The Xrm.WebApi client-side SDK has been around for a while now, but you may still be using a hand-built HTTP request to call the WebApi from JavaScript/TypeScript.

ETag magic

Normally when you query the WebApi for a specific record you'll always get a JSON response back that contains the entity field values at the time of the query.

If your code queries the same record using the WebApi many times then this can introduce overhead that will slow down your code. To combat this, we often introduce elaborate caching schemes but this leads to the challenge of keeping the cache current.

The good news is that the Xrm.WebApi SDK already implements a cache for us inside the retreiveRecord call using the ETag.

Consider a call to retrieveRecord as follows:

Xrm.WebApi.retrieveRecord("account","<guid>","?$select=name,parentaccountid")
.then(function(a){console.log(a);})

The first call will retrieve the record from the server including the ETag value

{"@odata.context": "https://org.crm11.dynamics.com/api/data/v9.0/$metadata#accounts(name,parentaccountid)/$entity","@odata.etag": "W/\"4400496\"","name": "Sample Account Mon, 31 Dec 2018 10:36:56 GMT","statecode@OData.Community.Display.V1.FormattedValue": "Active","statecode": 0,"accountid": "120703f7-e70c-e911-a8c2-0022480173bb","merged@OData.Community.Display.V1.FormattedValue": "No","merged": false
}

The @odata.etag is then used to build a cache of the response that is dependant on the fields that are retrieved.

When you next query for the same record with the same $select attributes the client SDK will send the value of the Etag in the request header:

If-None-Match: W/"4400496"

If the record has not been modified since then the server will return:

HTTP/1.1 304 Not Modified

This indicates that the client side SDK can then reuse the same record that was retrieved previously.

Since it would be quite complex to implement this feature in your hand-build HTTP requests, this is indeed a good reason to use the Xrm.WebApi SDK!

Happy 2019! 

What topics were the most popular with CRM Software Blog readers in 2018? Take a look:

1. Managing System Views & Dashboards in Dynamics 365 by Aaron Back, MCP, ACE Microtechnology
There are many out-of-the-box System Views and Dashboards that come with Dynamics 365. Sometimes, there are Views or Dashboards that go unused and are a hindrance rather than a help. Other times, you may want to create your own custom System Views or Dashboards to replace the out-of-the-box ones. This post explores how you can accomplish these tasks.

2. Getting Started with PowerApps with Dynamics 365 by Aaron Back, MCP, ACE Microtechnology
PowerApps "is a service that lets you build business apps that run in a browser or on a phone or tablet, and no coding experience is required." This post walks you through PowerApps with extensive screen shots and shows you that creating apps is easy to do and easy to share.

3. Understanding Dynamics 365 Hubs by Aaron Back, MCP, ACE Microtechnology
Dynamics 365 offers multiple ways to access the data for specific teams, departments, or groups within your company. However, Microsoft introduced additional options through what they call Hubs. There are multiple Hubs available, but it depends on the subscription you purchased for your company. This post will walk you through the various Hubs and how they can benefit your team.

4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Marketing vs. ClickDimensions by StravaTechGroup
There are two mainstream marketing automaton options for Dynamics 365. This post is an initial review of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Marketing and a high-level comparison to ClickDimensions.

5. Dynamics 365 Record Hierarchy by Aaron Back, MCP, ACE Microtechnology
Dynamics 365 (CRM) has a neat feature, Record Hierarchy, that can be easily overlooked, but can provide great visual insight into your customers. The Record Hierarchy in Dynamics 365 is a simple concept: it boils down to relationships. The Hierarchy options can help you visualize or find important customer data within Dynamics 365. This extensive post will walk you through the many ways you can use it.

6. How to Organize Dynamics CRM Documents in SharePoint by Dianna Davis - Dynamics Objects
Microsoft Dynamics CRM and SharePoint integration helps users to easily view and share stored documents and increase productivity and strengthen collaboration between the different business units and teams in their organization. This post will show you how to get the most out of the integration of these two powerful applications.

7. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Word Templates – Create, Generate, and PDF by Dianna Davis - Dynamics Objects
CRM Word Templates are documents created once, with attributes/fields from CRM entities and related entities, to generate Word documents and reports using the CRM function “Word Template” in the user interface of a record. If you don’t want to create your own Dynamics CRM Word templates, you can download these free word templates for Invoice, Quote, Order, Opportunity, and Case. You can modify the images and content of the template and add or remove fields not required in your document.

8. Dynamics 365 v9: MultiSelect Option Set Fields by Beringer Technology Group
There are several new features available in D365 v9, one of these features is MultiSelect Option Set fields. With this feature, you can have one field with a list of options, and you can select more than one option from the list! Imagine if your company offers multiple services and customers can sign up for more than one service - the MultiSelect Option Set will solve this problem as well.

