Enhance UX with custom business apps in Microsoft Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 (CRM) has a new feature called Apps. This allows admin to create a customized app for users without writing code. I believe this is a significant user experience benefit as it shows the user the functionality that is needed and removes all unwanted clutter and confusion.

Use Case - Scheduling App

Consider a Service Support Call Center whose main responsibility is to schedule support services and update status of Case.  A custom scheduling app can be created for those users. This group of users do not need access to Sales, Marketing or Settings. They also need to access specific business process flow, views and charts. We will walk through the creation of a custom Scheduling app.

1. To create business apps - Go to customization and select apps. Click new and name your custom business app.

2. Give a name your app in the App designer. Also a custom url link can be created for the app which can be shared with the users. Users can go directly to the custom app from the link.

 3. The App designer allows to add components - Dashboards, Business Process Flows and Entities. The entity consists of specific forms, views and charts. Select configure to design the Site Map

In the Sitemap Designer you can add -

1. Areas - Scheduling
2. Group - Service Scheduling
3. Sub-Areas - Scheduling Dashboard, Appointments, Case. The sub area can consist of Dashboard, Entity, Web resource or URL

Once the app is configured and components added you can validate the app. This will help to identify any missing components and dependencies. After validating the app can be published.

4. App Security can be configured on the Settings > My Apps to allow only specific security roles to be able to access the app. The user will only see the app they have access to and thus their experience is unique to their role.

 

 

Let us know how you are enabling custom business apps and enhancing the user experience.

Mihir Shah

Dynamics 365 consultant