Dual‑Write & ERP/CRM Integrations
Data integration between Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP applications using Dataverse and Dual‑Write for connected and consistent business processes.
What is Dual‑Write
Dual‑Write is an official Microsoft solution that enables bidirectional and synchronous integration between the CRM world based on Dataverse and the ERP modules of Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. This technology synchronizes key entities and data between both environments in near real time, ensuring consistency and a unified view of business processes.
With Dual‑Write, you can keep master data, product structures, and cross‑application processes like prospect‑to‑cash or procure‑to‑pay aligned. The result is an integrated ecosystem where Power Platform serves as a connected hub to the ERP back office.
Dual‑Write Logical Architecture
The Dual‑Write architecture establishes a direct connection between Dataverse and Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain Management. Entities are mapped through defined synchronization tables that determine data flow between both platforms. Each table can be configured for the desired write direction (CRM→ERP, ERP→CRM, or bidirectional).
The operational core of Dual‑Write lies in Life Cycle Services (LCS), Microsoft’s platform for managing Dynamics 365 ERP projects. From LCS, you can configure the connection, enable synchronization tables, and monitor flow status.
Configuration and Management
Dual‑Write configuration is primarily performed in LCS (Life Cycle Services) and allows you to connect a Dataverse environment with a Dynamics 365 Finance or Supply Chain Management instance. After activation, the system generates a set of standard integration maps that can be customized according to business needs.
- Access LCS and open the project related to the ERP instance.
- Configure the connection with the associated Dataverse environment.
- Enable standard synchronization maps or create custom ones.
- Verify synchronization and monitor errors or conflicts.
Commonly synchronized entities include:
- Customer master
- Product master
- Sales orders and prospect‑to‑cash processes
- Purchase orders and procure‑to‑pay processes
- Projects and project‑to‑cash processes
This integration provides a unified customer and business process view, enhancing collaboration between sales and operations teams.
Dual‑Write vs Other Integration Approaches
- Dual‑Write: native, real‑time, bidirectional integration between Dynamics 365 CRM and ERP.
- Data Integrator: batch integration for periodic or non‑critical synchronization.
- Azure Data Factory: ETL solution for large‑scale data consolidation and analytics.
Use Cases
Dual‑Write is ideal for organizations that need tight integration between operational and commercial processes. Some practical examples include:
- Unifying customer management across sales and accounting modules.
- Synchronizing orders and price lists between CRM and Supply Chain Management.
- Automating ERP record creation following actions in Dataverse (new order, new opportunity, etc.).
- Building cross‑system analytics in Power BI based on consistent data.
Additionally, Microsoft offers a standard connector for Dynamics 365 Business Central, enabling similar integration toward Dataverse with preconfigured mappings that can be adapted to specific needs.
Further details are available in the official Business Central documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dual‑Write
Which Dynamics 365 modules support Dual‑Write?
Dual‑Write is supported by Dynamics 365 Finance and Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, as well as other ERP solutions based on the same architecture. It also integrates with Dataverse and CRM applications like Sales and Customer Service.
Can standard integration maps be customized?
Yes. Default maps can be customized for specific scenarios by adding or removing fields or defining custom transformation rules.
What is the difference between Dual‑Write and Data Integrator?
Dual‑Write operates in real time and bidirectionally, whereas Data Integrator handles scheduled (batch) synchronization. The former suits operational processes; the latter suits consolidations or migrations.
How are synchronization errors monitored?
Errors are logged and displayed in the Dual‑Write interface in LCS and can be handled manually or via automated notifications. Alerts and retry policies can be configured.
Enhance Your Integration Strategy
Looking to connect your enterprise systems with Dataverse and Dynamics 365? Learn how Dual‑Write can simplify data management and improve operational alignment.