What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow (2024)

  • What is Workflow in Dynamics 365?
  • Asynchronous workflows
  • Real-time (Synchronous) Workflow.
  • Creating a workflow in Dynamics 365.
    • Defining Workflow properties.
    • Defining the scope of the Workflow.
    • Adding Business logic to Workflow.

What is a workflow in Dynamics 365?

Aworkflowin Dynamics 365 is a series of functions or methods, calledsteps, that are performed sequentially. The Workflow can change the processing direction by using conditionals, referred to asconditional branches.

A workflow is an excellent tool for managing both data and processes. Using workflow rules in Dynamics 365, we can easily ensure that certain steps are followed and that required business processes are executed. Workflow in Dynamics 365 are two types : Asynchronous workflows and Real-time (synchronous) workflows.

Asynchronous workflows

Asynchronous workflows in Microsoft Dynamics 365 uses windows service to act as a host application for the workflow engine to work. ThisAsynchronous workflowsmust be running ton the Windows CRM server, otherwise the workflow won’t execute.

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Real-time Workflow

Real-time workflows in Dynamics 365 are also known as Synchronous workflows. These are defined using the workflow entity records and specifically designed for non developers.They execute using the Event Execution Pipeline, much like plug-ins, and they can be executed pre-operation, post-operation, or during the core operation. Also, as with plug-ins, you cannot execute a real-time workflow before the Create operation or after the Delete operation.

  • Real-tine Workflows cancel and roll back the core platform opertaions.
  • Real-tine Workflows can be converted to Asynchronous workflows and vice-versa.

How to create a Workflow in Dynamics 365?

In this Dynamics 365 tutorial, we are going to create a real-time workflow that sends an e-mail to any new students after 2 minutes hours of their records being created. Follow the steps given below to create workflow in Dynamics 365.

  • Navigate toSettings | Solution (Tutorialkart) | Processes | New.
What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow (1)
  • Click on the New button.

Defining Workflow properties?

  • Enter process name as “Student Welcome Email“.
  • Now select the category as “Workflow” and uncheck the Run this workflow in the background (recommended) checkbox. If this check box is checked, the Workflow in Dynamics 365 will run as an Asynchronous workflow.
  • Select the Entity as “Student“.
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  • Now click on Ok button.

Defining the scope of the Workflow

After creating Process in Dynamics 365, now go to the process name and open the process as shown below.

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We cannot run Real-time works in Dynamics 365 before records creation or after record deletion, We can select Record is Created and Record Is Deleted options, but we can’t change the start when the drop-down option is in font of them.

Adding Business logic to Workflow in Dynamics 365

In this step, we are going to add business logic to workflow in Dynamics 365 to send an E-mail to students when their record has been created. As shown below click onAdd Step | Wait condition.

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  • Click on Wait condition as shown above.
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Now we have to add Wait condition, click on <condition> (click to configure) as shown below.

  • Click on Select link.
What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow (6)
  • Select Process in the first column.
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  • Click on Select to add execution time in the second column.
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  • Select Execution Time in the second column.
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  • Click on Select link to add Operator in the third column.
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  • Select “Equals” in the third column from the drop down list.
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  • In the last column, Enter execution value using Form assistance on the right-hand side .

Note : We have to send an E-mail to student wen their new record is created after 2 minutes.

  • Select 2 under minutes.
  • Select after.
  • Select Students entity in Look for process.
  • Click on Record Created and the value will be automatically inserted as shown below.
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  • Click on Save and Close button .

Adding Check condition to Workflow in Dynamics 365

After adding Wait for a Workflow in Dynamics 365, we have to add check condition. To add go back in to your process and click onSelect this row and Click Add Step under Wait Condition.

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As shown in the above Wait condition add all the steps shown below.

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  • Click on Save and Close button.

Adding Email properties to a Workflow

After creating Wait condition and Check Condition, finally we have to Add Step to Send email to students. Navigate toAdd Step | Click on Send email.

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Now a screen will be opened as shown below, SelectCreate new Message from the drop-down and click onSet Properties.

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Adding Email details using Form Assistance

  • Go to To : using form assistance on the right, select Student under Look for followed by Students on the next drop down.
  • Now click on Add button.What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow (18)
  • Finally clic on Ok button.
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  • Enter Email Subject and Enter email body as shown above..
  • Finally click on Save and close button.

How to Activate a Workflow in Dynamics 365?

After successfully creating workflow in Dynamics 365, we have to activate a Student Welcome Email workflow. NavigateSettings | Processes | Click on Activate button.

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Now a pop-up window will be opened, showing to confirm the process activation.

  • Click on Activate button
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  • Finally click on Ok button.
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Now the Workflow in Dynamics 365 is activated. When a new student record is created, the Workflow will start waiting. In the above we selected the process as an On-demand process, we have to trigger Workflow manually to send the Welcome email to students.

How to Run Workflow in Dynamics 365?

In this step, we are going to check the working condition of Workflow that we created. Navigate toStudent Entity andcreate a new record.

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  • open the Record and click on Run Workflow.
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  • Select the process name and click on Add button.
  • Click on Ok button.
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What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow (2024)

FAQs

What is a workflow in Dynamics 365 - Learn how to create Workflow? ›

Workflows automate business processes without a user interface. People usually use workflow processes to initiate automation that doesn't require any user interaction. Each workflow process is associated with a single entity.

