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What are Workspaces in Finance and Operations?

Post Author: Joe D365 | November 21st, 2017

For those who have worked a lot in Dynamics AX, or may be new to Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, you may be wondering what workspaces are and why Microsoft created them. Well, the answer is twofold.

The first reason is the standard Microsoft concept of being able to do the same function four different ways in three different places. Although this frustrates some users, other users like the ability to create their own process and steps to complete their tasks. Workspaces are that same concept just taken to the next logical level in Finance and Operations. A Dynamics 365 workspace is really combining and displaying all the relevant items for a particular job function in one spot. It does not have every option, but it does contain most of the needed functions and links that users need to complete a common task in the system.

The second reason is about User Experience. One of the previous pain points in AX was that you usually needed to click here, then click here, then click here to get to the item you wanted even for a simple task. On a mobile device, this can be frustrating, time consuming, and in some cases almost impossible. We have all tried to access a hyperlink on our phones and have found that the link you want is too small so you just can't seem to click it. With workspaces, this streamlines the process and reduces the amount of 'clicks' required. It also uses tiles and presents a grid view so you can easily drill down into the information you are looking for. The tiles not only link to relevant screens, but in some cases, show a count of the records associated with those items. This allows you to easily see if you need to access that page to approve a purchase order, create a sales order based on a closed lead, or approve a pending project. Lastly, Dynamics 365 allows you to customize existing workspaces and create new ones, this enables you to optimize things based on what you need. All this can all be done without extensive customization and can be user specific.

Workspaces are great! By default, you still have more options in the module view, which some users may prefer. The great part is users can choose between the two options based on which one works best for them at the time. For users that are coming from AX, you will likely use the module view and potentially transition to using the workspaces. For new users to Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, you will likely see workspaces as primary way to utilize the platform.

Comparison:

All Projects View

finance and operations

Project Management Workspace

finance and operations

Continue to learn more about the great features of Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations by subscribing to our blog! Want more information on how PowerObjects can assist you on your Finance and Operations journey? Click here.

Happy Dynamics 365'ing

Joe CRM
By Joe D365
Joe D365 is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 superhero who runs on pure Dynamics adrenaline. As the face of PowerObjects, Joe D365’s mission is to reveal innovative ways to use Dynamics 365 and bring the application to more businesses and organizations around the world.

One comment on “What are Workspaces in Finance and Operations?”

  1. Excellent blog on this Joe! Please keep 'em coming. We need more blogs which explain not only the technicality or functioning of a process in D 365, but which also talk about the rationale and business logic behind it.

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