How does the Common Data Model work?

Your organisation can use the Common Data Model in multiple applications and platforms:

Common Data Service

Supports Dynamics and PowerApps; you can use Common Data Service to store data together in a standardised format of the Common Data Model and create powerful apps.

Industries

Such as healthcare, higher education, and not-for-profit are working closely with Microsoft to make the Common Data Model more relevant to them, through Industry Accelerators. The Common Data Model standard entities extend their benefits to these verticals so that industry solutions operate together effortlessly.

Power BI Dataflows

Allows you to load data into the Common Data Model form from a variety of sources such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure SQL Database, Excel, or SharePoint. Once you've connected and prepared your data, you can create report-generating apps that automatically pull your data from the CDM into insights for your stakeholders.

Key Benefits

  • Data in the model can be used in many apps, streamlining the creation of reports for all or each of those apps.
  • Simplifies the integration process by providing template integrations between two systems. For Microsoft Dynamics 365, it can easily integrate customer data from Dynamics 365 for Sales, and financial information from Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations.
  • Provides uniform data management templates to simplify business processes. The templates are built to guide administrators through the process quickly and effortlessly.
  • Extends the schema and Common Data Model standard entities so that your app can easily leverage the full power of the platform.

Common Data Model vs Common Data Service

CDS stands for Common Data Service while CDM means Common Data Model. The CDS utilises the CDM to generate cross-platform business reporting efficiency and stores data in conformance with the CDM definition.

Microsoft explains that "the Common Data Model is implemented to simplify the challenges of data management." CDM puts your data into a standard format so that you can use, share, and analyse it more easily.

The CDM is a separate database and is not a replacement for a xRM development platform; it is designed to be a common schema connection between other databases and apps. You can use the CDM to create data repositories that use the Common Data Model metadata system, and then transform your existing data into a standard schema.

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Who uses the Common Data Model?

App Makers/Developers

Use the Common Data Model to store and manage data for their apps, whether these users leverage code-based platforms or low-code/no-code platforms such as PowerApps or Power BI.

Data Integrators

Use the Common Data Model to bring data from multiple sources to make it accessible for apps to use.

Why Professional Advantage?

Professional Advantage, with 30 years of client success, is equipped to support your transfer to Dynamics 365 with our implementation processes. We take pride in our Dynamics 365 consulting teams’ outstanding professional services and expertise in unifying CRM and ERP capabilities to help you run your business end to end.