6 Exciting Updates in Dynamics CRM 2015

There are a number of new features in the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 update that will make it even easier to manage customer interactions. The goal of the 2015 update is to improve the product selling features so that there will be a natural increase in sales. One of the most exciting updates is the access to Microsoft Social Listening. This allows an organization to monitor their brand reputation and react to trends while tracking conversations in real time.

Here are some of the other updates of note in Dynamics CRM 2015 to consider as well.

#1. A New Way To See Accounts

In this new release, it has become easier to navigate to specific blocks of information and then get more details about those information blocks. Grouped by products, viewing accounts, or in hierarchical charts, it becomes possible to see how any account is performing in terms of overall revenue. Users will also be able to see who is working a specific account to communicate with them and easily share it with others for assistance or feedback.

The details of each account are also easier to access. The latest activity on the account and specific information, such as that account's credit limit, are put into an easily accessible and digestible format.

#2. Cortana Has Gotten Involved

Microsoft has now incorporated Cortana into the Dynamics CRM for 2015. It is now possible to speak specific commands into CRM if users have a Windows 8.1 phone. Many of the tasks are common and basic, but also time consuming when done repetitively. You'll be able to open an item, create new items, search for an item, and create a phone call activity. Tasks are a lot easier to manage with the Cortana voice commands and appointments can even be set through Cortana.

Microsoft has created a complete list of commands that can be used from a Windows 8.1 phone and further updates to this feature are expected in the near future.

#3. Products Are Easier To Manage

It has become a lot easier to add products to CRM with the 2015 update. Instead of encouraging customers to purchase single items, it has become easier to bundle related products together so that natural upsells can take place with every customer interaction.

Tailored pricing lists can also be created for individual territories. CRM can also create “territories” from specific customer segments that may be targeted for certain sales campaigns, allowing for individualized pricing and product groupings. This allows for better relationships to be formed because customers feel like they're getting a custom message instead of a well-rehearsed sales pitch.

Salespeople will also be able to use the hierarchical charts to view the actual products being sold. CRM will also provide suggestions for cross-selling to increase revenues.

#4. Create Custom Training For Your People

Many businesses have a highly customized Dynamics CRM. In the 2015 update, Microsoft has allowed the default Help content to be replaced with customized content that is designed for a specific system. Specific URLs can be redirected to virtually anything so that users can have their specific questions answered. This even includes a MS Word document, a PDF file, or even a page on an intranet.

#5. Better Synchronization

If a business uses CRM for Outlook as their central hub of information, then with this update they'll be able to synchronize more types of information. There are three specific points of emphasis with the update.

1.      Attachments from appointments.

2.      Tasks that have been assigned.

3.      Additional tasks and contacts fields.

Administrators are able to control the synchronization by being able to configure the field synchronization direction. Users can see the fields that have been synchronization. The end result is a better data sharing process.

The new configuration wizard makes it a lot easier to set up Outlook and configure CRM for it. All a business has to do is copy and paste information. There is also better security with the update, including multifactor authentication.

#6. Quick Create Is Much Better

Dynamics CRM 2015 now allows a sales opportunity to be added to the system at the same time as a new contact through the Create command. This updates a much needed process where a contact had to be created first and then the sales opportunity could be added to CRM.

With the update to Dynamics CRM 2015, it has become a lot easier to manage large amounts of data and use it to create better sales opportunities. Are you using CRM? What have you been able to accomplish with the 2015 update?