9. The Better CRM: Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Salesforce? Forrester study says Dynamics 365 by JourneyTEAM
Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Salesforce, which should you choose for your business? This post summarizes the Forrester study that examined the two options and made recommendations.

10. Dynamics 365 v9: What’s New and Improved! by Beringer Technology Group
There are a lot of new and exciting features in Dynamics 365 v9, also called Potassium. Whether you're an end user, a customizer, an administrator, or a developer, there is something new and improved that you will love! This post discusses some of our top picks.

Want to check out the hottest topics for 2019? Visit www.crmsoftwareblog.com and sign up for the RSS feed or subscribe to receive new blog posts via email.

Are you a Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM Partner that is interested in writing for the CRM Software Blog? Contact us.

By CRM Software Blog Writer, www.crmsoftwareblog.com

The post Top Ten CRM Software Blog Posts for 2018 appeared first on CRM Software Blog | Dynamics 365.

Your friends and family at Ledgeview Partners wish you and yours well in the New Year!

Here’s to achieving new goals, and living a happy life in 2019.

Happy New Year!

Because of the holidays, Ledgeview Partners will be closed:

• Tuesday, January 1st

Please plan accordingly.

I took a look at last year’s top 10 list and 4 “new” posts made it to the top 10 with the oldest post being from August 2011. This year, 7 posts made the list from 2018, and 3 repeats.

It’s always interesting what topics or posts have staying power or something relevant to today’s searches! I guess it’s safe to say that users still continue to have issues restoring GP from time to time (my #1 post year after year), FRx will never die (always in the top 3 year after year) and ROE field information is apparently universally sought after!

Here are the top 10 posts from 2018:

1. Restore Issue on GP 2015 drove me nuts! (August 2015, last year rank #1)
2. Tips for dates in Dynamics GP (January 2018)
3. Canadian Payroll some ROE fields demystified (August 2011, last year rank #2)
4. Write off small customer balances (January 2018)
5. Microsoft Treehouses (March 2018)
6. Upload pending issue in Excel with OneDrive (May 2018)
7. GP 2018 R2 Intelligent Cloud (October 2018)
8. FRx with Dynamics GP 2015 (April 2015, last year rank #4)
9. Big news, I’ve changed jobs! (January 2018)
10. GP Tech 2018 Day 1+ (August 2018)

Well, it’s that time of year again, and time to look back at 2018 and plan for the new year. This is the 9th year where I’ve been writing these resolution posts and it’s always fun to look back at what I thought the last year would bring.

If I could describe 2018 in one word or phrase, it would be “emotional roller-coaster”. This year had more ups and downs that I’ve had in a long while. My life is fairly simple overall and I don’t tend to vary emotionally much (I don’t think) but 2018 reminded me that no one is immune to things affecting your mental health, no matter how strong a person you are otherwise.

Some of the highlights from 2018 for me were:

• Starting a full time job, after being self-employed and/or working in consulting for 17 years.
• Getting my MVP renewal for the first time.
• Receiving the GPUG All-Star award.

On a personal note, my partner and I had a vacation out west in and around Canmore, Alberta and it was fantastic. One of my favourite pics is from a round of golf at Banff Springs, an amazing course to play! I ended up getting this pic framed and it’s sitting in my basement along with a pic from last summer’s trip out east.

2018 Recap

Here’s what I had planned for 2018, in last year’s blog:

1. MVP Renewal

This was a success, as I did receive my renewal in July 2018. However, there was quite the “culling” of the herd, so to speak, and a number of friends and colleagues lost their MVP status, not getting renewed. Our GP MVP list dropped significantly, going from 15 to 10, technically 9 but I count Belinda as a “GP” MVP even though her award category isn’t Business Applications any longer. That was bittersweet, but I was thrilled to get my first renewal, as it was my first time through the process.

2. Blogging

I would consider this a success as well, having written far more blog posts than I have ever written in the past. I count 86 blog posts in 2018, and only 2 of those I would consider “non-business” posts. I started a weekly series called #TipTuesday and was pleased with my ability to keep that up all year long. I skipped last week and today due to the holidays but I would like to try to continue that this year.

3. Reading for business

This was an epic fail. I read a TON of books in 2018, over 36 books (I’m well into #37 but it will not be finished by the time 2018 ends!). However, not a single one of those was for business, or even non-fiction. I struggle to keep up with even my CGA/CPA magazines, they pile up and sit in a corner for months.

4. Website updates

This one was a success but also kind of cheating! At this point last year, I was well underway in negotiations on the new position I started last January. It wasn’t a sure thing by any stretch, so I hadn’t mentioned it in last year’s post but I knew some website changes were inevitable. I had already converted my blog over to this domain but hadn’t yet cleaned up the old kuntzconsulting.ca site. I’ve now done that and it’s a simple one-page site that simply tells people that business is no longer operating!