What is a workflow in Dynamics 365? ›

A workflow in Dynamics 365 is a series of functions or methods, called steps, that are performed sequentially. The Workflow can change the processing direction by using conditionals, referred to as conditional branches. A workflow is an excellent tool for managing both data and processes.

How do I Create a workflow in 365? ›

To create a workflow from a workflow template
  1. Choose the. icon, enter Workflows, then choose the related link.
  2. Choose the New Workflow from Template action. The Workflow Templates page opens.
  3. Select a workflow template, then choose OK. ...
  4. To customize the workflow, edit the workflow steps or add new steps.
Apr 2, 2024

How do I Create a dynamic workflow? ›

Creating a Dynamic Workflow

Click on the + icon before or after any step to create the Decision step, or router. Select the Decision (New Branch) step type, then click Next. Enter a name for the step, then click Create. Note, strings will move to the next step in the workflow if no conditions are met.

What are the 3 basic components of workflow? ›

The three basic components of a workflow are Input, Process, and Output.

How is workflow defined? ›

Workflow Definition & Meaning. A Workflow is defined as a sequence of tasks that processes a set of data through a specific path from initiation to completion. Workflows are the paths that describe how something goes from being undone to done, or raw to processed.

What is a workflow example? ›

Examples of workflows include leave request management, reimbursem*nt management, employee onboarding, etc.

What is the difference between Microsoft flow and Dynamics 365 workflow? ›

Microsoft Flow application can be used within any Office 365 and can integrate easily with third-party applications. But Dynamics 365 Workflows are tied to the Dynamics CRM platform and are thus usable within CRM applications only. Dynamics Workflows can be configured to enable automation within the Dynamics 365 CRM.

How do I Create a custom workflow in Dynamics 365? ›

a) Navigate to settings: In Dynamics 365, go to the 'Settings' tab and select 'Processes. ' b) New Workflow: Click on 'New' to start a Custom Workflow and choose the entity it will relate to. c) Configure conditions: Add Workflow steps, conditions, and actions to automate your process.

How do I enable workflow in d365? ›

Configuring and activating existing workflow in D365FO
  1. Step1: Go to the path Accounts Payable > Setup > Accounts Payable workflow.
  2. Step 2: Click on New button and select Vendor disbursem*nt journal workflow.
  3. Step 3: Provide the credentials, such that the workflow editor gets opened.

How do I Create a workflow in Microsoft? ›

How to Create a Workflow in Microsoft Office (MSO)
  1. Identify the tasks and their sequence.
  2. Visualize the workflow's structure with diagrams or flowcharts.
  3. Leverage Office tools to create templates or forms to automate repetitive processes.
  4. Use SharePoint or OneDrive for Business to collaborate in real-time.

How do I Create a workflow activity in Dynamics CRM? ›

Create an out-of-the-box workflow

Open your Dynamics CRM, navigate to Settings >> Processes. Let's create a new workflow process with the following data. Set name = My Test Workflow, Category = Workflow and Entity = Account, then click Ok. We will trigger the workflow on creation of the Account record as shown below.

What are the 5 steps of workflow? ›

Now, let's take a quick look at the 5 major steps every business will consider before they move completely to process workflow automation.
  • Identify Repetitive Tasks: ...
  • Define Business Goals: ...
  • Select the Right Workflow Automation Solution: ...
  • Train the Users: ...
  • Measure Key Performance Indicators and Improve Your Workflow:
Mar 1, 2024

What are the 5 stages of workflow? ›

Get Things Done: 5 Stages of Mastering Workflow
  • 1 - Collect. This is really the only portion of the process that's an ongoing thing. ...
  • 2 - Process. ...
  • 3 - Organize. ...
  • 4 - Review. ...
  • 5 - Do. ...
  • 30 Best Morning Habits & Routines You Should Adopt. ...
  • 11 Top Reasons To Plan Digitally.
Mar 3, 2020

What tool to create workflow? ›

The 10 Best Workflow Diagram Software Comparison Chart
ToolsPrice
LucidchartFrom $7.95/user/monthWebsite
MiroFrom $10/user/monthWebsite
Qntrl$8/user/monthWebsite
FigJam by FigmaFrom $3/user/monthWebsite
6 more rows
Mar 27, 2024

What is the difference between workflow and action in Dynamics 365? ›

Workflow processes still provide the capability for a non-developer to apply changes. But the difference is in how the business processes are composed and how a developer can write their code. An action is a message that operates on the same level as any of the messages provided by the platform.

What are the different types of workflows in Dynamics 365? ›

There are two types of workflows, Asynchronous workflow and Real time workflow. Asynchronous Workflow – As the name suggest the asynchronous workflow waits for the dedicated resources to get free and operates the logic as soon as the resources are available.

What is the difference between action and workflow in d365? ›

Dynamics 365 workflows involve a series of steps and rules that automate a business process or task. Actions in Dynamics 365 are a type of process. Actions open a range of possibilities for composing business logic.

How to use workflow in D365? ›

This article explains how to create a workflow.
  1. Open the workflow editor. ...
  2. Drag workflow elements onto the canvas. ...
  3. Connect the elements. ...
  4. Configure the properties of the workflow. ...
  5. Configure the elements of the workflow. ...
  6. Resolve any errors or warnings. ...
  7. Save and activate the workflow.
Jun 2, 2022

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