Dynamics 365 F&O Fundamentals: Data import with using DMF (Data Management Framework)

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient data management is critical for staying competitive. Whether you're migrating legacy data, integrating external systems, or managing routine business operations, the Data Management Framework (DMF) in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) serves as a powerful tool for streamlining these processes.

This article will demostrate how to import data from excel.

1. Overview

Data management framework offers to import, export, copy into legal entity from existed legal entity. To reach data management framework, either of these two menu paths can be followed:

• Modules - System administration - workspaces - Data management
• Workspaces - Data management

Overview of data management framework looks like figure 1.2:

In Import/Export tab, you can:

• Create new project for importing master data like customers, vendors, chart of accounts, terms of payment, sales tax codes etc. through excel. Also, DMF offers other source data formats like CSV, XML etc. (For further options, source data format types can be examined.)
• Export current data to the same data formats as import option.
• Copy the master data from existing legal entity to brand-new created legal entity.

In Data Projects tab, user can see previous data migration projects. There are some filters which user can use like import projects, export projects etc. in left-hand side of the Data projects tab.

In Job history tab, user can see previous data migration job history.

2. Import operation

To import a data from excel with using DMF, click on the "Import" option under the Import/Export tab.

After clicking on import option, a new project for importing data will be created. Firstly, you need to name the import project. After naming the import project, "Add file" button should be clicked for specify the data type (whole D365 F&O entities drop-down list) and source data format. In this article, Terms of payment entity will be used as an example. After the entity is selected, "upload and add" button will show up for browsing current PC.

After uploading the excel file, a new line in Selected entities tab will be created for the import project.

1. With clicking the mapping icon, matching between excel columns and entity fields can be performed. In order to create automatic mapping, first row in the columns (headers) should be exact same with entity field names. To simply reach the exact template of entity, create an export project in DMF and export the same entity which in the import operation and use it as template for entity, then re-arrange the master data with downloaded excel template.
2. These three fields (Execution unit, level in execution unit and sequence) is simply used for sort the files to be imported.
3. Default refresh type field has two options (Full push only, Incremental push only) stands for either completely stop the import operation if any row of the excel has mistaken data, or import data only can successfully imported.
4. Truncate entity data: If these field is marked as Yes, then system will clear the current entity data before import the excel data. Otherwise, system will just import the data through excel without deleting the current data placed in the entity.

When parameters for import is finished, either "Import now", "Import in batch" or "Import" buttons can be used for final operation. "Import now" option stands for directly importing the excel with not creating any background job. This may take some time and will make the user wait if the excel data is big.

3. Conclusion

The Data Management Framework in D365 F&O is an essential tool for efficiently handling data migrations and ensuring data integrity across organizations. As demonstrated, importing data from Excel is straightforward with the DMF, allowing businesses to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency. In future articles, other key functionalities such as exporting data and copying master data between legal entities will be handled. By leveraging these capabilities, businesses can maintain a seamless flow of information, reduce manual efforts, and enhance their overall data management strategy.