More often than not, organizations need a way or two to integrate their CRM or ERP with third-party apps. The ultimate goal of any kind of integration should be to increase productivity and efficiency. However, you need the professional assistance of industry experts such as certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 experts to ensure everything is smooth and seamless.
One of the biggest advantages of integrating other software with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is that you don't have to switch from one app to another when it comes to handling different tasks.
Some of the most popular Dynamic 365 integrations with external systems include:
Reporting Tools: Organizations can seamlessly aggregate data held in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other systems for creating dashboards and reports.
Document Management Systems: Teams can leverage enterprise software features such as Microsoft SharePoint to access documents stored in that platform through the Dynamics 365 CRM portal.
Email Platforms: Areas such as sales on email communications with customers, prospects, and other team members. The addition of email integrations helps salespeople keep up with contacts that significantly increases their chances of closing deals.
Integrating with Microsoft Dynamics 365
Today, a big majority of third-party apps rely on application programming interfaces (APIs) for integrations. Let us explore an overview of the available APIs for use with other software.
Web APIs: They use data sent via HTTP requests to seamlessly set up integrations. Web APIs can be built using a rich range of platforms and languages. They can connect to many third-party libraries.
SOAP-based APIs: They rely on processes and messages versus raw data. XML is the most popular language used with this form of API.
REST APIs: They leverage a set of architectural standards when it comes to facilitating requests (to and from touchpoints). REST APIs are highly flexible and can be implemented quickly. Some of the most popular languages used with REST APIs include Extensible Markup Language (XML) and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON).
Best practices to integrate third-party apps with Microsoft Dynamics 365
The following checklist can help you make sure that your organization has an easier time setting up third-party integrations with Dynamics 365.
Always keep a track of when third-party integrations are set to receive updates.
Ensure that you have a clear and complete understanding of the business purpose of each and every integration.
Do take note of authentication expiration so you can avoid untimely expirations.
Make sure to consider the constraints of your current infrastructure.
Do make a point to document all workflows around setting up integrations.
Have a word with all stakeholders about upcoming integrations.
Call or email us now to have a word with certified Microsoft Dynamics 365 experts who have rich experience working on projects involving third-party integrations with Dynamics 365.