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This article is part of our Microsoft Feature Review Series. These short, to the point blogs offer a quick snapshot of information for users who need a quick overview of a feature, how it's managed or configured, some insight into how a business or organization can use it, and links to resources or tutorials for a deeper dive.
The navigational layout of D365 has undergone some significant changes over the years. Most recently, Microsoft has deployed a unified interface applicable to all D365 model-driven apps.
Microsoft has done a great job of including some key functions on the navigation pane. Let's take a look.
First up, the navigation pane along the left side (herein 'left nav pane') of the app is static. For the most part, no matter where you navigate within the application you are going to see this platform (an exception exists when navigating to the "Advanced Settings" area - this launches a new browser tab and loads a "classic" experience. Note that this may well change in the future as Microsoft continues to transition aspects over to the new layout).
You can expand or collapse the left nav pane. Collapsing provides a tad more real estate for the content you're looking at. Click the "hamburger" icon I've identified in the screenshot below.
Expanded View
Collapsed View
The left nav pane has some static features, and elements of the editable sitemap.
Below this section we find ourselves in the editable area of the left nav pane. What appears here can be configured to show the relevant tables and system areas (such as Dashboards) that are relevant to your use scenario. For information on how to create and/or edit a sitemap, visit our blog Editing A Model-Driven App Sitemap or Microsoft's Docs.
Moving across the top of the application, we find a handful of other options.
Let's zoom into each.
SEARCH.
Search for records across multiple tables sorted by relevance. (Note: You must turn on relevance search in the system settings).
TASK FLOW.
Begin a task-based flow.
ASSISTANT.
Stay on top of your day with notifications and insights about what's new and what's due.
NEW.
Create a new record via the Quick Create forms.
ADVANCED FIND.
Create advanced find queries.
CONNECT AND SHARE.
Link to the Microsoft Dynamics Community, Submit an Idea, or Share Feedback.
SETTINGS.
Set up personal options and view privacy statement.
HELP.
Find help and training.
Microsoft has tried to bring the most functional aspects of the application to your fingertips to enable users to find what they need as efficiently as possible. It's important that organizations spend time with their users outlining the various functions outlined here, as well as any other tips and tricks they might find valuable in their day to day work within the application.
Did they get it right? What buttons or features do you wish were included on the main navigation? Send us your comments by contacting our team at C5 Insight here.
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