Microsoft just released the 2020 release wave 1 plans for Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. On this episode we talk with Microsoft MVP Malin Donoso Martnes for her perspective on updates coming to the D365 Human Resources (formerly Talent) and Marketing apps.

Malin has worked in the Dynamics CRM and D365 Customer Engagement space for several years, first on the customer side and now as a consultant based in Oslo. We discuss the new features of Human Resources, how to position the application alongside Dynamics 365 F&O and Project Service Automation, the role of Power Automate, and more.

You can follow Malin on Twitter or LinkedIn, and on her blog.

Show notes

• 2:00 - First impressions of the Dynamics 365 HR plans for 2020 wave 1 and why country-specific requirements are so important.
• 4:30 - The partner opportunity around Dynamics 365 HR
• 6:45 - Managing entities in the CDS, and how the HR app's architecture has evolved
• 9:30 - D365HR compared to the HR module of Dynamics 365 F&O
• 14:00 - Outlook on Dynamics 365 Marketing in the new release wave
• 17:00 - Deciphering Microsoft's language on upcoming marketing features
• 20:30 - More on Malin's professional background
• 23:30 - On getting back up to speed with Dynamics 365 after an extended leave
• 27:00 - How Malin creates her blog posts, with help from reader questions
• 28:00 - Upcoming events and plans

While the Microsoft Power Platform is seemingly everywhere in the Dynamics ecosystem, not all Dynamics ERP partner teams can deliver these cloud services yet as part of customer solutions, especially in the SMB space. 

Sven Noomen, founder of Process4People, joins us to talk about his work to build a consulting, advisory, and training business focused on Power Platform services in the Dynamics NAV and Dynamics 365 Business Central ecosystem. He and his team have developed their own reusable IP, along with providing Power Platform services, training partners, and even working with Microsoft at times.

As Sven explains in this episode, deploying Power Platform requires a unique focus and skill set, and many Dynamics partner, especially those serving the SMB market, do not yet have enough expertise to properly guide their clients on all the options.

Show Notes:

• 1:30 - About Sven and his work
• 4:00 - How far has Power Platform progressed alongside Business Central?
• 7:30 - Are there two visions for the future of Business Central solutions?
• 12:00 - Is there room for businesses to build on Power Platform using NAV APIs as a backend source?
• 15:00 - Why ISVs need more IP protection with Power Platform
• 18:00 - Why customers opt for Power Platform as a low-code platform
• 21:00 - What's it like running a consultancy offering Power Platform-related services?
• 26:00 - Will a significant subset of Dynamics ERP users eventually become primarily PowerApps users?
• 30:00 - Advice for traditional NAV/BC VARs to adapt for the future
• 34:45 - How will Power Automate's addition of RPA capabilities impact assessments of legacy ERP