Microsoft Dynamics CRM Spring 2016 Wave contains some that you will want to start using right away.
In past releases, features were either already accessible once the new version was configured, or they were manually installed. However, many of the new features in this release have been moved to the Office 365 administrative area. This post reviews the process of enabling the key features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Spring 2016 Wave.
The New Enhanced Office 365 Admin User Experience
While this is being written, Microsoft is rolling out a new admin portal for Office 365 and it will take several months to complete. If your version of Office 365 has not been updated, it will be soon. Regardless of the User Interface you are using, the features remain the same.
Figure 1. The current Office 365 user interface will be phased out.
Figure 2. Accessing new features is the same regardless of interface.
How to Enable Features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Spring Wave
Begin by logging into the Office 365 home screen (https://portal.office.com/Home) using Admin privileges.
NOTE: It is best to avoid performing these tasks in your production environment the first time. Use a Sandbox instance and test these features there first, or activate a 30-day free trial of Microsoft CRM and Office 365 (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/free-crm-trial.aspx) and try them there.
Next, use the left navigation screen and scroll to ADMIN > CRM (old UI) or Admin Centers > CRM (new UI).
Figure 3. From the Admin menu (old UI), select CRM.
Figure 4. From the Admin Centers menu (new UI), select CRM.
A new browser window opens that shows your CRM instances.
Figure 5. CRM Online Administration Center window.
Next, click the icon to the right of the word "Solutions". This will show all the available solutions that can be installed for your instance of CRM.
Figure 6. Example: Available solutions for a CRM instance.
Click on a line to see a description of that solution. Click on a name to highlight it and then click the INSTALL icon to enable it.
The list will contain several available solutions, some that are still in preview mode, such as:
- Company News Timelines – Shows the latest news on company records in smartphone or tablet apps.
- Office 365 Groups – Collaborate with team members (similar to Yammer)
- Fantasy Sales Team – A sales-focused feature with gamification that enables sales teams to run more engaging and higher performing sales contests.
- Voice of the Customer – Use customer surveys to gain valuable feedback from your customers about your products or services.
Guided User Experience in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016
The Guided User Experience offers guided help tailored to your role within the organization with step-by-step instruction through specific tasks you use with CRM.
This feature is already enabled, however, the solution needs to be installed. If you do not see it, click on the ? icon (question mark icon) in the upper right corner of the web page. This is the Help icon.
By clicking on the Help icon, a side panel appears with options for the Guided User Experience.
Figure 7. To see the Guided User Experience, click on the Help icon.
Clicking on a specific Learning Path or Guided Task will automatically take you to the appropriate place for your role and step through the process for you.
Figure 8. The "Boost Sales" learning path in the Guided User Experience.
To learn about the top new features available in Microsoft Dynamics CRM Spring 2016 Wave and how they can help you deliver an exceptional customer experience, view our free recorded webinar, .
by AKA Green Beacon
