10 Things To Like About The Dynamics 365 App for Outlook

Following a preview release in 2016, a new Microsoft Dynamics 365 app for Outlook is now available.

The initial preview had some limitations but Microsoft released an enhanced app as part of its December 2016 update.

Compared to the installed plugin, the new App for Outlook runs server-side to reduce some of the heavy lifting from a user’s local machine.

Here is our pick of the benefits for using the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook to track emails:

#1 Track Emails Using Outlook Web Access

Easily track emails using Outlook across virtually any device.

Use OWA to easily track sent and received emails in CRM using a web browser or mobile app.

#2 No Software to Install!

Administrators can push the Dynamics 365 App for Outlook to user’s accounts via the Office portal.

It can then be used by individuals within their desktop Outlook client, or with OWA.

There isn't any software to download on local machines. As a result, there is no risk of the app being disabled upon startup due to localized performance issues.

#3 Instantly Finds Matching CRM Records

With the Dynamics 365 app enabled matching CRM records are be immediately identified.

Compose a new message and matching contacts, leads and accounts will be listed using the email address entered.

Track the email to the appropriate CRM record in a single click.

#4 Schedule Follow Up Activities

Create new CRM Tasks, Appointments and Phone Calls for individual email recipients directly from Outlook emails.

By automatically matching contacts, leads and accounts new activities are associated to the records. Schedule actions within Outlook using the same field options compared to the regular Dynamics 365 browser interface.

#5 Create New Records from Emails

In addition to creating new CRM account and contact records from emails, Outlook users can add new Case, Project Tasks and Opportunity records.

#6 Add CRM Templates to Outlook Emails

Directly insert a CRM email template into a new email and easily make revisions using Outlook functions before you send.

Search and insert CRM global templates and templates which are defined for the current entity e.g. contact or lead.

#7 Set Regarding Recent Records

It’s even easier to set the email regarding another CRM record such as a case, lead, opportunity or project.

Using the new Outlook app the ‘regarding’ box highlights recently used records and frequently used items that have been pinned.

#8 Insert Knowledge Articles

Microsoft Dynamics 365 centralizes knowledge documents to share best practice and provide proven solutions to frequent questions and issues.

Using the new app, individual knowledge posts can be entered directly into emails making it even easier to provide answers and support customers.

#9 Check Activities

As well as highlighting matching or tracked CRM records, the app highlights the most recent activity and next scheduled activity enabling users to easily follow these interactions from Outlook.

#10 Add Sales Literature

Store PDF’s and other sales literature in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and these items can be quickly attached to new Outlook emails.

Preact are a UK based Microsoft CRM Gold Partner implementing and supporting CRM solutions since 1993. 

Check our blog for more information about Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM.