computer stuff. It helps you make tasks automatic and makes different computer things work together. Imagine it’s like a superhero that can talk to all your apps, websites, and systems.

Here are 5 cool things Azure Logic Apps can do:

1. Mixing Data Together:

Imagine you have information in different places, like your customer stuff in one app and your money stuff in another. Azure Logic Apps can make them talk to each other. So, when you update one, the other knows too. It’s like magic for your data!

• Real-Time Action:

Let’s say you want something to happen right when something else does. For example, you want to know right away when you get a new email. Azure Logic Apps can do that. It’s like having a personal assistant that jumps into action when you get a new message.

• Making Apps Friends:

Big companies use many different computer systems. Azure Logic Apps helps these systems be friends and talk to each other. It’s like a translator that makes sure everyone understands each other, even if they speak different computer languages.

• Online Shop Helper:

If you sell things online, Azure Logic Apps can make your job easier. It can do things like manage your stock, process payments, and let customers know when their stuff is coming. So, running your online shop becomes super smooth!

• Social Media Guru:

Azure Logic Apps can also handle your social media game. It can post on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for you. Plus, it can keep an eye on what people are saying about you online. It’s like having a social media sidekick that helps you stay popular and answer questions from your fans.

So, Azure Logic Apps is like a tech wizard that makes your computer tasks simpler and cooler!

Azure Functions

Azure Functions are like small, smart helpers for your apps. Imagine you have a little event that needs to happen, like sending an email or cleaning up your digital mess. Azure Functions are perfect for these kinds of tasks.

What Azure Functions Can Do:

• Sending Emails:

Let’s say you want your app to send emails automatically. Azure Functions can handle that without bothering other parts of your app.

• Order Processing:

If you run an online store, Azure Functions can help process orders smoothly, making sure everything is in order.

• Task Scheduling:

It’s like having a personal assistant for your app’s schedule. You can set it to clean up your database or do other tasks at specific times.

• Notifications:

Want your app to notify you or your users about something important? Azure Functions can handle that too.

• IoT Data Processing:

If you’re into smart devices and have data from them, Azure Functions can process that info easily.

Why Azure Functions Are Awesome:

• Pay Only for What You Use:

With Azure Functions, you only pay for what you use. It’s like paying for the exact amount of water you drink. No wasted money!

• Speaks Many Languages:

Whether your app speaks Java, C#, F#, Python, or more, Azure Functions can understand and work with it.

• Friends with Other Azure Services:

Azure Functions get along well with other Azure services. It can chat with services like Azure Service Bus, Event Hubs, Event Grids, Notification Hubs, and more.

• Triggers On Demand:

Azure Functions are like superheroes waiting for a signal. They do their job only when something triggers them, like a special button being pressed.

So, Azure Functions are like handy tools that make your app tasks easy, and you only pay for what you use!

Power Automate

The easy to use Low-code solution, ideal to use by staff to create flows.

Some Benefits of Automating Your Business Processes:

• Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity:

Streamline operations and reduce errors by automating tasks, eliminating manual bottlenecks, and speeding up high-level processes.

• Time and Cost Savings:

Save time and money by automating internal operations, allowing resources to be redirected to more important tasks and increasing overall profitability.

• Simplified Data and Document Management:

Centralize documents and data, making organization and retrieval easy, while minimizing the chance of human errors associated with manual processes.

• Increased Visibility and Transparency:

Gain insights into ongoing activities through data dashboards, ensuring better decision-making and eliminating the need for additional support.

• Process Standardization and Compliance:

Establish efficient digital workflows that adhere to guidelines, reducing the risk of missed steps and ensuring compliance with regulations. Easily track and document data usage for audit trails.

• Improved Employee and Customer Satisfaction:

Empower employees to complete daily tasks error-free, leading to increased job satisfaction. Faster manager approvals allow employees to focus on important projects, resulting in happier customers receiving more accurate and consistent data.

Probably not intended for enterprise integrations, Power Automate flows will become then much too complicated and probably another integration tool will fit better.

3rd Party Solutions

As usual many Microsoft partners also create their integration tools, just look on AppSource and you will find them.

Most of them are not for free and not always easy to implement and use.