While it’s great when you can find one application that handles all your business needs, sometimes companies need a way to integrate their ERP or CRM with a third-party application. The ultimate goal of any integration should be to increase efficiency and productivity by expanding the flexibility of a piece of software. You can do that through Dynamics 365 integration with external systems and applications. It helps to partner with a team of experts, like those at Internet eBusiness Solutions (IES), who have experience working on projects involving third-party integrations with Dynamics 365.
Benefits of Dynamics 365 Integrations
ERP and CRM platforms help organizations manage business processes, including supply chain management and payroll. Many companies rely on ERPs to unify critical operational functions, enable communications across different business areas, reduce costs, and boost revenue. They help increase a company’s agility to operate in a modern business environment.
Integrating other software with Dynamics 365 means you no longer have to switch from one application to another to handle various tasks. Other benefits of Dynamics 365 integrations include:
- Higher productivity among the workforce
- 360-degree view of customer information to help increase satisfaction
- Streamlined collaboration among employees
Common Dynamic 365 integrations with external systems include:
- Document Management Systems — Teams can leverage enterprise software features like Microsoft SharePoint to access documents stored in that platform through the Dynamics 365 CRM portal.
- Reporting Tools — Businesses can aggregate data held in Dynamics 365 and other systems to create reports and dashboards.
- Email Platforms — Areas like sales on email communications with prospects, customers, and other team members. Adding email integrations lets salespeople keep up with contacts and increase their chances of closing deals.
One benefit of investing in Dynamics 365 is the ability to integrate with other Microsoft Applications seamlessly. It’s easier to keep up with customer relationships, set up automated workflows, and leverage tools like One Drive, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
Integrating With Dynamics 365
Most third-party applications rely on application programming interfaces (APIs) for integrations. Below is an overview of the APIs available for use with other software.
- REST APIs — REST APIs use a set of architectural standards to facilitate requests to and from endpoints. They are very flexible and can be implemented relatively quickly. However, you will still need to put in work to manipulate the architecture and underlying code to set up a working integration with a third-party application. Common languages used with REST APIs include JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and Extensible Markup Language (XML).
- Web APIs — Web APIs use data sent via HTTP requests to set up integrations. You can build Web APIs using a variety of languages and platforms. They’re capable of connecting to many third-party libraries. You will likely need a professional company’s help to set up Web APIs to work with proprietary company systems or software.
- SOAP-based APIs — SOAP-based APIs rely on messages and processes versus raw data. XML is the language commonly used with this type of API.
In addition to APIs, integration tools are available to help businesses with something like Concur integration with Dynamics 365. Sometimes there might not be an integration readily available. That’s where you can hire a company like IES to build a custom integration with specific functionality. They can also help with manual integrations where you’re trying to import data captured in spreadsheets over to Dynamics 365.
Examples of Dynamics 365 Integrations
Let’s look at examples of third-party software you can integrate with Dynamics 365 to expand the platform’s capabilities.
SAP Concur
SAP Concur helps businesses manage expenses and invoices in one system. Travel and expense management software platform. By setting up a Concur integration with Dynamics 365, you can perform functions like migrating expense reports and invoices to the General Ledger. Other scenarios you can cover by setting up the connection include:
- Automate the sharing of financial information between the two systems
- Extract expense data from SAP Concur
- Speed up the expense management process
- Eliminate the need for manual data extracts
- Make more accurate forecasts
- Manage cash flow
- Automate purchase invoice creation and general ledger entries
Avaya
Avaya is a cloud-based communication system that consolidates business phone system features into a unified platform. It brings together voice, data, and video communications in one place. Many companies work with Avaya because it offers robust contact center capabilities. An Avaya integration with Dynamics 365 allows it to collect caller information and match it to other information already stored within the CRM.
Customer service reps save time by getting the information they need about a caller more quickly. They have all the relevant information required to come to a faster resolution, allowing businesses to provide customers with a better customer service experience.
Magneto Commerce
Magneto is an eCommerce platform that allows customers to build sites to sell their products and services. Setting up a Dynamics 365 integration with Magneto will enable businesses to:
- Gain more self-service report options
- Provide smarter business intelligence
- Enact automated workflows
- Display the latest product and pricing information
Look for a partner like IES who understands how to build integrations between Dynamics 365 and Magneto.
Best Practices for Integrating Third-Party Apps with Dynamics 365
The following checklist can help ensure that your organization can have an easier time setting up third-party integrations with Dynamics 365.
- Take note of authentication expiration dates to avoid untimely expirations
- Make sure you understand the business purpose of each integration
- Keep track of when third-party integrations are set to receive updates
- Document all workflows around setting up integrations
- Consider your current infrastructure constraints
- Talk to all stakeholders about upcoming integrations
- Set a budget for enacting your integration strategy
An experienced partner who understands the intricacies of setting up third-party integrations with Dynamics 365 makes a big difference. Contact IES today to speak with one of our solutions experts. 
