Dynamics 365 in Focus: Key Takeaways from Microsoft Ignite and Beyond

As we approach 2025, the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem is evolving faster than ever, driven by ground-breaking advancements in AI, ERP solutions, and Power Platform integrations. November brought us exciting updates from Microsoft Ignite 2024 and Directions EMEA, offering invaluable insights into what’s next for businesses leveraging Dynamics 365.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore:

? Key takeaways from Microsoft Ignite and Directions EMEA

? The growing transition from Dynamics GP to Business Central

? The role of AI and Power Platform in transforming operations

? How Conspicuous is using Dynamics 365 and AI to stay ahead

?? Microsoft Ignite 2024: The Future of Autonomous Agents

Autonomous Agents: A New Era of Automation

Autonomous agents represent a significant leap forward in business automation, allowing organisations to delegate repetitive tasks to AI-powered tools while focusing on strategic initiatives.

Here’s what we learned about their capabilities:

• Copilot Studio: A game-changing tool that allows businesses to design custom AI agents tailored to their workflows, enabling automation of repetitive tasks like data processing and reporting.
• Sales Order Agent for Business Central: Announced at Directions EMEA, this autonomous agent automates sales order processing, improving speed and accuracy. It will enter public preview in December 2024 in the U.S., with global availability expected in 2025.
• AI Across Dynamics 365: Autonomous agents are embedded in Dynamics 365 applications like CE and F&O, managing everything from customer service workflows to supply chain processes, reducing manual input while improving efficiency.
• Seamless Ecosystem Integration: These agents work dynamically within Microsoft Teams, Power Platform, and Azure, creating a unified and intelligent collaboration experience.

Why Autonomous Agents Matter for Your Business

Autonomous agents are more than just an exciting concept—they’re here to drive real-world impact:

?? Streamline workflows: Automate time-consuming tasks, freeing up resources for strategic priorities.

?? Boost productivity: Equip teams with tools that adapt to business needs.

?? Improve decision-making: Access faster, AI-driven insights for more informed strategies.

As early adopters of autonomous agents already experience tangible benefits, businesses that embrace this technology now will gain a competitive edge heading into 2025.

?? Explore the Future of Autonomous Agents in Our Podcast!

Want to dive deeper into the world of autonomous agents? Tune in to our recent podcast featuring Lewis Baybutt , where we explore their real-world applications, potential challenges, and what’s next in AI-driven automation.

?? Watch now:

Other Highlights from Microsoft Ignite

While autonomous agents stole the show, Ignite 2024 also introduced other notable advancements:

• Copilot Enhancements: With features like Copilot Actions, Pages, and Control Systems, businesses can further automate workflows and govern AI tools effectively.
• Power Platform Innovations: Updates like Plan Designer and custom AI agents simplify creating and implementing tailored solutions.
• Microsoft Teams Updates: New unified chat and real-time translation tools make collaboration seamless for global teams.

?? Directions EMEA 2024: Business Central Leads the Way

Held in Vienna, Directions EMEA 2024 emphasised the growing momentum of Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC). Microsoft celebrated BC surpassing 40,000 cloud customers, with expectations to hit 50,000 in 2025—a testament to its rapid adoption among SMEs.

Key Announcements:

?? Business Central Milestones:

• 40,000+ cloud customers globally, cementing BC’s position as Microsoft’s fastest-growing ERP solution.
• Partner growth surged by 20%, with a 30% rise in partner revenue and a 54% increase in API calls—highlighting deeper engagement with BC’s ecosystem.

?? AI in ERP:

• The Sales Order Agent will debut in December 2024, automating sales order processing for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Copilot Integration: Automates manual tasks, simplifies reporting, and enhances decision-making.

Why BC is Essential for SMEs

Business Central offers unmatched scalability and integration with tools like Power Platform, helping SMEs:

?? Simplify complex processes with automation.

?? Save on long-term costs with continuous updates.

?? Leverage AI tools like Copilot to improve productivity.

Action Steps for GP Users:

With Dynamics GP nearing its end-of-life in 2028, now is the time to plan your migration to Business Central. By transitioning, you’ll benefit from:

? IRS Compliance: Avoid issues caused by GP’s inability to handle future tax code changes.

