Yo yo yo! (does anyone remember yo-yo's or still play with them?),
The Microsoft Release Planner (Finance Link) is something that both end users and Partners should have in their tookkits in my opinion and is rarely talked about (so here we are). This gem is designed to keep you ahead of the curve with all the latest updates and features for Dynamics 365 Finance.
Handy Links
For D365 Partners
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead: As a Partner, you're being paid to be the expert and customers are paying you to solve tomorrow's problems with tomorrow's solutions. Staying informed and planning ahead is a great way to accomplish these things exactly. Some are also very interested in guidance on release planning and this tool enables you to do that very thing. You can filter by status, availability dates, and release waves to focus on what's most relevant.
Strategize Client Implementations: Knowing what's around the corner allows you to align new features with your clients' business needs. Whether it's an enhancement in financial reporting or a new AI-driven tool, being the first to leverage these updates can set you apart from the competition.
Train and Educate: Use the Release Planner to develop training materials and workshops ahead of time. This proactive approach ensures that your clients' teams are ready to utilize new features from day one.
Wishlist Feature: A great addition would be a wishlist feature for partners. This would allow you to plan and prioritize desired releases, then share these plans with your customers to get their buy-in and ensure everyone is on the same page.
For End Users
Anticipate Enhancements: As an end user, staying updated with the Release Planner helps you anticipate new functionalities that can improve your daily operations. It’s like getting a sneak peek into the future of your financial management system.
Plan Upgrades: Understanding the timeline for new releases allows you to plan your system upgrades and minimize disruptions. You can align these updates with your fiscal cycles or other key business milestones.
Feedback Loop: The Release Planner also includes a feedback option. If you see a feature in the planning stages that could be a game-changer for your business, don't hesitate to provide input. Microsoft values user feedback and often incorporates it into final releases.
Key Features to Explore
Detailed Feature Information: Each planned update is described in detail, including its benefits and potential impact on your system.
Status Updates: Track the development stage of each feature, from early access to general availability.
Customized Release Plans: Create and share personalized release plans tailored to your specific needs.
And before I sign off, here's a little dad joke for you: Why don't financial controllers ever get lost? Because they always know the ledger!
Cheers,
Dynamics Dad
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