MS Learn Highlights – 7/2/2025

Install Commerce Scale Unit on a Development Environment for Dynamics 365 Commerce

This article provides a detailed guide on installing the Commerce Scale Unit (CSU) on virtual hard disk (VHD) based development environments, both local and cloud, for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce. The Commerce Scale Unit enables developers and IT professionals to simulate and test retail capabilities in isolated environments without impacting production systems.

Supported Environments

• Local VHD development environment
• Cloud-based VHD development environment

Installation Overview

Prerequisites

• A valid Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce license
• Proper Azure Active Directory (AAD) permissions
• Access to the CSU installation media and setup resources
• A virtual machine or server configured with Windows Server suitable for hosting CSU

Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Environmental Infrastructure

   • Set up the VHD environment (local or cloud) with the required resources.
   • Ensure network connectivity and access to needed Azure services.

2. Obtain CSU Install Media

   • Download the Commerce Scale Unit installation packages from the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce repository or as provided by Microsoft.

3. Install Dependencies

   • Ensure all prerequisite software, including components like SQL Server and IIS, are installed on the VHD.

4. Run CSU Installer

   • Execute the installer on the prepared VHD system.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions for installation parameters such as database connection strings, AAD tenant info, and service configurations.

5. Provision Commerce Services

   • Configure services like POS, Commerce runtime, and other retail modules as needed.

6. Validate Installation

   • Run diagnostic tests to verify that CSU components are correctly installed and communicating.
   • Check event logs and service statuses to confirm operational health.

7. Perform Further Configurations

   • Customize and configure the environment for specific retail scenarios.
   • Deploy additional applications or extensions required for development or testing.

Additional Notes

• The installation process includes setting up isolated Commerce services that replicate the scale and capabilities of a production environment.
• Properly setting network permissions and securing communication channels between CSU components and Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is critical.
• The CSU environment supports both local debugging and integration with Azure-hosted services.

For full detailed steps, script samples, parameter options, and troubleshooting tips, refer to the original Microsoft documentation.

Original Article:
Install Commerce Scale Unit on a development environment - Commerce | Dynamics 365

Finance and operations storage account security updates

This article outlines the latest security enhancements implemented in the Finance and Operations storage accounts within Dynamics 365, focusing on improving data protection and access control.

Key Security Enhancements

• Enhanced access controls: Introduction of more granular permission settings to restrict storage account access to authorized users and services only.
• Improved authentication: Strengthened authentication mechanisms, including enforced usage of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for secure access.
• Network security improvements: Implementation of virtual network (VNet) integration and firewall rule configurations to limit data access from trusted network boundaries.
• Encryption updates: Enhanced default encryption at rest and in transit using Microsoft-managed and customer-managed keys.
• Audit and monitoring enhancements: Better logging capabilities to track data access and modification activities, aiding compliance and forensic analysis.

Impact

• These updates help safeguard sensitive financial data by enforcing stricter access policies.
• Improved network controls reduce the risk of unauthorized external network access.
• Compliance with enterprise security and regulatory requirements is facilitated through robust encryption and auditing.
• Organizations using Finance and Operations storage accounts must review and update their configurations to align with the new security best practices.

Steps to Enable / Implement

1. Review current storage account access policies and identify any over-permissive access.
2. Configure Azure AD authentication for all storage account interactions.
3. Set up firewall rules and VNet service endpoints to restrict network access.
4. Enable encryption options, choosing between Microsoft-managed or customer-managed keys as appropriate.
5. Activate and monitor audit logging to capture activity logs.
6. Test the configuration changes in a development or test environment before production deployment.
7. Document changes and train relevant staff on updated security procedures.

Reference:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/sysadmin/storage-acct-security

Summary: Packing Work for Packing Outbound Containers and Processing Shipments

The "Packing" work order type in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is designed to manage the packing process of containers and supports partial shipments of these packed containers. This functionality helps warehouse personnel efficiently organize packing activities aligned with outbound shipments.

Key Concepts

• Packing Work Order: Manages tasks related to packing items into containers.
• Container Packing: Supports packing varying quantities into a container.
• Partial Shipments: Allows shipment of part of the contents of packed containers while the rest remains packed for future shipment.
• Integration with Warehouse Management: Works as part of the warehouse work framework, coordinating with other warehouse activities such as picking and loading.

Features

• Creation of packing work automatically or manually.
• Support for different container types and multiple packing stages.
• Tracking of container contents for visibility and inventory accuracy.
• Support for consolidating items from different pick work into a container.
• Enables shipment of full or partial container contents based on business needs.

Use Cases

• Packing goods into shipping containers before shipment.
• Managing cases where shipments are split across multiple partial shipments.
• Coordinating packing with shipment schedules and warehouse workflows.

How Packing Work Fits in Supply Chain Processes

• Picking Work: Items are picked from inventory.
• Packing Work: Picked items are packed into containers.
• Shipment Processing: Containers (full or partial) are shipped out.

Benefits

• Improved warehouse efficiency by grouping related packing tasks.
• Enhanced visibility of container contents and shipment status.
• Flexibility to handle complex shipping scenarios with partial shipments.

