Power BI Dynamics 365 can often seem used in conjunction for reporting purposes & data analysis. But, in reality, Power BI is a collection of software related services, applications and connectors that are designed to perform analytical functions together. These functions involve the transformation of unrelated sources of data into actionable insights with coherence using Power BI Dynamics 365 connector.
On the other hand, the Dynamics 365 is a line of products designed by Microsoft. These consist of a range of enterprise resource planning (ERP), data management and customer relationship management tools (CRM) and services.
Power BI & Dynamics 365 Reporting Dashboards
In the contemporary business arena, companies are bent on finding suitable business analytics tools that help them achieve a lead over the others in the market. In this context, such companies choose to opt for tools that have a series of capabilities that can comprehensively perform advanced data analytics, derive insights from the raw organizational data along with displaying the insights through captivating visuals.
With regards to Dynamics 365, although the tool is adept with several of these features, the default functionality at times fall short in deriving insights from the data. Power BI on the other hand is equipped with artificial intelligence which aids the user companies in deriving actionable insights from the data.
Thus, it would suffice to say that in a scenario where the organizational data of a user does not require in-depth analytics to be performed, Dynamics 365 is a proper fit. But in situations where the user company needs deriving insights in real-time, the Power BI features shine through.
Method of connecting Power BI to Dynamics 365 Dashboard
To commence the process of connecting Power BI to Dynamics 365, there are some prerequisites that need to be fulfilled. These include the following: –
- The user must have an access to Power BI and
- Having one Power BI Dashboard for referencing is a bare minimum.
This implies that the Power BI Dynamics 365 connector is possible only when the above requisites are present because the need for a Power BI Dashboard is necessary to be imported into the Dynamics 365.
In order to connect Power BI with Dynamics 365, the user needs to connect to have clear understanding over Power BI connectors & Dynamics 365 functions. Connection requires one to have good knowledge over technical aspect of data connection & transformation, it is always advisable to take help of Power BI consulting service or Power BI Dynamics experts before commencing. A single mistake could cost data loss & inconsistent reporting affecting business decision making capability.
One of the way to connect Power BI with Dynamics is use of multiple content packs made inside Power BI in relevance with Dynamics 365. This is done in the following manner:-
- Within Dynamics 365 >> Settings and select Customizations. Then click on Developer Resources.
- Under the Developer Resources, the following portion has to be copied (https://”yourtenant”.crm4.dynamics.com) into a Document that is in a Notepad format. This will be added to the URL by Power BI.
- Next, the user needs to log into the website of Power BI through the same account which was used to log into Dynamics 365.
- Then the sidebar menu has to be opened and the Get data option has to be chosen
- Below the Content Pack library, select Services and click on Get.
- Then the AppSource Library is opened. Here the suitable content pack can be chosen. Then click on Get it now.
- Next, the organizational data URL that was copied in the Notepad has to be pasted in the first text box (. Don’t include https:// or or any path info
- Then choose a Fiscal Year End Month Number and click on Next. Finally, the process of importing data into Dynamics 365 will begin.
Analyzing Dynamics 365 Business Procedures using Power BI
The process of analyzing the business processes using Power BI, involves the use of the Process Analyzer Content Pack. There are several ways of using this content pack in a customized and integrated manner. Certain stages are involved in the process of using this content pack. The stages can be described as follows :-
- Adding the Process Analyzer Content Pack to the user organization’s Power BI account – This ensures the proper analysis and exploration of the data related to business processes.
- Embedding the Default Process Analyzer Dashboard in Dynamics 365 – This helps in transporting the default analytics related to the business process into the Dynamics 365.
- Creating a personalized report and Dashboard in Power BI – This helps in creating a Dashboard that involves a number of personalized business process analytics.
- Embedding and mixing the customized business process analytics with Dynamics 365 Dashboard – This helps in combining the personalized analytics from Power BI with other personalized information from Dynamics 365.
How to add a Power BI Dashboard to Dynamics 365 –
The following method is to be followed in the process of publishing a Dashboard into Dynamics 365: –
- Firstly, the user company needs to get Power BI.
- Secondly, find and select the get data. This Appsource window is displayed. In the search bar the user has to type Dynamics 365.
- Thirdly, the appropriate URL of the organization using Dynamics 365 has to be typed along with the last month of the same company’s fiscal year.
- Fourthly, enabling the Power BI Dashboards in Dynamics 365 involves the following:
- Go to settings and click on administration.
- Then select systems settings and choose reporting tab
- Under the set whether users can be embed Power BI visuals select Allow Power BI Visualization Embedding.
- Finally, select Yes and click on Ok.
- Finally, within Dynamics 365, go to Sales and click on Dashboard. Then select New button and click on Power BI Dashboard.
Methods to publish Power BI reports in the Dynamics 365 CRM
After the user completes the process of publishing Power BI reports into the Power BI service, they can also be published into Dynamics 365 CRM. There are three major processes ways in which the user can accomplish this process. These involve the following :-
- Add the Power BI Dashboard to the Personal Dashboard in the CRM.
- Add the Power BI Dashboard to the System Dashboard in the CRM.
- Add Power BI Report to the Power BI Dashboard.
As, we’re talking about dashboards in Power BI & Dynamics, let’s try to understand the basic difference between Power BI & Dynamics 365 dashboards
Differences between Power BI & Dynamics 365 Dashboards
| Power BI | Dynamics 365 |
|---|---|
| There are unlimited charts and visuals in the dashboards | The user is limited to six visuals per dashboard |
| Dashboards are used for reflecting complex data based scenarios | These are best suited for providing data on everyday activities |
| These can be shared among both Power BI and Dynamics 365 users | This can be shared between Dynamics 365 users. |
| Data usage and Dashboard creating ability is not limited | The data usage and Dashboard creation is limited |
| Power BI accounts can be set up for free and the Dashboards can be created only after more knowledge of databases | For using Dynamics 365 dashboard, the organization needs to be the user of the service but less knowledge is required to create Dashboards. |
Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that Dynamics 365 is designed for performing daily analytics activities in an organization; whereas Power BI is designed to tackle the complex advanced analytics processes. Hope this would help you to understand the differences of Power BI & Dynamics 365 and their integration.