? AI-Driven Features: Unlock Copilot’s potential for automation and insights.

? Scalability: Future-proof your operations with a modern ERP solution.

? Power Platform: Transforming Business Operations

The Power Platform is revolutionising business processes by integrating tools like Power Automate, Power Apps, and Power BI with Dynamics 365. This integration allows organisations to achieve unparalleled customisation, automation, and analytics.

Key Benefits:

• Workflow Automation: Reduces manual errors and saves time.
• Advanced Analytics: Real-time insights for smarter decisions.
• Customisation: Tailored solutions for unique business needs without heavy development.

Growing Demand for Consultants

The rising adoption of Power Platform has created new opportunities for consultants, particularly those skilled in:

• Power Platform integration: Helping businesses build custom applications.
• AI-driven automation: Implementing tools like Copilot Studio.
• Advanced analytics: Using Power BI to unlock actionable insights.

? We Live and Breathe Dynamics 365 ?

At Conspicuous, we don’t just recruit for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform professionals; we use these tools to power our own business. Our Mercury CRM platform, which is deeply integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, showcases the transformative potential of the solutions we champion.

Every day, our team interacts with Dynamics 365—internally and externally. This gives us a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that clients and candidates experience in their Dynamics 365 journeys. Whether you're implementing Business Central, integrating Power Platform, or transitioning from legacy systems like Dynamics GP, we know what’s at stake because we’re navigating the same ecosystem.

Business Central allows us to:

?? Streamline finance and invoicing.

?? Manage sales orders and quotes efficiently.

?? Oversee procurement processes with ease.

This hands-on experience gives us unique insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face when using Dynamics 365.

?? How We Leverage AI at Conspicuous

We’ve taken AI customisation a step further by configuring dedicated GPT models within ChatGPT to assist with specific internal needs. These models, crafted by our Marketing Manager, Helayna Lowe , are tailored to our company’s Dynamics 365 specialisation and include:

• US and UK Team GPTs: Supporting recruiters with Boolean search strings, crafting outreach templates, and organising job requirements tailored to regional nuances.
• Marketing GPT: Assisting with social media captions, content ideas, and key insights and trends into the tech market.
• Podcast GPT: Helping streamline podcast-related tasks, from creating guest outreach templates to structuring episode ideas and more.

These tools save us time, enhance efficiency, and allow us to focus on meaningful client and candidate interactions.

?? Weekly AI Sessions:

Every Friday, our team gathers to share the latest AI tools and strategies, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation.

Why This Matters

Our use of AI isn’t about replacing the human touch—it’s about enhancing it. By automating repetitive tasks and optimising workflows, AI enables our consultants to dedicate more time to personalised, meaningful interactions with clients and candidates. This balance between technological innovation and human connection ensures we deliver exceptional recruitment services.

Your Dynamics 365 Recruitment Partner: Permanent & Contract Expertise

At Conspicuous, we understand that every business has unique staffing requirements. That’s why we provide both permanent and contract recruitment services, tailored to meet your specific needs within the Dynamics 365 ecosystem.

Permanent Recruitment

For businesses looking to build a long-term team, our permanent recruitment solutions focus on finding candidates who align with your company culture, values, and growth plans. Whether you need skilled Business Central consultants, Power Platform specialists, or Dynamics CE experts, we’ll help you secure the best talent for lasting success.

Contract Recruitment

Sometimes, businesses require flexible, short-term solutions to meet project deadlines or navigate transitional periods, such as ERP migrations or AI adoption. That’s where our contract recruitment services come in.

• ERP Migrations: From transitioning Dynamics GP to Business Central to integrating Power Platform, our experienced contractors provide the expertise you need to ensure smooth operations.
• AI & Power Platform Projects: Our specialists can help implement tools like Copilot and custom AI agents to enhance your workflows, without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.

Why Choose Conspicuous?

?? Specialized Expertise: We focus exclusively on Dynamics 365, ensuring our candidates have the technical skills and experience you need. ?? Global Reach: Whether you're in the UK, US, EMEA, or APAC, our network spans the globe to find the right talent for your team. ?? Tailored Solutions: We work closely with you to understand your requirements, delivering personalized recruitment services that fit your goals.