Dynamics 365FO – Ease of data entry for dimension values

Microsoft has made a small improvement in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations Fall 2018 release (8.1 PU20):

"When a dimension has a backing entity such as customer or vendor, the dimension value will default to the value entered in the associated form. For example, the customer dimension would be automatically set to the customer value used when a customer is created. New options are available to enable one or more dimensions to be defaulted. For example, a business unit can be defaulted when the cost center is entered."

I use the account structure below to test the new functionality just to see how advanced and useful the functionality is in the Fall 2018 release.

A new toggle has been added under General ledger > Chart of account > Dimensions > Financial dimensions. When you select "Yes" the functionality becomes active for the selected dimension, e.g. Customer.

Besides Financial dimension "Customer" I also try to activate Financial dimension "Business unit" but I'm not allowed to select "Yes" on the toogle for that financial dimension.  In the Fall 2018 release it is only possible to select master data record financial dimensions, e.g. customer, vendor, project, item and worker.

How does the current release work?

I go to Accounts receivable > Customers > All customers and create a new customer.

The new customer get customer number "ABC". I save the new customer record.

Under the fast tab "Default Financial Dimensions" on the customer the customer account number has automatic been added as the financial dimension value.

When I create a journal the dimension value from the customer is inserted as financial dimension value when I select account type customer and select customer ABC. The customer account is also inserted as financial dimension value when I select the Offset account.

Microsoft describe the new functionality "phase 1". Microsoft tell that within 3-6 month, additional more advanced functionality will be added. If I understand Microsoft correct phase 2 will allow you to make rules for combination of financial dimension values e.g. when you select Cost center 1 you automatic get Department 2 and Business unit 3 added as two other dimensions on your master data record or in a journal.

Conclusion:

The new functionality has very little value since only one financial dimension value can be created automatic on a master data record or on a journal line. I hope that the additional functionality in phase 2 is much more advanced and help users creating master data not to forget required financial dimension values. Until now users creating master data records has often forget to add financial dimension values and this has been the reason for many processes have been blocked until the missing financial dimension values has been added the master data record.