The Dynamics 365 Design System provides guidance on how to build CRM solutions in a consistent, scalable and maintainable way across DfE. It sets out how we use configuration, low‑code, pro‑code, architecture patterns, environment management and security to deliver services that align with DfE’s long‑term CRM strategy.

Why we built this

Dynamics 365 provides out-of-box tools to configure and customise CRM services, including out‑of‑the‑box functionality, low‑code capabilities and extensibility through C#, JavaScript and integrations. This flexibility can lead to teams approaching similar tasks in different ways, resulting in solutions that are hard to maintain, inconsistent or misaligned with best practice.

The Design System provides a standard approach for how DfE builds, extends and operates Dynamics 365 solutions. It helps teams avoid unnecessary customisation, encourages reuse of components, and ensures services are reliable, secure and supportable.

What's included

This manual covers the core areas needed to deliver high‑quality CRM services:

  • How to design applications using out‑of‑the‑box features and structure data consistently
  • When to use configuration, low‑code, or pro‑code, and how to apply best‑practice
  • How to build solutions that are consistent, reusable and aligned with DfE’s CRM strategy
  • How to manage environments and deploy via Azure DevOps pipelines
  • How to configure security in a safe and predictable way
  • Which Dynamics 365 licences are required

Experience required

To use this manual effectively, you should have:

  • Experience building or extending Dynamics 365 or Power Platform solutions
  • Understanding of Dataverse tables, relationships and the Dynamics 365 data model
  • Knowledge of configuration, low‑code and custom development approaches
  • Familiarity with ALM processes, source control and Azure DevOps pipelines
  • Experience working with environments across the Power Platform

Explore this section

  • Configuration

    Guidance on how to configure Dynamics 365 in a consistent, reusable and scalable way, covering apps, tables, columns, forms and views.

  • Customisation

    Guidance on when and how to use low‑code and pro‑code customisations in Dynamics 365, focusing on using the right tools for the job.

  • Architecture

    Guidance on designing Dynamics 365 solutions that follow DfE’s architecture principles, promote simplicity, consistency and re‑use.

  • Environments

    Guidance on how to set up, structure and manage Dynamics 365 environments, including solution design and deployment pipelines.

  • Security

    Guidance on setting up a secure and manageable Dynamics 365 security model, covering business units, roles, teams and auditing.

  • Other

    Additional guidance and supporting information that sits outside the main architecture, security, configuration and customisation topics.

Get help

If you have questions or need advice on implementing these patterns, contact the Solutions Delivery Team.