The release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 is fast approaching, and over here at PowerObjects, we are kind of geeking out a bit. Microsoft released the preview guide for the new release this month, so we thought we would give our readers a taste of some of the upcoming features that we are most excited about!
First off, let’s break down some of the basics. Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Online is set to be released in December of this year. The name of the game with CRM 2016 is customer service. Microsoft is really focusing on helping companies “deliver customer experiences that are personalized, proactive and predictive.” The 2016 update will include Dynamics CRM; Parature, from Microsoft; Dynamics Marketing; and Microsoft Social Engagement.
Microsoft is striving to drive home four major themes: Productivity, Intelligence, Mobility and Unified Service. They are also investing heavily in Dynamics Marketing and Microsoft Social Engagement, which bodes well for all areas. Let’s dive into some of the features we are the most excited about overall!
Sales: Cortana Integration
If you’re in sales and are not using Cortana yet, now would be the time to start! The Cortana integration will now let you embed sales activities, accounts and opportunities directly into Cortana. See what matters most to you right off the bat. No digging required!
Customer Service: Unified Service Desk
The Unified Service Desk is crucial for a successful customer experience, and this release makes UDS even more powerful. The most exciting part for us, however, is that some of the new features for USD are a solid win for current customers because Microsoft took direct customer feedback and answered with improvements such as displaying a progress bar during page loads and an improved developer experience. Thanks for listening, Microsoft!
Social: Social Listening and Social Analytics
It’s already easy to search boards and forums on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, etc. But get excited Yammer-heads, because you will now be able to search boards, forums and custom sources via RSS, including internal non-public sources, like Yammer.
Mobile: Mobile Offline Support
There are so many changes coming to Mobile that we can’t list them all here. However, we are most looking forward to getting the full offline experience with mobile apps (CRM Online only). Users will be able to keep working even if they lose their internet connection which is AWESOME! Users can modify records while offline and then those changes will be automatically synchronized with Dynamics CRM Online.
Online: Guided User Experience
If you are frustrated with having to figure out the new features that come with each release on your own, relax! Help is on its way! CRM Online 2016 includes an in-product and context-based learning layer. The learning layer is designed to speed up the learning curve that comes with every new release so that users can get back to their normal work-day routines seamlessly. Each learning layer will be role-specific, so you can get the specific content that fits you and your needs.
Keep your eye on the blog in the upcoming months to stay up to date on all things 2016! As always, PowerObjects will be at the forefront of any and all updates. You can check out some insider insight on the new release from Bob Stutz, corporate vice president of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. And if you can’t wait to learn more about CRM 2016, check out the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Release Preview Guide for yourself!
Happy CRM’ing, readers!
Images and content credit: Microsoft