Dual Write Integration: Bridging Dynamics 365 Finance and Customer Engagement

Are your business systems speaking different languages? If you manage data across Dynamics 365 platforms, you know the headache of keeping everything synchronized. We will explore how Dual Write can be your bridge between Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and Customer Engagement.

What is Dual Write?

Think of Dual Write as your automated data coordinator between Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) and Customer Engagement (CE). It is like having a dedicated team member whose only job is ensuring everyone has the latest, accurate information, except it works 24/7 and never makes copying mistakes.

Key Benefits of Dual Write Integration

Real-Time Sync

One of Dual Write’s most significant advantages is its ability to update data instantly between Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (FO) and Customer Engagement (CRM). This means your finance, sales, or operations teams always work with the latest information. For example, if your sales team updates a lead in CRM, your finance team can see it reflected in FO immediately. There is no waiting, no manual updates, and no confusion.

No-Code Simplicity

Dual Write is not just for IT professionals. It is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to non-technical users. You don’t need to know how to code; you must follow simple steps to configure and activate the feature. This opens the door for businesses to implement integrations without hiring specialized developers.

Data Consistency

Data silos are a significant pain point for many organizations. Dual Write eliminates this problem by ensuring data consistency across both systems. Whether it is customer information, product details, or financial records, you can trust that the same data exists in FO and CRM, reducing errors and enhancing accuracy.

Flexibility

Businesses typically have unique needs, and Dual Write accommodates that with support for custom entities and mappings. You can tailor the integration to your business processes, ensuring that even specialized workflows benefit from seamless synchronization.

Speedy Setup

Time is money, and Dual Write helps you save both. Pre-built templates for common entities like customers, vendors, and products mean you can start quickly. These templates simplify the initial configuration, allowing you to focus on refining and customizing the integration for your specific needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring Dual Write

1. Prerequisites

Before initiating the Dual Write setup, there are some foundational steps you need to cover:

• Ensure both D365 FO and CRM are deployed within the Power Platform ecosystem. This will ensure compatibility and streamline the integration process.
• Verify that you have administrative privileges in both environments. Only admins can make the necessary configurations.
• Confirm that Dataverse is enabled in your CRM instance. Without this, Dual Write won’t function as expected.
• To avoid compatibility issues and access the latest features, install the latest version of Dual Write solutions in both environments.

2. Install Dual Write Solutions

• Start with CRM. Navigate to the Power Platform Admin Center, download the Dual Write solution, and import it into the CRM environment. This step ensures that the CRM side is ready to communicate with FO.
• Next, move to FO. Go to Data Management > Dual Write and confirm that all required packages are installed. These packages act as the backbone of the integration, enabling FO to sync with CRM effectively.

3. Enable Dual Write Integration

• Open the Dual Write Administration Workspace in FO. This is where most of the configuration magic happens.
• Connect FO to your Dataverse environment. You’ll need valid credentials to establish a secure connection.
• Test the connection to confirm everything is set up correctly. A successful test means you are ready to move to the next steps.

4. Configure Entity Maps

• You can access the Entity Maps section in the Dual Write workspace. This is where you define how data flows between the two systems.
• Use predefined mappings for familiar entities, such as Customers, Products, and Vendors. These templates save time and ensure standard entities sync seamlessly.
• Create custom mappings for custom workflows. Select the source (FO) and target (CRM) entities, and map fields manually or with the wizard. Then, save your configuration to finalize this step.
  

  

5. Initial Data Sync

• Activate your configured mappings in the Entity Maps section. This ensures the integration knows which entities to sync.
• Execute the initial sync. This step synchronizes existing data between FO and CRM, creating a unified dataset for both systems.

6. Monitor and Troubleshoot

• To monitor activity, use the Dual Write Workspace in FO and the plugin in CRM. These tools give you a clear view of your integration’s progress.
• Check logs regularly for errors or irregularities. If issues arise, use the troubleshooting tools to resolve them promptly.

Use Cases for Dual Write

Dual Write transforms business operations by ensuring smooth data synchronization between systems. The following addresses common challenges.

Customer Management

When your sales team captures a lead in CRM, your finance team can instantly access the financial details in FO. This ensures your teams are permanently aligned, helping you build stronger relationships and avoid missed opportunities. No more toggling between systems or dealing with mismatched data—just smooth, effortless customer management.

Product Management

Keeping product catalogs consistent across sales and operational systems is no longer a logistical nightmare. Dual Write ensures product details, pricing, and descriptions stay accurate and updated across FO and CRM, reducing errors and saving time.

Order Management

Delays in updating orders are a thing of the past. With Dual Write, order details update in real time, meaning your sales team knows exactly what’s happening with an order while your finance team tracks payment and delivery. The result? A smoother order-to-cash process that improves operational efficiency and enhances customer satisfaction.

Vendor Collaboration

Vendor data flows effortlessly between FO’s procurement tools and CRM’s collaboration features, giving your teams the information they need to work closely with suppliers. The platform ensures everything stays consistent, from managing purchase orders to tracking vendor performance.

Best Practices of Dual Write Integration

To make the most of Dual Write, follow these tips:

• Plan Mappings Carefully: Take the time to define entity mappings upfront. Poor planning can lead to redundant data and integration issues. Consider your workflows and business needs when mapping entities.
• Test in a UAT Environment: Before rolling out Dual Write in production, validate your configurations in a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. This helps you catch and fix issues without affecting live operations.
• Monitor Synchronization Logs: Regularly review logs to ensure data is syncing correctly. Early detection of issues minimizes disruptions.
• Maintain Version Compatibility: To avoid compatibility problems and take advantage of new features, keep FO and CRM environments up-to-date with the latest Dual Write solutions.

Challenges and Solutions

Even with its strengths, Dual Write can face challenges:

• Performance Issues: Synchronizing large datasets can strain system resources. Applying filters to limit the data volume during sync can improve performance without compromising functionality.
• Custom Entity Sync: Custom entities often have unique data schemas. To ensure smooth synchronization, schema consistency across FO and CRM must be ensured.
• Error Resolution: Errors are inevitable, but Dual Write’s detailed logs simplify troubleshooting. Use these logs to identify the root cause and apply fixes efficiently.

Dual Write is both a key feature and a bridge to a unified, integrated business ecosystem. With real-time data synchronization, you can make smarter decisions faster and improve team collaboration. Are you ready to take the leap? Contact us today, and let us help you unlock the full potential of Dynamics 365.