What’s in store for 2019?

The start of 2018 was a tipping point, as I was working through the details on the new job and didn’t know for sure which way it would go. Mentally I was ready for a change, even though I loved consulting. Starting the new position was great, and it was nice to get that out of the way early in the year but I didn’t anticipate what the impact would be on the winding down of the business I had. That was a little bittersweet as I had really wanted to get to the 10 year mark (I finished 9 years…). I have no regrets though, making the change was still the right move for me in the end.

1. Closing my business

I’ve been winding this down for months and at this point I’m just waiting on a confirmation of one thing from the Canada Revenue Agency before I can actually dissolve the corporation. So, it’s not exactly a tough goal but it will be a significant milestone in the year to finally see the business officially done. I thought I might get into some consulting on the side but realize when I get home from work, I’m done, I am not interested in evening & weekend work at this stage in my life.

2. MVP renewal

This will now be an annual goal as long as I’m an MVP. This year will be an interesting one as I did not present a ton like I did during the last renewal period. This year I’m banking on the fact that community involvement predominantly via my blogging contributions will be enough, just like they were enough for me to get my initial award. Time will tell, many things in the program have changed since then so it’s just as likely this is my last year as an MVP. Either way, I’ll always be blogging and if it’s enough, it’s enough.

3. Catch up on my CGA/CPA mags

I’ll go a little more specific on the “reading” goal I often put in these resolution posts. Generically wishing to read more business content clearly wasn’t specific enough for me to actually do it. So, this year my aim will be to catch up on my CGA/CPA magazines. I had started catching up at one point a couple of years ago but I have no idea where I’ve left off. I’m quite certain I haven’t read one for over 5 years so this might be a bigger task than I realize! If I start with just the CPA side, I have 40 magazines to read from 2014 to 2017 if I were to go back to the beginning post-merger. Hmm… lol.

4. Taking better care of “me”

This one will be a bit more on the “fuzzy” side of the goal setting. It’s everything a goal shouldn’t be – it’s not specific, it’s not particularly measurable, etc. but it is on the list nonetheless.

The last quarter of the year was frustrating for me, and I learned that I need to pay more attention to my own mental health. A situation I’m not going to get into here took the wind out of my sails and to be honest, I’m only just now feeling like I’m coming back to being something resembling myself again. Around the same time, my dad had a heart attack and subsequent triple bypass heart surgery and while he’s well on his way to recovery, that was a scare during a time when I was already at a very low emotional point for other reasons. I think what saved me, as odd as it sounds, is taking time off to help my dad and his wife get into a new routine at home as it gave me some distance from the other frustration and gave me some very low key downtime. I spent a lot of time sleeping, a sure sign my body needed it. The fact that I didn’t bounce back right away, frustrating in its own right, told me I can’t ignore my emotions and mental health.

My dad’s medical issues and that of his wife’s earlier in the year were also a clear message that I need to get in better shape. Watching the difference in recovery in two people who had heart surgery, one in much better shape than the other, was a very clear indicator of what health and fitness means when you’re sick and recovering. It can mean the world of difference in how quickly you bounce back. So, among the things I’ve already started doing is watching more of what I eat, reducing my cola intake for example, and I do want to get more exercise and get back into better shape like I used to be. I spent too much of 2018 with my butt in a chair when I wasn’t at work and this year, that has to change.

This year also happens to be a milestone birthday year. Yes, I’m even looking forward to it. My partner and I have a big trip in mind, and have started planning that for this summer. I also hope to do something new and fun each month this year, whether it’s going to a new restaurant or experiencing a new adventure, I don’t know what exactly that will look like but that’s my plan.

That’s all I’ve got for 2019. We’ll see how it goes next year at this time!

The steps shared in this post are for Dynamics 365 admins or users who want to set up a trial CRM environment without linking it to their current Office 365 tenant.

This creates a truly stand-alone trial that doesn’t link to their current CRM environment, enabling unlimited potential.

The major benefit of this process is not having the Trial instance show up anywhere within their current CRM environment, so no one will stumble into this Trial instance when looking at their production instance.

