If you’re a Dynamics 365 user, Microsoft may have told you they are automatically updating your system to the Unified Interface
What is the Unified Interface?
The Unified Interface is a new, common layout across all its Dynamics 365 products, which include
- Sales
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Field service
- Finance
- Operations
- Retail
Dynamics 365 will now look consistent across desktop, mobile and tablet devices
When is this happening?
This will be different for everyone. The deadline for the transition is October 2020 when you’ll no longer be able to use the existing interface.
To find out when your system will be updated, take a look at Microsoft’s Unified Interface portal
You can postpone your update a maximum of two times, but not beyond the hard deadline of October 2020
What are the benefits of this new interface?
- The system will work much better on mobile devices
- The interface will be more focused – with much less clutter. You be able to tailor the system to work for each separate job role in your organisation
- Each page will load faster
- The navigation is greatly improved, making it much easier to get around
What does the new unified interface look like?
You’ll still recognise Dynamics 365, but you’ll need to get used to a different way of working.
Navigation
You’ll now see all the main sections of your CRM on the left hand side of your screen – contacts, leads, opportunities etc
You’ll also see a personalised links which include areas you’ve recently visited and sections you’ve pinned
Forms
On contact and lead forms, for example, you’ll see a horizontal list which allows you to quickly jump to a section within a form
The social pane has been replaced by a much clearer timeline, where you can see all your interactions with this contact at a glance.
Apps
In the new unified interface, you can now group Dynamics’ features into Apps.
An app can be an area of Dynamics like sales or customer service, or, a custom app which contains the features you need for your particular role.
What’s so good about apps?
- More focus on your work area – fewer distractions
- Much simpler to get around
- Better security
Email editor
You’ll now have many more options for editing emails. Using familiar controls, you’ll be able to design emails exactly how you wish
So what do I need to do?
This depends on your technical knowledge. To get your system ready yourself, you’ll need to understand how your system is configured and do some testing and configuration. Otherwise we’d recommend getting help from your Dynamics 365 supplier.
At a minimum you’ll need to create an app to allow your colleagues to access the system.
If you’re not sure, here are some articles about the transition
- Announcing the timeline to move to Unified Interface
- FAQs: Transition to Unified Interface
- Checklist: Unified Interface transition
- Quick start for transitioning your legacy web client application to Unified Interface
We can help with the transition – please call us for advice – 01422 824831