Dynamics 365 PowerApps (CRM) Solution Layering: Stop Producing Franken-Forms
Multiple solutions in a Dynamics 365 CE/PowerApps environment is common. Solutions enable modular customizations, allowing different departments or teams to work independently on customizations. Multiple solutions also enables third-party integrations. Multiple solutions can also cause multiple headaches.
One reason is that layering allows for customizations to be applied without interfering with the system's underlying functionality. The problem is what should users see if two solutions try to modify the same component? Layering provides a solution to determine which customized component is shown to the user.
Whether "merge behaviour" occurs or a "top tier wins" approach is taken when solutions have conflicting component configurations is important to understand. The "model-driven app", "form", and "site map" components merge between solutions. This is what may cause you to end up with franken-forms if you are not careful. All other components in solutions use a "top layer wins" approach.
Before you get too far down the road of your project, ensure the project team knows where their solution sits in the layering stack. Compress as many solutions as possible because less layers means less confusion.
Happy software engineering!
For close to a decade our Purely CRM team has been laser-like focused on delivering CRM solutions built solely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, combined with Power Apps and the Microsoft Power Platform. We’ve expanded our team immensely in the past years to help better serve our clients and partners. Most recently we merged with Endeavour Solutions, a top Microsoft ERP, CRM, and Cloud consulting firm to further expand our talented team of CRM consultants.
Our core focus is on large mid-market and enterprise CRM Design & Development projects, Staff Augmentation, and CRM Support. When needed we can also tap upon our peers at Endeavour for Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP to provide an All-in-One Cloud ERP-CRM. We provide services to clients Coast to Coast across the United States and Canada. We do not use resources overseas.
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