Solution Components

In this blog post, we will explore the key components of Microsoft Dynamics CRM solutions and how each of them plays a vital role in creating a seamless and efficient CRM experience.

1. Entities

Entities serve as the core building blocks of any Dynamics CRM solution. An entity is essentially a data structure within the system, similar to a table in a database. Each entity consists of various fields that define the data it holds. For instance, in a sales CRM, common entities include Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities, and Leads.

Entities can either be standard, which are predefined by Dynamics CRM, or custom, which can be created by users or developers to address specific business needs. Custom entities allow businesses to extend CRM functionality by capturing unique data that isn’t available in standard entities. Additionally, there is the concept of Virtual Entities, which allow integration with external data sources.

2. Option Sets

Option Sets are fields that allow users to choose from a predefined set of options. There are two types of option sets: Global Option Sets and Entity-Specific Option Sets. Global Option Sets are created within the solution as components, while Entity-Specific Option Sets are created within the entity itself.

3. Client Extensions

Client Extensions refer to the customizations made on the client-side to extend the CRM’s functionality. These can include a variety of enhancements to the Dynamics CRM user interface, improving the user experience and offering tailored features.

4. Web Resources

Web Resources are custom code files used to extend the client-side functionality of Dynamics CRM. These resources can be in several formats, such as:

• JavaScript

• HTML

Web Resources allow developers to implement rich, dynamic content and functionality that isn't available out-of-the-box.

5. Processes

Processes are a way to extend Dynamics CRM capabilities without the need for custom coding. This category includes:

• Business Process Flows (BPF): Guiding users through specific processes.

• Business Rules (BR): Enforcing logic in business processes.

• Workflows: Automating business processes.

• Actions: Defining operations that can be triggered by workflows or other actions.

• 
  

6. Plug-in Assemblies

Plug-in Assemblies are custom code written in C# that can be added to Dynamics CRM to extend its functionality. These assemblies allow developers to implement complex business logic that is triggered during certain CRM events.

7. SDK Message Processing

SDK Message Processing is a method of handling messages that are sent by Dynamics CRM. This is part of the broader event-driven model that allows for integration and extension of CRM functionality.

8. Service Endpoints

Service Endpoints enable external systems to communicate with Dynamics CRM, allowing for integration with other business applications and data sources.

9. Dashboards

Dashboards in Dynamics CRM are used to display key metrics and insights in a visual format, making it easier for users to understand important data and trends. These can be customized and tailored to the needs of different users or roles.

10. Dialog Boxes

Dialog Boxes are used to create interactive dialogues that guide users through specific processes. They are useful for scenarios where user input is required in a structured manner.

11. Reports

Reports, specifically SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) reports, are used to present complex data in a readable format. These reports can be created, customized, and moved from one environment to another as part of the solution.

12. Connection Roles

Connection Roles are used to define and manage relationships between different entities in Dynamics CRM. These roles are important for tracking interactions between customers, partners, and other stakeholders.

13. Article Templates

Article Templates help standardize and automate the creation of knowledge base articles, which can be used for customer service or internal documentation.

14. Contract Templates

Contract Templates define the structure of service contracts within Dynamics CRM. They help ensure consistency in contract management and simplify the creation of new contracts.

15. Email Templates

Email Templates are predefined email formats that allow users to quickly send out consistent, personalized communications to customers or other stakeholders.

16. Mail Merge Templates

Mail Merge Templates enable users to create bulk personalized communications by merging data from Dynamics CRM with document templates. This is useful for sending out personalized letters, invitations, or other correspondence.

17. Security Roles

Security Roles define access levels and permissions within the CRM system. These roles can be tailored to meet specific business requirements or chosen from the default out-of-the-box roles. Security roles ensure that users can only access the data and features they need to perform their jobs.

18. Field Security Profiles

Field Security Profiles allow for the management of access control at the field level. This feature ensures sensitive data is only visible to authorized users. These profiles are part of the solution and can be moved across environments.

19. Routing Rule Sets

Routing Rule Sets help automate the process of assigning records to specific teams or individuals based on certain criteria. These rule sets can be moved between environments as part of a solution.

20. Record Creation and Update Rules

Record Creation and Update Rules automate the process of creating or updating records based on specific conditions or triggers. These rules streamline data management and improve efficiency.

21. SLAs (Service Level Agreements)

SLAs define the expected service standards for customer service operations. SLAs can be configured to ensure that customer issues are resolved within defined time frames, and they can be part of the solution for seamless deployment across environments.

22. Apps

Apps in Dynamics CRM include Model-Driven Apps and Canvas Apps. Model-Driven Apps are built on top of the data model, offering a more structured user experience, while Canvas Apps provide a flexible, design-first approach for creating apps.

23. Custom Controls

Custom Controls enhance the display and interaction with out-of-the-box fields and grids, providing a more modern and user-friendly interface for CRM users.

24. Virtual Entity Data Providers

Virtual Entity Data Providers allow for the integration of external data sources into Dynamics CRM without importing the data directly. This makes it possible to present and interact with external data as if it were native to the system.