D365: Master Unique Views with Fetch XML Builder Today!

Key insights

• Fetch XML Builder: A tool used to create advanced views in Dynamics 365, such as showing accounts with no activities in the past 30 days.


• Smart Paste: A feature allowing users to copy text from various sources and paste it into model-driven apps. Copilot analyzes and suggests data placement for fields like text, choice, date, and number. Supported languages include English (US), French, German, Spanish, and more.


• AI Form Fill Assistance: Must be enabled for Smart Paste to function. Administrators can activate this feature through the Power Platform Admin Center.


• Smart Grid/Smart Search: Allows filtering and sorting of data using natural language commands. Users can create temporary views based on phrases like "Accounts where Open Revenue is greater than 0."


• Enabling Features: Both Smart Paste and Smart Grid require activation in the Power Platform Admin Center by navigating to 'Features' under the 'Product' section.


• Preview Features: These features are currently in preview, with Smart Paste expected to be generally available (GA) by February 2025. They aim to improve productivity in Dynamics 365 CRM apps.

Introduction to Fetch XML Builder and Dynamics 365 Views

In the fast-evolving world of business technology, creating comprehensive views in Dynamics 365 can be a challenging task. Often, the out-of-the-box tools provided by Microsoft do not suffice for specific needs, such as generating views that display accounts with no logged activities in the past 30 days. This is where the Fetch XML Builder comes into play, offering a robust solution to create unique and tailored views. Dian Taylor, a Microsoft MVP, explores these capabilities in her insightful YouTube video, providing a step-by-step guide on utilizing Fetch XML Builder for advanced view creation.

Smart Paste: Revolutionizing Data Entry

One of the significant advancements in model-driven apps is the introduction of the Smart Paste feature. This tool simplifies data entry by allowing users to copy text from various sources and paste it directly into a form using a simple shortcut or button click. The Copilot AI then analyzes the clipboard data, extracting relevant information and suggesting entries for the form's columns. Users can accept these suggestions individually or all at once. However, it's essential to note that Smart Paste currently supports only text, choice, date, and number fields, excluding those with field security. Moreover, it supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese, among others. This feature is expected to become generally available in February 2025, but administrators can enable it in preview mode through the Power Platform Admin Center.

Smart Grid and Smart Search: Enhancing Data Filtering

The Smart Grid feature, also in preview, allows users to filter and sort data using natural language queries. For instance, typing "Accounts where Open Revenue is greater than 0" filters the data accordingly. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who are not familiar with complex query languages. However, it currently supports only text columns, and features like aggregation and grouping are not yet available. Users must enable this feature in the Power Platform Admin Center to test its capabilities. Despite its limitations, Smart Grid represents a significant step forward in making data interaction more intuitive and efficient.

Challenges and Tradeoffs in Implementing New Features

While the introduction of Smart Paste and Smart Grid offers exciting possibilities, there are challenges and tradeoffs to consider. On one hand, these features enhance productivity by reducing the time and effort required for data entry and filtering. On the other hand, they require users to adapt to new workflows and may necessitate additional training. Furthermore, the reliance on AI for data entry and filtering introduces concerns about accuracy and data security, particularly in fields with sensitive information. Organizations must weigh these factors carefully when deciding to implement these features.

Future Prospects and User Feedback

As these features move towards general availability, user feedback will play a crucial role in shaping their future development. Early adopters have expressed excitement about the potential productivity gains, but also highlighted areas for improvement, such as expanding support for more data types and enhancing natural language processing capabilities. Microsoft is likely to refine these features based on user input, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of Dynamics 365 users. As the technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how these tools transform the way businesses interact with their data.

Conclusion

The advancements in Dynamics 365, particularly the introduction of Fetch XML Builder, Smart Paste, and Smart Grid, are poised to revolutionize how users create views and interact with data. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits in terms of efficiency and ease of use are significant. As these features continue to develop, they promise to make Dynamics 365 an even more powerful tool for businesses worldwide. Users and administrators alike should stay informed about these changes to fully leverage the capabilities of their systems and maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.

Keywords

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