Best Practices for Managing and Maintaining MSD365 Business Central SaaS 3rd Party Apps
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a robust and comprehensive solution for managing various aspects of business operations. Often, businesses enhance its capabilities by integrating third-party apps to tailor the system to their specific needs. However, effectively managing and maintaining these third-party apps in a Business Central environment requires a structured and cautious approach. In this blog, we will outline best practices for managing and maintaining your MSD365 Business Central SaaS with third-party apps.
Get an overview and check for updates
In the Admin Center open theManage Appspage from the environment details page. Choose Environments > select the environment > Manage Apps.
The Manage Apps lists all the apps installed on the environment and indicates whether updates are available. When first opened, the system will start checking for updates. Wait for this operation to complete.
Start in the Sandbox [UAT or Test]
Before implementing any updates or changes related to third-party apps, always begin in a controlled environment, such as the Sandbox (User Acceptance Testing or UAT). This allows for thorough testing without impacting the live production environment.
Ensure Sandbox is Up-to-Date
If the Sandbox is outdated, initiate by refreshing it to replicate the most current production environment. If required, engage your Partner Support to assist with this process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Conduct Updates One at a Time
Implement updates sequentially, addressing one app at a time. This approach allows for focused testing and validation before moving on to the next update.
- Step 1 - Click on the Update Link
Initiate the update process by clicking on the provided update link for the respective app. Follow the steps indicated by the third-party app provider to execute the update.
- Step 2 - UAT Team Run Through Their Scripts
Allow the UAT team to thoroughly test the updated app, following predefined scripts to ensure all functionalities work as expected and align with business requirements.
- Step 3 - UAT Team Agreement on Issue-Free Update
After completing the UAT, ensure that the UAT team mutually agrees that the update did not introduce any issues and that the app functions optimally.
Repeat the Process During Production Downtime
Replicate the same steps in the live production environment during downtime to implement the update without disrupting ongoing operations.
Iterate for Each App Requiring an Update or Action
For each third-party app that necessitates an update or specific action, follow the above process meticulously to maintain a structured and organized approach to managing all third-party integrations.
Escalate Issues to Partner Support
If you encounter any challenges during the update process that your team cannot resolve, promptly submit a detailed ticket, including screenshots, to your partner for assistance.
Consider Partner Support for Assistance
If your team isn't comfortable handling these tasks, your partner can assist; reach out to your partner to discuss the process and cost. This service is generally billable, but it ensures a smooth and accurate update process carried out by experts.
Effectively managing and maintaining third-party apps within your MSD365 Business Central SaaS environment is essential to optimize the efficiency and capabilities of your ERP system. By adhering to these structured steps and involving your partner when needed, you can ensure seamless integration of updates while minimizing disruptions to your daily business operations.