Clearly, Dynamics CRM is an awesome and powerful tool right out of the box. That said, there are many tips, tricks and tweaks – and OK, full blown SDK level customizations for those that have the skills (talk about REAL power) that can improve and enhance the functionality and ultimately the user experience.

We constantly strive to see Dynamics CRM through the eyes of the user and look for ways in which we can leverage the power of the platform combined with the power of PowerObjects to set the standard for ease of use. Here is a quick example of where we have delivered a great solution to answer one of the most often asked questions, from new and veteran users alike;

"How can we see everything related to a Lead, Account or Contact in one place?"

Our answer? PowerView – a highly configurable component that we provide as a standard part of all new implementations for our customers that not only significantly simplifies the navigation of Microsoft CRM, but also the ability to get a full view of ALL things related to a Lead, Account or Contact record in one place with just ONE CLICK. Including, the ability to see the details of ANY kind of related activity or record, including custom entities, in a configurable Preview Pane.

Unless you need to actually update an activity or related record, often times you never have to even open the record to get the information you need. How cool is that? Can you see where that makes a great tool even better? Heck, if a customer wants, we can even configure the Preview Pane so that you actually CAN update a related record without having to click to open think of the potential custom crm screens you could make with this!

Wait, there's more…..you can also create new related activities and related records – including custom entities – right from the PowerView tool bar. Also easily configurable to meet the needs of any implementation. One last thing to point out is the Custom Search and Filter capability that is also a part of PowerView…yet again, easily configurable to meet your specific requirements for being able to quickly search and filter for certain kinds of activities, related records, status, owner, including full text search of notes, etc.

Now, I know I'm biased, but I've been working with MSCRM since the beta of V1.0 and while I know there are some other tools out there that address this often requested capability, I have yet to see one that matches the breadth of capability, configurability and usability of PowerView. Nor, have I seen any similar tools that have the same exact – to the pixel – look and feel of the native Dynamics CRM controls. If I'm wrong on this count, someone set me straight and then we can share the top spot but till that happens, I'm going to award that honor to the super skilled Dynamics CRM/XRM geeks at PowerObjects.