In the fast-paced world of retail, staying ahead of the competition requires continuous innovation and improvement. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Commerce is designed to help retail businesses achieve just that. The preview version 10.0.40, set for general availability in May 2024, brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and driving overall business efficiency. Let’s dive into what’s new and improved in this latest release.
1. Enhanced Point of Sale (POS) Capabilities
- Native Bar Code Scanning for Mobile Apps: The Store Commerce app now supports bar code and QR code scanning using the rear-facing camera on Android and iOS devices, eliminating the need for third-party apps. This feature enhances workflows such as adding items to transactions, processing returns, price checks, and inventory operations.
- Streamlined Workflow for Adding Items to a Transaction: When adding items from the product description page or search results, a confirmation dialog appears, listing the products being added. Navigation options allow users to proceed to the transaction or remain on the product/search page. Additionally, a new configuration in the Visual profile can bypass the confirmation dialog, taking users directly to the transaction.
- Display Store Phone Number in POS: Store associates can now view the store’s phone number on the store location page in POS, useful for daily tasks and customer interactions. This feature is available in both mobile and offline modes.
- Reset Button Grids Post-Transaction: To maintain consistency, the default button grid on the first tab is restored when a transaction is completed, suspended, or voided.
- Configurable Display of Search Results: The default view for search results can now be set to either list or card view, based on user preference, particularly beneficial for mobile device users.
- Store Commerce Self-Checkout: Retailers can enable kiosk-based self-checkout, allowing shoppers to scan and pay for items independently using a credit card.
- Optimized Payment Flows: Redesigned payment interfaces for cash and credit card transactions streamline the checkout process, introducing ‘Exact payment’ options and ‘Smart denominations’ for logical cash grouping.
- Adyen Tap to Pay on iPhone: Store associates can accept contactless payments directly on an iPhone, supporting NFC credit cards and digital wallets.
2. Payments and Security Enhancements
- Support for Nonrecurring Payment Tokens: This update allows for payment operations without storing card tokens, enhancing security. Payments are processed within a single authorization request, with adjustments handled through ‘authorization adjustment’ actions.
3. Digital Commerce Improvements
- Multiple Shipping Addresses, Notes, and Delivery Dates: Consumers and business buyers can specify multiple shipping addresses, add delivery notes, and set delivery dates for items within a single order, offering greater flexibility and convenience.
Additional Resources and Information
- Platform Updates: For more details on platform updates included in this release, refer to the Platform updates for version 10.0.40 of finance and operations apps.
- Upcoming Capabilities: Dynamics 365 and industry clouds: 2024 release wave 1 plan provides a comprehensive overview of upcoming features across various business apps.
Conclusion
The latest version of Dynamics 365 Commerce brings significant enhancements that can revolutionize your retail business. From improved POS functionality and streamlined payment processes to enhanced digital commerce features, these updates are designed to help you deliver a superior customer experience and drive operational efficiency.
As a trusted Microsoft Solution Partner, we help retail businesses fully utilize Dynamics 365 Commerce. Our expert team provides complete support and tailored solutions for a smooth implementation and integration. Transform your retail business with the latest features, achieving greater efficiency and growth. Partner with us for a future-proof solution.