Data Management Framework (DMF) is a powerful tool in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations that allows users to import, export, and migrate data. One of the key features of DMF is the ability to use data templates to export data from D365FO in a pre-configured sequence of entities.

A data template is a pre-configured list of entities that you can use to export data. It defines the order in which entities are processed during an export operation. This can be useful when you need to export data from the system in a specific order to meet certain requirements, such as ensuring that dependent entities are exported before their parent entities. Here is a small example of scenarios that you can apply via data template:

• Golden Configuration

You can create a template including data entities for configuration with a logical sequence that can be used for importing/copying data (configuration) from source company to actual template companies. This method can be applied mostly we you create a new legal entity in D365FO, and you need to update the company with required configuration and setup needed to start business with.

• Module-based

You can create a data template including data entities for configuration with a logical sequence for a specific module. This can be used to update a company with a specific setup per module when it is needed. For example, you can create a data template for fixed asset and copy it from a source company to actual companies once they need to start using fixed asset module.

• Priority

You can create a data template related to entities’ priority for export. For example, you can create several data templates for BYOD to export data to Azure SQL database based on entities’ priority.

In each scenario you have possibility to disable none-key entity field for each entity in a data template. This can help to:

Export actual fields for one entity

For example, “Customers V3” entity includes several field that may not be used in one company. These fields can be disabled:

Minimize error message for fields that are deactivated via configuration key.

For example, “Ledger parameters” entity includes several fields that may be deactivated regarding company localization or configuration key. These fields can be disabled:

Therefore, data templates in DMF can be a valuable tool for streamlining data export processes and ensuring that the exported data meets specific requirements. By creating custom data templates or using pre-configured templates, you can save time and effort when exporting or copying data from D365FO. I hope this post has provided useful information on how data templates can be used in DMF. Please feel free to use the ‘Leave a Reply’ feature to share any related questions or feedback.