Extend the functionality of finance and operations apps into the Microsoft ecosystem

  • 7 minutes

Integrating finance and operations apps with the Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem enables developers to create low-code applications, automate workflows, and enhance data integration. This learning unit explores how to enable Power Platform integration, manage add-ins, and use these tools effectively.

Enable Power Platform integration for finance and operations apps

Power Platform integration connects finance and operations apps with the Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem, enabling seamless data sharing and enhanced functionality. Finance and operations apps administrators must enable Power Platform integration.

  • Administrators can enable this feature via Microsoft Dynamics Lifecycle Services (LCS).
  • Integration allows the creation of low-code apps and workflows using Power Apps and Power Automate.
  • It supports data integration with Dataverse through virtual tables and dual-write.
  • Business and data events can be subscribed to as a connector for Power Automate, Autonomous agents and other endpoints. When enabling integration, you can link your finance and operations environment to a new or existing Power Platform environment. The initial Power Platform environment created by LCS doesn't include Dataverse by default. To fully enable integration capabilities, you must add a Dataverse database.

Note

Once linked, the connection between finance and operations apps and Dataverse is irreversible. Disconnecting them may result in data loss.

Install and manage add-ins in Dynamics 365 environments

Add-ins extend the functionality of finance and operations apps and are managed via the environment details page in LCS. Developers can use add-ins to enhance performance, integrate IoT signals, and export data efficiently.

Available add-ins:

  • Planning Optimization: Enables master planning calculations outside the SQL database for improved performance.
  • Inventory Visibility: Provides real-time tracking of on-hand inventory across global locations.
  • Export to Azure Data Lake: Keeps finance and operations app data fresh and accessible in Azure Data Lake.
  • IoT Intelligence: Integrates IoT signals with supply chain data for actionable insights.
  • Finance Insights: Uses machine learning to predict cash flow, payment timelines, and generate budget proposals.

To install an add-in, navigate to the environment details page in LCS, select the desired add-in, and follow the installation instructions. Regular updates ensure access to the latest features and improvements. They're generally for Tier-2 and higher, or within the unified developer experience.

Tip

For more information about specific add-ins, see their respective documentation pages.

Integrate Dataverse with finance and operations apps

Dataverse integration enhances data sharing and synchronization between finance and operations apps and other Dynamics 365 applications. Developers can use the following tools for integration:

  • Virtual Tables: Enable real-time data access without duplication.

  • Dual-Write: Synchronizes data bidirectionally between finance and operations apps and Dataverse.

To set up integration, follow the instructions in LCS to connect your finance and operations environment to a Dataverse instance. Ensure that licensing and capacity requirements are met to avoid setup failures.

Note

Use the RetrieveFinanceAndOperationsIntegrationDetails API to verify the integration status during troubleshooting.

For more information

Please see: