Building a Non-Web Facing Application for Dynamics CRM

The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Dynamics CRM for Your Business

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to build a non-web facing application for Dynamics CRM. In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations need to utilize every tool at their disposal to ensure they stay ahead of the curve. Dynamics CRM is an excellent platform for improving customer relationships, and building a non-web facing application can help you achieve even more. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a customized app that fits your unique business needs. Let’s get started!

Why Build a Non-Web Facing Application for Dynamics CRM?

Many businesses use Dynamics CRM to manage customer data, automate processes, and improve customer relationships. While Dynamics CRM provides many out-of-the-box features, businesses may require additional functionalities to meet their unique requirements. By building a non-web facing application, you can create a customized app that integrates with Dynamics CRM to provide additional functionalities. The app can help automate repetitive tasks, provide better insights, and improve collaboration among team members.

The Benefits of Building a Custom App

Here are some of the benefits of building a non-web facing application for Dynamics CRM:

Benefits	Explanation
Increased Efficiency	The app can automate repetitive tasks, saving time and effort.
Improved User Experience	The app can provide a customized interface that meets the specific needs of the user.
Better Data Insights	The app can provide additional data analysis and reporting features that are not available in Dynamics CRM out-of-the-box.
Improved Collaboration	The app can provide team members with a centralized platform to collaborate on projects and share information.

What You Need to Know Before Building a Non-Web Facing Application

Before you start building a non-web facing application, you need to have a good understanding of Dynamics CRM and its customization capabilities. Here are some key concepts that you should be familiar with:

Entities

In Dynamics CRM, an entity is a table that stores data. Examples of entities include accounts, contacts, and leads. You can customize entities to add custom fields, modify the form layout, and create relationships between entities.

Fields

A field is a column in an entity table that stores data. You can customize fields to add custom data types, validation rules, and visibility options.

Forms

A form is a user interface that displays data for an entity. You can customize forms to modify the layout, add custom fields, and create custom tabs.

Workflows

A workflow is a series of steps that automate a business process. Workflows can be triggered by specific events or conditions and can update fields, send emails, or create tasks.

Plugins

A plugin is a custom code that runs in response to specific events in Dynamics CRM. Plugins can modify data, validate input, or integrate with external systems.

Now that you have a basic understanding of Dynamics CRM customization concepts, let’s look at how to build a non-web facing application.

How to Build a Non-Web Facing Application for Dynamics CRM

Building a non-web facing application requires a basic understanding of programming concepts and the tools used to create the application. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

The first step in building a non-web facing application is to define your business requirements. You must understand what your app needs to do, how it should interact with Dynamics CRM, and who will use it.

Start by creating a list of features that you want to include in the app. Use this list to create a detailed functional specification that outlines the app’s behavior, user interface, and data requirements.

Step 2: Choose a Development Tool

There are several development tools that you can use to build a non-web facing application. Some popular choices include:

Xamarin

Xamarin is a mobile app development platform that allows developers to create cross-platform apps for iOS, Android, and Windows using C#.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports multiple programming languages, including C#, HTML, and JavaScript. It also features a visual designer that makes it easy to create user interfaces.

PowerApps

PowerApps is a low-code app development platform that allows users to create custom business applications without writing code. It integrates with Dynamics CRM and provides several templates to get started quickly.

Step 3: Create the App

Once you have defined your requirements and chosen a development tool, it’s time to create the app. This involves writing code, designing the user interface, and testing the app.

Start by creating a project in your development tool and adding the necessary libraries and dependencies. Then, write the code to connect to Dynamics CRM, retrieve data, and perform the required actions.

Next, design the user interface to match your functional specification. Use the visual designer to create forms, add fields, and create custom views.

Finally, test the app to ensure that it meets your business requirements and works as expected.

Step 4: Deploy the App

Once you have created and tested the app, it’s time to deploy it to your users. You can deploy the app to your organization’s app store or distribute it directly to users.

Make sure to provide clear instructions on how to install and use the app. You may also need to provide training to users on how to use the app effectively.

Step 5: Maintain and Update the App

After deploying the app, you must maintain and update it to ensure that it continues to meet your business requirements. This involves fixing bugs, adding new features, and incorporating user feedback.

Make sure to test any changes thoroughly before deploying them to production. You may also need to provide training or support to users if significant changes are made to the app.

FAQs

Q1: What is a non-web facing application?

A: A non-web facing application is a custom application that is not accessed through a web browser. It can be installed on a desktop, mobile device, or other platform.

Q2: Why do I need a non-web facing application for Dynamics CRM?

A: A non-web facing application can provide additional functionalities and customization options that are not available in Dynamics CRM out-of-the-box.

Q3: What are the benefits of building a custom app?

A: Building a custom app can increase efficiency, provide a better user experience, improve data insights, and facilitate better collaboration among team members.

Q4: What are the key concepts to understand before building a non-web facing application?

A: Entities, fields, forms, workflows, and plugins are key concepts to understand before building a non-web facing application.

Q5: What development tools can I use to build a non-web facing application?

A: You can use tools like Xamarin, Visual Studio, or PowerApps to build a non-web facing application.

Q6: How do I deploy a non-web facing application?

A: You can deploy a non-web facing application to your organization’s app store or distribute it directly to users.

Q7: How do I maintain and update my non-web facing application?

A: You must maintain and update your non-web facing application to ensure that it continues to meet your business requirements. This involves fixing bugs, adding new features, and incorporating user feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a non-web facing application for Dynamics CRM can provide many benefits for your business. By customizing the app to your unique requirements, you can increase efficiency, provide a better user experience, and improve data insights. Use the steps outlined in this guide to create a customized app that fits your business needs.

We hope that this guide has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for reading!

Closing Disclaimer

The contents of this guide are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.