Here’s how to get started …

1. Navigate to https://trials.dynamics.com/
2. Scroll down to “Sign-up for a Trial”
   1. Don’t fill in the Fields
   2. Click on “Sign Up Here”
      

      ---

3. You will see this pop-up – when you do, click on “No, continue signing up” …
   

   ---

4. You will now see the “older” form, which will create a stand-alone CRM Trial environment
   1. Make sure to make the “Company Name” unique
      1. Normally, when I set this up, I use my initials, the word “Trial”, and the month/year – so, for example: TMLTrial1218
      2. Remember, this company name because I recommend using it when creating a User ID
      3. Click “Next” once completed
   2. You can use your same name, email, and phone number on every trial setup this way
      

      ---

5. Create your User ID
   1. I recommend placing your Company Name within the “Domain” area
   2. Click “Create my Account”
      

      ---

6. Do the text to prove you are not a robot and fill in your confirmation number. Click “Next”
7. Click on “Setup”
8. Select what Product or Products, you want to see within the Trial – Click “Complete Setup”
9. Once you are in your CRM Trial, you will be logged in as a User role. Complete the following steps to become an administrator:
   1. Navigate to Settings > Security > Users
   2. Select your “User”
   3. Click on “Promote to Admin”
      

      ---

That’s it – you’ve done it!

Get more Dynamics 365/CRM Tips when you join us for our upcoming Microsoft Dynamics 365/CRM User Group Webinars, or watch them on replay, on-demand…

Are you a leader or manager who is preparing for the 2019 calendar year?

Whether we are talking financially, physically, or, even emotionally, it’s important to keep the health and wellness of your team top of mind as you begin to implement and enforce your 2019 strategies and structure.

It’s a chance to start fresh for most individuals personally, and professionally, so what better time to lay the ground for a healthier culture than now?

Popular business publications like Forbes magazine have said time and time again that companies that prioritize with the health and well-being of their employees set themselves up for growth and success, boosting their bottom lines.

Debra Wein, Forbes Contributor and Founder of Wellness Workdays, says, “Employees who are healthy spend less money on health care and are more productive and engaged. They miss fewer days from work and are less likely to get injured on the job.

A culture of health boosts morale and retention rates and will help you attract top talent.”

Wein also says a company culture that focuses on the mental, physical, financial, emotional, and social health of their employees improve their organization’s customer service, overall effectiveness, and boost interdepartmental collaborations, which leads to better client outcomes.

Wellness is a spectrum, not a silo.

So, what can you do as a manager to re-enforce these values, leading your team into the new year?

Here are just a few ways to add doses of health and wellness to their everyday routines.

1. Issue Regular Health and Wellness Memos

Especially during the wintertime, it can be difficult for individuals to put their health first if you live in a four-season climate.

While it may be easier for most individuals to fall under the covers, lose activity levels, and over-indulge in holiday leftovers, it’s important, as managers, for you to redirect your team members back to a healthy balance despite harsh weather conditions.

It’s not about punishing your employees in a parental-like manner but dropping tips and advice in their inboxes on a regular schedule that makes them feel excited and supported with their personal paths to wellness.

2. Talk About Health and Wellness
Have an open conversation in your work environment. Lay the ground for it. When employees feel secure and safe in their work environments, they are more likely to feel motivated to get things done.

Foster a culture of mutual respect from manager to employee. This doesn’t mean being best friends, but, often, offering an open door policy or outlet for support.

For example, HR may offer monthly reminders that redirect your team to services under their insurance such as talk therapy.

Awareness of external outlets helps to solidify a culture of health and wellness. Learn to respond to your team’s needs by asking for their input on current health and wellness initiatives, and what they would like or could use more of.

3. Create a Strong Health and Wellness Team
Do you currently have a health and wellness program within your company? If you do, fantastic! If not, it’s time to hop on board.

A strong health and wellness team should consist of cross-departmental team members that can represent the needs of their segmented groups, and bring innovative, empowering ideas to the table.

Your health and wellness team and initiatives should not only support a positive internal motif but an external one, too. When your culture rocks, people can’t help but spread the word and share about their own experiences!

Forbes reports that a recent study from the Capital Group found that 82% of millennials (anyone born between 1981 and 1996) say it’s important for companies to promote the health and wellness of their consumers and employees in their investment portfolio. That is no number to ignore!

4. Live your Philosophies
Your team members know when you’re being dishonest, whether by action or heart, so whatever values you choose to implement as part of your 2019 health and wellness program, be sure they are realistic, genuine, and reflective of your employees wants and needs.

If you need to start small with promoting health and wellness within your organization, then work your way up, that is more than okay. No health or wellness journey is exactly alike by an individual or organization.

Be genuine no matter what, and treat others with their respect and you will earn their respect, are two of the many important values we live every day at Ledgeview Partners, for example.

In addition, we offer our employees health benefits and monthly salad bar days and healthy snacks as part of our own Health and Wellness program.

Learn more about Ledgeview’s team and culture when you visit our “About Us” page.

Apply for open career opportunities with us to be a part of our unique work culture here.

RESOURCES

• “Win with Wellness: A Great Culture Helps Bring Clients to Your Door” | Debra Wein, MS, RDN, SWPD | Forbes | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2017/11/16/win-with-wellness-a-great-culture-helps-bring-clients-to-your-door/#4e3bb0b01aa5