The Dynamics 365 App for Outlook is a tool that bridges the gap between email communication and customer relationship management (CRM). This application is designed to enhance productivity, workflows, and enables users to access and interact with Dynamics 365 data directly within Outlook. By integrating CRM functionality into the familiar Outlook interface, organizations can save time, improve customer interactions and team collaboration.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and latest updates of the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook and provide actionable steps to implement it effectively.
What Is the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook?
The Dynamics 365 App for Outlook is an application that embeds D365 capabilities directly into Outlook. Unlike the legacy COM add-in, this modern app offers enhanced performance, reliability, and compatibility across devices. You’ll find this application has a more user-friendly interface, that makes it easy for sales, marketing, and service teams to access CRM data without leaving their email platform.
Key Features of the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook
- Email Tracking Made Simple. Automatically track emails in Dynamics 365 to maintain a comprehensive history of customer interactions. This ensures all communications are transparent and accessible to team members.
- Effortless Record Creation: Create Dynamics 365 records—such as leads, contacts, opportunities, or cases—directly from emails in Outlook. This reduces data entry time and improves accuracy.
- Seamless Appointment Synchronization: Schedule meetings and tasks in Outlook, and have them automatically sync with Dynamics 365. This ensures all customer activities are tracked in one place.
- Contextual Insights at Your Fingertips: Access Dynamics 365 data, such as customer profiles, interaction history, and open opportunities, directly from your email interface. This empowers teams to respond to inquiries with speed and precision.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: The app works seamlessly on desktop, web, and mobile versions of Outlook, providing flexibility for users who work in the office or on the go.
Benefits of Using Dynamics 365 App for Outlook
- Streamlined Workflows: By integrating CRM capabilities into Outlook, users can complete tasks such as tracking emails, updating records, and scheduling meetings without switching applications.
- Improved Collaboration: Team members gain real-time access to shared customer data, fostering better communication and collaboration.
- Enhanced Productivity: Automating routine tasks like email tracking and appointment synchronization frees up time for high-value activities.
- Data Accuracy: Automatic data synchronization reduces errors caused by manual data entry.
- Faster Decision-Making: With real-time customer insights available in Outlook, users can make informed decisions quickly.
You can read about the differences between Sales Copilot in Outlook and Dynamics 365 App for Outlook in this article.
Recent Updates to the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook
Microsoft continuously enhances the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook to deliver better performance and user experiences. Here are the latest updates:
- Deprecation of Legacy COM Add-In: The older COM add-in has been officially retired IN 2020, with Microsoft encouraging users to adopt the modern Dynamics 365 App for Outlook.
- Improved Performance: The app now offers faster load times, smoother synchronization, and better compatibility with various email environments.
- Centralized Deployment: Administrators can deploy the app centrally to users via Microsoft 365 Admin Center, streamlining onboarding and ensuring consistent access across teams.
- Integration with Power Platform: The app integrates seamlessly with Power Automate, Power BI, and other tools in the Power Platform ecosystem, enabling advanced workflows and data analysis.
- Enhanced Security Features: Updated security protocols ensure that customer data is protected, meeting compliance requirements and industry standards.
How to use Dynamics 365 tools in Outlook
- Send an email in Outlook and track it in Dynamics 365. After it is sent, the email is available on the record within D365 for other team members to see, so they in case they work with the client, they know what has been discussed before.
- Create a D365 record within Outlook.
- Create a lead or opportunity in the CRM from an email.
- Add appointments and phone calls to a customer record.
- The answers to your emails are also available on the record, so that the all scope of the discussion is clear;
- You can view information on Dynamics 365 Contacts and Leads directly from Outlook.
- Sync all upcoming tasks and scheduled meetings.
- Access all Dynamics 365 end-user functions right in the Outlook interface.
- View the CRM panel next to Outlook messages – shows case details for each person associated with the email, relevant account, recent cases, upcoming activities, etc.
