Configuration

Configuration

This section explains how to configure Dynamics 365 in a consistent and scalable way across DfE, starting with the platform’s out‑of‑the‑box features and applying simple patterns that keep solutions maintainable. It covers our approach to model‑driven apps, including when to use standard Microsoft apps, when to create new ones and how to avoid duplication by reusing what already exists.

It also provides guidance on designing data structures using tables and columns, when to rely on out‑of‑the‑box tables, when new ones are needed, and how to follow DfE naming conventions and data standards. This includes choosing the right column types, such as choices or lookups, to support reuse.

Finally, the section outlines how to design forms and views that give users a clear and efficient experience. It explains when multiple forms are appropriate, how to restrict forms by role and how to build consistent layouts. It also includes best practice for public and personal views to help users find information quickly and work more effectively.

In this section

• Model Driven Apps

  Guidance on choosing and designing model‑driven apps, including when to reuse existing apps and when to build new ones.

• Sitemaps

  How to create clear, well‑structured sitemaps, including grouping tables, organising configuration areas and using custom icons.

• Tables

  How to design and name tables in a consistent way, using out‑of‑the‑box options first and creating reusable, aligned structures where needed.

• Columns

  Guidance on creating and managing columns (fields), including naming, columns descriptions, selecting columns types and choosing between choice and lookup columns.

• Forms

  How to design user‑friendly forms, including using multiple forms per table, applying security role restrictions and structuring layouts effectively.

• Views

  Guidance on creating consistent and useful views, including when to use public or personal views, standardising columns and using Quick Find and view components.