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How to Perform Data Migration in D365 Finance and Operations

Introduction to Data Migration

Data migration is a critical step when transitioning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 F). Proper execution ensures that historical and operational data is accurately transferred from the legacy systems, enabling seamless continuity and improved business efficiency.

Pre-Migration Steps

The first essential component in data migration is planning. Begin by identifying the data that needs to be migrated and the corresponding sources. Establish a clear data mapping schema to understand where each data element will reside within D365 F. It’s also crucial to clean the data, removing any inconsistencies or duplicates to ensure high data quality during the transfer process.

Data Migration Tools in D365 F

Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations offers various tools to facilitate data migration. The Data Management Framework (DMF) is widely utilized for this purpose. It provides capabilities to import and export data in and out of D365 F using data entities. The configuration data project can significantly streamline the process. Another option is to employ the Data Import Export Framework (DIXF), particularly useful for moving large volumes of data and supporting different file formats.

Migrating the Data

With your data properly cleaned and tools selected, it’s time to migrate. Use the DMF to create a data project, configuring it based on the previously established data mapping. Load the data entity files accordingly and validate to ensure that the migration proceeds without errors. Regularly monitor the process to promptly address any issues that may arise.

Post-Migration Activities

After completing the migration, conduct a thorough data validation to confirm that data has been accurately moved. This step involves reconciliating totals, transaction counts, and other critical data points between the source and the target system. Additionally, ensure that end-users are well trained to navigate and utilize the system efficiently.

Conclusion

Data migration in D365 Finance and Operations is a structured process involving careful planning, utilization of appropriate tools, and rigorous validation. By following these steps, organizations can ensure a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions while maximizing the benefits of their new ERP system.

Configuring and using the Excel Data Connector add-in in D365 F&O

    Excel Data Connector add-in in D365 F&O

In this recipe, we will show you how to configure an Excel Data Connector add-in and use it to export data from Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations and publish the updated data back in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations.

The Excel Data Connector app interacts with Excel workbooks and OData services created for publicly exposed data entities.

Steps

1. Open a new workbook in Excel and navigate to the Insert tab. Under Add-ins, select My Add-ins, as shown in the following screenshot:

        
2. Under Office Add-ins, navigate to STORE, search for Microsoft Dynamics Office Add-in, and click on Add. This is shown in the following screenshot:

3. Once you’ve clicked, a new window will open within Excel as follows. Click on Add server information and the system will ask for account credentials. You have to sign in as the user that has access in your Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations:

4. This will open up a Data Connector add-in app window as follows:

5. Let’s navigate to Accounts receivable | Customers | All Customers, press the Open in MS Office button, select OPEN IN EXCEL, and choose Download

6. Let the file reload and retrieve the data. It will open the file as follows. Select a customer record to update the Customer group field to change its value from 10 to 30

7. Once the Customer group value has been changed, then select the Publish button to update the record in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. Consider the following screenshot:

 

 

Configuring Power BI in D365 Finance and Operation

 Configuring Power BI

In this blog, we can connect to Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations with Power BI Desktop to create custom Dynamics 365 reports and dashboards for use with the Power BI service.To enable Power BI the very first thing you have to do is configure your Power BI with Dynamics 365 for first use.

Step1:

Log in to your Power BI account using https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/.

Step2:

Give details about the application and Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations environment, you can refer to the following for more clarity:
  • App Name: Give an application name
  • App Type: Choose a server-side web app
  • Redirect URL: Add OAuth at the end of the home page URL
  • Home page URL: Application URL

Step3:

Choose APIs to access:

Step4:

Register your app:
In this step, click on Register App and the system will create client ID and client secret for your new app. Keep a backup of both values, you need to put these values in the next step:

Step5:

Now open Dynamics 365 for operation and navigate to System Administration | Setup | PowerBI.com configuration.
 
Use the client ID and Application Key, and add the details here which have been generated from the last step respectively

Step6:

Now open any workspace, on the right side you will get a Power BI tile, click on Get Started:

Step7:

Now authorize Power BI using admin credentials. Once done with this step you will get power BI tiles on the workspace

Step8:

Now navigate to System administration| Setup | System parameter, and go to the help tab. You will get a notification for connecting with LCS, select Click here to connect to LCS:

On successful authentication, you will get selection data in the Help tab

Step9:

Fill in the required details here:

Step10:

Now navigate to System Administrator | Setup | Entity Store and refresh all aggregate measurements. You can set batch jobs as well for this activity:

Step11:

Now you will get these in your LCS account under Shred Asset library | Power BI reports. You can download the pbxi files to modify the Power BI desktop application

Step12:

Go to System Administrator | Setup | Deploy Power BI files and deploy all required BI files from this screen

 

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