The Latest Sales and Marketing Features for Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM
Microsoft releases two updates per year for its Dynamics 365 applications that include plenty of new features and user experience enhancements. We’ve broken down from the Microsoft Wave 2 Release Update document to detail the most important features coming to the Sales and Marketing applications starting in October 2021.
Top Features in the October 2021 Dynamics 365 Sales Release
Enhancements to Teams Integration
The integration between Sales and Microsoft Teams has been streamlined, with users now able to access sales records while in Teams meetings. Automated notifications will also be available in Teams from the Sales app, and integration setup and security have been improved. Additionally, Sales can support more third-party calls and provide relevant business insights.
Deal Manager Module
The Deal Manager workspace is a new window for sellers to identify deals and manage the sales pipeline. This new module, rolling out in January 2022, lets you:
- Manage accounts, contacts, and leads in one workspace
- Access visual deal updates in the Kanban view
- Filter data by hierarchy or date
- View data sets as interactive charts
- Define KPIs and other essential parameters
Advanced Forecasting Tools
The forecasting module offers more options to share and view specific forecasts, analyze predictive scoring data, manage and deploy new forecasts, and view yearly and weekly forecasts.
Smart Sequence-LinkedIn Integration
Rolling out in December 2021, the updated integration between LinkedIn and your sales accelerator workspace will make it easier to manage and execute social selling strategies. This also lets users view LinkedIn networks and send direct messages and connection requests from within Dynamics 365.
General Sales Enhancements
Beyond some of the larger updates mentioned above, there are a few other enhancements to look forward to in Dynamics 365 for Sales. The following modules have been adjusted to improve user experience:
- Guided Selling
- Mobile Sales Application
- Activity Auto-Capture
Top Features in the October 2021 Dynamics 365 Marketing Release
Customer Engagement
The October 2021 update improves how the Marketing module handles data from multiple sources. Now, it’s easier than ever to send SMS messages through a Twilio or TeleSign integration, create Marketing-connected webinar registrations in Teams, and trace customer journeys with account-based profile data and new timeline visualizations.
Personalization Options
Dynamics 365 for Marketing offers more options to personalize customer engagement and outreach, including a simplified segmentation builder and advanced customization through an upgraded integration with Power Automate.
Hands-Off Content Creation
Instead of writing your own email content every month, you can use the Marketing app’s new AI-based content idea generator. By referencing analytics and past email content, this module can generate powerful new content ideas.
What’s Next?
If these features aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, keep an eye out for the next wave of new features in April of 2022.
Ready to Learn More?
For 30 years, our team has helped businesses achieve success with Microsoft CRM products. We’re always excited when new features are released, and we want every customer to take advantage of them. If you’re not sure how the October 2021 release will impact your business, our expert consultants can help. Contact us to discuss your business needs and how you can take advantage of the upcoming Dynamics 365 CRM release.