User Review
( votes)JourneyTEAM, a Microsoft Gold Partner, is always looking for opportunities to architect experiences with first-party app integration within the Microsoft Business Application ecosystem. Specifically, we’re searching for ways to streamline the user experience while incorporating Microsoft’s Power Platform as the overlaying technology.
One such scenario occurs in Lead to Cash processes. A sales team working within Customer Engagement and viewing invoices may have to switch between multiple tools and platforms to view the desired accounting data. However, by building and embedding a Canvas App in the model-driven app form in Customer Engagement, users no longer have to switch between tools as they have complete visibility into an invoice’s accounting data.
This is accomplished by the Canvas App consuming a connector* from a Business Central environment. It can then display the desired data within Customer Engagement.
*More information on the custom-built connector used for this process can be found in the JourneyTEAM blog post entitled: “Integrating Business Central with Dataverse”.
Creating and Embedding Your Own Canvas App
To start building your own Canvas App, make sure you’re using the maker experience in Power Apps. Next, create a solution and add an Invoice Table and Form to it.
Once you’ve created a solution, you can begin making the desired modifications using the class form editor experience.
Next, you’ll add a description field to one section. To embed a Canvas App, select any text field within your form.
In the description field, select ‘Change Properties’, then the controls tab. Click on ‘Add Control’.
Once your controls have been created, select ‘customize’. The Maker environment for the Canvas App will then open and apply default settings. This includes a Dataverse invoice table connection, form control connection, the ModelDrivenFormIntegration object which interacts with a form and record in context, and the current invoice record is listed as the item form.
When customizations are finished, select the ‘Data Control’ option from the left-hand navigation menu. Select ‘Business Central Customer Connector’.
For a more complete image tutorial, click here.
Here, you’ll load data from both the BC Sales Invoice Lines and BC Sales Invoice into Collections.
When our team did this, we had to utilize a timer that fired upon App load to complete the retrieval. This was primarily because as we experienced some issues with the App not fully loading a collection to App load. If you experience this same issue, utilize the code for Timer OnTimer End below:
Next, you’ll add a ‘Data Table’ control for both the BC Sales Invoice and Sales Invoice Lines.
Before publishing your Canvas App, we recommend changing the setting to show the ERPData variable which prompts controls to load only after data is loaded.
Finally, save your Canvas App and publish it. That’s it!
You’ll now have the ability to retrieve any fields using the custom control and view valuable ERP data directly within Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement.
Searching For More?
At JourneyTEAM, this is just one example of how we’re making Microsoft solutions work for you. Whether you want to learn more about the process above or get additional information about Microsoft solutions, contact a JourneyTEAM representative.
NEXT STEPS:
- Join a free consultation and ask all the questions you wish.
- Plan your Deep Dive meeting – Get your organization’s Customized Solutions presentation.
Jenn Alba – Marketing Manager – 801.938.7816
JourneyTEAM is an award-winning consulting firm with proven technology and measurable results. They take Microsoft products; Dynamics 365, SharePoint intranet, Office 365, Azure, CRM, GP, NAV, SL, AX, and modify them to work for you. The team has expert level, Microsoft Gold certified consultants that dive deep into the dynamics of your organization and solve complex issues. They have solutions for sales, marketing, productivity, collaboration, analytics, accounting, security and more. www.journeyteam.com
