Microsoft Dynamics 365 comes with a solid set of out-of-the-box (OOB) tools, which is why many businesses stick with configuring what’s readily available. It’s the more straightforward, faster route since it doesn’t necessarily require making major changes.
But if you’re only using the basics, you could be missing out. Going beyond the standard setup opens up more ways to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and boost revenue.
What are Out-of-the-box Tools in Microsoft Dynamics 365?
Out-of-the-box (OOB) tools in Microsoft Dynamics 365 are features ready to use as soon as you set up the system. You don’t need to build or add anything—they’re already included to perform different functions like managing customers, tracking sales, and handling finances.
Some key built-in tools you get with Dynamics 365 include:
- Dashboards & Reports
- Business Process Flows (BPFs)
- Forms & Views
- Power Automate Flows
- Security Roles & Permissions
- AI-Driven Insights
- Business Rules
- Formula Columns
- Field Mapping on Table Relationships
These tools are already helpful, but you can achieve more using the entire platform.
How to Extend Beyond the Basic Microsoft Dynamics 365 Tools
If you want to extend Dynamics 365 beyond its built-in features, here are tips on how to customize it without unnecessary complexity:
1. Making Simple Adjustments Without Coding
Before making major changes, it’s important to explore Dynamics 365’s built-in settings and customization options. Many of these adjustments require no coding and can significantly improve a business’s system performance.
One of the simplest ways to customize Dynamics 365 is by modifying how data is stored and displayed. The system already has pre-set data categories, such as Customers, Accounts, and Sales Opportunities. However, businesses can create their own categories (also known as “entities”) or add new fields to existing ones to capture additional information that is important to them. For example, a real estate business may want to add a “Property Type” field to customer records, while a hospital might need a “Medical History” section.
Another way to customize the system is by automating routine tasks using business rules and workflows. Business rules allow companies to set up automatic actions without coding. For instance, a rule could be created to make certain fields mandatory based on specific conditions—like requiring an “Estimated Delivery Date” to be filled in whenever an order is placed. Workflows take automation further by handling repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails, updating customer records, or assigning tasks to employees.
Security settings also play a significant role in customization. Businesses can assign security roles to employees to control who has access to different types of information. This ensures that sensitive data—such as financial records—can only be accessed by authorized personnel. With these built-in customization options, businesses can tailor Dynamics 365 to their needs without any programming knowledge.
2. Expanding Capabilities with Easy-to-Use Automation Tools
For businesses that need more advanced functionality but don’t want to rely on coding, Microsoft’s Power Platform offers simple yet powerful tools that work with Dynamics 365. These tools allow you to automate workflows, create custom applications, and even build AI-powered chatbots without requiring deep technical expertise.
One of the most valuable tools in this category is Power Apps, which allows you to create your own apps that work with Dynamics 365. There are two main types of Power Apps:
- Canvas Apps let you design apps from scratch with a drag-and-drop interface, perfect for building mobile-friendly applications.
- Model-driven Apps work within the existing Dynamics 365 structure, helping you extend the system with customized forms and dashboards.
Another powerful tool is Power Automate, which takes workflow automation to the next level. It allows you to connect Dynamics 365 with other apps and automate tasks like approving purchase requests, updating sales records, or generating reports—all without needing a human to trigger the action manually.
For companies looking to improve customer service, Power Virtual Agents enables the creation of AI-driven chatbots. These bots can automatically handle routine customer inquiries, such as tracking order status or answering frequently asked questions, reducing the need for human intervention and improving response times.
3. Advanced Customization Through Coding
While built-in settings and automation tools can handle many business needs, some companies require even deeper customizations. This is where professional coding (or “pro-code development”) comes into play. Businesses that need highly customized solutions can use the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Software Development Kit (SDK) to extend the platform in ways that are not possible with standard settings.
One standard method of pro-code customization is using plugins and custom workflows.
Plugins allow you to run specific custom actions when certain events occur. For example, a plugin could be created to automatically apply discounts when an order meets certain conditions. Custom workflows provide even greater flexibility, allowing businesses to make complex processes that involve multiple steps, calculations, or approvals.
JavaScript is another tool used for front-end customizations. Adding JavaScript code to Dynamics 365 enhances the user experience with features like automatic data validation, real-time form updates, or custom buttons that trigger specific actions.
Additionally, businesses that need to connect Dynamics 365 with external applications can create custom APIs. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow two different systems to communicate with each other. For example, a company might develop a custom API that syncs inventory data between Dynamics 365 and an external warehouse management system.
While these advanced customizations require programming knowledge, they offer you complete control over how Dynamics 365 works. If you need deep system modifications, then consider working with professional developers to implement these changes.
4. Integrating Dynamics 365 with Other Systems
Most businesses don’t use Dynamics 365 in isolation—it often needs to work alongside other software tools. Integrating Dynamics 365 with other systems ensures smooth data flow, reduces duplication, and improves efficiency.
Microsoft offers built-in integrations with many of its other products. For example, Dynamics 365 can sync with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint) to streamline communication and document management. You can also connect Power BI to Dynamics 365 to create advanced reports and visual dashboards.
Many companies also need to integrate Dynamics 365 with third-party applications. For instance, e-commerce businesses may connect the system with platforms like Shopify or Magento to track customer orders in real-time. Similarly, businesses using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software such as SAP or Oracle may link it to Dynamics 365 for better financial and supply chain management.
For more complex integrations, you can use tools like Azure Logic Apps or custom APIs to link Dynamics 365 with legacy systems or industry-specific applications. These integrations help you unify your operations and create a seamless workflow across all your digital tools.
5. Enhancing Dynamics 365 with Artificial Intelligence
The final layer of customization involves AI-powered enhancements. Microsoft has incorporated AI and machine learning features into Dynamics 365 to help businesses predict trends, automate decision-making, and improve customer engagement.
Predictive analytics is one of the most valuable AI features, helping businesses make smarter decisions. For example, AI models can analyze customer behavior to predict which leads will most likely convert into sales or identify patterns that indicate customer churn.
AI also enhances sales and customer service operations. Conversation intelligence can analyze sales calls to help businesses understand what works and what doesn’t in their sales pitches.
AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries without human intervention, allowing support teams to focus on more complex issues. Sentiment analysis, which analyzes email interactions, social media comments, and chatbot conversations, helps businesses gauge customer satisfaction.
Additionally, AI can automate complex business operations. For example, it can be used in supply chain management to optimize inventory levels or in fraud detection to identify suspicious transactions. Companies can also build custom AI models using Azure Machine Learning to address their specific needs.
Integrating AI with Dynamics 365 allows you to move beyond traditional data management and make more intelligent, proactive decisions.
Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365 with C4 Technical Services.
Your business needs more than just technology—it needs results. Whether you need seamless implementation, custom integrations, or ongoing support, our team of experts at C4 Technical Services is here to optimize your operations with solutions tailored to your needs.
Let’s turn complexity into efficiency and data into more innovative decisions. Contact us today to get started!
