What data entities does the Alumio API Plugin install in Dynamics 365 F&O?
Swiftly installing the API points necessary for e-commerce integration within Dynamics 365 F&O, the Alumio API Plugin helps the ERP synchronize product data, pricing, customer info, stock details, and more. Here’s a full list of the current endpoints that the API Plugin installs in Dynamics 365 F&O to help it seamlessly exchange data via Alumio in real-time:
- Get: Delivery details, Delivery days of the customer, Sales order information, Simulation of sales order, Price and Stock information, Warehouse stock, Customer balance, EDI Purchase orders.
- Push: Products, Product attributes, Categories, Customers, Stock, Price, and Discount.
- Create: Sales orders, RMA Orders, and Post Order Payments in Dynamics 365 F&SCM.
Additionally, sending sales orders from an e-commerce platform to Dynamics 365 F&O would usually require multiple API calls, which is cumbersome and slow. The Alumio API Plugin provides a single endpoint to handle the creation of sales orders directly in Dynamics 365 F&O, significantly reducing the time and complexity involved. All these features greatly reduce the time and cost of developing and maintaining Dynamics 365 F&O integrations with e-commerce.
How to implement the Alumio API Plugin for Microsoft Dynamics 365 API Plugin
Businesses can discover the Fresh Dynamics and Alumio API Plugin for Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O on Microsoft AppSource or the Alumio API Plugin page. After that, the process of implementing the plugin to enable e-commerce integration capabilities within Dynamics 365 F&SCM is as follows:
- Deploy the plugin via a secure portal
Once a business chooses to use the API plugin, it is deployed through a portal to which the customer gets a specific account with a password and two-factor authentication. From here, they can download the plugin along with its documentation, which includes a deployable package (as Microsoft refers to it). - Install the plugin with an existing partner or Alumio partner
The business can have its existing integration partner typically handle the technical installation of the plugin, or it can employ an Alumio integration partner from its extensive network. There is detailed documentation available for setting up the plugin. If they encounter any issues or need assistance, Fresh Dynamics is ready to help and can also perform the setup if the customer prefers that. - Configure the Azure app for authentication
It’s important to note that the Alumio API plugin operates through Azure, and an app must be configured in Azure to recognize the plugin for authentication purposes. This configuration needs to be done by the partner and the end customer. Once the Azure app is configured, the integration partner, customer, and Fresh Dynamics work together to set up the plugin. The setup process is usually straightforward with the provided documentation, and Fresh Dynamics helps tackle unexpected challenges. - Testing the connection
After the setup, a connection test is performed from the Alumio integration platform with the business’s Dynamics 365 F&SCM ERP environment via the API plugin to ensure everything works correctly. - Building Dynamics 365 ERP integrations with Alumio
Once these steps are completed successfully, the actual implementation of Dynamics 365 F&SCM integrations via the Alumio integration platform (iPaaS) can begin. The ERP is now primed with the API points it needs to seamlessly integrate with any B2B or B2C cloud app or SaaS solution via Alumio.
The benefits of the Alumio API Plugin for Dynamics 365 F&SCM
The collaboration between Alumio and Fresh Dynamics has resulted in a game-changing solution for businesses using Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O. By directly installing pre-configured B2B and B2C API endpoints that Dynamics 365 F&O needs to integrate with e-commerce solutions, the plugin eliminates the need for complex, custom OData entity configurations and expensive custom development. Apart from reducing integration costs, it enhances overall operational efficiency, flexibility, and time-to-market.
Furthermore, the API plugin by Fresh Dynamics and Alumio opens up new possibilities for integrating Dynamics 365 F&SCM (via the Alumio integration platform) with other essential applications besides e-commerce platforms, such as PIM systems, Marketing Automation platforms, and more. This helps create a scalable commerce ecosystem where businesses can seamlessly integrate any new applications they implement with their Dynamics 365 F&O ERP, via the Alumio integration platform, as a single source of truth.
