Using a complex, fully integrated ERP system where we have a large amount of data, the big question is always; how we can manage our data? We need to look at what the available options are, when do we need to deal with the core data management tasks and import-export data, and we must also look at the application integration scenarios.

In Dynamics AX 2012 there were multiple ways to manage data such as Microsoft Excel Add-ins, AIF (Application Integration Framework), and DIXF (Data Import/Export Framework). In Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations,* Microsoft has introduced a new concept; the Data Management Framework (DMF), and Data Entities, which combine those different data management concepts into one.

DMF is the new all-in-one concept introduced by Microsoft in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. It supports and manages all core data management tasks.

A data entity is a simplified de-normalized representation of underlying tables. A data entity represents a common data concept or functionality, for example; Customers or Vendors where the details are stored in normalized relational tables, but all details are represented in one flat view in Customer Details or Vendor Details data entity. Data Entities are intended to be easily understood by users familiar with business concepts. Data Entity is the core object of Data Management Framework. Do NOT confuse it with Legal Entity which is an organization or a person in Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations. Data Entity and Legal Entity are different!

Data Package is simple .zip file which contains the source data itself i.e. a xxxx.csv file and the manifest files which contain metadata information of the Data Entity and the processing instructions for DMF.

In most cases the Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations instance is an Azure hosted environment and the storage for those instances is called Blob storage. This is an Azure hosted storage area, where the incoming and outgoing data and data package(s) are placed during the integration (import-export) processes.

Open Data Protocol is a REST-based protocol. It is used for creating and consuming RESTful APIs. Even though OData is a REST-based protocol, it is different from other web REST-based web services. In Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations it is used for real time integrations, but based on the latest documentation by Microsoft it supports batch requests.

Integration Service Functionality

Microsoft Dynamics Integration Services Overview