For detailed setup, configuration, or usage instructions, refer to Microsoft Dynamics 365 documentation on packing work.

Reference:
Microsoft Learn - Packing work for packing outbound containers and processing shipments

Packing Containers with the Warehouse Management Mobile App

This article explains the process of packing containers using the Warehouse Management (WHS) mobile app in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. It provides an overview of the packing workflow, container management concepts, and how to execute packing steps within the mobile app.

Overview

• Packing in warehouse operations involves physically placing products into containers (e.g., boxes, pallets, cartons) and associating these containers logically within the system.
• The WHS mobile app streamlines the packing process by guiding warehouse workers through packing tasks.
• Containers can be nested (containers inside containers), enabling complex packing hierarchies.
• The packing process supports multiple operational scenarios including shipments, transfers, and production logistics.

Key Concepts

Warehouse Management Packing Process Using WHS Mobile App

1. Start the Packing Job

   • Warehouse worker logs into the WHS mobile app.
   • Selects the relevant work or shipment that requires packing.

2. Load Container Information

   • Scan or enter container ID to confirm or create a container.
   • Worker can choose an existing container or create a new one.

3. Select Items to Pack

   • The app displays the items/work lines available to pack.
   • Worker picks items physically and scans product barcodes during packing.

4. Pack Products into Containers

   • Worker scans the product barcode and container barcode.
   • The system records the association of products to containers in real time.

5. Validate Packing Rules

   • The app verifies packing rules as per the packing profile (weight, volume, quantity).
   • Alerts are shown if packing rules are violated.

6. Close the Container

   • Once full or packing complete, worker closes the container in the mobile app.
   • The system updates container status and warehouse work accordingly.

7. Create Container Hierarchy (if applicable)

   • If nested containers are used, pack smaller containers into larger parent containers.
   • The app facilitates scanning and linking multi-level container structure.

8. Complete and Post Packing

   • Finalize the packing process.
   • Warehouse work is updated, and containers are ready for shipping or transfer.

Additional Notes

• Packing profiles and policies need to be configured in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management before using the WHS mobile app.
• Container packing supports various packaging designs to meet operational needs.
• Mobile app permissions must be set to allow packing activities.
• The process integrates with other warehouse functions such as picking, loading, and shipment confirmation.

Reference

• For detailed configuration steps and advanced usage, refer to the official documentation.
• Link to original article: Packing containers with the Warehouse Management mobile app - Dynamics 365

This summary provides an essential guide to understanding and performing container packing tasks using the Warehouse Management mobile app in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.

Create Customer Prepayment Invoices in Dynamics 365 Finance

This article explains how to configure and process customer prepayment invoices in Dynamics 365 Finance. Customer prepayment invoices are used when customers pay in advance for goods or services. The system supports managing, posting, and applying these prepayments against future sales invoices.

Key Concepts and Configuration

• Customer prepayment invoice: An invoice created to record money received before goods/services delivery.
• Usage: Useful for businesses requiring upfront payment or deposits.
• Setup:
  • Define customer groups eligible for prepayments.
  • Configure terms of payment to specify prepayment conditions.
  • Set up ledger accounts for prepayment transactions.
  • Enable or disable prepayments on the customer or customer group level.
• Processing:
  • Create prepayment invoice as a sales order or free text invoice.
  • Post the prepayment invoice to record receipt.
  • Later apply the prepayment amount to sales invoices when goods/services are delivered.
  • The system supports partial or full application of prepayment amounts.
• Reporting and reconciliation:
  • Use accounts receivable reports to track outstanding and applied prepayments.
  • Ensure correct ledger postings for audit and financial control.

Step-by-Step: How to Create and Apply a Customer Prepayment Invoice

1. Configure prepayment settings:

   • Go to Accounts receivable > Setup > Customer groups to enable prepayment for the relevant groups.
   • Define payment terms allowing prepayments under Accounts receivable > Setup > Payment terms.
   • Verify ledger posting accounts for prepayments in General ledger > Setup > Posting profiles.

2. Create prepayment invoice:

   • Create a sales order or free text invoice for the prepayment amount.
   • Ensure invoice type is marked as prepayment if applicable.
   • Confirm customer is assigned to a customer group with prepayment enabled.

3. Post the prepayment invoice:

   • Post the invoice using the normal posting procedure.
   • The system records customer payment and posts to prepayment ledger accounts.

4. Apply prepayment to sales invoice:

   • When goods/services are delivered, create a sales invoice.
   • Apply the prepayment amount either partially or fully on the sales invoice.
   • The outstanding amount after prepayment application can be invoiced/collected normally.

5. Review prepayment status:

   • Use the Customer transactions or Accounts receivable reports to check open prepayments and applied amounts.
   • Reconcile postings with ledger accounts related to prepayments.

Additional Notes

• Prepayment invoices help improve cash flow management.
• Integration with payment journals and bank reconciliation supports seamless financial operations.
• System tracks and enforces prepayment rules based on configuration at customer and customer group level.
• Partial application allows flexible handling of varying payment scenarios.

For further details, examples, and advanced configurations, refer to the official documentation:

Create customer prepayment invoices - Finance | Dynamics 365