Architecture

This section explains how DfE designs CRM services using the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform suite. It gives an overview of the core tools and capabilities currently used across DfE, showing how these services work together to provide a consistent, scalable approach to CRM delivery.

The page sets out the design principles that guide how solutions are built. These include aligning with DfE’s CRM strategy, using out‑of‑the‑box capabilities wherever possible, and promoting re‑use and consistency across services. The principles help teams design solutions that are simpler to maintain, reduce duplication and support long‑term sustainability.

It also describes the patterns and components that can be shared across multiple areas of the organisation. By highlighting reusable components and proven patterns, the page supports teams in adopting a standardised approach, reducing effort, improving quality and ensuring that common capabilities are delivered in a predictable and repeatable way.

In this section

  • CRM Strategy

    Sets out the guard rails, principles and long-term vision for how DfE will use CRM to create consistent, scalable and maintainable applications across the organisation.

  • Dynamics 365 & Power Platform Product Suite

    An overview of the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform tools, services and capabilities adopted across DfE to deliver CRM solutions.

  • Design Principles

    Guiding principles that ensure solutions align with DfE’s CRM strategy, make use of out‑of‑the‑box capabilities where possible, and promote consistency and re‑use.

  • Integration Patterns

    Recommended integration patterns for Dynamics 365, outlining how to connect Dynamics 365 with other systems in a secure, scalable and maintainable way using the Power Platform and supported Microsoft technologies.

  • Patterns and Components

    Reusable architectural patterns and shared components that support standardisation and repeatable delivery across multiple services.

  • SharePoint Document Storage

    Defines the standard approach for storing documents in Dynamics 365 using the out-of-the-box SharePoint integration, including configuration, best practice and security considerations.

  • Email Integration

    Dynamics 365 uses server-side synchronisation with Exchange Online as the standard approach for all email integration to ensure a secure, reliable and centrally managed service.

  • Reporting and Analytics

    Dynamics 365 reporting uses out-of-the-box capabilities where appropriate, with Power BI as the standard tool for advanced reporting and Azure Synapse Link and Data Lake used for large datasets to protect production performance.